International Relations 15 January 2026 - 5 February 2026

Starmer’s Russia Oil Sanctions Move Fuels Ukraine Criticism While Energy Prices Jump
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Starmer’s Russia Oil Sanctions Move Fuels Ukraine Criticism While Energy Prices Jump

UK lifts part of its Russia oil sanctions, clears non-Russian refiners to ship in diesel, jet fuel made from Russian crude Britain is now letting in shipments of diesel and jet fuel made from Russian crude, as long as the products are refined outside Russia. That’s according to a new Department for Business and Trade licence out Wednesday. The legal change moves a narrow trade carve-out onto the political stage, triggering debate on fuel prices and London’s position on Ukraine. UK faces fuel shock as Middle East tensions hit supplies, not just sanctions. The Guardian said the move followed worries about some fuel deliveries after the de facto Strait of Hormuz blockade. RAC data showed average UK petrol at 158.5p
May 20, 2026
Italy says it blocked Russia-linked cyberattacks on Milano Cortina Olympics sites and a U.S. embassy
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Italy says it blocked Russia-linked cyberattacks on Milano Cortina Olympics sites and a U.S. embassy

Italy stopped a series of cyberattacks targeting its foreign ministry network, including an embassy in Washington and websites tied to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and local hotels in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Wednesday. He attributed the attacks to “actions of Russian origin.” https://www.reuters.com/world/italy-foiled-russia-linked-cyberattacks-embassies-olympic-sites-minister-says-2026-02-04/?utm_source=chatgpt.com As the Winter Olympics hit their peak, with the opening ceremony set for Friday at Milan’s San Siro stadium and curling already underway in Cortina, Italy faced attempted cyber intrusions. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi told parliament that 6,000 security officers were stationed across venues from Milan to the Dolomites. https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/italy-averted-russian-linked-cyberattacks-targeting-winter-olympics-129859030?utm_source=chatgpt.com
February 5, 2026
Trump unveils $12B ‘Project Vault’ minerals stockpile as U.S. moves to blunt China leverage
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Trump unveils $12B ‘Project Vault’ minerals stockpile as U.S. moves to blunt China leverage

President Donald Trump announced Project Vault on Monday, a $12 billion initiative aimed at creating a strategic reserve of critical minerals. The move targets reducing China’s dominance over key resources vital to sectors like electric vehicles and advanced weaponry. The timing highlights a supply chain issue that’s no longer hypothetical. China dominates roughly 70% of rare earth mining and about 90% of processing. Last year, during trade talks linked to tariffs, it limited exports, squeezing the supply of materials crucial for jet engines, radar systems, electric vehicles, and consumer electronics.
February 2, 2026
India’s UPI could soon link with Alipay+ for overseas payments as talks surface
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India’s UPI could soon link with Alipay+ for overseas payments as talks surface

New Delhi, 2 February 2026, 22:57 IST India is negotiating with Ant International to connect the digital payments platform Alipay+ with its Unified Payments Interface for cross-border transactions, according to two government sources. UPI handles nearly 18 billion transactions monthly, while Alipay+ is active in over 100 markets, the sources added.
February 2, 2026
Poland power grid cyberattack: New “DynoWiper” wiper malware points to Russia’s Sandworm
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Poland power grid cyberattack: New “DynoWiper” wiper malware points to Russia’s Sandworm

Cybersecurity firm ESET has pointed to hackers tied to Russian military intelligence as the probable source of the cyberattacks targeting Poland’s power grid in late December. The intruders tried to unleash a data-wiping malware known as DynoWiper, though their attempt appears to have failed. The Russian Embassy in Washington has not responded to requests for comment. The discovery sharpens the spotlight on an incident Polish officials now see as a serious threat to the country’s energy security. The focus has shifted away from data theft toward potential disruption. This development arrives as Warsaw advocates for tougher cyber rules targeting critical infrastructure.
January 24, 2026
Trump administration pushes out Liz Cannon, Commerce official behind Chinese car curb, sources say
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Trump administration pushes out Liz Cannon, Commerce official behind Chinese car curb, sources say

The Trump administration has ousted Elizabeth “Liz” Cannon, who led the Commerce Department’s Information and Communications Technology and Services program set up in 2022 to tackle supply-chain risks from foreign foes, sources told Reuters on Friday. Cannon’s team helped finalize Biden-era rules that effectively banned almost all Chinese passenger vehicles from entering the U.S. market. She’s expected to depart on Feb. 20, according to two insiders. The Bureau of Industry and Security, which oversees the program, said staff changes will bolster the office. Sources also revealed the administration intends to replace Cannon with a political appointee. This personnel shift hits a small corner of Commerce with outsized impact. It’s one of the rare spots in government where everyday tech—software, chips,
January 23, 2026
France may send Eutelsat satellite terminals to Iran as Starlink goes free during the blackout
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France may send Eutelsat satellite terminals to Iran as Starlink goes free during the blackout

France is considering whether to provide Eutelsat satellite internet terminals to Iran following Tehran’s decision to impose a widespread internet blackout amid violent protests. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot told lawmakers, “We are exploring all options.” https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/france-studying-possible-transfer-eutelsat-terminals-iran-foreign-minister-says-2026-01-14/ This is crucial now because Iran’s shutdown goes beyond simply disrupting social media. Its goal is to block the spread of videos, messaging, and live coordination as the crackdown ramps up.
January 15, 2026
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