European Union

The German Defense Minister announced a possible role for the country in ensuring a future ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. The specific details of participation will depend on the terms of the ceasefire and the mandate of the peacekeeping force.

The European Union intends to raise the issue of closing Russian bases in Syria during meetings with rebel forces. This was stated by EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas after a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels.

The Polish Foreign Minister said that Russia, not Ukraine, should be forced to negotiate peace. He called on the EU and the US to help Ukraine achieve a better negotiating position.

Prime Minister Shmyhal spoke with his Slovak counterpart about energy security and gas supplies. Ukraine is ready to transit any gas other than Russian gas after the current agreement expires in 2025.

The EU has signed contracts to create an IRIS2 network of 290 satellites by 2030. The €10.6 billion project will be implemented through a public-private partnership involving SES, Eutelsat and Hispasat.

The EU Council imposed sanctions against 16 individuals and 3 legal entities for destabilizing actions of the Russian Federation abroad. The restrictions include asset freezes and a ban on entry to the EU.

Peter Szijjarto vetoed the inclusion of Patriarch Kirill in the EU sanctions list. The Hungarian minister also blocked the disbursement of 6.5 billion euros from the European Peace Fund.

In early 2025, Ukraine expects to open additional negotiation clusters on EU accession. The Verkhovna Rada is actively working on European integration laws and forming 35 negotiating groups.

The foreign ministers of 10 countries and the EU condemned military cooperation between the DPRK and Russia, including the deployment of North Korean troops. The countries called on Pyongyang to stop helping Moscow and withdraw its troops.

Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna commented on the statements about lowering the mobilization age. She emphasized that such decisions are made solely with the safety of Ukrainians in mind.

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas said that a peacekeeping mission is possible only after peace is achieved. According to her, Russia does not demonstrate a desire for a peaceful settlement of the conflict.

The Lithuanian Foreign Minister called on the EU to approve a joint strategy to counter Russia's hybrid actions. Lithuania, together with 6 EU member states, has prepared a proposal to be considered at a meeting of the Council of Ministers.

The President of Ukraine will attend a meeting of the European Commission in Brussels to consider the EU's strategic vision for the next 5 years. The meeting will discuss the priorities of European integration and the role of the EU in a peaceful Europe.

During a conversation with the President of the European Council, Salome Zurabishvili said that only new elections can resolve the crisis in Georgia. She also does not recognize the legitimacy of the election of the new president, Mikheil Kavelashvili.

The President of Ukraine discussed with government officials the program “Grain from Ukraine” on food aid to Syria. It is planned to provide wheat, flour and oil to ensure food security in the region.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry announced the closure of its embassy in Dublin due to Ireland's “anti-Semitic actions. ” The decision was made after Ireland recognized Palestine and supported the claim of “genocide” in Gaza.

EU representatives are planning to contact Hayat Tahrir al-Sham to discuss the closure of Russian military bases in Syria. The United States is already engaged in a dialog with the new government after the overthrow of the Assad regime.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga called for a shift from freezing to seizing Russian assets. He emphasized the need to use not only the profits but also the assets themselves to support Ukraine.

Estonia imposed sanctions against 14 Georgian officials, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. The Estonian Foreign Minister called on other EU countries to also respond to human rights violations in Georgia.

More than 10 marches are planned in the Georgian capital for the 18th day of protests against the suspension of EU accession negotiations. Participants include Real Madrid and Barcelona fans, What? Where? When? players, veterinarians, and IT professionals.

The United Kingdom has joined the Trans-Pacific Trade Pact, which includes 11 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The country will have access to preferential trade terms with eight parties to the agreement.

The President of Serbia announced the upcoming US sanctions against NIS due to its russian ownership. Serbia is considering reducing Gazprom's share in the company below 50%.

The Cabinet of Ministers allocated UAH 23 billion to the State Border Guard Service to purchase shells from Polish suppliers. Prime Minister Shmyhal is consistently implementing a strategy to provide the Armed Forces with ammunition.

Experts say the controversial amendment to the draft law lobbied by Darnitsa plant will raise prices by 15%.

Andrius Kubilius met with representatives of the OP to discuss strengthening air defense and coordination with the United States. The parties discussed the fight against Russian propaganda and ways to achieve peace through strength.

The French president plans to discuss the deployment of peacekeepers in Ukraine after the ceasefire at the EU summit. France is forming a coalition of 5-8 European countries to implement this initiative.

The EU plans to impose sanctions against more than 12 individuals and 3 organizations in Russia for disinformation operations. Restrictions are also being prepared against 20 Belarusian officials before the elections.

Protesters gathered near the Georgian parliament ahead of the presidential election with a single candidate from the ruling party. The protests erupted after the announcement of the termination of negotiations with the EU, and the current president refuses to leave office.

Georgia is holding presidential elections, where the favorite is the candidate of the ruling Georgian Dream party, Mikheil Kavelashvili. The incumbent president, Salome Zurabishvili, refuses to leave office, which exacerbates the political crisis in the country.

The European Union is planning to adopt a new package of sanctions against the terrorist country over the war in Ukraine. The restrictions will apply to the “shadow fleet”, North Korean mercenaries and those involved in hybrid attacks.