Everything Editor: Wang Yuelong, Yi Qijiang
According to CCTV News on December 16, on the evening of December 15th local time, the EU Winter Summit closed in Belgium capital Brussels . On the same day, EU leaders approved the ninth round of sanctions against Russia.
Image source: Photo Network-300858888
On December 15, local time, Russian President Putin said that by the end of 2022, Russia's GDP (GDP) is expected to drop by about 2.5%. The major commodities shipped from Russia to the EU region increased by 50% in the first nine months of this year. Russia's total export volume increased by 42%, and the trade surplus reached US$138 billion.
The EU passed the ninth round of sanctions against Russia
According to CCTV News on December 16, on the evening of December 15 local time, the EU Winter Summit closed in Brussels, the capital of Belgium. European Council Chairman Michel said at a press conference after the meeting that on the same day, leaders of EU countries approved the ninth round of sanctions against Russia. According to the process, the plan must be formally determined through the "written procedure" on the 16th.
In addition, at the summit that day, EU leaders officially approved to provide 18 billion euros of economic aid to Ukraine in 2023. also officially approved Bosnia and Herzegovina as an EU candidate.
On December 15th local time, the US Treasury Department announced a new round of sanctions on Russian individuals and entities, including metal tycoons Potanin (Vladimir Potanin), Rosbank and 17 subsidiaries of Russian Foreign Trade Bank.
On the same day, The US State Department also announced that it would impose sanctions on Potanin and its related personnel, more than 20 Russian governors, and members of the board of directors of Russian Railways.
Zelensky's sea view house was confiscated
According to Global Network citing TASS report on the 415th, Crimea's regional leader Sergei Akshanov said in an interview with the media that the regional government plans to take over the residence of Ukrainian President Zelensky's Yalta "state-owned".
reports that Zelensky has a residence in Yalta, Crimea. When asked about how the home would be handled, Akshonov replied in an interview that “in principle we will confiscate it and give it to others.”
reported that Akshanov also said that relevant Crimean departments are investigating the founders of some companies in the region to confirm whether there are any situations such as publicly expressing their views on Russia's special military operations on Ukraine and holding an anti-Russian stance. He also said that for Ukrainian citizens who hold an anti-Russia and pro-Ukrainian stance, "these people should not make money here." However, he added that for Ukrainian citizens who did not show hostility to Russia, their assets "will not be threatened".
According to the "Governor of Chang'an Street", the one that will be "state-owned" is Zelensky's apartment in Crimea Livadya Village, right next to the seaside. The apartment was valued at $800,000 when it was purchased in 2013. Zelensky repeatedly claimed that he would live in the apartment to see the sea after regaining Crimea.
Image source: Visual China
In fact, last month there was news that the Crimean authorities have approved the confiscation of more than 130 properties, which were previously part of the Ukrainian oligarchs , which were associated with the Ukrainian government. Many Ukrainian officials, including Zelensky, own property in Crimean .
The US Senate passed the 2023 fiscal year "National Defense Authorization Act"
total amount is nearly 858 billion
According to CCTV News, on December 15 local time, the US Senate passed the 2023 fiscal year National Defense Authorization Act with 83 votes in favor and 11 votes against. The total amount of the bill is nearly 858 billion US dollars, a record high. is 45 billion US dollars more than the budget proposed by US President Biden , and 80 billion US dollars more than the authorization amount in the previous fiscal year.
According to reports, the content of the bill includes strengthening air force and land defense capabilities, as well as cybersecurity, strengthening the United States' support for Ukraine and NATO , etc.Under the bill, the United States will provide Ukraine with at least $800 million in additional security assistance next year.
According to China Radio International Military Report, the US $858 billion defense expenditure mainly includes raising salaries for soldiers, increasing housing subsidies for soldiers, purchasing weapons and equipment , etc. In addition, the bill will invest US$11.5 billion in 's "Pacific Deterrence Program" , as well as military aid to Ukraine , etc.
Military Observer Shao Yongling believes that this reflects the differences of opinions within the US Congress, which holds the "wallet bag", and highlights the US Congress' anxiety about the possible loss of the US's "hegemony status."
Shao Yongling further pointed out that the starting point of the United States' formulation of the 2023 fiscal year " National Defense Authorization Act " is to promote the "big power competition" strategy to compete with each other to compete against the "challenges" posed by China and Russia. However, even if the bill is finally passed, the terms of the bill may not be fulfilled as scheduled.
editing| Wang Yuelong Yi Qijiang
proofreading| paragraph refining
Daily economic news is integrated from CCTV News, Global Network, Chang'an Street Governor, China Radio and Television Military
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