European Union
European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis has called for the confiscation of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine. The EU is reassessing the risks of such a move amid a possible reduction in US aid.
The NBU has set the official hryvnia exchange rate at 41. 89 UAH/USD, which is 2 kopecks lower than the previous figure. On the interbank market, the dollar is trading at UAH 41.85-41.87, the euro at UAH 43.51-43.52.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced his intention to discuss the details of the Russian-Ukrainian war with Donald Trump. The President of Ukraine counts on Trump's understanding and support in ending the war.
The President of Ukraine said that a serious plan to stop Putin is needed after Trump's inauguration. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of a united position of the United States and Europe on this issue.
The President of Ukraine addressed the European Council on the situation in Georgia. Zelenskyy said that the Russian-controlled Georgian government refuses to cooperate with the EU and works in favor of Putin.
The President of Ukraine spoke at a meeting of the European Council, where he supported France's initiative to send a military contingent. Zelenskyy called on other partners to join these efforts to end the war.
The Ukrainian president said that Orban's relations with Putin are too “warm” for effective negotiations. Zelenskyy emphasized that the Hungarian prime minister has no mandate for such talks.
The President of Ukraine presented a seven-point plan for peace to the European Council. The plan includes joining NATO, EU membership, strengthening sanctions and using frozen Russian assets.
President Zelenskyy said that the United States and Europe could bring the end of the war closer if the EU has a united position. He called for the involvement of the Global South and supported the French initiative on the military contingent.
The President of Ukraine addressed a meeting of the European Council calling for sanctions against Rosatom and the Russian tanker fleet. The EU has already adopted the 15th package of sanctions against Russia to limit its military capabilities.
EU leaders plan to discuss with President Zelenskyy the issue of Russian gas transit through Ukraine after 2024. Slovenia and Ukraine are skeptical about the continuation of transit, but alternative options are being considered.
Ukraine's economy is performing better than Russia's for the first time since the invasion. The NBU forecasts GDP growth of 4% in 2024, while Russia expects only 0.5-1.5% in 2025.
Zelenskyy meets with Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels to discuss Ukraine's accession to the EU. The parties discussed new macro-financial assistance and the use of frozen Russian assets.
Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson does not rule out the deployment of Swedish troops in Ukraine and joint exercises. Sweden has already provided Ukraine with $4.4 billion in military aid.
The Verkhovna Rada has passed a law abolishing the institute of a “deliberation room” in courts. Now the court will immediately proceed to the decision-making stage, which should speed up the judicial process.
The EU's top diplomat called for an end to pressure on Zelenskyy regarding negotiations with Russia and for real security guarantees. Kallas emphasized that supporting Ukraine is now cheaper than the consequences of a possible Russian victory.
The President of Ukraine emphasized the importance of unity between the US and the EU to achieve peace. Zelenskyy plans to discuss this issue with the US president after his inauguration.
President of the European Council Antonio Costa reiterated the EU's full support for Ukraine. The European Council will discuss Ukraine and its future membership in the EU.
EU leaders plan to reaffirm their continued support for Ukraine at a summit with Zelenskyy in Brussels. They will also discuss the challenges of Trump's return and a potential trade war with the United States.
The World Bank has approved a new $1. 05 billion DPO operation for Ukraine and an additional $1 billion grant. The funds will be used for economic reforms, railroad development, and renewable energy.
Salome Zurabishvili appealed to the European Parliament to put pressure on the Georgian government to hold new elections. She claimed repression of peaceful protesters and stolen voting results.
The presidents of France and Ukraine will meet one-on-one in Brussels on the margins of the EU and Western Balkans summit. Macron may miss an important NATO meeting on Ukraine because of a trip to Mayotte.
Polish Justice Minister Adam Bodnar said that Hungary has gone too far in deviating from EU norms. Even a change of government in 2026 may not remedy the situation due to deep institutional changes.
The IEA predicts a historic high in coal use in 2024, despite climate warnings. China remains the largest consumer, using 4.9 billion tons of coal.
The Court of Justice of the European Union has dismissed the claims filed by Oleg Deripaska, Rosbank and Tinkoff Bank to lift sanctions. Deripaska was also denied compensation for non-pecuniary damage of one million euros.
Following the signing of the law on tax increases, there has been a massive closure of individual entrepreneurs in Ukraine. More than 1,000 entrepreneurs are closing down every day, which is significantly higher than the usual figure of 700 closures.
Ursula von der Leyen announced the start of the loan repayment within the G7 commitment from January. The EU will provide Ukraine with €13 billion from the Fund and more than €18 billion from frozen Russian assets.
The EU has provided Ukraine with a second tranche of EUR 4. 1 billion under the Ukraine Facility program. The total amount of assistance under the program will be EUR 50 billion by 2027.
Ursula von der Leyen announced the possibility of opening a basic cluster of negotiations on Ukraine's EU membership at the beginning of 2025. Other clusters are planned to be considered during the same year.
Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the preparation of the 16th package of sanctions against Russia. The previous sanctions have already led to a fall in the ruble and an increase in inflation in some sectors of the Russian economy by up to 70%.