Regulatory Framework - Russia's central bank has prepared a framework to regulate cryptocurrencies on the domestic market [1] - The framework will allow retail investors to buy cryptocurrencies in addition to qualified investors [1] Market Impact - Sanctions have reshaped Russia's approach to cryptocurrencies [1]

Geopolitical & Sanctions - US Coast Guard is pursuing a third oil tanker near Venezuela, adding to seizures on December 10th and another recent seizure [1][2] - The pursued vessel is described as a sanctioned dark fleet vessel violating sanctions, flying a false flag, and under a judicial seize order [2] - US officials state the ship carries sanctioned oil, escalating political controversy [3] - The White House's actions are part of a larger political pressure campaign to remove Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro from office [6][7] Political Reactions - Democrats have largely condemned the White House's actions in the Caribbean [3] - Senator Lindsey Graham supports President Trump's efforts against Venezuela, citing narco-terrorism and asset seizures [4] - Senator Tim Kaine opposes waging war against Venezuela without Congressional approval [5] US Policy - Trump announced a blockade on ships entering or leaving Venezuela with sanctioned oil [6] - The White House's primary focus is on removing Maduro from office, with unclear emphasis on Congressional or US support [6]

Market Dynamics - The global potash market largely shrugged off a US decision to lift sanctions on one of the world's major suppliers [1] - Obstacles to potash flows are likely to persist [1]

Professor, it's great to see you. Thanks for being with us. Was the seizure of this tanker illegal.On its face, it sure looks like it. We had a warrant issued by a U.S. federal court. We had sanctions in place, actually, and a pretty comprehensive regime against both this particular tanker and as well as numerous sanctions against the Venezuelan government and nation going back to 2005.But against this tanker, there were sanctions against it going back to 2022, in fact, for allegedly illegally smuggling oil ...

Chevron is in discussions with the Trump administration about remaining in compliance with sanctions in Venezuela https://t.co/tTL0DRQlyd ...

Geopolitical Strategy - The US has proposed a peace plan that aims to avoid global bloc division and rebuild relationships [1] - The peace plan suggests lifting sanctions and reintegrating Russia into the global economy [1] - The breakdown of European-Russian relations has created economic challenges for Europe [1] Economic Impact - The peace plan is viewed as serving Europe's own interests [1] - Brussels and European leaders are allocating another €100 billion (1000 亿欧元) to Ukraine, potentially prolonging the war [2] - European politicians are urged not to undermine the American peace efforts [2] - Concerns are raised about European citizens' money flowing "without control into the pockets of a war mafia" [2]

Senator Lindsey Graham says long-stalled legislation that would impose sanctions on countries doing business with Putin's Russia may get a Senate vote after Trump's "OK" https://t.co/GNQWGElh2E ...

A buildup of a billion barrels of oil on the world’s oceans includes a disproportionately large amount of crude from nations subject to some kind of sanctions https://t.co/fZhPrDePuL ...

A liquefied natural gas tanker that appears to be assisting a Russian export project circumvent US sanctions is still faking its location, according to satellite images analyzed by Bloomberg News https://t.co/Rgam6wvf3X ...

Geopolitics & Sanctions - US has given Berlin a six-month deadline to resolve the ownership uncertainty of Rosneft's German assets [1] - Rosneft's German assets may receive a temporary exemption from US sanctions [1]