Sanctions
The German Chancellor called on EU member states to find a way to share the risks associated with the use of these assets.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that there is no agreement on the use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine. He noted that the positions of Europe and the US on this issue differ significantly.
President Zelenskyy is concerned about the possibility of Russia rejecting Trump's peace plan, which could cause turbulence in the diplomatic process. In case of Russia's refusal, the United States of America will strengthen sanctions and increase arms supplies to Ukraine.
The European Union is preparing a new package of sanctions against Russia and confirms the freezing of Russian assets. The EU is ready to cover two-thirds of Ukraine's financial needs for the next two years, which amounts to about 90 billion euros.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that frozen Russian assets totaling up to $210 billion are a financial security guarantee for Ukraine. He presented two scenarios for their use: for post-war reconstruction or for annual financial assistance of 40-45 billion euros for the Armed Forces of Ukraine in case of continued aggression.
The European Union does not plan to lift sanctions on Belarus, said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas. This decision was made despite the fact that on December 13, the US announced the lifting of sanctions on Belarusian potash, which had been in effect since 2021.
European leaders, in a joint statement, agreed with Trump's peace plan for Ukraine, emphasizing the inviolability of borders. They called on Russia for negotiations and readiness for a ceasefire.
The US has partially lifted sanctions on three Belarusian legal entities linked to the potash sector. This happened after the Belarusian authorities released a number of political prisoners, including Nobel laureate Ales Bialiatski.
During the Berlin talks, EU leaders welcomed progress in Trump's peace efforts, agreeing to cooperate to achieve peace and preserve Ukraine's sovereignty. They supported the creation of multinational forces in Ukraine and its accession to the EU.
Several countries held talks in Iran, agreeing to deepen coordination and calling for the lifting of sanctions against Kabul. Afghanistan, led by the Taliban movement, refused to participate despite an invitation.
The European Union has imposed sanctions against Pakistani oil tycoon Murtaza Lakhani and Azerbaijani businessman Etibar Eyubov. This happened as part of a new package of measures against Russia over its war against Ukraine.
Germany plans to integrate Ukrainian weapons and receive combat data. The government presented a 10-point plan to accelerate the integration of the Ukrainian industry into the European defense market.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the President of the German Bundestag, Julia Klöckner. The parties discussed mechanisms for using frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine and defense assistance.
The European Union has tightened sanctions against 12 individuals and 2 entities involved in Russian hybrid operations, including disinformation. Diana Panchenko was included in the list.
EU ambassadors in Brussels today are discussing the European Commission's amendments to the reparations loan proposal for financing Ukraine. These amendments aim to address the concerns of Belgium, as well as Italy, Bulgaria, and Malta, who are calling for alternative options.
India is reducing Russian oil imports to 800,000 barrels per day this month. This is due to tighter controls to comply with Western sanctions and attempts to conclude a trade deal with the United States.
The European Union has expanded sanctions against Belarus to include hybrid hostile actions against neighboring countries. The new criterion allows for restrictions to be imposed on companies and individuals involved in actions that threaten the EU's democracy, rule of law, stability, or security.
The European Union has expanded sanctions against 9 individuals and entities supporting Russia's "shadow fleet" that transports oil. This decision aims to limit Russia's revenues and targets companies associated with "Rosneft" and "Lukoil" that use illegal shipping practices.
The launch of the Russian Proton-M carrier rocket from Baikonur, scheduled for December 15, failed due to a "local discrepancy" in the upper stage. This incident points to systemic problems in Russia's space industry amid international sanctions.
EU diplomacy chief Kallas said that EU leaders will discuss financing Ukraine at Thursday's meeting, where a reparation loan is the most likely option. This loan will be based on frozen Russian assets, avoiding the use of taxpayer money.
A KIIS poll showed that 72% of Ukrainians are ready for peace with a frozen front and security guarantees. Most Ukrainians reject the Russian peace plan and are ready to endure the war for as long as necessary.
EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas announced the expansion of sanctions against Russia's "shadow fleet", adding about 40 vessels to the list. This decision is aimed at depriving Russia of funds to finance the war.
The adaptation of the Iranian-made drone with a Soviet air-to-air missile is aimed at hitting Ukrainian helicopters and aircraft that hunt Russian drones.
Brent crude and US West Texas Intermediate oil futures rose amid supply disruptions linked to US-Venezuela tensions, which outweighed oversupply concerns.
The European Union is facing a critical week as it tries to protect Ukraine from an unfavorable peace deal imposed by the US and Russia, and to save a multi-billion euro loan financing agreement for Ukraine. EU leaders will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and American officials in Berlin to discuss a peace deal, and will also fight for support for the lending plan among European governments.
Volkswagen is ceasing production at its Dresden plant from December 16, marking the company's first plant closure in Germany in 88 years. The reasons are declining demand in China and Europe, as well as the impact of US tariffs.
Estonian President Alar Karis believes that Hungary should be helped to pay fines for terminating energy agreements with Russia. These agreements, some of which are valid until the 2040s, were concluded by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to ensure further supplies of cheap energy.
The General Assembly of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) has allowed Russian chess players to participate in international tournaments using their national flag and anthem. The decision was made on December 14, with 61 delegates voting in favor and 51 against.
Bail of 3 million 28 thousand hryvnias was posted for MP Hanna Skorokhod, after which she was released with an electronic monitoring bracelet. The lawyer reported that the bail was posted by third parties, and Skorokhod herself does not possess such an amount of money.
Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service reports that control over Russia's near-Arctic reserves of rare earth elements, oil, and gas is now concentrated in the hands of three key figures. These are Sergey Kiriyenko, Igor Sechin, and Kirill Dmitriev, who control the Northern Sea Route and key deposits.