NATO

Britain's defense spending has increased by 14% over 10 years, while Iran, China, and Russia have increased funding by 57%, 60%, and 34%. London plans to increase spending to 2.5% of GDP.

The head of the Ukrainian Security Center called mobilization and involvement of civilians in the army the main challenges of 2025. To counter Russian attacks, Ukraine needs a large-scale supply of anti-personnel weapons.

69% of Ukrainians support joining the EU, which is 14% more than in February 2022. Support is highest among young people and residents of the Western and Central regions.

A new military standard for survival and capture avoidance training with three levels of difficulty has been approved. The program is based on NATO standards and includes survival training in various conditions.

The leader of Slovakia's opposition party, Branislav Greling, called Prime Minister Fico's visit to Putin a betrayal of the country. Greling emphasized that Fico does not represent the opinion of the entire nation in negotiations with Russia.

Advisor to the Presidential Administration Serhiy Leshchenko said that negotiations to end the war are inevitable, but Ukraine must be strong in them. The key condition is to receive an invitation to NATO and security guarantees from the United States and Europe.

Michael Carpenter said that Ukraine's membership in NATO could become a reality after the cessation of hostilities. He also supported the idea of creating a European military mission to guarantee Ukraine's security.

Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz ruled out the possibility of sending Polish troops to Ukraine. He emphasized that such decisions should be made through NATO, not by a group of countries.

The President of Ukraine has identified key tasks for diplomats for the next year. The priorities include work on NATO, sanctions against Russia and achieving a just peace by 2025.

At a meeting of EU leaders, a conflict arose between Scholz and Duda over the confiscation of 260 billion euros of frozen Russian assets. Germany opposes it because of the risks to financial markets, while Poland supports the idea.

Poland's Defense Minister has declared his readiness to shoot down Russian missiles only if they threaten Polish territory. The country has strengthened its air defense system and has the support of NATO allies to protect its airspace.

The German Defense Minister said there were no plans to send soldiers to Ukraine until the end of the war. At the same time, he did not rule out the possibility of deploying the Bundeswehr for a peacekeeping mission.

The Slovak prime minister said that Zelenskyy offered him €500 million from Russian assets for supporting Ukraine's accession to NATO. Fico also warned of possible measures against Ukraine over gas transit.

The Finnish Immigration Service is considering resuming the deportation of Ukrainians to safe regions. Currently, the threshold for making such decisions remains high, and Ukrainians retain the right to temporary protection.

The experts named Ukraine's key tasks for 2025, including scaling up military production and mobilization. They emphasize the importance of entering negotiations from a position of strength and with the support of partners.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry confirmed that it is working on organizing a phone call between Zelenskyy and Biden, but the specific dates are not yet known. They are planning to discuss the issue of inviting Ukraine to NATO.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry is working to create a coalition of countries to shoot down Russian missiles and drones in Ukrainian airspace. The Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasizes that such actions are not an escalation or participation in the war under international law.

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson reported on the active work on the delivery of air defense systems that Ukraine needs. Specific systems and their locations have already been identified for further delivery.

Norwegian NASAMS anti-aircraft systems have been deployed in Rzeszow, Poland, and F-35 aircraft have been sent to protect the logistics center. The mission will last until Easter with the participation of 100 Norwegian troops.

An explosion occurred in Murmansk near the base of the Russian Northern Fleet, which controls the Arctic sea lanes. The base is a key facility for launching Kalibr missiles at Ukraine and contains command centers and ammunition depots.

The President of Ukraine stated the need for security guarantees for the return of citizens. At a meeting with NATO Secretary General, they discussed strengthening air defense and support for Ukraine.

Finland is strengthening its defense capabilities due to the threat from Russia and its confrontation with the West. The country is modernizing its armed forces and integrating into NATO structures to counter long-term threats.

President Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine needs security guarantees not only from Europe but also from the United States as long as the country is not in NATO. Various security issues should be discussed separately with European and American partners.

The US Secretary of State said that NATO membership is the best guarantee of security for Ukraine. An alternative could be the presence of a European military contingent on the demarcation line after a peace agreement.

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 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.

Slovakia's Defense Minister Robert Kaliniak called it “unthinkable” to increase defense spending to 3% of GDP. The country plans to remain at 2% of GDP, despite NATO's calls for increased spending due to the threat from Russia.

The Danish Ministry of Defense has announced the 23rd package of military assistance to Ukraine worth DKK 2. 1 billion. The funds will be used to strengthen air defense, support F-16s, and purchase CV90 infantry fighting vehicles in cooperation with Sweden.

The British Ministry of Defense is considering sending military instructors to Ukraine. The UK will also provide an additional 225 million pounds of military aid for drones, ammunition, and air defense.

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.