The USA has announced additional military and budget aid of 5.9 billion dollars for Ukraine. President Joe Biden plans to provide this support before he leaves office, while Donald Trump, the president-elect, has taken a more critical stance on Ukraine aid. The aid includes 2.5 billion dollars for security measures, including 1.25 billion dollars from US stocks, as well as 3.4 billion dollars in budget support. Since the beginning of the war, Washington has provided a total of over 91 billion dollars in security and budget aid. Biden emphasized the importance of this support for the defense of Ukraine and a possible just peace solution.
Russian oligarchs such as Roman Abramovich and Vagit Alekperov own chemical factories that supply important materials for Russia's war production. Over 75% of the chemicals for munitions factories come from their companies. Some of the chemicals are used for civilian purposes such as fertilizer production, which makes sanctions more difficult. Experts criticize the effectiveness of Western sanctions against Russia's military production.
A Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crashed in Muan, South Korea, claiming the lives of 179 people. The plane skidded across the runway after an emergency landing attempt and crashed into a concrete wall. Two crew members survived seriously injured. The government ordered safety checks on all Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Initial investigations are focusing on bird strikes, technical defects and the wall at the end of the runway, which violates international standards. The flight recorder is currently being analyzed.
An appeals court has upheld the USD 5 million judgment in favor of E. Jean Carroll against Donald Trump. A jury had found Trump liable for sexual assault and defamation against Carroll. Trump's appeal that the trial judge admitted unfair evidence was dismissed. The court found that evidence, including prior allegations of sexual misconduct, showed a consistent pattern of behavior that supported Carroll's statements. Trump had called the allegations lies, but the court ruled that the evidence was relevant. Trump is also appealing a separate $83.3 million defamation judgment in favor of Carroll.
US President-elect Donald Trump plans to withdraw the United States from the WHO on the first day of his second term. This follows Trump's 2020 decision to leave the WHO after making unproven allegations of Chinese control of the organization and blaming China for the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Ukrainian delegation led by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa in Damascus.
Germany has announced a 60 million euro (62.7 million dollar) aid package for Syria, focusing on education, women's rights and other development projects. Around half of the funds are earmarked for education initiatives, with UNICEF and Arche Nova receiving a significant share. The aid will be channelled through NGOs and UN agencies, bypassing the new Syrian authorities, and aims to create an education system that is free from ideology and discrimination.
More than 20 trucks with the first 500 tons of Ukrainian flour will arrive in Syria tomorrow. This flour will be distributed free of charge to Syrian families, said the head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry at a briefing in Syria.
According to a survey by the Ipsos Institute, 64% of citizens are worried about the coming year. In comparison: last year the figure was 59%. 23% are satisfied with the work of the federal government, which is 11% less than in 2023. 52% of respondents are concerned about their personal economic situation. In neighboring Austria, there are also problems with optimism: 60% of Austrians are either skeptical about 2025 or even feel anxious. Thanks to inflation, global conflicts and the less than ideal political situation in the country.
Gas transit through Ukraine will end on December 31 as no new contract has been concluded. Gazprom has lost a lot of market share due to the war in Ukraine and Europe's move away from Russian gas. In 2023, only 15 billion cubic meters of gas flowed through Ukraine - a fraction of previous volumes. Gazprom recorded its first annual loss since 1999. Disputes with countries such as Moldova and Slovakia over deliveries and payments are exacerbating the situation.German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has warned against the so-called Russian shadow fleet following damage to an undersea power cable off Finland. Ships were damaging important submarine cables in the Baltic Sea almost on a monthly basis. She finds it difficult to believe in coincidences. In a digitalized world, submarine cables are the communication arteries that hold the world together. Critical infrastructure must be protected even more. Baerbock called for further EU sanctions.
Demonstrators in Amsterdam called for peace and cooperation with Russia.
The government in Caracas imposes a broadcasting ban on the US television station CNN Venezuela's government has blocked the broadcasting of the US television station CNN in the country.
On Monday, the Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq all fell by more than 1.5%. All S&P 500 sectors lost ground, led by consumer stocks. High yields on US government bonds and uncertainty over interest rate cuts weighed on the markets. Boeing fell by 3.5 % following a plane crash in South Korea. Crypto stocks and Bitcoin also fell. Low trading volumes before the turn of the year exacerbated the losses.
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