European Union

The Minister of Defense of Ukraine met with the EU Commissioner to discuss expanding cooperation in 2025. The parties discussed the use of frozen assets of the Russian Federation, the expansion of the military training mission and attracting investments in the defense industry.

President of Ukraine had a conversation with Evika Silina on strengthening defense capabilities and European integration. Latvia is ready to support Ukraine in its military programs and EU accession negotiations.

A mass rally in favor of Georgia's European integration continues in the center of Batumi, despite strong winds and heavy rain. The protesters were joined by sailors and psychologists, and a delegation of the European Parliament arrived in Tbilisi to support the rally.

The Ukrainian president will meet with the leaders of key European countries, NATO and the EU to discuss support for Ukraine. The meeting will take place against the background of possible changes in US policy after Trump's return.

Salome Zurabishvili criticized the Tbilisi mayor's plans to light the Christmas tree during protests near the parliament. The President proposed to postpone the celebration to December 17 and change the location.

The presidents of Ukraine and Finland discussed strengthening Ukraine's air defense after massive attacks by Russia. They also discussed Ukraine's accession to NATO and a new aid package from Finland worth 25 million euros.

The Office of the President of Ukraine stated that Orban's proposal for a “Christmas truce” was a PR stunt. The Hungarian prime minister did not have the authority to negotiate, and Russia used this to prepare new attacks.

Apple will stop selling the iPhone SE and iPhone 14 due to EU requirements for USB-C ports starting in 2025. The company does not plan to re-release these models with a new port, instead focusing on future versions.

Andrius Kubilius became the first EU defense commissioner due to the threat from Russia. According to intelligence, Russia is increasing its weapons production and may be preparing to attack EU countries by 2030.

The Supreme Court did not satisfy the request of MP Dubinsky to recognize the inaction of the Verkhovna Rada regarding the non-calling of the presidential election. The MP suspected of treason is currently in custody in a pre-trial detention center.

In some areas, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have achieved parity with Russian troops in the use of artillery, changing the ratio from 5:1 to 1:3. The occupiers are compensating for the loss of artillery superiority by using aviation and bombs.

During the large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine, the new European Commissioner Andrius Kubilius was in hiding. The invaders fired 93 missiles and about 200 drones at critical infrastructure.

Kaja Kallas stated that frozen russian assets should be used to help Ukraine. She also emphasized the importance of the EU's continued support for Ukraine even if the US cuts aid.

The EU Council has decided to abolish controls at the land borders with Bulgaria and Romania as of January 1, 2025. The countries have already been part of the Schengen area by air and sea since March 2024.

The Berlin Declaration is signed in Germany, confirming that peace talks are impossible without Ukraine and its European partners. The document provides for increased military and financial support for Ukraine and its Euro-Atlantic integration.

The Minister of Agrarian Policy announced the creation of an EU-style payment agency for transit distribution of funds. The project is planned to be implemented in 2025 as part of the integration requirements.

The GUR has identified 238 tankers that help Russia make money on oil exports bypassing sanctions. russia has spent $10 billion to create a shadow fleet and earned $188 billion from oil exports.

Ukraine plans to launch a unified electronic system to automate the process of obtaining business permits and licenses by 2026. The project aims to simplify the regulatory environment and is a condition for EU funding.

EU and US companies continue to supply weapons to Russia through intermediary countries. Arms exports to Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and other countries have increased 2.5 times in three years, from where they end up in Russia.

Public sector workers in Georgia joined 14 days of protests near the parliament. In response, the government is preparing amendments to the law that will make it more difficult for fired civil servants to return to work.

EU ambassadors have agreed on the 15th package of sanctions against Russia aimed at combating the “shadow fleet” of tankers. The sanctions will restrict the activities of third-country vessels and expand the list of sanctioned individuals and organizations.

Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna held a discussion with top EU officials on lowering the mobilization age in Ukraine. She emphasized the unacceptability of such a position due to the lack of a system for planning and training brigades.

Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna reported that Poland did not provide specifics on Ukraine's European integration during its upcoming presidency of the EU Council. The Polish leadership plans to focus on security issues.

The European Commission will provide funding to Estonia, Norway, Finland, Poland and Latvia to protect their borders from drones. The decision was announced by Ursula von der Leyen after a conversation with the Finnish Prime Minister.

Ukraine is advised to regulate the nicotine pouch market following the EU's example, limiting the dosage to 20 mg. Sweden's experience shows the effectiveness of harm minimization strategies in the fight against tobacco addiction.

In 2025, more than UAH 2. 2 trillion is allocated for the Defense Forces, which is 26.3% of GDP. Funding will be provided through changes to the Tax Code and funds from the ERA program.

An aircraft repair plant in Taganrog, Russia, which is under sanctions because of the war in Ukraine, was attacked. The attack damaged the boiler room and burned 14 cars in the plant's parking lot.

Peter Szijjarto said Hungary would veto any EU sanctions against Georgian officials. The foreign minister accused Brussels of double standards regarding democratic elections in Georgia.

President of Ukraine had a phone conversation with Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk. The parties discussed joint work and plans for the period of Poland's presidency in the EU.

35% of Ukrainians believe in joining the EU within 5 years, and 54% believe that EU membership without NATO is possible. The majority of respondents (57%) believe that Western partners are not doing enough to help Ukraine win.