Berlin prepares new Russia sanctions as U.S. moves to control Venezuelan oil

Germany is preparing to take a harder line against Russia, according to information cited in the daily “Twój Biznes” podcast. Chancellor Friedrich Merz is considering direct measures against Russian entities and increased arms deliveries to Ukraine.

The shift follows an incident at Leipzig airport in which a drone carrying explosive materials was found in August. Information cited from the Wall Street Journal said Russians had placed the device near a Ukrainian military transport aircraft. Berlin’s tougher position coincides with work on another EU sanctions package and renewed discussion about using frozen Russian assets.

The podcast also reported a five-point Polish government program aimed at tightening personal-data protection, particularly in healthcare. The plan, known as Gawkowski’s “Cyber Five,” would limit system access to certified entities and use the mObywatel and mojeIKP applications. It would also require data breaches to be reported to NASK and allow patients to receive information about medical services through the two applications.

The government wants the measures passed this year. They are intended to reduce attempts to obtain medical services and prescriptions using other people’s data.

Separately, Trump said the United States had reached an agreement with Venezuela to take majority control of the country’s confirmed oil reserves, estimated at about 65 billion barrels. Rubio said U.S. companies would invest $100 billion in Venezuela in exchange for access to the deposits, although details were not provided.

Poland’s preliminary 2027 budget sets revenue at 695 billion zlotys, 68.4 billion more than the expected 2026 result. Spending is planned at 977.6 billion zlotys, producing a deficit of 282 billion zlotys. Healthcare is allocated 274.1 billion zlotys, while nearly 200 billion zlotys is earmarked for national defense.