China posts record $1.2T trade surplus in 2025
China recorded the world’s largest-ever trade surplus in 2025, reaching $1.2 trillion as exporters shifted focus away from the U.S. amid ongoing tra...
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Monday approved the disbursement of an additional $500 million to Ukraine, following the completion of its eighth review under the country’s $15.5 billion Extended Fund Facility.
The move brings total IMF disbursements to Ukraine under the four-year programme to $10.6 billion.
The IMF Board's approval comes amid ongoing war-related challenges, with the Fund reiterating its warning that Ukraine continues to face "exceptionally high" risks to its economic outlook due to Russia's ongoing invasion.
“Russia’s war continues to take a devastating social and economic toll on Ukraine. Nevertheless, macroeconomic stability has been preserved through skillful policymaking as well as substantial external support,” said IMF First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath in a statement.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has met all performance criteria under the program and has established four new reform benchmarks. These include steps to modernize the financial market infrastructure, implement international valuation standards, and improve alignment with global practices on securitization and bond markets.
The IMF also granted more time for Ukraine to meet certain structural commitments, such as appointing a new head of the State Customs Service. Ukrainian authorities have additionally requested a rephasing of access to IMF funds to better match their financing needs through the remainder of 2025, although no specifics were disclosed.
The Fund maintained its 2025 economic growth forecast for Ukraine at 2–3%, noting that lower gas production and weaker agricultural exports are weighing on recovery. It also indicated that Ukraine will likely require a supplementary budget for the year to manage continued fiscal pressures related to the war.
The review could also open the door for Ukraine to revisit stalled negotiations over restructuring its GDP-linked warrants. Earlier this month, Ukraine’s debt chief Yuriy Butsa told Reuters that the IMF’s review would provide a logical point to resume talks on that front.
The latest tranche underscores the critical role of international financial assistance in supporting Ukraine's economy during wartime, as the country continues efforts to stabilize its finances and implement long-term reforms amid severe external shocks.
The Trump administration will suspend all visa processing for visitors from 75 countries beginning 21 January 2026, according to a State Department memo reported by media.
Saudi Arabia has informed Iran that it will not allow its territory or airspace to be used for any military action against Tehran, according to two sources close to the kingdom’s government cited by AFP.
Sweden is sending a group of military officers to Greenland at Denmark’s request, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Wednesday, as Nordic countries and NATO allies step up coordination around the Arctic territory.
Israel and Arab States have urged the U.S. to delay any potential military action against Iran, warning that such a move could undermine ongoing protests inside the country, according to NBC News.
Boeing booked more aircraft orders than Airbus in 2025 for the first time since 2018, official figures showed, even as the European manufacturer delivered more planes during the year.
Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez said Wednesday that her government will continue releasing prisoners detained under former President Nicolás Maduro, calling it part of a “new political moment” since his ouster by the United States earlier this month.
The U.S. and UK are reducing personnel at Qatar’s Al-Udeid air base as President Donald Trump weighs possible action against Iran over its violent crackdown on protesters.
The United Nations has called on Uganda to lift a nationwide internet blackout ahead of Thursday’s general election, describing the restrictions as “deeply worrying.”
Whole milk is heading back to school cafeterias across the U.S. after President Donald Trump signed a bill overturning Obama-era limits on higher-fat milk options.
NASA is carrying out the first emergency return in International Space Station history after an astronaut aboard Crew-11 suffered a serious medical condition.
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