Europe

U. S. Ambassador Bridget Brink wished Ukrainians a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, wearing a dress with embroidery. She emphasized the importance of the partnership between the U.S. and Ukraine at this historic moment.

The government plans to attract more than $38 billion in foreign aid to cover non-military budget expenditures. In 2023, direct budget support from international partners amounted to about $41 billion.

The Hungarian prime minister predicts that the war in Ukraine will end in 2025 through peace talks or the destruction of one of the parties. He also criticized the West's spending to support Ukraine and called Putin an “honest partner.

The President of Ukraine commented on the visit of the Slovak Prime Minister to Moscow on the gas issue.

The study found that people who drink more than 4 cups of coffee daily have a 17% lower risk of head and neck cancer. Tea consumption also affects risk, but the results are less clear.

Robert Fico met with Putin in Moscow. The main topic of the talks was the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine to Europe after December 2024.

The IMF has presented an updated negative scenario for Ukraine with a forecast of war by mid-2026. According to this scenario, GDP is expected to fall by 2.5% in 2025 and the external financing deficit is expected to be $177.2 billion.

The IMF has updated its baseline scenario for Ukraine, forecasting GDP growth of 4% in 2024. The Fund expects the end of the war by the end of 2025 and a gradual normalization of economic indicators.

Finland is strengthening its defense capabilities due to the threat from Russia and its confrontation with the West. The country is modernizing its armed forces and integrating into NATO structures to counter long-term threats.

President Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine needs security guarantees not only from Europe but also from the United States as long as the country is not in NATO. Various security issues should be discussed separately with European and American partners.

The President of Ukraine presented a seven-point plan for peace to the European Council. The plan includes joining NATO, EU membership, strengthening sanctions and using frozen Russian assets.

Slovakia is negotiating alternative solutions for gas transit through Ukraine after the current agreement expires. Gas prices in Europe are declining amid optimistic expectations for 2024 supplies.

Zelensky said that 12-15 additional air defense systems are needed to fully protect the country.

In North Rhine-Westphalia, a new strain of the Mpox virus has been detected in four members of the same family. The infection entered Germany after one of the family members returned from Africa.

The latest massive attack targeted energy infrastructure facilities involved in the export and import of electricity. Ukraine is currently importing 700-1100 MW to compensate for the load.

Of the promised €241 billion in aid to Ukraine, Europe has actually provided only €125 billion. The difference of €64 billion remains a debt, not counting the recently promised €52 billion.

Keith Kellogg said that Trump could do something like invite Putin and Zelensky to talks after his inauguration. He is convinced that the issue of Russia's war against Ukraine can be resolved within a few months.

Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga called on European countries to unite against Russia's hybrid attacks. Ukraine is ready to share its experience in countering threats ranging from cyberattacks to disinformation.

The President of Ukraine spoke with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte about his recent contacts with Trump and Macron. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Trump's determination and discussed coordination of positions ahead of the December talks.

The incidence of influenza and SARS in Ukraine is 18-20% lower than last year, but it is expected to increase in winter. During the epidemic season, more than a million Ukrainians fell ill, and about 100 thousand are ill every week.

Gas prices in Europe continue to decline due to mild and windy weather. Storm Darrag increased wind power production, which reduced the use of gas for electricity.

Frankenburg Technologies will start testing its own anti-aircraft missiles in Ukraine in 2024. The missiles use IS for guidance and can shoot down targets at an altitude of up to 2 km.

Meteosat-12, the first geostationary satellite of the third generation, has been put into operation. It will provide more accurate weather forecasts and will be able to track lightning in real time over the next 20 years.

A bipartisan delegation of senior officials from the US Senate Appropriations Committee arrives in Kyiv. The visit underscores the importance of U.S. assistance in protecting Ukraine and European security from Russian aggression.

Transit of Russian gas through the territory of Ukraine will stop from January 1, 2025. The Ministry of energy and the Ukrainian GTS operator confirm the refusal to extend the contract with Gazprom and the development of alternative routes.

The European Union is lowering the protected status of wolves from "strictly protected" to "protected". The amendments will take effect in March 2025, unless there are significant objections from the Council of Europe member states.

Forecasters predict a mild start to winter with wet snow on St. Nicholas and temperature contrasts in the second decade of December. In the South, warming up to +15°C is possible, while in the Carpathians frosts up to -10°C are expected.

President Zelensky said that a strong Ukraine is the only chance to prevent Russia's war with Europe. According to him, Putin can attack NATO countries if Ukraine is forced to make an unprofitable peace.

The president of Ukraine announced the possibility of ending the war in 2025 with the support of the United States and Europe. To do this, it is necessary to create powerful pressure on Russia through the strengthening of Ukraine.

Ukraine's energy system remains under control despite the difficult situation. For businesses that provide 60% of their own consumption, the shutdown has been lifted, and electricity imports from the EU continue.