Ukraine and the World – Against russia’s Aggression. Sanctions in Action

“Today, we are announcing further economic assistance for Ukraine in the amount of 2.5 billion Canadian dollars, which will help make financing from the IMF, the World Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development available to begin the reconstruction process,” said Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney. Carney has also said that there is now an opportunity to achieve a just and lasting peace, but this requires russia’s willingness.

“Through the Coalition of the Willing and other partnerships, Canada is working to ensure a just and lasting peace that will reunite children with their families, strengthen the Armed Forces of Ukraine, ensure the prosperity of the Ukrainian people, and deter russia from repeating threats to the peace and security of Ukraine or Europe,” the Government of Canada said in a statement.

Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk has once again stressed that the key issue in ending russia’s war against Ukraine is security guarantees for our country.

“russia is sowing terror, war, death, and destruction while the world peacefully celebrates Christmas. The kremlin’s atrocities – strikes on residential areas and energy infrastructure, injuries and deaths of civilians – are visible to all. Greater pressure on russia is needed to stop this,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Baiba Braže regarding the rf’s latest shelling of Ukraine on December 27.

“These are not signs of peace. If russia wants to engage in serious diplomacy, it must stop attacking Ukraine,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands David van Veen regarding the rf’s massive attack on Ukraine on December 27.

“russia is intensifying its attacks, deliberately attempting to sabotage and poison any serious diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war. During the Christmas season, when families should be together in safety, moscow has once again chose terror over peace. This is not the behavior of a state that seeks to end the war. This is a deliberate campaign of terror and escalation. For the kremlin, true peace undermines its imperial ambitions – and that is why it is being rejected,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Kęstutis Budrys.

On December 27, Ukraine synchronized its sanctions restrictions with the United Kingdom’s measures against russia.

Latvia has transferred 34 vehicles and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

Poland plans to complete the creation of a system of fortifications to counter drones along its eastern border within two years. The decision was made in response to russian drones violating the country’s airspace in September this year.

The rf has extended the temporary ban on the export of automobile  petrol until February 28, 2026. The ban will apply to all exporters, including direct producers.

About 8 million russians have been restricted from leaving for  abroad due to outstanding debts.

The average purchase price of beer (0.5 liter bottle) in russia in 2025 will increase by 30 % compared to 2024.

2026 will be a turning point for russia’s labor market. According to a survey of experts, wage growth will be uneven. While some professions will rapidly become more expensive due to an acute shortage of personnel, others may face stagnation or even a decline in income. The market will be clearly divided into areas of shortage and surplus. Currently, HR, marketing, law, and office management are spheres of extremely high competition. For these professions, there is no question of significant wage growth.

The level of disruptions in WhatsApp in russia has exceeded 90 %. This indicates that the messenger has been blocked in the rf. Over the past day, restrictions have tightened in at least 42 regions, where we can talk about actual blocking.

In russia, the largest number of bank offices closed this year were in Krasnodar region (99) and the temporarily occupied Crimea (88). The top five regions in terms of the number of closed bank offices also include Orenburg region (-65 offices), st. petersburg (-65 offices), and Bashkortostan – 63 offices.

The Krasnodar City Council has tightened the rules for street performances. Musicians and dancers are now required to submit an application to the Department of Culture 20 working days before the event. The application must include the full names and dates of birth of all members of the creative group, as well as the applicant’s passport and contact details, including their registration and current place of residence. In addition, the City Council has banned groups of more than six people from performing and requires them to provide a “repertoire list of works to be performed”. It is emphasized that the songs should not contain propaganda, “political appeals”, profanity, or “calls for extremism, violence, propaganda of war, drug and alcohol use, and other illegal and immoral activities”.

In the 2025 Human Freedom Index, belarus ranks 140th out of 165 countries. The rb entered the bottom quarter of the world ranking and became one of the least free countries in Europe – only russia has worse indicators in the region. Looking at the long-term dynamics, belarus shows a steady downward trend. In 2015–2019, the country’s position gradually improved: the index grew, and its place in the ranking rose closer to the middle of the list. The highest values were recorded in 2019, and a sharp turnaround occurred after 2020.

In belarus, citrus fruits rose in price by 92 % over five years, and sparkling wine – by almost 70 %. The difference between regions is particularly striking. Over five years, sparkling wine rose in price by 37 % in minsk region and by 106 % – in Vitebsk region.