The European Union has agreed on final rules that provide for a gradual cessation of Russian natural gas imports. A full embargo on supplies will come into force by the end of 2027 after approval by the EU Council and the European Parliament.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Ukraine's readiness to immediately open three clusters in EU membership negotiations, and the rest by the end of this year. He emphasized that the European Commission recognizes that Ukraine can open three clusters, which is half.
The defense ministers of the European Union countries discussed further support for Ukraine and European defense, emphasizing the critical importance of making a decision on multi-year funding for Kyiv.
A high-ranking NATO diplomat stated that the Russian army is incapable of attacking EU countries. This was a response to Vladimir Putin's threats about Russia's readiness for war with Europe.
The Irish media regulator has launched an investigation into TikTok and LinkedIn. The reason is a suspicion of inadequate mechanisms for reporting illegal content, which could lead to a fine of up to 6% of annual revenue.
This year, 17 people have been executed in Singapore for drug and murder offenses, the highest number since 2003. This comes amid renewed debate over the use of capital punishment.
Three people, including former Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini, have been detained in Belgium on suspicion of fraud involving EU funds. The investigation concerns alleged favoritism in the European External Action Service's awarding of a program to the College of Europe.
The European defense sector grew by 13. 8% in 2024, reaching a turnover of €183.4 billion. This growth is a result of increased defense budgets following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Russia and Vietnam have organized a scheme to circumvent the price cap on Russian oil, which involves joint oil and gas production. The agreements allow for the export of Russian oil under the guise of Vietnamese oil and set a minimum sale price for oil of no less than $75 per barrel.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski announced a possible reset of US-Russian relations. He believes that Polish President Karol Nawrocki, who has good relations with Donald Trump, should intervene in the situation.
US officials intend to return Russian assets after a peace treaty is concluded. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposes using them to support Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron will make his fourth state visit to China this week. Europe is seeking to strike a balance between economic and security threats from Beijing and its dependence on the world's second-largest economy.
In November of this year, Ukrainians purchased about 8. 3 thousand new passenger cars, which is 58% more than last year. The most popular brand of the month was Chinese BYD, and the bestseller was RENAULT Duster.
In November, Turkey reduced imports of Russian Urals crude oil by 100,000 barrels per day, to approximately 200,000 barrels per day. This comes amid tightening Western sanctions and the transition of Turkish refineries to alternative grades such as Kazakhstan's CPC Blend and Iraq's Basrah.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the preparation of new EU sanctions against Belarus. This is a response to hybrid actions against Lithuania, including an increase in the number of incursions by contraband balloons.
Canada has finally decided to join the EU's "Security for Europe" program with a contribution of €150 billion. This is the first time a third country will officially participate in the bloc's flagship joint procurement initiative.
Romania will have to independently deter the enemy in case of a Russian invasion; NATO troops will only be able to help after several weeks. This was revealed by military exercises in Cincu, which focused on ground combat.
Kaja Kallas expressed concern about possible pressure on Ukraine in peace talks and emphasized the importance of reparations credits from frozen Russian assets. She also supported Ukrainian anti-corruption institutions, stressing the importance of trust during the war.
The head of European Union diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, stated that Russia must pay compensation to Ukraine. She emphasized that fair reparations loans, backed by frozen Russian assets, should form the basis for compensation for damages.
Ukraine and the EU are launching the Brave1 – EU4UA Defence Tech grant program with a budget of 3. 3 million euros. The program will fund the development of defense technologies, including high-speed interceptors and radars to strengthen the protection of Ukrainian skies.
The EU warns the Donald Trump administration against granting amnesty to Putin or writing off Russia's war crimes, calling it a strategic catastrophe. The EU emphasizes the need to hold Russia accountable for crimes in Ukraine and supports the creation of a tribunal.
French President Emmanuel Macron will make a three-day state visit to China this week to persuade Xi Jinping to influence the Kremlin to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine. Paris also expects China to step up efforts to influence Russia and review trade imbalances with the EU.
A Land Cruiser 200 Prado belonging to a 41-year-old doctor of physical and mathematical sciences, a developer of targeting systems for long-range missiles, exploded in Moscow. The owner of the car, a specialist at the Moscow Research Institute "Polyus", is currently on a business trip.
The European Commission is developing a list of satellite services for EU military needs, which will be integrated into a new satellite constellation. The project envisages investments in satellites to provide high-quality Earth images at 30-minute intervals.
EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas stated that Belgium has legitimate concerns about the risks of a reparations loan for Ukraine, but other member states are ready to share these risks. The European Commission continues consultations with member states, including Belgium, on this issue.
The European Commission is consulting with member states on a "reparations loan," but Belgium is resisting. EU leaders must find a solution before the December 18-19 summit, as all options have weaknesses.
EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas stated that this week could be crucial for diplomacy regarding ending the war in Ukraine. This comes amid negotiations between US representatives and the Ukrainian delegation, and their trip to Moscow.
NATO is stepping up preparations for a possible confrontation with Russia, while the US is reducing its military presence in Europe. The number of American troops has already been reduced in Romania, and similar steps are planned in Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Hungary.
The number of possible cases of African swine fever among wild boars is increasing in Spain, threatening pork exports. Countries are already imposing import restrictions, and a third of export certificates have been blocked.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine has synchronized sanctions with the United States and imposed them against "Rosneft" and "Lukoil," as well as against other Russian companies and enterprises.
