European Union

The European Union is preparing to lift restrictions on Syria's energy and transportation sectors. The issue of financial sanctions remains open, and a final decision is expected at a ministerial meeting in Brussels.

Turkey is seeking to resume energy negotiations with the EU and become an alternative route for gas supplies. The country could expand the Southern Gas Corridor and connect it to Mediterranean gas.

NATO has started sharing classified information on weapons standardization with the defense industry and the EU. The initiative is aimed at expanding production capacity and harmonizing military standards.

The head of the OP, Andriy Yermak, said that the “peace plans” for 100 days are Russian information injections. The media had previously reported on Trump's plan to end the war, which included Ukraine's withdrawal from NATO.

Belarusian dictator Lukashenka took his spitz Umka with him to the polling station. The dog showed interest in the wall of the Belarusian State University of Physical Culture, where the voting was taking place, and noticed it.

The Belarusian dictator declared his indifference to the West's recognition of the election results in the country. He emphasized that the main thing is the recognition of the elections by Belarusians.

Voting in the presidential election is underway in belarus. In addition to lukashenka, four other candidates are running, but the EU has already called the election sham.

US President Donald Trump expressed confidence in the possibility of Greenland's inclusion in the US to “protect the free world.

The head of the EU diplomatic service, Kaja Kallas, says the upcoming presidential election in belarus is a sham.

On flight FJ871 from San Francisco to Fiji, a drunk Australian woman caused a scandal after a quarrel with her husband. The woman insulted the crew and passengers, threw glasses, and was calmed down with duct tape and detained by police.

Serbian President Vucic has declared his refusal to impose sanctions on Russia and its allies while he is in power. He plans to hold talks with Putin on US sanctions in the oil industry.

The President of Ukraine expressed hope that Ukraine, the United States, Europe, and Russia will participate in peace talks. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of the European voice as Ukraine seeks EU membership.

Poland's defense minister said that Europe should increase defense spending to influence the US position on Ukraine. Poland already spends 4.7% of its GDP on defense and buys $60 billion worth of American weapons.

Maia Sandu arrived in Kyiv for talks with President Zelenskyy. The two sides will discuss security, energy, infrastructure, trade, and a common path to the EU.

The Czech Republic has prepared an informal document on the gradual integration of Ukraine and Moldova into the EU internal market. The plan covers cooperation in energy, agriculture, and telecommunications and has already been supported by 8 member states.

The EU will not include a ban on Russian LNG imports in the new sanctions package. Instead, it will present a roadmap for a gradual phase-out of Russian energy by 2027.

In Slovakia, massive anti-government protests spread to more than 20 cities, with the largest rally in Bratislava gathering 40,000 people. The protesters oppose the pro-Russian policies of Prime Minister Fico and support European integration.

The Slovak prime minister announces a large-scale cyberattack on the national insurance company, accusing Ukraine and the opposition. According to media reports, it was a phishing attack, while Ukraine's Foreign Ministry denies the accusations.

The Ministry of Health presented the concept of reforming the pharmaceutical market with electronic bidding and regulation of drug prices. The Verkhovna Rada Committee supported the idea of e-trading, but rejected the restriction of discounts and the ban on retro bonuses.

The Russian Foreign Ministry is ready to restore relations with Georgia, but only if Tbilisi is ready. Moscow accuses the US and EU of interfering in Georgia's internal affairs and putting pressure on the country.

Today, rallies in support of prisoners of conscience will be held in five cities of Georgia. Participants of all the marches will gather near the parliament, such actions will be held every Friday.

Brent and WTI crude oil show a weekly drop of 3-4% after Trump's statements about increasing US production. The President demands that OPEC and Saudi Arabia reduce prices and increase investment in the US.

EU gas stocks have fallen to 58. 5% compared to 74% last year.

Ukraine views China as a key player in influencing Russia to achieve a just peace. In 2024, Ukrainian-Chinese relations intensified, and further development of contacts at all levels is planned.

Ukraine sees no prerequisites for restoring contacts with Lukashenka and does not recognize the results of the “elections” in Belarus. The Foreign Ministry expresses solidarity with its Western partners regarding the lack of conditions for fair elections.

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that the US and EU need to increase military support for Ukraine. Ukraine also seeks to increase investment in the defense industry and build self-sufficiency.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry says that the sanctions potential against the Russian economy is not being used enough. Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhyi said that the EU expects a new, enhanced package of sanctions by the end of winter 2025.

Irakli Kobakhidze supported Slovak Prime Minister Fico's statement about the threat of a coup d'état. According to him, protests in both countries are coordinated from one center.

The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Health announced key reforms of the pharmaceutical market in 2025. It is planned to introduce parallel import of medicines, 2D coding and a new law on pharmaceutical services.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called on the United States to continue supplying weapons to Ukraine and assured that Europe would pay the bill. He also warned against a possible Russian victory and called for increased support for Ukraine.