Russian dictator Putin plans to spend about 40% of budget funds on defense and the security bloc, which is a record since the USSR. This indicates the Kremlin's intention to continue the war, despite the budget deficit and cuts in social programs.
The Netherlands is providing Ukraine with a new military aid package worth 250 million euros through the PURL initiative. The funds will be used to purchase American weapons, including air defense systems and F-16 ammunition.
The European Commission is consulting with member states on a "reparations loan," but Belgium is resisting. EU leaders must find a solution before the December 18-19 summit, as all options have weaknesses.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Diplomatic issues, strengthening Ukraine's resilience, and the negotiation process to end the war were discussed.
The number of possible cases of African swine fever among wild boars is increasing in Spain, threatening pork exports. Countries are already imposing import restrictions, and a third of export certificates have been blocked.
President Zelenskyy and Finnish President Alexander Stubb held talks on Russian aggression. The parties exchanged information and assessed diplomatic scenarios, emphasizing the need to pressure Russia.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine has synchronized sanctions with the United States and imposed them against "Rosneft" and "Lukoil," as well as against other Russian companies and enterprises.
The KAIROS tanker, damaged in the Black Sea while transporting Russian oil products, cannot yet be towed to shore. The vessel has drifted 18 kilometers from the coast, and the oil spill has stretched for 16 kilometers.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that Putin must agree to a ceasefire, otherwise Russia will face new sanctions. Also, according to him, the European Council may decide on frozen Russian assets as early as December 18.
Catalonia has closed the Collserola natural park near Barcelona after six wild boars were found dead from African swine fever. This is the first outbreak of the disease in Spain since 1994, leading to restrictions on Spanish pork imports by some countries.
The Ukrainian delegation will arrive in the USA on November 29 to continue the dialogue on ending the war, with clear directives. President Zelenskyy also reported on the shelling of Ukraine on November 29, where 19 missiles and almost 560 drones were shot down.
The reason is Driscoll's ambition, who could claim Hagseth's position.
Donald Trump addressed airlines, drug traffickers, and human traffickers, urging them to consider the airspace over Venezuela completely closed. The US President had previously not ruled out the possibility of a ground operation and recognized Maduro as a member of a terrorist organization.
SBU Sea Baby naval drones hit two sanctioned oil tankers, KAIRO and VIRAT, in the Black Sea. This was a joint operation of the 13th Main Directorate of Military Counterintelligence of the SBU with the Ukrainian Navy.
The Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure reported a repeated hit on the vessel "Virat," which resulted in minor damage to its starboard side. The fire on the tanker "Kairos," which caught fire during a voyage between Egypt and Russia, was also extinguished, and the crew was evacuated.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported 3 dead and dozens wounded as a result of Russia's massive night attack with approximately 36 missiles and 600 drones. The main targets were energy and civilian infrastructure, leading to damage and fires in residential buildings.
The Russian Federation declared Human Rights Watch an "undesirable" organization, banning its activities in the country. At the same time, several public figures, journalists, and publications were added to the register of "foreign agents."
Two tankers, Kairos and Virat, carrying Russian oil and under sanctions, exploded off the coast of Turkey in the Black Sea. The causes of the incidents are unknown, and a rescue operation is underway.
Belarusian self-proclaimed president Lukashenka visited Myanmar, strengthening the junta's legitimacy ahead of controversial elections. He became only the second world leader to visit the country since the establishment of military rule in 2021.
North of the Turkish coast, the tanker Kairos, part of Russia's shadow fleet, was damaged and caught fire. The vessel, which is under EU and UK sanctions, was not carrying cargo at the time of the incident.
African swine fever has been detected in wild boars near Barcelona, Spain, marking the first case since 1994. This incident threatens pork exports to China, although the agreement allows restrictions only for the affected region.
Belgium is slowing down the EU's decision to transfer frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, fearing legal claims from Russia and undermining trust in its financial institutions. This could also affect peace negotiations with Russia, which might refuse dialogue.
The Russian economy is entering its final phase in 2025 with a rapid deterioration of corporate performance, an increase in non-payments by state structures, and a deepening crisis in entire sectors. The accumulated net financial result of organizations in January–September fell by 7.7% year-on-year, and the total losses of Russian organizations over nine months increased by almost a quarter year-on-year, reaching 6.52 trillion rubles.
Member states of the International Maritime Organization did not support Russia, which failed to secure a seat on the IMO Council. For several months, Ukraine had been explaining to its partners the true picture of Russian attacks on ports and civilian vessels.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, during a meeting with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, stated Budapest's readiness to provide a platform for negotiations on "conflict resolution" in Ukraine. The leaders also discussed a possible Russian-American summit in Budapest and cooperation in the energy sector.
EU countries are increasing pressure on Belgium to unblock 140 billion euros of frozen Russian reserves. Belgium is accused of concealing information about tax revenues received from these assets.
The Asset Recovery and Management Agency has started collecting tender proposals for IDS Ukraine assets until December 12, 2025. The auction will take place on Prozorro in December 2025, with expected budget revenues of at least UAH 24 million per month.
Russia's international reserves fell by $5. 0 billion in a week, and Russian companies' losses sharply increased in 2025. The share of unprofitable coal enterprises reached 68.1%, and passenger car production decreased by 46.7%.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever stated that the EU's plan to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine could harm a peace agreement. Belgium has not seen the legal wording from the European Commission, which will present a proposal this week on the use of the assets.
US President Donald Trump said that the US would "very soon" start stopping suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers by land. This is a continuation of efforts that already stop about 85% of drug trafficking by sea.
