Cyprus and Malta warn that strengthening sanctions against Russia should not harm the legitimate EU maritime sector. They oppose a complete ban on the provision of maritime services, fearing the relocation of business outside the EU.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov has announced his intention to resign after a wave of protests, intensifying political chaos ahead of the country's entry into the eurozone. This decision will not affect Bulgaria's entry into the eurozone on January 1.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had a "constructive" conversation with US President Donald Trump, where they discussed Ukraine and a possible meeting in Berlin. Merz emphasized that Ukraine must decide on concessions, and also criticized Putin and supported the use of frozen Russian assets.
The European Union is developing strategies to persuade Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever to support the allocation of 210 billion euros to Ukraine. If Belgium continues to block the plan, it may be ignored at the EU level, similar to Hungary.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever does not rule out legal action if the EU decides to seize Russian assets in Euroclear, emphasizing that the risks cannot be borne solely by Belgium. He considers confiscation a radical and ill-considered step, proposing other options for financing aid to Ukraine.
The Trump administration has handed European counterparts documents outlining its vision for Ukraine's reconstruction and Russia's return to the global economy. The proposals have sparked a fierce struggle between America and its allies in Europe.
The Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) and the Ministry of Sports of Ukraine have released data on over 20 Russian athletes who support the war and have visited occupied territories, yet are seeking to participate in the 2026 Olympic Games. These athletes represent CSKA and Rosgvardia, and actively assist the Russian military.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the preparation of a new package of sanctions against Russian tankers, which will be presented in December. He also noted that Europe is preparing additional restrictions against the entire infrastructure for transporting Russian oil.
Thousands of Bulgarians have once again taken to the streets to protest against the minority government, accusing it of failing to tackle corruption. The demonstrations continue amid preparations for the introduction of the euro and an upcoming no-confidence vote.
Chipmaker Intel has lost its appeal against a European Union antitrust decision. However, the court reduced the fine imposed on the company two years ago by a third, cutting it by 140 million euros.
The US has extended the waiver of sanctions against Lukoil until January 17, allowing certain operations. This is due to intensified negotiations on the sale of the Russian company's foreign assets.
The vessel, flying the flag of the Comoros, was moving in Ukraine's exclusive economic zone towards the Novorossiysk port terminal. It was traveling at maximum speed with its transponder turned off.
An Austrian court has definitively blocked the US request for the extradition of Dmytro Firtash, concluding over a decade of legal hearings. The Higher Regional Court of Vienna confirmed that the lower court's decision is final, as prosecutors failed to meet the deadline for filing an appeal.
An assassination attempt was made on businessman Timur Mindich, a figure in the "Midas" case, in Israel on November 28, as reported by Ihor Kolomoisky. The criminals have been arrested, and a domestic worker was injured.
ECB President Christine Lagarde stated that the new EU proposal on using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine is the most compliant with international law. EU leaders are discussing the involvement of 210 billion euros of Russian sovereign assets frozen in Europe.
Four of India's seven largest oil refineries continue to purchase Russian oil at significant discounts, while Reliance Industries Ltd. refrains due to the risk of sanctions. Russian oil imports to India are expected to decrease, but trade will continue at a lower level.
US sanctions against Russian oil giants Lukoil and Rosneft, which came into force on November 21, could cause a structural reorganization of the global oil sector. This will lead to the forced sale of assets and the redistribution of ownership of fields and refineries around the world.
The European Union has agreed on new sanctions against Russia, aimed at countering the destabilization of the EU and combating Russia's "shadow fleet. " The list includes 43 vessels of Russia's "shadow fleet."
A Russian vessel that illegally exported Ukrainian agricultural products through occupied Crimea has been detained and seized in the Odesa port. The dry cargo ship systematically entered closed Crimean ports, and in 2021, it exported over 6.9 thousand tons of wheat to Africa.
The Washington Post reports on the outlines of a future peace agreement for Ukraine, which includes EU membership by 2027 and security guarantees from the US. The agreement provides for a demilitarized zone and territorial exchange, but Donald Trump could influence the course of negotiations.
EU countries intend to accelerate a decision on immobilizing up to 210 billion euros of Russian sovereign assets. This will allow them to bypass Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban before next week's summit.
Oil prices remained stable on Wednesday after falling 1% in the previous session. Brent crude futures rose 0.1% to $62.01 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude rose 0.1% to $58.32 a barrel.
US Ambassador Tom Barrack said that Turkey must abandon the Russian S-400 air defense system. This is a condition for the country's return to the F-35 program.
Great Britain has expanded its sanctions list to include two individuals and five legal entities. Restrictions have been imposed against Russian ideologue Alexander Dugin, blogger Mikhail Zvinchuk, and organizations associated with them.
The provision that prohibited Kyiv from joining NATO was removed from the current peace plan, although the new version does not address this issue at all. At the same time, European officials predict that it may take a long time for the US, Russia, and Ukraine to resolve their differences.
President Zelenskyy announced that the US has expressed a desire to provide Ukraine with realistic security guarantees, voted on by Congress, as well as to supply weapons. These guarantees include sanctions, air defense, and provisions similar to Article 5.
Hungary's opposition is demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and early elections after the release of a video showing physical abuse at a state-run juvenile detention center in Budapest. This incident occurred amid accusations of sexual abuse and the organization of a prostitution ring by the facility's former director.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discussed the Reconstruction Investment Fund, expanding Ukraine's ability to purchase US LNG, and financial support. Alvarez & Marsal has been appointed as the Fund's investment advisor.
The High Anti-Corruption Court (VAKS) chose a preventive measure for MP Skorokhod in the form of bail of over UAH 3 million. This happened after she was exposed in a case involving $250,000 for resolving the issue of NSDC sanctions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome. They discussed defense support for Ukraine, strengthening air defense, and enhancing energy resilience, as well as further financial support.
