EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius stated in Vilnius that Europe is not ready to detect and destroy Russian drones with economically effective means. He emphasized the need to include Ukraine in the common defense.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council, stated that modern Russia is incapable of compromise because its elites depend on war. He emphasized that only the destruction of the current Russian elite will guarantee peace in Europe.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that there is no threat of a Russian attack on EU or NATO countries. He also criticized the European Union's position on supporting Ukraine, believing that time is working for the Russians.
Russia's fossil fuel exports in October fell to their lowest levels since the start of the full-scale war, amounting to 524 million euros per day. This is 4% less than in September, due to Ukrainian attacks and international sanctions.
Israel continues to restrict the flow of aid to Gaza, leading to a critical shortage of food and goods, despite the approaching winter. UNRWA Deputy Commissioner-General Natalie Boucly calls for increased pressure on Israel to ensure an unrestricted flow of aid.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that Ukrainians and Russians do not seek peace, therefore external forces must persuade them to make peace. He noted that the EU has leverage over Kyiv, but the West cannot convince Russia, which seeks to occupy all of Ukraine.
The European Union has begun work on the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. The goal is to further pressure the aggressor, with potential targets including energy companies and vessels.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski stated that Ukraine could join the EU in the early 2030s. For this to happen, the country must overcome corruption and adhere to all necessary procedures.
Google plans to invest $40 billion in three new data centers in Texas by 2027 to increase AI computing power. These centers will create thousands of jobs and provide student training, as well as support energy initiatives.
On November 17, Poland will reopen two border crossings with Belarus: Bobrowniki-Berestovitsa and Kuźnica Białostocka-Bruzgi. This decision will support residents and businesses, particularly carriers, by allowing passenger traffic and limited truck movement.
The Donald Trump administration has reached an agreement with Switzerland to reduce import tariffs to 15%, ending several months of trade confrontation. Switzerland will invest $200 billion in the US and relocate part of its production.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that his government would challenge the EU's plan to end Russian energy imports by the end of 2027. Orbán considers this plan a violation of European law and an attempt to circumvent the right of veto on sanctions.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, during a speech at a school in Poprad, called on schoolchildren who support Ukraine to go to war with the Russians. Some students left the hall, unfurling the Ukrainian flag.
The US has abandoned former President Biden's initiative, which was intended to oblige airlines to pay compensation for flight delays caused by carriers. The administration of Donald Trump explained this decision as an "unnecessary regulatory burden" for airlines.
The Kremlin consistently reaffirms its initial war demands, which include Ukraine's "neutrality," the removal of legitimate Ukrainian authorities, and the establishment of a pro-Russian government. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the war in Ukraine is intended to "reliably guarantee Russia's security" and "thwart NATO and EU plans" to turn Ukraine into a "puppet state."
The European Commission proposes to expand ESMA's powers, including direct supervision of clearing houses, depositories, trading venues, and cryptocurrency companies. This would create a financial supervisory body similar to the SEC in the US.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy will arrive in Athens on November 16 for an official visit. Meetings with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and President of Greece Konstantinos Tasoulas are planned.
Latvia and Estonia are ready to show solidarity with Vilnius over Belarusian contraband balloons, said Lithuanian Prime Minister Ruginiene. Poland has already joined Lithuania, refusing to open its borders with Belarus.
Dean Spielmann, an advisor to the EU's Supreme Court, stated that the Spanish amnesty law for participants in the Catalan separatist movement does not contradict EU law. This decision supported the government of Pedro Sánchez, which relied on the law to maintain power.
The European Union is developing a plan as part of the next stage of the trade agreement with the United States. Key aspects of the plan include: customs tariffs, investments in strategic areas, elimination of technical barriers, and the creation of economic security working groups.
A citizen of Ukraine, who fought against Ukraine after the annexation of Crimea and launched drones at Kherson, was detained at the Shehyni – Medyka checkpoint. He tried to flee to the EU under the guise of a refugee, possessing a Russian passport and being on an international wanted list.
Ukraine received €5. 9 billion from the European Union, of which €4.1 billion came as part of the ERA Loans mechanism from the profits of frozen Russian assets. Another €1.8 billion was allocated within the framework of the Ukraine Facility, which confirms Ukraine's movement along the path of reforms and European integration.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged EU allies to overcome differences on using frozen Russian assets, as new funding is critical for the country's economy. The EU has postponed a decision until December on using Russian state assets to provide Ukraine with €140 billion in loans, facing objections from Belgium and Slovakia.
Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak met with the Ambassador of the European Union to Ukraine, Katarína Mathernová. They discussed, in particular, the prospects of Ukraine receiving a "reparations loan" from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets.
The Montenegrin parliament supported the decision to involve its country's army in NATO's activities to create a Ukraine Assistance and Training Service.
Ukraine expects a tranche of direct budget assistance from the EU totaling 6 billion euros on November 13. The funds include 4.1 billion euros under ERA loans and 1.9 billion euros under the Ukraine Facility.
Norway is considering supporting the EU's plan to use frozen Russian assets for Ukraine. However, the country will not use its sovereign wealth fund as the sole financial support.
The Prosecutor General's Office has shut down 277 fraudulent call centers in various regions of Ukraine. These centers have been deceiving citizens of Ukraine, the EU, and Asia for years, extorting money under the guise of investments or selling goods.
Ukraine and eight other countries have joined the EU's decision to impose sanctions against the leadership of Transnistria. These countries will ensure that their national policies align with this decision.
EU ambassadors have approved the simplification of the suspension of visa liberalization with the EU. The agreement will be approved by ministers on November 17, signed on November 26, and will enter into force in December.
