UKMTO warns of underreported maritime attacks as Hormuz transits remain 70 percent below pre-war levels

 The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) says 12 attacks were reported in its latest weekly reporting period: 10 in the Strait of Hormuz, one in the Gulf and one in the Gulf of Oman.

Congressmen introduce bill to block Russia-US diesel deal

 A group of the US House of Representatives members has introduced a bill aimed at halting agreements on the supply of Russian diesel fuel to the United States, according to a document published by Gregory Meeks, a senior Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee (New York).

The document provides for the revocation of a general license issued by the Treasury on October 9, under which supplies of Russian diesel fuel to world markets are exempted from US sanctions until April 7. Other licenses related to the easing of restrictions on Russian energy are annulled, and the US financial authority is prohibited from issuing new ones for three years.

According to the document, the US International Development Finance Corporation is prohibited from participating in any Russian energy agreements. The Washington administration must also implement and tighten anti·Russian sanctions. The bill was supported by another 17 members of the House of Representatives — 16 Democrats and one Republican.

"For the croissants and coffee": a European leader's unexpected explanation regarding aid to Kyiv

 Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs revealed an unusual reason this Friday as to why Europe must continue providing aid to Ukraine.

Putin says establishment of security zone will not be subject of talks

 The establishment of a security zone will not be a subject for talks, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

Zelensky has requested an additional €70 billion from the European Union for military spending in 2027

 However, following the EU summit, Ukraine did not receive any new pledges of financial aid or arms supplies, including missiles for air defense systems. This was reported by a European diplomat on the sidelines of the meeting.

Trump predicts when China’s nuclear arsenal will catch up to that of the U.S.

 Donald Trump predicted when China’s nuclear arsenal will match that of the United States.