The Taiwanese government has announced a special defense budget of $40 billion and measures to counter Chinese attacks. President Lai Ching-te stated that there would be no compromises on national security issues.
Ukrainian intelligence reports that Russia is facing a significant increase in the cost of gasoline and diesel fuel due to a change in the pricing mechanism. The government plans to abandon the link to inflation, switching to a composite index that takes into account a wider set of factors.
The government has simplified the procedure for receiving compensation under the "eRecovery" program for co-owned housing. This will allow one of the co-owners to apply for assistance, even if the other cannot be reached.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed bill 4656-IX, which amends the Law of Ukraine "On Burial and Funeral Business". The document provides a clear legal mechanism for the reburial of fallen servicemen at state expense.
SAP and NABU exposed an organized group that embezzled 140 million UAH of budget funds intended for the restoration of heat and water supply in Donetsk region. Five participants, including an official of the Donetsk Regional State Administration, have been notified of suspicion.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Bill No. 4607-IX, which establishes the Unified Social Sphere Information System. This centralizes and automates social protection processes, reducing corruption risks.
US President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to Kyiv regarding the adoption of a peace plan, threatening to stop arms and intelligence supplies. POLITICO claims that Europe will not be able to fully replace American support, and Ukraine will face serious difficulties without US assistance.
EU countries are working on a "plan B" in case they cannot reach an agreement on seizing frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reported significant progress in the negotiations of the Coalition of the Willing on sustainable peace in Ukraine. She emphasized the importance of transatlantic cooperation and continued support for Ukraine, including the use of frozen Russian assets.
In the third quarter of 2025, Russia's coal industry deepened into systemic imbalances, leading to a persistent crisis, according to the Foreign Intelligence Service. 74% of companies are operating at a loss, and 23% have completely stopped production, with the industry's total loss reaching $3.32 billion.
An EU loan of 140 billion euros, which Ukraine may receive, backed by frozen Russian assets, does not pose a threat to the sovereign ratings of EU countries. Leading rating agencies S&P and Fitch stated minimal risks for EU members, despite concerns about possible Russian lawsuits.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Svyrydenko discussed with Pierre Elbron the prospects of a reparation loan, cultural cooperation, and the creation of joint ventures. Special attention was paid to a loan based on frozen Russian assets and the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Fund.
The director and beneficial owner of a private company have been заочно notified of suspicion of embezzling UAH 28 million allocated for the purchase of drones for a state order. Both suspects have been declared internationally wanted after transferring funds abroad through fictitious structures.
France will allocate 130 million euros ($150 million) for vineyard uprooting due to falling demand, climate change, and trade wars. Agriculture Minister Enny Genever said the funds would go to finance a new permanent plan for vineyard elimination.
Ternopil Mayor Serhiy Nadal announced that the city would not install a New Year's tree, but instead would have a traditional Ukrainian nativity scene. This decision is related to the Russian strike on the city on November 19.
European defense company stocks reached a nearly two-month low on November 24. This happened amid progress in negotiations on a US-backed peace plan for Ukraine.
The European Council has officially approved the EU's annual budget for 2026 with commitments of €192. 8 billion and payments of €190.1 billion. The budget is aimed at defense, migration, competitiveness, and crisis preparedness.
The coalition in Belgium has agreed on a budget deal worth 9. 2 billion euros until 2029 to avoid the collapse of the government. The agreement includes raising excise duties on gas, some recreational goods, and air ticket taxes, as well as bringing 100,000 people back to work.
The Foreign Intelligence Service reported that Russian regions are reducing payments for contracts that previously attracted volunteers to the armed forces. This indicates the depletion of the resource base, despite stable official contracting statistics.
According to Reuters calculations, Russia's energy revenues in November 2025 could fall by 35% compared to last year, to 520 billion rubles. This is due to falling prices for Russian oil and the strengthening of the ruble.
Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren stated that the country's laws prohibit the transfer of military equipment to countries involved in armed conflict. He denied information about Chile's agreement to supply Germany with Marder 1A3 IFVs for further transfer to Ukraine.
The Ukrainian aviation industry needs the restoration of tax breaks that were in effect from 2017 to 2024, as without them the country could lose a strategically important sector. According to forecasts, the return of benefits will bring the state 55 billion UAH in tax revenues for 2025-2035, which will triple the volume of preferences granted.
The Cabinet of Ministers' resolution states that the accrual of "National Cashback" will cease from May 1. If there is a shortage of funds, cashback accrual will stop as early as January.
EU leaders will be briefed this morning on peace talks to end the war in Ukraine after a weekend of rapid negotiations in Geneva. Officials have become more optimistic about peace, although details were scarce.
A new plant for the production of "Iron Dome" interceptors has been opened in the United States, which will accelerate the supply of air defense systems to Israel and international customers. The program is funded by the $8.7 billion US aid package approved by Congress in April 2024.
The Trump administration effectively shut down the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which was created to streamline government and was closely associated with Elon Musk. The department was disbanded approximately eight months before the expiration of its mandate, which was set to run until July 2026.
The head of Russia's tax service, Daniil Yegorov, informed Putin about a 2 trillion ruble drop in oil and gas revenues. Russia's official budget deficit has already reached 4.2 trillion rubles, which is 4.3 trillion more than last year.
Surveys show a worsening financial situation for Russians, with only 8% reporting an increase in wealth, while 23% report a deterioration. Only 24% hope for an improvement in their financial situation in the coming year.
As of November 22, the list of goods and services on which funds can be spent under the "National Cashback" program has been changed. These changes synchronize its operation with the state program "Winter Support", which allows spending funds on utilities, food, medicines, books, and charity until June 30, 2026.
Within a week of the "winter thousand" program's launch, up to 10 million Ukrainians have submitted applications. The first payments will begin next week, and the funds can be used until the end of June next year.
