Europe
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte refused to comment on Putin's threats of war against Europe. He noted that Putin was in military uniform far from the front.
Rustem Umerov and Andriy Hnatov will hold meetings with national security advisors to European leaders in Brussels. They will inform about US contacts in Moscow and discuss the security architecture.
On the first night of winter, an explosion occurred on a section of the Druzhba oil pipeline in Russia. The attack was carried out near the settlement of Kazinskiye Vyselki, on the Taganrog-Lipetsk oil pipeline section.
The National Bank of Ukraine has set new exchange rates for Wednesday, December 3. The dollar fell by 1 kopeck, the euro by 13 kopecks. The official dollar exchange rate is UAH 42.3342, the euro is UAH 49.1839.
Pope Leo XIV emphasized the need for active European participation in developing a peace plan to resolve Russia's war against Ukraine. He noted that the initial US plan was modified thanks to European input, and stressed the importance of Italy's role in this process.
Russia will not compromise on territories, limiting the size of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and the recognition of occupied territory by the US and Europe, a Russian official states. Moscow is ready to be flexible on secondary issues, such as frozen assets.
A high-ranking NATO diplomat stated that the Russian army is incapable of attacking EU countries. This was a response to Vladimir Putin's threats about Russia's readiness for war with Europe.
Vladimir Putin stated Russia's readiness for war with Europe, emphasizing that if it starts, there will quickly be no one left to negotiate with. He noted that actions against Ukraine are a "surgical method," unlike a potential conflict with Europe.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced 20 points of the "peace plan" that were worked out in Geneva and refined in Florida.
Stocks showed moderate growth on Tuesday, while cryptocurrencies and global government bonds stabilized after sell-offs. This happened amid an expected interest rate hike in Japan, which affected global markets.
The ozone hole over Antarctica this year became the smallest in the last six years, reaching 21 million square kilometers. This indicates the recovery of the ozone layer and the effectiveness of the ban on ozone-depleting substances.
Ukraine aims to receive additional funding from Europe totaling approximately 1 billion euros or 1. 2 billion dollars by the end of the year. The funds are needed to ensure the uninterrupted acquisition of equipment through the PURL program, which finances the purchase of American weapons.
After a meeting in France with President Macron, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine seeks to end the war, but in such a way that Russia does not receive "rewards" for it.
The compact hatchback Dacia Sandero became the October bestseller in the new passenger car market in Europe. It is followed by VW T-Roc and Renault Clio.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov, who heads the Ukrainian delegation during negotiations in the US, reported to President Zelenskyy on the interim results of the negotiations in Florida. Significant progress has been made, but some issues require further refinement.
He emphasized the importance of progress in developing security guarantees and a long-term foundation for the stability of Ukraine and Europe.
Mazda has unveiled an updated CX-5 crossover featuring a next-generation electronic and electrical architecture and an enhanced interface. The car comes with integrated Google services and will arrive at European dealerships in December 2025.
Arms sales revenues of the top 100 arms-producing companies grew by 5. 9% in 2024, reaching $679 billion. This growth is driven by the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, geopolitical tensions, and increased military spending.
NATO is stepping up preparations for a possible confrontation with Russia, while the US is reducing its military presence in Europe. The number of American troops has already been reduced in Romania, and similar steps are planned in Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Hungary.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that a potential peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia would ensure peace for 50-70 years. He noted that both countries are now closer to peace, and Putin is ready for a ceasefire under certain conditions.
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.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot stated that Putin must agree to a ceasefire, otherwise Russia will face new sanctions. Also, according to him, the European Council may decide on frozen Russian assets as early as December 18.
In Romania, tens of thousands of people in 12 settlements in Prahova County were left without drinking water. The reason was a technical blockage of the facilities at the Paltinu dam due to water turbidity.
A new analysis of two decades of satellite data has revealed the depletion of freshwater reserves in Southern and Central Europe. Scientists note that this is a consequence of climate change and an "alarming signal" for politicians.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported 3 dead and dozens wounded as a result of Russia's massive night attack with approximately 36 missiles and 600 drones. The main targets were energy and civilian infrastructure, leading to damage and fires in residential buildings.
English football club "Brentford" organized a Ukrainian cuisine day at its base, where player Yehor Yarmolyuk presented dishes and interesting facts about Ukraine. The head coach and teammates tasted Ukrainian dishes, and the club shared information about the geographical center of Europe, traditions, and the symbolism of the flag.
Guinea-Bissau soldiers have appointed Finance Minister Ilídio Vieira Té, a close ally of ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embaló, as prime minister. This follows a military coup that the opposition called fabricated to avoid defeat in the elections.
The study showed that domestic cats arrived in Europe from North Africa approximately 2,000 years ago, contradicting the previous theory that they were introduced by farmers 6,000–7,000 years ago. The spread of cats is linked to maritime trade and ancient Roman military forts.
ESA plans to increase its budget to €22. 1 billion for the next three years. Germany will significantly increase its contribution, and ESA hopes for the participation of European astronauts in NASA's Artemis lunar mission.
The German prosecutor's office confirmed to the media that Ukrainian Kuznetsov, suspected of organizing the Nord Stream bombing, was extradited from Italy to Germany.