International Relations
The US intercepts another tanker with Venezuelan oil, increasing pressure on Caracas
For the second time in December, Washington stopped a ship carrying oil from Venezuela in international waters. The actions come amid a blockade of oil exports announced by the Donald Trump administration and a sharp deterioration in relations with the Nicolas Maduro regime
US-Ukraine Reconstruction Fund plans first investment in 2016
The US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund has completed the preparatory phase and expects to launch its first projects in 2026. The fund's seed capital is $150 million
Zelenskyy on negotiations, war, money and security
The President spoke about Ukraine's position on the territories, the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, pressure on Russia, financing of the army and budget, as well as relations with Poland, the EU and partners. Key statements following the interview with journalists
US tightens sanctions against Iran's shadow oil fleet
The US Treasury Department has imposed new sanctions against 29 vessels and companies that helped Iran export oil bypassing restrictions. According to Washington's estimates, this is hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue for the Iranian regime
Estonia will introduce a single 12-month service period from 2027
The Estonian government has changed the model of conscription. Starting in 2027, up to 4100 people will be drafted annually, and training will last 12 months for all without exception
EU agrees on list of safe countries to speed up deportations of migrants
For the first time, the EU is creating a common list of safe countries of origin. This should shorten the time for processing asylum applications and speed up the return of migrants who have been denied protection
Zelenskyy meets with Portuguese Prime Minister in Kyiv: elections only after security guarantees, talks with the US continue, Lisbon supports Ukraine
During a joint press conference with Prime Minister of Portugal Luis Montenegro, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy outlined his position on the elections, negotiations with the United States, the situation in Odesa and the role of partners in the security and restoration of Ukraine
New materials in Epstein case could hit Clinton
The US Department of Justice has released more than 300,000 pages from the Jeffrey Epstein case. The documents contain potentially compromising material about Bill Clinton, while there is almost no new information about Donald Trump
Rubio: US will not impose peace deal with Russia on Ukraine
US Secretary of State says that decisions on a possible peace deal should be made solely by Kyiv and Moscow without pressure from Washington
Zelenskyy: €90bn EU loan gives Ukraine new leverage
The EU's decision to provide financial support strengthens Ukraine's position and thwarts Russia's calculation of its economic weakness
Ukraine and Portugal agree on joint production of marine drones
Lisbon and Kyiv agree to launch a joint project to manufacture drones for maritime security during Portuguese Prime Minister's visit to Ukraine
President of Lithuania calls on the EU to impose sanctions on the most sensitive sectors of the Russian and Belarusian economies
Gitanas Nausėda said in Brussels that Europe should increase pressure on Russian energy giants, as the Russian economy is already in a difficult state
