The world is entering a phase of political change in 2025. Important elections will take place in different countries, the results of which can significantly affect both geopolitics and internal processes of states. In a new YouTube video, Maksym Urakin, founder of the Experts Club think tank, and Oleksandr Poznyi, co-founder of the Active Group research company, analyze the main political events of the year and the possible consequences for Ukraine.
After the scandalous cancellation of the presidential election results, a second vote is scheduled for December 2024 in Romania. The election brought unexpected results, and the winner of the first round campaigned exclusively on TikTok. This sparked discussions around the world, as it was the first time a social network played a key role in the political process. However, the country’s Constitutional Court canceled the election results due to the detected Russian influence, and a new vote is scheduled for May 2025.
“The situation in Romania is unprecedented, as the Constitutional Court has annulled the first round of elections. This may cause political turbulence, which will affect the country’s foreign policy,” said Maksym Urakin, founder of the Experts Club information and analytical center.
In his turn, Oleksandr Poznyi emphasized that this case proves that influence technologies are changing, and social networks such as TikTok can become a key tool for voter mobilization.
“This is a dangerous signal for Ukraine as well, because we see that political forces are beginning to use this platform as a way to manipulate public opinion,” added Pozniy.
On February 23, early elections to the Bundestag will be held after the coalition collapse in 2024. The main struggle will be between the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD), but the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which has anti-immigration and pro-Russian rhetoric, may also play an important role.
“The struggle between the CDU and the SPD will be intense. If the AfD gets second or even first place, it could change Germany’s policy towards Ukraine. So far, the mainstream parties are not ready to form a coalition with them, but their influence is growing,” Maksym Urakin believes.
The parliamentary elections in Moldova will also determine the country’s foreign policy course.
“Moldova is facing a choice between the European path and the pro-Russian vector. This choice will have a significant impact on regional policy. The elections will decide whether the country will continue its European course under the leadership of President Maia Sandu or whether the Socialists, represented by Igor Dodon, will be able to regain power,” said Poznyi.
He also emphasized that Moldova is a parliamentary republic, and even if Sandu wins the presidential election, it does not guarantee that her political force will retain a majority.
On May 18, Poles will elect a new president, as Andrzej Duda cannot run for a third time. Experts believe that this is one of the most important elections for Ukraine, as Polish support is strategic. The tense confrontation between Law and Justice and the opposition will determine the future of Polish-Ukrainian relations. The Ukrainian issue will play an important role, but voters are more focused on domestic issues, such as the situation with Polish farmers who are unhappy with Ukrainian grain imports.
“Candidates will have to maneuver between supporting Ukraine and protecting national interests,” says Mr. Poznyi.
Serbia is one of the few countries in Europe that continues to balance between the EU and Russia. President Aleksandar Vucic has twice hinted at the possibility of early elections in 2025, especially amid protests and the escalating situation in Kosovo.
In October, elections will also be held in Canada and Argentina, which could change the foreign policy courses of these countries. On September 8, Norway will vote, and on November 16, Chile will vote.
“The elections in Canada are important for Ukraine, as further assistance will depend on them. It is also worth following the processes in Norway, which supports European security,” summarizes Maksym Urakin.
The year 2025 promises to be full of important political events that could change the international agenda. Ukraine must take into account the possible consequences of elections in strategic countries and prepare for new challenges on the global stage.
For more details about the elections to be held this year, please watch the video:
Subscribe to the Experts Club channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/@ExpertsClub
Unemployment in the euro zone in December last year amounted to 6.3% compared to the all-time low of 6.2% a month earlier, the statistical office of the European Union said. Analysts had also expected 6.3%, according to Trading Economics. The November level, meanwhile, was revised up from 6.3%. By comparison, unemployment was 6.5% in December 2023.
The number of unemployed in the region rose by 96,000 in December from the previous month to a three-month high of 10.83 million.
The unemployment rate among young people (population under 25) fell to 14.8% from 14.9%.
The lowest unemployment rate among the largest eurozone countries was recorded in Germany (3.4%, the same as a month earlier), the highest – in Spain (10.6% vs. 10.7% in November). In France, unemployment in December increased by 0.1 percentage points and reached 7.8%, in Italy – increased by 0.3 p.p. to 6.2%.
In the European Union as a whole, unemployment stood at 5.9% last month, up from 5.8% in November. It stood at 6% in December 2023.
Earlier, the Experts Club think tank and Maxim Urakin released a video analysis on the state of the economy and debt in the world, see more on the YouTube channel:
Today, Donald Trump will officially begin his term as the 47th President of the United States of America. His possible actions and strategies in the international arena were the main topic of discussion at a meeting of experts organized by the Atlantic Council and Experts Club. Brian Mefford, Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, and Maksym Urakin, founder of the Experts Club, discussed key issues that will affect the geopolitical situation in the world, including Ukraine.
Brian Mefford noted that Trump’s first months in office will be focused on resolving domestic issues, such as the confirmation of his cabinet members in the Senate. However, the expert emphasized that Ukraine will remain an important issue in US foreign policy.
“Ukraine already has a special envoy, General Kellogg. Although his visit to Kyiv was postponed, it shows that Ukraine remains a priority. Its security is crucial for stability in the region,” Mr. Mefford said.
One of the key topics of discussion was Ukraine’s membership in NATO, which was first promised at the Bucharest Summit in 2008. According to Brian Mefford, this decision could have prevented many of the current problems.
“It was a serious mistake at the time. Russia used this uncertainty: first in Georgia and then in Ukraine. Now, because of the war on its own territory, the NATO issue for Ukraine is being postponed indefinitely. At the same time, there is a need for long-term security guarantees. Ukraine needs modern weapons, so the United States and European partners must remain reliable allies of Ukraine,” he explained.
At the same time, according to the expert, the issue of NATO funding became one of the most discussed during Trump’s first presidency, when he called on European countries to increase their defense spending.
“The United States spends more on defense than the next nine countries combined. Trump was right to insist that European countries spend at least 2% of GDP on defense. And now these requirements are being met. Increasing defense spending in Europe is in everyone’s interest. The alliance remains a powerful tool for ensuring stability,” Mr. Mefford emphasized.
According to him, the US withdrawal from NATO is currently an unlikely scenario.
Mefford suggested that the Trump administration will continue its tough economic policy towards China, including trade wars.
“China does not follow fair rules in international trade. Support for Taiwan will remain unchanged, as the United States has strategic interests in the region. Although China often demonstrates strength, its economy is on the verge of recession and its military power is exaggerated,” he explained.
The expert also touched upon the issue of sanctions against Russia, which remain an effective tool of international pressure.
“Trump imposed more sanctions against Russia during his previous term than Obama did. Their mitigation is possible only if the war ends. This is a long-term mechanism that cannot be ignored,” emphasized Mefford.
Maksym Urakin, founder of the Experts Club think tank, in turn, emphasized the importance of Donald Trump’s election for Ukraine and the world and reminded of other important elections for Ukraine and the region in 2025:
“For Ukraine, partnership with the United States is crucial. However, we need to be prepared for different scenarios and strengthen our economic resilience and diversify our foreign policy, given the very important elections this year in Germany, Poland, Romania, Moldova, and Canada. The world is becoming very dynamic in the future,” said Maxim Urakin.
The experts’ analysis showed that Trump’s policy toward Ukraine will be shaped by both internal and external factors. At the same time, Ukraine’s role in global security will only grow, and international support will remain critical for security on the European continent.
The full version of the video is available here:
You can subscribe to the Experts Club YouTube channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/@ExpertsClub
Atlantic Council, EXPERTS CLUB, NATO, SECURITY, TRUMP, UKRAINE, URAKIN, USA, Меффорд
In 2024, the customs authorities transferred UAH 591.7 billion to the state budget in taxes paid by Ukrainian businesses and individuals both during and after customs clearance of goods. Compared to 2023, the state budget revenues increased by 28.7% or UAH 132 billion.
Customs duties on imports of goods account for more than 99% of the taxes paid. In total, last year, the customs authorities cleared 31.26 million tons of foreign goods imported into Ukraine, which is 1.9% or 0.59 million tons more than in 2023.
A significant increase in customs revenues in 2024, compared to 2023, was recorded for imports of
– petroleum products (gasoline, diesel fuel) – from UAH 90.3 billion in 2023 to UAH 142.3 billion in 2024 (+ UAH 52.0 billion)
– electricity – from UAH 1.5 billion in 2023 to UAH 7.2 billion (+ UAH 5.7 billion);
– passenger cars – from UAH 40.8 billion in 2023 to UAH 44.2 billion (+ UAH 3.4 billion);
– Coal and anthracite – from UAH 1.3 billion in 2023 to UAH 3.2 billion (+ UAH 1.9 billion);
– medicines – from UAH 4.2 billion in 2023 to UAH 5.8 billion (+ UAH 1.6 billion);
– Electric generating sets – from UAH 1.2 billion in 2023 to UAH 2.8 billion (+ UAH 1.6 billion);
– trucks – from UAH 6.4 billion in 2023 to UAH 7.9 billion (+ UAH 1.5 billion);
– petroleum gases – from UAH 10.9 billion in 2023 to UAH 12.3 billion (+ UAH 1.4 billion);
– telephone sets – from UAH 7.4 billion in 2023 to UAH 8.8 billion (+ UAH 1.4 billion);
– parts and devices of vehicles – from UAH 5.2 billion in 2023 to UAH 6.6 billion (+ UAH 1.4 billion).
For more information on the commodity structure of imports in 2024, the dynamics of the tax burden, the number of importers-taxpayers and the factors that influenced the state budget revenues, please see https://is.gd/5A33tk
A criminal investigation is not like a scene from a detective series. This is a real situation that can happen to anyone. That is why it is extremely important to have a competent criminal lawyer by your side to help you navigate the legal nuances and ensure the protection of your rights and freedoms. In this article, we will look at how to choose the right criminal defense lawyer in Kyiv and what you should know for successful cooperation.
Roman Bratsylo, lawyer
How to choose a lawyer?
When you find yourself in a difficult situation, you start looking for a defense lawyer you can trust. Choosing a lawyer is an extremely important step that largely determines the future outcome of the case. A professional criminal lawyer in Kyiv is, first and foremost, a specialist who can effectively protect your interests.
Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
Useful information about lawyers can be found on specialized websites, for example, the website of a lawyer in Kyiv, Roman Bratsylo, https://advokats.in.ua/.
How to assess the professional qualities of a lawyer?
To determine the level of a lawyer’s competence, pay attention to the following criteria: his or her specialization, experience with similar cases, number of cases won, client feedback, and participation in professional organizations. This will help you form an objective opinion about the lawyer’s qualifications.
Preparing for a meeting with a lawyer
Before meeting with a lawyer, it is important to collect all the necessary documents. This will help you make the most of your consultation time. Do not forget to bring with you
Even if you don’t have all the necessary documents, don’t put off visiting a lawyer – he or she will tell you what else you need to collect.
How to cooperate with a lawyer?
To make cooperation with a lawyer productive, be as open as possible and provide all the information relevant to the case. The more details the lawyer knows, the more accurately he or she will be able to assess the situation and develop a defense strategy. Do not hesitate to ask questions; a lawyer should always explain the specifics of your situation in clear language.
Creating a defense strategy
A defense strategy is a comprehensive plan of action developed together with a lawyer to ensure the most favorable outcome of the trial. It includes:
An effective strategy is based on close cooperation between the client and the lawyer.
Psychological support
Legal assistance is not only about collecting evidence and developing a strategy, but also about psychological support. A lawyer can help reduce anxiety, explain complex legal issues, and prepare for a court hearing. This is important because self-confidence helps you stay calm during the entire process.
Do not delay contacting a specialist – take care of protecting your rights today.
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov announced the start of construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railroad.
“The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railroad construction project, which for decades remained only on paper, is finally being realized. On December 27, official construction work will begin,” Zhaparov said at the third People’s Kurultai.
According to him, the railroad will become a strategic bridge between East and West, opening new opportunities for trade, tourism and industry.
In addition, the opening of the Bedel checkpoint on the border with China will strengthen the transit potential of the republic, accelerate the flow of cargo and passengers, create new business opportunities and strengthen trade ties with key partners, the Kyrgyz leader said.
Kyrgyzstan June 27 ratified an agreement with China and Uzbekistan on the railroad project. Under the trilateral agreement, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railroad will run along the route Kashgar (PRC) – Torugart (on the border of Kyrgyzstan and PRC) – Makmal (Kyrgyzstan) – Jalalabad (Kyrgyzstan) – Andijan (Uzbekistan).
According to experts’ estimates, the annual volume of freight traffic along this highway may reach up to 15 million tons, and the time of delivery of goods to final consumers will be reduced by seven days compared to the existing routes. Transit and logistics infrastructure, warehouses and terminals will be created.
The construction of the railroad is tentatively estimated at about $8 bln.
