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.
A shooting occurred on Bondi Beach in Sydney during a Jewish Hanukkah holiday event. At least 11 people were killed and dozens were injured, prompting shock and condolences from world leaders.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb has canceled a planned visit to the United States to participate in European discussions on the peace process in Ukraine. He will join talks in Berlin, where other European leaders and high-ranking officials will also be present.
Foreign policy advisers from the US, Ukraine, Germany and other countries will continue talks on a peace plan for Ukraine in Berlin. The talks will take place ahead of a summit involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to visit Berlin on Monday. He will meet with the German Chancellor and representatives of Great Britain and France.
Ukraine is ready to agree to the creation of a demilitarized zone in Donbas as a concession to end the war. This concession has the support of European leaders and is included in the revised US peace plan.
Leavitt said talks are ongoing and the US could send its representative to those talks this weekend "if there's a real chance of a peace deal being signed. "
Senior officials from the United States, Ukraine, France, Germany, and Great Britain will meet on Saturday, December 13, in Paris. They will discuss US President Donald Trump's peace plan, which includes territorial losses for 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 President of France, the Prime Minister of Great Britain, and the Chancellor of Germany held talks with the US President regarding Ukraine. The information was confirmed by the office of the President of France.
About a dozen European heads of state and government will meet in Berlin on Monday to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are expected to be among those present.
The coalition of the willing to support Ukraine will hold a remote meeting on December 11. This will take place after Zelenskyy's negotiations with E3 leaders on a peace plan.
The European Union may announce a decision on the confiscation of frozen Russian assets within two weeks. These funds, up to 100 billion pounds sterling, or over 130 billion US dollars, include 8 billion pounds sterling (over 10 billion dollars) in the United Kingdom and are intended to provide funding for aid to Ukraine.
The President of the European Commission also emphasized that "Europe's defense is our responsibility," summarizing plans to increase defense spending and production.
The President of Ukraine summarized his meetings in London with European leaders. The unity of allies, security guarantees, reconstruction, and further defense support for Ukraine were discussed.
The President of Ukraine has concluded his visit to London, leaving Downing Street after a meeting with the Prime Minister of Great Britain. He is now heading to Brussels for talks with NATO and EU leaders.
A meeting of European leaders with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took place. After a group photo, Macron and Merz left Downing Street, while Starmer and Zelenskyy continued face-to-face negotiations.
German Foreign Minister Wadeful in Beijing called on China to use its influence on Russia to end the war in Ukraine. He emphasized China's key role in resolving the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the leaders of Britain, France, and Germany held a meeting in London. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of unity between Europe, Ukraine, and the USA.
Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in the UK for meetings with E3 leaders. After that, he will hold a bilateral meeting with Starmer and participate in a phone call with the leaders of Finland, Italy, NATO, and the EU, and then head to Belgium.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in the United Kingdom. He will meet with the British Prime Minister, the leaders of France and Germany, and then fly to Belgium.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that participants in peace initiative negotiations, mediated by the US, differ in opinions regarding the territorial issue. He emphasized that an agreement on the Ukrainian Donbas, including the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, has not yet been reached.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet with his British, French, and German counterparts in London. This will be followed by a video call with EU and NATO leaders, and then a visit to Brussels for high-level meetings.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The meeting takes place amid fears that the US may pressure Ukraine to accept a peace deal with Russia.
Russia seized more than 500 square kilometers of territory in November, twice as much as last month. At the same time, with the onset of winter, analysts expect a slowdown in the Russian advance on the front.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned Russia's massive strikes on Ukraine on December 6, emphasizing the need to pressure the aggressor for peace. He will meet with the leaders of Ukraine, Great Britain, and Germany on December 8 to discuss the situation and US mediation.
Kirill Dmitriev, an adviser to the Russian dictator, reacted to media reports about German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's distrust of US mediation efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Dmitriev accused Merz of inciting war and sabotaging peace.
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the unity of Europe and the US in supporting Ukraine, rejecting reports of a possible betrayal of Washington. He refuted skepticism about peace talks, stressing the importance of cooperation.
European leaders are warning Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy not to succumb to Russia's demands without ironclad security commitments from the United States. They advise clearly defining America's role in security guarantees for Kyiv before agreeing to Russia's demands.
Spiegel reported that the Élysée Palace, in a statement to the German publication, denied that Macron had spoken of any betrayal.