Brussels


Slovakia threatens with veto power in the EU over gas transit shutdown
Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico is considering vetoing EU decisions on Ukraine because of the suspension of Russian gas transit. The country may lose 1.5 billion euros due to the lack of transit.

Employee of the Belgian Prime Minister's Office suffered from a letter with poison
The office of the Belgian Prime Minister received a letter containing the toxic substance strychnine. The employee who opened the envelope was hospitalized, and similar letters were also found in the office of the Minister of the Interior.

Fico is going to Brussels: “I will sabotage the ungrateful Zelensky”
Slovakia's Prime Minister accuses Zelenskiy of “sabotage” over the suspension of Russian gas transit. Fico plans to discuss with the European Commissioner compensation for losses of €1.5 billion.

As part of the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, three more children were returned from the temporarily occupied territories
Two young brothers and a 17-year-old boy were evacuated from the temporarily occupied territories. The boy was persecuted because of his pro-Ukrainian position, and the brothers were reunited with their mother, who could not take them on her own.

Slovakia wails that Brussels canceled consultations on stopping gas transit through Ukraine
The European Commission canceled a trilateral meeting with Slovakia and Ukraine on stopping the transit of Russian gas due to the absence of the Ukrainian side. Slovakia is waiting for a new date for consultations.

Return of illegally deported children: almost 450 little Ukrainians are back in their native land - Bring Kids Back UA
In 2024, thanks to the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, 449 illegally deported Ukrainian children were returned. International partners from Brussels to Mexico City are helping Ukraine return children from the occupied territories.

Mass riots in Brussels on New Year's Eve: police arrest 159 people
On New Year's Eve, riots broke out in Brussels, during which 60 cars were set on fire and rescuers were attacked. Police detained 159 people and recorded more than 1,700 incidents across the city.

“For some reason, it is more profitable for him in Moscow": Zelensky told about gas options rejected by Fico
The President of Ukraine commented on the visit of the Slovak prime minister to Moscow on the gas issue. According to Zelenskyy, Fico refused to compensate Slovaks and cooperate with the European Commission.

“Moscow provides significant discounts for Fico, but Slovakia pays for them": Zelensky comments on Slovak PM's meeting with Putin
The President of Ukraine commented on the visit of the Slovak Prime Minister to Moscow on the gas issue.

EU prepares 16th package of sanctions against Russia on the anniversary of the invasion
The European Union has started preparing the 16th package of sanctions against Russia until February 2025. The sanctions will affect new sectors of the Russian economy that were not previously subject to restrictions.

The Ministry of National Unity may open a representative office in the Czech Republic: Zelensky talked to Pavel
The Presidents of Ukraine and the Czech Republic held a video conversation on the supply of artillery shells and military training. They discussed the opening of a representative office of the Ministry of National Unity in the Czech Republic.

Orban wants to wait for Trump before extending EU sanctions against Russia - Bloomberg
Viktor Orban told EU leaders that he was not ready to extend sanctions against Russia until after Trump's inauguration in the United States. At the EU summit, the Hungarian prime minister called on Europeans to “show strategic patience.

New air defense systems and support for Ukraine: Zelenskyy meets with Czech Prime Minister in Brussels
The President of Ukraine met with the Czech Prime Minister in Brussels to discuss further support. Ukraine needs 19 additional air defense systems to protect energy facilities.

“We need to know what will happen tomorrow": Zelensky on security guarantees
The President of Ukraine stated the need for security guarantees for the return of citizens. At a meeting with NATO Secretary General, they discussed strengthening air defense and support for Ukraine.

Zelenskyy: Ukraine needs weapons, not lowering the mobilization age
The President of Ukraine said that the army lacks weapons, not people. Zelensky recalled the understaffed brigades and emphasized the importance of technological equipment for the army.

President of Ukraine plans to discuss the war in Ukraine with Trump and counts on his understanding
Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced his intention to discuss the details of the Russian-Ukrainian war with Donald Trump. The President of Ukraine counts on Trump's understanding and support in ending the war.

Zelenskyy: Ukraine wants a serious plan to stop Putin after Trump's inauguration
The President of Ukraine said that a serious plan to stop Putin is needed after Trump's inauguration. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of a united position of the United States and Europe on this issue.

President explains why Ukraine cannot live in a state of frozen war
The President explained that a ceasefire requires a clear understanding of the future and security guarantees. Zelenskyy emphasized that Europe and the United States could bring a just end to the war.

Zelenskyy: Orban's relations with Putin are too “warm” to put the latter in his place
The Ukrainian president said that Orban's relations with Putin are too “warm” for effective negotiations. Zelenskyy emphasized that the Hungarian prime minister has no mandate for such talks.

“We expect the first tranche in January 2025” - Zelenskyy on EU assistance worth more than €18 billion
Zelenskyy meets with Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels to discuss Ukraine's accession to the EU. The parties discussed new macro-financial assistance and the use of frozen Russian assets.

EU leaders to send 'clear message' to Trump on Ukraine - Reuters
EU leaders plan to reaffirm their continued support for Ukraine at a summit with Zelenskyy in Brussels. They will also discuss the challenges of Trump's return and a potential trade war with the United States.

“Moving to diplomacy” - President of Ukraine reveals plans for 2025
The President declared his intention to strengthen Ukraine's position for the transition to diplomacy in 2025. He noted that not all of the “victory plan” for diplomatic steps has been implemented yet.

Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary General discuss new air defense systems and security guarantees for Ukraine
The President of Ukraine met with the NATO Secretary General in Brussels to discuss strengthening air defense. They discussed the delivery of 19 critical infrastructure protection systems and economic support for Ukraine.

Zelenskyy and Macron meet: what they discussed
The presidents of Ukraine and France meet to discuss military assistance and European integration. Zelenskyy thanked for the €5 billion in support.

Rutte expects Ukraine to receive 19 air defense systems to protect critical infrastructure
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expects to deliver 19 air defense systems to Ukraine to protect critical infrastructure.

Zelenskyy and Rutte to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine in Brussels
The President of Ukraine and the NATO Secretary General will hold talks on strengthening Ukraine's security and economy. In addition, the President of Ukraine noted that he had already met with French President Macron.

Rutte confirmed that NATO is taking over coordination of military assistance to Ukraine from the US: details
NATO's new command for the coordination of Western military assistance to Ukraine has started work in Wiesbaden. The NSATU structure takes over the functions of the Ramstein group for the military implementation of the decisions taken.

No one needs Putin's race: Orban talks about “Christmas truce” again, Zelensky reacts
Hungarian Prime Minister Orban called on Ukraine to respond to the proposal for a “Christmas truce. ” The OP responded that “no one needs a race against Putin” and emphasized the need for real peace.

Zelenskyy arrives in Brussels: what he will discuss with EU and NATO leaders
The President of Ukraine will hold a series of important meetings with European leaders in Brussels. Talks are scheduled with the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, and other countries, as well as the EU and NATO leaders.

Macron to meet one-on-one with Zelensky in Brussels today
The presidents of France and Ukraine will meet one-on-one in Brussels on the margins of the EU and Western Balkans summit. Macron may miss an important NATO meeting on Ukraine because of a trip to Mayotte.