NATO

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.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated that a ceasefire in Ukraine is unlikely in the near future, calling on European allies to support Kyiv despite the corruption scandal. He emphasized the need for European resilience and increased pressure on Russia.

Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council, commented on the information from the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense about Russia's increased production of KABs. He warned that this is a weapon of mass use that NATO armies will find difficult to counter.

Estonia will allocate €3. 5 million to Ukraine for the purchase of Starlink communication systems. The funds, earmarked for 2025, will be channeled through the IT Coalition, led by Estonia and Luxembourg.

The administration of US President Donald Trump has approved the sale of air defense systems worth $3. 5 billion to Germany. Berlin requested 173 Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) Block I missiles and 577 Standard Missile 2 Block IIIC missiles, as well as related equipment.

Germany will allocate 150 million euros for the purchase of American weapons for Ukraine within the framework of the PURL mechanism. This initiative provides for accelerated delivery of American weapons to Ukraine, financed by European partners.

Italy's Deputy Prime Minister stated that providing more aid to Ukraine would not stop the war and could "fuel further corruption. " Defense Minister Guido Crosetto criticized his stance, emphasizing aid to the civilian population.

The Finnish Armed Forces will relocate their headquarters to Norfolk, USA, in 2026, falling under NATO's command structure. This decision was announced by Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen, although the move was initially planned for early 2025.

The U. S. Coast Guard said it was tracking a Russian military vessel spotted 15 nautical miles south of Oahu, Hawaii. An HC-130 Hercules aircraft and the cutter William Hart flew over and passed near the Russian intelligence ship Karelia.

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."

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.

Northern and Baltic NATO allies announced on November 13 the funding of a joint PURL package worth $500 million for Ukraine. This package includes military equipment and ammunition from the United States.

Roger Waters, the founder of the legendary band Pink Floyd, stated that Angelina Jolie and other celebrities who support Ukraine are "absolute ignoramuses" regarding the history and essence of the "conflict. " He emphasized the need to study various sources of information before providing support to any side.

The Montenegrin parliament supported the decision to involve its country's army in NATO's activities to create a Ukraine Assistance and Training Service.

Before the House of Representatives resumed work, the US Air Force admitted that the secret Joint Advanced Tactical Missile program had not changed. Earlier, the Pentagon claimed delays due to the US government shutdown.

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.

Ukraine is rapidly developing its own drone production, manufacturing about 4 million units annually. This has strengthened its market position and met demand, particularly from the US and NATO.