European Union

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban plans to invite Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and guarantees him safety from the ICC warrant. Orban called the ICC's decision “wrong” and promised not to execute it in Hungary.

russia's largest diamond mining company, alrosa, is closing mines and laying off staff due to the market crisis. The G7 and EU sanctions on russian diamonds have led to the loss of major markets.

U. S. intelligence warns of possible Russian sabotage at defense enterprises through the recruitment of “insiders.” Russian intelligence services are also stepping up their activities in the EU through arson and cyberattacks.

Jan Lipavsky visits Kyiv to assess the situation with shelling and Czech projects. The minister supports Zelensky's peace plan, rejecting the idea of Russia's temporary occupation of the territories.

The Russian company Alrosa plans to suspend unprofitable deposits and cut its payroll by 10%. The company will also slow down the implementation of investment projects due to falling diamond prices.

The Verkhovna Rada has passed a bill to restore mandatory monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions, which has been voluntary since the beginning of the war. The system will ensure the collection of verified data to create a system of emissions trading.

Ukraine launches two new rail routes to Bratislava and Budapest on December 15. It is also increasing the number of trains to Warsaw and expanding connections to the western regions of Ukraine.

Ukraine has signed a memorandum of understanding with the IBRD on knowledge sharing and support for reforms. The parties discussed financing reconstruction projects and supporting the internal sustainability plan.

During a telephone conversation, Poland announced the 45th package of support for Ukraine and the start of work on the next one. The parties discussed European integration and support for Ukraine's accession to NATO.

The Cabinet of ministers added kratom to the list of narcotic substances because of its opioid and stimulating properties. Previously, kratom drinks were popular among young people and were sold in coffee shops.

The city of Brovary is actively implementing alternative energy sources at critical infrastructure facilities. Solar panels are installed in hospitals and kindergartens, and alternative fuel boilers are used.

NBU chief lawyer Oleksandr Zima remains in office despite criminal proceedings on possible abuse of power. Experts explain this by the lack of an effective institution of business reputation in Ukraine.

Starting November 20, 2024, the National Bank will introduce changes to currency restrictions to support international trade. The amendments relate to import contracts, repatriation of dividends, and the use of foreign currency loans.

The Pentagon will provide Ukraine with $275 million worth of weapons through the PDA program, including air defense equipment and missiles. In addition, the State Department has approved the sale of $100 million worth of defense equipment. The US is also preparing a $20 billion loan.

At a meeting in Warsaw, EU foreign ministers reaffirmed their continued support for Ukraine and the need to strengthen sanctions against russia. Germany will continue to supply drones, and Italy emphasized the importance of financial assistance.

The largest EU member states have expressed their readiness to increase military and financial assistance to Ukraine in case the support from the USA is reduced, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has said after a meeting with his European counterparts. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said this after a meeting with his European counterparts.

The Estonian Foreign Minister said that a new stage of Western support for Ukraine is needed. According to him, Europe may need to deploy troops in Ukraine after the end of hostilities.

EU Diplomacy Chief Josep Borrell called Russia's nuclear threats “absolutely irresponsible”, reacting to the update of Russia's nuclear doctrine, which coincided with the 1000th day of Russia's war against Ukraine.

The foreign ministers of six leading European countries issued a joint statement on strengthening NATO and supporting Ukraine. They identified eight key areas for countering Russian aggression and strengthening European security.

The NATO Secretary General called for increased assistance to Ukraine amid support for Russia from the DPRK, China, and Iran. On the thousandth day of the full-scale invasion, EU defense ministers were to discuss this issue.

Polish Foreign Minister Sikorski announced the readiness of the largest EU countries to provide military and financial support to Ukraine. This could happen if the US cuts aid to Ukraine.

The United States has authorized Ukraine to use weapons with a range of up to 300 kilometers on the territory of Russia. Borrell hopes that European countries will follow this decision and continue to support Ukraine regardless of the upcoming US elections.

The President said that Ukraine will not trade sovereignty or give up its territories. To achieve all of Ukraine's goals, it may have to wait for a change in the Russian leadership.

Zelenskyy announced Ukraine's readiness to start negotiations on the first cluster of accession to the EU in early 2025. The President emphasized the need to become the fastest country in the process of European integration.

The President said that unity is the first element of Ukraine's Resilience Plan and Victory Plan. Zelenskyy emphasized that the internal unity of Ukrainians helped unite Europe and change the world's perception of the EU.

EU military spending in 2024 will amount to 326 billion euros, which is 1. 9% of the Union's GDP. 17 member states will sign agreements on joint air defense and military research and development projects.

Borrell announced that Ukraine will receive €45 billion in military aid and one million pieces of ammunition. The EU will train 75,000 Ukrainian soldiers by the end of winter.

The Polish Foreign Minister organizes a meeting in the Weimar+ format to discuss assistance to Ukraine. The meeting will discuss countering Russia's attempts to impose its vision of the outcome of the war.

Brussels sends a technical mission to assess the situation in Georgia. The country's president and opposition do not recognize the results due to massive violations and falsifications.

Three leading research groups predict a 1. 5°C rise in global temperatures in 2024. Experts recognize the impossibility of achieving the climate goal due to prolonged inaction.