The European Union plans to introduce its 20th package of sanctions against Russia in early 2026, continuing pressure to end the war. EU leaders call for coordination with the G7 and stronger measures against sanctions circumvention, as well as condemning third-country support for Russia.
The Danube Commission has decided to create a Register of Damages from Russian aggression on the Lower Danube. This will ensure systematic collection of data on the damages caused and their transfer to the Council of Europe and the EU for compensation.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz estimates the EU's chances of reaching an agreement on using frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine's defense as "50-50. " EU leaders are expected to agree on the issue of using frozen Russian assets for a "reparation loan" to Ukraine at the summit on December 18-19.
A meeting took place in The Hague between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister of the Netherlands Dick Schoof, President of Moldova Maia Sandu, and Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset. The parties discussed the creation of an international compensation mechanism and an International Compensation Commission for Ukraine.
The Hague adopted a convention on the establishment of an international commission to compensate Ukraine for damages caused by Russia. Ukraine, the Netherlands, and Moldova were the first to sign the document, which is open to all states.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in the Netherlands for a series of meetings with European leaders, including the President of Moldova and the Prime Minister of the Netherlands. A speech to parliament and an audience with King Willem-Alexander are also planned.
Mykhailo Zhernakov, head of the DEJURE Foundation, called the Supreme Court "finished" after the annulment of the decision regarding Judge Inna Otrosh. Experts note that such rhetoric violates the principle of respect for the court.
On December 10, the world celebrates International Human Rights Day, established by the UN in 1950. In Ukraine, human rights are enshrined in the Constitution, but martial law restricts some of them, and Russia is recognized as the main violator.
Lithuania has informed the Council of Europe of its intention to join the Special Tribunal on the crime of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, becoming the first state after Ukraine. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania calls on other countries to follow suit, emphasizing the need for accountability.
A film screening and the donation of books to the Ukrainian shelf in Strasbourg marked the 500th cultural and artistic event of the "Culture vs. War" initiative.
November 18 marks international and national events: Mickey Mouse Day, the Day of Remembrance of the Holy Martyr Roman of Caesarea, European Day for the Protection of Children from Violence and Sexual Exploitation, and Sergeant's Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. These days are dedicated to cultural symbols, child protection, historical memory, and Ukrainian military personnel.
Emails confirm Jeffrey Epstein's attempt, a month before Trump's meeting with Putin in 2018, to pass information about Trump to Russia's top diplomat. He also corresponded about the US president's political decisions.
Latvian President Rinkēvičs has returned the law on the country's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention to the Saeima for "deeper discussion. " This decision has caused widespread public outcry, including a petition with over 62,000 signatures against denunciation.
On October 30, the Saeima of Latvia adopted a bill on the country's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention. 56 deputies voted for denunciation, 32 against, and two abstained.
PACE is concerned about Georgia's decision to appeal to the Constitutional Court regarding the ban on three democratic opposition parties. Co-rapporteurs intend to conduct a fact-finding mission to Tbilisi by the end of the year.
The Cabinet of Ministers submitted draft law No. 14120 to the Verkhovna Rada, which provides for the exclusion of the Russian and Moldovan languages from the list of those protected by the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. Instead, it is proposed to add the Czech language and Hebrew.
Former Minister of Culture Mykola Tochitsky has become Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe. He will promote the return of Ukrainian children and the creation of mechanisms for Russia's accountability for aggression.
The Ministry of Culture plans to expand the range of paid services offered by nature reserves and museums to attract funds for the preservation of monuments. The government will also support projects that promote Ukrainian cultural heritage, particularly through international cooperation with UNESCO and the EU.
According to the decision of the European Court, Russia must pay Georgia over 253 million euros in compensation for human rights violations in two separatist regions after the 2008 war.
The Special Tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine will be launched in three stages. Preparations are currently underway for the conclusion of an expanded partial agreement on the Steering Committee of the Special Tribunal.
The European Union is allocating 10 million euros to the Special Tribunal on the crime of aggression against Ukraine. This is intended to ensure that those responsible for crimes of aggression are held accountable.
The compensation commission, which will consider damages caused by Russia, will start operating in 2026. It will take into account events from 2014, not just from 2022.
Tetiana Berezhna, acting Minister of Culture, may head the position of Vice Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy. Her candidacy was approved by the "Servant of the People" faction, with a vote expected next plenary week.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha reacted to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's statement about his country's unwillingness to be in integration associations with Ukraine. Sybiha noted that the countries are already members of many international organizations and formats.
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) will discuss new threats from Russia to European democracy this week. Also on the agenda is a draft convention on the establishment of an International Commission for the Settlement of Claims regarding Ukraine.
Russia failed to return to the 36-member council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The European Union actively opposed Russia's return, citing the invasion of Ukraine and violations of international rules.
Olena Zelenska reported that thanks to the joint efforts of Ukraine and its partners, 1625 children abducted by the occupiers have been returned from Russia. According to her, at this rate, it will take 50 years to return all the children.
The establishment of an International Compensation Commission for Ukraine will be a key element of the mechanism for redressing damages caused by Russian aggression.
The memorandum of cooperation will improve institutional capacities for the use of electronic evidence in investigations of war crimes.
Representatives of 60 diplomatic missions visited the damaged building of the Government of Ukraine after the Russian shelling. Diplomats were shown the consequences of the attacks and informed about the work of rescue services.
