International Relations
US military destroys five drug cartel vessels in two days
The Pentagon reported the elimination of five drug trafficking vessels on 30 and 31 December. During the operation, the US killed eight members of drug gangs in international waters.
Iran allegedly offers to sell advanced weapons for cryptocurrency
The Financial Times reports that Iran is considering selling drones, missiles, and even ships to foreign buyers with payment in cryptocurrency to circumvent financial restrictions and sanctions barriers.
Budanov on war, Russia's resources, negotiations and geopolitics
In an interview with Suspilne, Kyrylo Budanov summed up the state of the war at the end of 2025, assessed Russia's resources, prospects for negotiations, and explained the logic of the United States and Donald Trump.
Two crew members of the Fitburg vessel detained in Finland due to damage to the cable between Finland and Estonia
The Finnish police detained two sailors of the Fitburg vessel, which is suspected of damaging the submarine communication cable between Finland and Estonia. Sanctioned cargo was found on board.
CIA and NSA do not confirm Russia's claims about attack on Putin's residence
US intelligence agencies have concluded that the Ukrainian Armed Forces did not attack Vladimir Putin's residence in Valdai with drones. This was reported by the WSJ and CNN. Donald Trump shared an NYP article blaming Russia for the disruption of peace.
Macron announces new European commitments to protect Ukraine
French President Emmanuel Macron has said that Russia's war against Ukraine remains the main factor of instability in Europe. In 2026, European states will take on new commitments to defend and support Ukraine.
Estonia will lead the NB8 cooperation format from 1 January 2026
From 1 January 2026, Estonia will take over the coordination of the NB8 format. The priorities will be regional security, support for Ukraine, increasing pressure on Russia, and deepening defence and economic integration.
A telecommunications cable between Finland and Estonia is damaged in the Gulf of Finland. The vessel is detained
Elisa's submarine telecommunications cable between Finland and Estonia was damaged in the Gulf of Finland. Finnish authorities detained a vessel suspected of being involved in the incident. The investigation is ongoing.
Sandu accuses Russia of disrupting peace talks and attacking civilians in Ukraine
Moldovan President Maia Sandu said that Russia is sabotaging peace talks with false statements and continues to shell civilians in Ukraine, despite diplomatic efforts involving the United States.
Merz says the war against Ukraine is part of Russia's plan against the whole of Europe
In his New Year's address, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Russia's war against Ukraine is part of a broader plan against Europe and directly threatens Germany's freedom and security.
The US imposes sanctions on companies and individuals from Iran and Venezuela over the supply of combat drones
The United States imposed sanctions on ten companies and individuals from Iran and Venezuela, which are linked to the supply of combat drones and support for Iranian missile programmes.
European leaders discuss Ukraine against the backdrop of Russia's hardening stance
European leaders held talks on Ukraine after the Kremlin announced that it was reconsidering its negotiating position. Ukraine called Russian accusations fake, while Poland said peace was on the horizon for the first time.
