NATO

The European Commission has initiated legal proceedings against Slovakia over the adoption of a constitutional amendment that declares the priority of national law over EU norms. This has escalated tensions between Brussels and Robert Fico's government.

Great Britain will offer Ukraine NATO-style security guarantees, which will include a military response to a future Russian attack. These guarantees will cover a 10-year period and are part of Trump's peace plan.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. They reaffirmed their full support for Ukraine and discussed US efforts to end the war, emphasizing the need for European partners' approval for any peace agreement.

European leaders are urgently coordinating a response to the US-Russia peace plan for Ukraine. The initiative has caused panic and concern among European officials, who believe it could force Ukraine to cede territory and limit NATO force deployment.

Axios has published US President Donald Trump's 28-point plan for peace in Ukraine. The document provides for territorial concessions, security guarantees, and economic components.

The US has developed a draft security guarantee for Ukraine based on NATO's Article 5 model, which provides for a joint response to an attack. This plan, presented to Zelenskyy, is part of Trump's "peace plan" and may include the use of military force.

Great Britain has identified units and headquarters locations for troop deployment in Ukraine as part of a 30-country coalition. Plans include training Ukrainian troops within the country and coordinating multinational forces.

Germany is urging the European Union to reach an agreement with the United Kingdom on access to the EU defense fund by the end of the month. This would allow the UK to participate in the €150 billion fund designed to strengthen European defense.

Poland is launching a pilot defense program wReady for civilians, which will last until December 14. It is designed to increase readiness for crisis situations amid threats from Russia.

The Telegraph columnist Daniel DePetris believes that Donald Trump's "peace" plan for the war in Ukraine is unrealistic and unacceptable for Kyiv. It envisages territorial concessions from Ukraine and de facto Russian control over Donbas.

The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a multi-billion dollar civilian nuclear energy agreement. This happened during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Washington.

US President Donald Trump aims to officially make Saudi Arabia a major non-NATO ally to strengthen relations. This would give Saudi Arabia priority access to military equipment and participation in joint projects.

Slovak Prime Minister Fico met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Fico asked NATO to strengthen Slovakia's air defense, emphasizing the country's sovereign right to choose the pace and structure of military spending.

US President Donald Trump hosted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House, seeking to restore his global image after the murder of Jamal Khashoggi and deepen ties with Washington. The meeting focused on developing security ties, cooperation in the civilian nuclear sector, and multi-billion dollar business deals.

The Russian State Duma approved an increase in VAT from 20% to 22% starting in 2026, expecting an additional trillion rubles for the budget. The changes also lower the annual income threshold for businesses required to collect VAT from 60 to 10 million rubles.

The deployment of NATO troops to the eastern flank in the event of a full-scale Russian invasion could take 45 days, while the EU aims to reduce this period to 3-5 days. The problem lies in different railway track gauge standards and bureaucracy, which complicates the movement of troops across Europe.

US President's envoy to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, calls on European allies to take a more aggressive stance on Moscow and use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine. This move would provide support to Ukraine for years and signal a new, bolder phase in European politics.

NATO Assistant Secretary General Boris Ruge stated that there is no single position within the Alliance regarding the possibility of shooting down Russian missiles and drones over Ukraine, even if they threaten allies. NATO is focused on protecting the airspace of member countries and supports Ukraine with air defense systems.

Montenegro's Foreign Ministry called the behavior of Russian Ambassador Alexander Lukashik "absolutely unacceptable" due to interference in the internal affairs of the state, it was reported on November 17.

Dmytro Medvedev stated that the "special military operation" will continue until the Kremlin's goals are achieved, which are in fact the destruction of Ukraine and the maximum expulsion of Ukrainians.

Finnish troops have begun artillery exercises in Lapland, near the Russian border, involving heavy artillery. Polish troops are also participating.

European Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius stated that Ukrainian troops could be deployed to defend the EU's eastern borders from Russia after the end of hostilities. He noted that the Ukrainian army has the most experienced military personnel in Europe.

Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, in response to German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius' warning about a possible Russian attack on NATO, that Russia "may take measures to ensure security. " But he stressed that Moscow does not seek confrontation with NATO countries.

Mike Pompeo, former US Secretary of State, has joined the advisory board of the Ukrainian defense company Fire Point. The company is opening a factory in Denmark, plans to double missile production, and has commissioned an independent audit of prices and production.

Denmark will join a NATO project to develop a single standard for 155mm artillery ammunition. Minister of Defense Troels Lund Poulsen signed a declaration of intent to develop a common design for 155mm ammunition together with other NATO countries.

The US must be able to seize the initiative in the fight against any adversary to deter and win future wars. Russia is moving towards prolonging and expanding the current war, exploiting the weakness of Western countries.

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.

The federal government of the European country is investing 100 million euros in modern drone defense systems, including interceptors. The move is aimed at combating illegal drones appearing over German territory.