Kyiv awaits a signal from Washington to receive long-range weapons, China openly rejects U.S. calls for nuclear control, and Japan continues its russian energy projects despite sanctions. Across Europe, tensions are mounting as U.S. senators pressure Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to cut ties with Moscow. Against this backdrop, a new global order is emerging — one in which energy, armaments, and diplomacy converge into a single axis of influence.
China Rejects U.S. Nuclear Disarmament Proposal
China has sharply rebuffed Washington’s call to join talks on reducing nuclear arsenals. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning saidthe U.S. proposal as “unfair, unreasonable, and unfeasible,” emphasizing that China’s nuclear capabilities are “not comparable to those of the United States or russia.”
She asserted that it is the United States — as the world’s largest nuclear power — that must first fulfill its international obligations and reduce its stockpile. Mao added that global denuclearization can only begin after “concrete steps by the United States.”
Her statement followed President Donald Trump’s renewed appeal for China to join a trilateral nuclear disarmament framework alongside the U.S. and russia. Beijing reiterated that its nuclear doctrine remains one of “minimum defensive necessity” and that it will not enter an arms race. China urged Washington to “stop shifting responsibility” and return to existing arms control agreements.
Manufacturers Ready to Supply Tomahawks to Ukraine Pending Trump’s Approval
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy saidthat U.S. missile manufacturers are ready to begin deliveries of Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine once President Trump authorizes the transfer.
“President Trump did not say ‘no,’ and various institutions have given us positive signals,” Zelensky told reporters, emphasizing that Kyiv is negotiating both with the White House and directly with defense contractors.
He said the delivery of such systems would provide a major deterrent against russian aggression.
Ukraine is also discussing other long-range systems and a broader “deterrence package” with Washington. Zelensky stressed that these capabilities are “crucially important” to defend against attacks on civilian — especially energy — infrastructure. A green light from Washington, he said, could significantly shift the balance on the battlefield.
U.S. Senators Urge Hungary to Stop Buying Russian Oil
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has called on the Hungarian government to end imports of russian oil, as Prime Minister Viktor Orbán prepares to meet President Trump. In a resolution obtained by Bloomberg, lawmakers warned that Hungary’s actions “undermine European security and fund Putin’s war machine.” Senator Thom Tillis stated: “Vladimir Putin is a war criminal who uses energy exports to finance his campaign of murder and aggression.”
The senators reminded that most EU states have already pledged to phase out russian oil imports by 2027 and accused Orbán of using his relationship with Trump to evade energy restrictions. Senator Jeanne Shaheen noted that while Europe has made “extraordinary progress” in reducing dependence on Moscow, Hungary’s stance “undermines collective security and emboldens the kremlin.”
Japan Will Not Withdraw from the Russian Sakhalin-1 Project
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has confirmed that participation in the Sakhalin-1 oil and gas project remains vital for Japan’s energy security despite U.S. sanctions on Rosneft.
As Reuters reports, METI emphasized that Japan, which imports over 90% of its oil from the Middle East, cannot afford to lose this source amid global instability. The government plans to maintain the involvement of Japanese firms in the SODECO consortium, which jointly operates Sakhalin-1 with Rosneft and India’s ONGC Videsh. The U.S. has allowed operations with russian firms only until November 21, after which strict sanctions will take effect.
Meanwhile, Japan is preparing contingency plans for potential supply disruptions — starting in January, it intends to purchase liquefied natural gas (LNG) monthly for emergency reserves. METI confirmed that the government will seek to exempt the project from sanctions to ensure the country’s energy stability.
Hungary Signals Readiness to Reduce Russian Oil Imports Ahead of Orbán-Trump Meeting
Amid growing U.S. criticism, Hungarian energy company Mol Nyrt. announced it could replace up to 80% of russian oil supplies if the Druzhba pipeline is shut down, potentially switching to routes through Croatian ports. The statement came ahead of Orbán’s November 7 meeting with Trump. Mol Nyrt. emphasized its efforts to diversify energy sources to mitigate risks for Hungary’s economy.
Bloomberg noted that U.S. senators had just sharply criticized Budapest for continuing to buy russian oil, calling the practice one that “undermines European unity.” Senator Jeanne Shaheen again urged Hungary to sever its energy ties with the Kremlin. Mol’s statement, analysts suggest, may indicate Budapest’s intention to ease pressure from Washington ahead of the high-level talks.
Author: Danylo Pievchev