The World in Brief from The Economist

Fielding questions at his marathon end-of-year press conference, President Vladimir Putin claimed that Russian troops were still advancing in Ukraine, seizing the “strategic initiative”

The European Union reached a deal to loan Ukraine €90bn for the next two years. Also, TikTok’s Chinese owner signed binding agreements with three big investors to form a joint venture that will operate the social-media app in America.

European Union leaders reached a deal to loan Ukraine €90bn ($106bn) for the next two years, after marathon talks in Brussels.

At a summit in Brussels Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine needed clarity on the financial support it will receive from Europe.

Ukraine’s president is expected to give a speech ahead of discussions over the use of frozen Russian assets. Also, America’s Senate overwhelmingly approved the National Defence Authorisation Act.

Warner Bros Discovery’s board rejected a hostile $108bn takeover bid from Paramount, warning shareholders that it imposed “significant risks”.

Warner Bros Discovery’s board rejected a hostile $108bn takeover bid from Paramount, warning shareholders that it imposed “significant risks”.

Donald Trump ordered a “complete blockade” of oil tankers under sanctions that enter or leave Venezuela. Also, Britain’s annual inflation rate fell from 3.6% to 3.2% in November, according to the Office for National Statistics.