Maslennikov, a diplomat, criticized the European Commission's proposal to claim proceeds from frozen Russian assets, citing the significant costs borne by European taxpayers in supporting Ukraine. He argued that this move demonstrates a shift in the rules governing the situation, with the goal of seizing Russian assets being prioritized over established legal frameworks.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/941097-russian-foreign-ministry-we-will-not-attack-nato-countries-the-lack-of-dialogue-is-entirely-the-alliance-s-faultThe government in response to existential threats from war, streamlined the development and deployment process of military equipment and weaponry by removing bottlenecks managed by state-owned conglomerate MEW. This was done by outsourcing development to private sector companies, civil society organizations, and other non-traditional actors, and simplifying regulatory processes to reduce bureaucratic hurdles.
https://www.csis.org/analysis/how-ukraine-rebuilt-its-military-acquisition-system-around-commercial-technologyMexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed optimism about her country's relations with the US under President-elect Donald Trump, stating that she expected good and respectful dialogue between the two nations. Despite a war of words over issues such as migration and drug trafficking, Sheinbaum emphasized Mexico's sovereignty and independence, saying "we coordinate, we collaborate, but we never subordinate ourselves" to other powers. A recent poll showed 80% of Mexicans approve of her performance so far, higher than her predecessor Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Sheinbaum has also made efforts to address Trump's concerns, including preventing migrant caravans and seizing record amounts of fentanyl linked to overdose deaths in the US.
https://www.montanarightnow.com/national_news/dialogue-will-prevail-mexicos-president-on-trumps-return/article_d7ade4cc-b959-5e55-9dc9-81428c5c922f.htmlMexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has stated that Mexico will not be subordinate to the United States under Donald Trump's presidency, despite his administration threatening a 25% tariff on Mexican products if certain demands are not met. In a speech in Mexico City, Sheinbaum emphasized the importance of maintaining strong ties with the US and prioritizing dialogue between the two nations, citing previous collaborations such as the renegotiated North American free trade deal.
https://www.scmp.com/news/world/americas/article/3294463/mexico-not-subordinate-president-claudia-sheinbaum-says-trump-takes-office?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionArgentine Economy Minister Luis Milei announced that a solution to the country's currency crisis is being worked on, potentially through an IMF program or private agreements. He stated that all Argentines will be able to use their preferred currency in daily transactions, except for tax payments which will remain in pesos. Milei also emphasized his administration's goal of eliminating trade barriers within Mercosur and reducing the common external tariff. Additionally, he expressed a desire to promote a free trade agreement with the United States, which has been delayed for 19 years, and is now seeking support from US President-elect Donald Trump after his inauguration on January 20.
https://en.mercopress.com/2025/01/13/imf-warns-milei-about-increasing-poverty-amid-exchange-rate-controls#commentsA high-level Israeli security delegation led by Mossad Head David Barnea arrived in Qatar on January 12 for talks on a potential ceasefire deal with Hamas to free the remaining 98 hostages held in Gaza. The delegation, which also includes Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet domestic security service, and Nitzan Alon, military's head of the hostage brief, is meeting with Qatari officials as part of renewed efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the US to reach a deal before President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20. The talks come after Israeli and Palestinian officials reported progress in indirect negotiations since Thursday, but details remain unclear due to the sensitive nature of the discussions. A key obstacle remains the demand by Hamas for an end to the war, which Israel refuses to agree to as long as Hamas rules Gaza and poses a threat to Israelis.
https://channelnewsasia.com/world/top-israeli-security-delegation-doha-gaza-talks-4852911NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed concern about the security situation in Europe and urged MEPs to support an increase in defense budgets for EU countries. He stated that the current target of 2% of GDP is no longer sufficient, suggesting a doubling of this target. To achieve this, Rutte proposed exploring new taxes or reviewing budget expenditures, including in the social sphere. He emphasized the importance of increasing efforts in military production and involving non-EU allies to enhance Europe's security, warning that conditions could deteriorate further within five years.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/941348-nato-chief-i-am-deeply-concerned-about-security-in-europeDefense ministers from five NATO countries met in Poland on January 13, 2025 to discuss coordinating their defense plans and support for Ukraine. The meeting was attended by Luke Pollard of the UK's Ministry of Defence, Sebastien Lecornu of France's Ministry of the Armed Forces, Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz of Poland's Ministry of National Defence, Guido Crosetto of Italy's Ministry of Defence, and Boris Pistorius of Germany's Federal Ministry of Defence. The meeting took place in the village of Helenow, near Warsaw, Poland.
Lebanese diplomat and judge Nawaf Salam has been nominated as Lebanon's new prime minister, receiving support from 73 members of parliament out of 128. He is currently serving as the head of the International Court of Justice and has backing from Saudi Arabia and Western countries. This nomination is seen as a blow to Hezbollah, which had been weakened by a 14-month war with Israel.