Europe
Hybrids and plug-in hybrids are rapidly increasing sales, displacing gasoline cars. In the US, 22% of passenger cars sold in the first quarter of this year were hybrids, and in Europe they are already the most popular, occupying 35% of the market.
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.
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.
Giorgia Meloni called Donald Trump's new national security strategy an "alarm signal" for Europe. She emphasized that Europe must organize itself and strengthen its own defense, rather than relying on the United States.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz compared the situation in Ukraine to 1938, and the Kremlin's actions to the policies of Adolf Hitler. He emphasized that territorial compromises would not stop the Russian dictator, referring to the Munich Agreement.
The average expenditure on education per child in Sub-Saharan Africa is 200 euros, while in Europe and North America, these figures are significantly higher. This 40-fold gap exceeds the gap in GDP per capita, deepening the global wealth hierarchy. The report indicates that the richest 10% own 75% of global wealth.
Ukraine has presented an updated peace plan that excludes the abandonment of Donbas and retains the right to join NATO. This proposal is a response to Donald Trump's 28-point plan, which caused shock in Europe.
The Zaporizhzhia NPP switched to diesel generators for over an hour due to damage to power lines during the Russian attack on December 13. Vitaliy Zaichenko, Chairman of the Board of Ukrenergo, emphasized the danger of such incidents for all of Europe.
Switzerland has decided to purchase fewer F-35 fighter jets from the US than planned to keep costs within the approved limit. The country faced additional costs of up to 1.3 billion Swiss francs due to rising energy and raw material prices.
The main city Christmas trees, including the one on Sofia Square in Kyiv, are lit at the expense of sponsors and patrons, not the city budget. This allows avoiding additional load on the energy system in conditions of power outages.
Ukrainians consume the most drinking milk, and less than 5 kg of cheese per year, which is the lowest figure in Europe.
The electricity situation in Ukraine differs due to the destruction of energy infrastructure and limited network capacity. The west has more electricity, while the center, south, and east suffer from a deficit.
In November 2025, global EV sales reached 2 million, bringing the total to 18. 5 million units year-to-date, a 21% increase over 2024. Europe leads the growth, while North America lags after the cancellation of tax incentives, and China remains the largest market.
US President Donald Trump stated his readiness to help Ukraine with security guarantees for the implementation of a peace deal. He noted that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not like the peace deal, but his entourage was enthusiastic about the concept.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is considering holding a referendum on transferring Donbas to Russia. This comes amid growing pressure from the United States to agree to the terms of a new peace plan that would involve a 20% reduction in Ukraine's territory.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that it is difficult to name the timeline for a peace agreement regarding the war in Ukraine. He noted that there are complex issues regarding reconstruction, security guarantees, and territory.
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.
Sergei Lavrov's report to the Federation Council showed that the Kremlin is ready to speak only the language of threats. He accused the West of "animalistic Russophobia" and threatened war for "hostile steps."
US sanctions against Russian oil giants Lukoil and Rosneft, which came into force on November 21, could cause a structural reorganization of the global oil sector. This will lead to the forced sale of assets and the redistribution of ownership of fields and refineries around the world.
Denmark faces more external threats than in many years due to rising geopolitical conflicts. NATO military intelligence points to Russia and China as the main threats, as well as uncertainty about the US role as a guarantor of European security.
Republican Thomas Massie introduced a bill in Congress for the US to withdraw from NATO, considering it a relic of the Cold War. He proposes redirecting funds to its own defense rather than protecting "socialist countries."
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced an alleged "agreement" with the US to continue working on ending the war in Ukraine. He positively assessed US President Donald Trump's "peace plan."
US President Donald's statement about Europe as an "undemocratic obstacle" was a godsend for the Russian regime. Russian policy aims to undermine European support for Ukraine and exploit the opportunity to sow doubts about the viability of the NATO alliance.
Pope Leo XIV commented on Donald Trump's statements about Europe's decline and "weak" leaders, expressing concern about a possible split in the alliance between Europe and the United States. He also declined to comment on the US peace plan for Ukraine, noting that some of its parts introduce significant changes in relations between Europe and the United States.
The President of Finland stated that peace for Ukraine is now "quite close," closer than at any time since the start of the full-scale invasion. Negotiations are progressing simultaneously on three key documents, including a framework plan, security guarantees, and the reconstruction of Ukraine.
Ford and Renault Group have entered into a strategic partnership to expand Ford's electric vehicle offering in Europe. The cooperation involves the development of two affordable Ford electric vehicles on Renault's Ampere platform and joint efforts in the light commercial vehicle segment.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took 14th place in Politico's ranking of the most influential people in Europe. The ranking was topped by US President Donald Trump, and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin was placed 5th.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the new US National Security Strategy contains parts unacceptable to Europe. He also noted that Europe should become less dependent on the United States.
Donald Trump does not believe that Russia's war against Ukraine could escalate into World War III, emphasizing that it would not have started under his presidency. He called it a big problem for Europe, which the continent is not coping with.
Trump lashed out at traditional US allies for failing to control migration and end the Russian-Ukrainian war.