Ella Libanova stated that active shelling of cities encourages Ukrainians to temporarily move to villages for safety. She predicts that after the war, people will return to large cities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Andrej Babiš on his appointment as Prime Minister of the Czech Republic. The head of state expressed hope for further development of cooperation, including the work of Czech businesses in Ukraine.
Czech President Petr Pavel appointed Andrej Babiš as Prime Minister on December 9, 2025. Babiš returns to power after four years in opposition.
Czech President Petr Pavel stated that European countries would start shooting down Russian planes and drones that violate their airspace if the violations continue. He noted that these violations are deliberate and aimed at testing air defense systems and the West's resolve.
Czech President Petr Pavel will appoint populist ANO party leader Andrej Babiš as prime minister on December 9. Babiš intends to take office in time to represent the country at the EU summit on December 18-19.
MEPs are considering regulating energy drinks for minors due to health risks. Some EU countries already have age restrictions, but the European Commission notes that there is insufficient data for safe daily limits for children.
The Czech Ministry of Defense stated that the modernization of T-72 M4CZ tanks was ineffective due to problems with firing accuracy. The Czech army will replace them with Leopards, as continuing the modernization contract has been deemed impractical.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki limited his trip to Hungary, refusing to meet with Prime Minister Viktor Orban. This decision was made due to Orban's visit to Moscow, which caused concern in Warsaw.
European stock markets are showing significant growth, with half of the world's top 20 markets being European. Investors are increasing their investments in Europe amid lower inflation and anticipated corporate earnings growth.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that after the war, Ukraine would become a buffer state between the West and Russia, as it was before the war.
The younger generation is increasingly consciously refusing to use generative AI, considering it unethical, environmentally harmful, and a threat to the creative sphere. They are creating an "AI veganism" movement, emphasizing injustice and undermining the value of human labor.
Czech Prime Minister Fiala stated that the Czech Republic earned more than it spent on supporting Ukraine during the war. According to him, since the beginning of the war in 2022, aid for all departments and government agencies has reached 91.3 billion crowns.
European countries are considering joint offensive cyber operations and surprise military exercises in response to Russia's hybrid attacks. This comes amid an unprecedented number of sabotage acts and attempted attacks linked to Moscow.
The heads of the foreign affairs committees of 20 European countries adopted a joint statement on the war in Ukraine. They emphasized that a just peace must be based on international law and respect Ukraine's territorial integrity.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Warsaw, emphasizing the importance of supporting Ukraine. He expressed hope that Zelenskyy would accept his invitation.
Ukraine's dollar bonds due in 2029 rose 3 cents on the dollar, exceeding 72 cents, their highest level since February. This followed signs of progress on a US-backed peace plan that could end the fighting.
In 2025, 122,000 Ukrainians were forced to leave their homes due to the war. In total, about 10 million Ukrainians have become refugees or internally displaced persons.
The Ukrainian national team will face Sweden in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers play-offs. If they win, Ukraine will play in the final against the winner of the Poland – Albania match.
In the Czech Republic, an express train collided with a passenger train, four people sustained serious injuries, and dozens sustained minor injuries. Police have launched a criminal investigation.
Ukraine plans to demand $43 billion in climate damage compensation from Russia to fund an environmentally sound post-war recovery. This was announced at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil, citing a report that estimates greenhouse gas emissions from the invasion at 236.8 million tons of CO2 equivalent.
Thousands of Slovaks protested against Prime Minister Robert Fico and his pro-Russian stance. The rallies took place on the anniversary of the 1989 Velvet Revolution, which Fico's government canceled as a public holiday.
A group of Republican congressmen appealed to the US Attorney General with a request to check the possible use of Orthodox communities in the US by Russian special services. This is related to the lobbying activities of the Russian Orthodox Church abroad.
Eurostat has published data for the first half of 2025, showing a significant gap in electricity and natural gas prices between European countries. Some countries pay several times more than their neighbors.
The Czech organization "Gift for Putin" raised 12. 5 million crowns for a "Flamingo" missile capable of reaching Moscow or St. Petersburg. The manufacturer will supply two missiles for the same amount, which will be handed over to the Ukrainian army.
The new head of the lower house of the Czech Parliament, Tomio Okamura, ordered the removal of the Ukrainian flag installed in 2022. In response, the opposition hung new flags from the windows of parliamentary offices, calling Okamura's actions shameful.
Ukraine's Ambassador to the Czech Republic, Vasyl Zvarych, thanked the Czech people for their support after newly elected Speaker of Parliament Tomio Okamura ordered the removal of the Ukrainian flag from the building. The diplomat emphasized that the Ukrainian flag symbolizes freedom and resilience, and the strength of unity can force Russia to stop the war.
At the same time, ministers will continue to perform their duties until a new government is appointed, and the Ukrainian flag, which was hoisted after the start of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, was removed from the country's parliament building.
EU countries have agreed to cut emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels, a compromise ahead of COP30. The agreement provides for flexibility, including the possibility of purchasing international carbon credits.
The Russian Orthodox Church is officially participating in the militarization of the occupied territories of Ukraine, having handed over a motorcycle for "combat missions" to priest Dmitry Krotkov. This priest, associated with the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations and the FSB, previously organized "humanitarian missions" and supervised the arrangement of dugout churches.
An American reconnaissance aircraft, a Boeing RC-135U, is circling over the Black Sea near Sevastopol, causing concern among Russian military personnel. The aircraft departed from Britain and flew over six countries for reconnaissance activities near the Russian Federation.
