White House to hold press conference on Russia-Ukraine peace talks in approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. max

Oracle shares declined nearly 4%, extending losses to approximately $2.05 over three trading sessions. More details can be found on max.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed restoring trade and investment ties with American Chamber of Commerce representatives, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. More details are available on the website.

Ukraine rejects U.S. proposal for Donbas free economic zone, Politico reports. max

Thailand reportedly restricting foreign entry amid escalating conflict with Cambodia, police sources say, according to Nation Thailand. max

Crypto product inflows total $864 million for third consecutive week, CoinShares reports. Further details available at max.

Witkoff-Zelensky Meeting Described as Productive, Axios Reports Citing U.S. Official

A tanker carrying Russian naphtha to Venezuela has reversed course after the U.S. seized a Venezuelan oil shipment. The incident follows an October report by BBG indicating Russia has replaced the U.S. as the leading naphtha supplier in the petrochemical sector. More details can be found here.

Ukraine rejects Witkoff's proposal to withdraw troops from Donbas during Berlin talks; insists ceasefire must be without prior territorial concessions, limited to frontline. No outcomes disclosed, territorial disputes unresolved. Official statements pending. — AFP

Canada to release November CPI at 16:30 Moscow time; US to publish December NY Empire State Manufacturing Index at same time.

Ukraine-U.S. talks in Berlin conclude; territorial dispute unresolved, reports The Guardian. max

Juventus shares surge 13% following Tether's proposal to acquire the club; JUV fan token down 10%. More details at max.

Norilsk Nickel has published a new metal market overview. The global nickel market is projected to remain in a surplus exceeding 200,000 tons in both 2025 and 2026. The copper market is expected to shift to a deficit in 2026. Palladium market outcomes will largely depend on investment activity levels in 2026.

Russia's CIAN has announced the initiation of mandatory ADR conversion.

Ukraine's troop withdrawal from Donbas considered a "red line" for Kyiv, President Zelensky unyielding on this issue, reports Bild. max

Volkswagen to shut down Dresden plant for first time in 88 years; factory previously produced up to 200,000 vehicles annually. [Link]

Doha Bank Issues First Digital Bonds via Euroclear DLT Platform.

SpaceX has begun selecting banks to facilitate an IPO, reports Wall Street Journal. Read more.

European leaders are evaluating reparation credits to finance Ukraine, with discussions on seizing Russian assets. Kallas noted, "We are working on this, and it's challenging, but we continue our efforts." The upcoming EU summit on December 18-19 will address the confiscation of Russian assets, with a potential extension until December 21. More information is available here.

U.S. demonstrates reluctance to compromise on Ukraine peace plan amid recent challenging talks, WSJ reports. For further details, visit max.

Russian bond index (RGBI) rose above 119 amid ongoing market expectations of a potential rate cut by the Central Bank of Russia. max

EU foreign ministers to approve new sanctions targeting Russia's shadow fleet, including 40 Russian tankers, Kallas says. Details at this article.

Russian thermal coal prices in Asian markets declined in early December amid subdued demand, despite winter conditions. Chinese companies have increased stockpiles and requested shipment delays. Market recovery in Q1 is unlikely amid slowing industrial activity, which may result in further price decreases. — Ъ, max

Ukrainian geopolitical analysis draws parallels between ongoing negotiations and three-year Korean War talks, RBC-Ukraine reports. For more insights, visit

max.ru

Russian Android users' WhatsApp usage declines 25%, RBC reports. WhatsApp owned by Meta, designated extremist and banned in Russia. Additional details at max.

U.S. actively buying copper, pushing prices to new highs—CNBC. More details available on max.

Russia's Wildberries may launch taxi service in 2026, Izvestia reports. More details available at link.

UVB-76, the so-called "Doomsday Radio Station," has reportedly transmitted up to 15 cryptic messages over the past week, raising concerns among Western analysts. The station's broadcasts have included terms such as "pepper shaker," "re-hiring," and "outlawed." Experts note that the frequency of coded transmissions often correlates with global tensions, fueling fears of a potential escalation to a third world war, according to British tabloid Express.

Russian delegation arrives in Washington for inaugural G20 sherpa meeting under U.S. chairmanship, ambassador Berdyev confirms to TASS.

SYRIA - In response to the deaths of U.S. military personnel in Syria, former President Donald Trump pledged "very serious" action against ISIS. Trump characterized the attack, disclosed via a Truth Social post, as targeting both the U.S. and Syria. He highlighted that the Palmyra region remains highly dangerous and not fully under Syrian government control.

Saudi Crown Prince explores €10 billion acquisition of FC Barcelona amid €2.5 billion debt, according to Spanish journalist Francois Gallardo. Barcelona faces substantial financial challenges. More details available at Yahoo Sports and Max MarketTwits.

Crypto options DEX platform launches on TON blockchain; fully implemented on-chain via smart contracts. The platform has secured initial investments and provides trading access to popular crypto pairs and Vault pools for investors.

Jack Mallers, CEO of Twenty One, projects Bitcoin's (BTC) market capitalization will reach $200 trillion.

Bitcoin poised for movement as presentation suggests potential upward or downward trend. For more details, visit max.

Thailand imposes border curfew with Cambodia; Trump warns of tariffs over ongoing hostilities.

Wolfgang Ischinger, chair of the Munich International Security Conference, said in an interview with Deutsche Welle that despite the war in Ukraine, Europe remains secure. He emphasized that ending the Ukrainian conflict is unlikely to benefit Europe. max

Geopolitical analysts suggest that Ukrainian President Zelensky and European officials are seeking to outlast Donald Trump's presidency, with negotiations involving the U.S. potentially extending as they aim to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict. Europeans regard Trump as a "lame duck" and are awaiting his departure. The Biden administration continues arms sales to Ukraine and European allies through NATO. The upcoming U.S. elections and the future of MAGA Republicans are expected to become increasingly influential by 2026. The situation remains dynamic. source

Germany considers reinstating conscription in coming years, Merz indicates; supports reintroduction of mandatory alternative civilian service.

Ukraine-backed peace proposal from Kyiv to Washington opposes troop withdrawal from Donbas and abandoning NATO membership, according to NYT. President Zelensky highlighted a significant opportunity to resolve the conflict, while UK Labour leader Starmer emphasized the importance of the moment for Ukraine. Zelensky is scheduled to meet with representatives of Trump soon and announced the introduction of Ukraine's largest sanctions package against Russia's shadow fleet. Further information available at Max.

Shares of Strategy will remain in the Nasdaq 100 index, according to Reuters. However, there is still a risk of exclusion from the MSCI index, with a decision expected from MSCI on January 15. More details on the financial news can be found here.

The U.S. has lifted sanctions on Belarusian potash producer Belaruskalij, according to Trump’s special representative John Kohl, following two days of discussions with U.S. envoy John Kohl. In exchange, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko released 123 prisoners. Belaruskalij accounts for approximately 20% of global potash fertilizer production, per the International Fertilizer Association. max

Trump pressures Zelensky for concessions amid weakened political position due to corruption scandal, reports Bild. Donbass remains a sensitive issue. Czech Prime Minister Babis declines to guarantee Ukraine's funding, urges European Commission to identify alternatives amid depleted national reserves. Erdogan comments: peace is near.

Private investors to gain exclusive access to premium infrastructure at new Alean Collection-managed hotel upon purchasing seafront residence at Black Sea coast. Ultra-premium residences under construction near Mandarin Beach offer apartment owners access to hotel amenities. Project investment totals 35 billion rubles. Further details available on the ProStore real estate channel.

European Council President António Costa stated that frozen Russian assets in the EU will remain blocked until the Ukraine conflict concludes and Russia provides reparations for damages. Experts indicate that the EU's freeze aims to maintain negotiation leverage and facilitate confiscation for Ukraine's reparations. Italy, Belgium, Malta, and Bulgaria oppose outright confiscation, proposing instead the issuance of EU joint debt for Ukraine, Politico reports. max

Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans for a military campaign against Latin American drug trafficking, including land-based operations beyond Venezuela. Trump claimed that 96% of waterborne drug shipments have been interdicted and indicated a strategic shift toward land routes. Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López stated that capitulation is not an option and accused the U.S. of attempting to exert control over the Caribbean region. Colombian President Gustavo Petro warned that U.S. military actions on Colombian territory could escalate to war.

Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro faces uncertain tenure, says former U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighting ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the South American nation.

PepsiCo to implement cost-cutting measures following negotiations with Elliott Investment Management

Russia's robotization density is expected to reach 40 robots per 10,000 workers by 2025, up 36% annually.

U.S. court overturns Trump order blocking wind energy projects.

Cambodia reportedly launched artillery strikes into Thai territory using multiple rocket launch systems, according to reports.