Europe
The President of Ukraine said that the Russian occupation of ZNPP poses a threat to radiation safety. Zelensky emphasized the need to return the plant to Ukrainian control to ensure safety.
The President noted the success of the Armed Forces at the front and the operation in Kursk region. He called on partners to speed up the supply of weapons and announced important weeks of diplomatic work.
European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson has called for increased assistance to Ukraine to restore the energy system. She outlined 6 key areas of support to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe in the winter.
The Russian Foreign Ministry and Defense Ministry announce that Ukraine is allegedly preparing to attack the Kursk nuclear power plant. Russia calls on international organizations to condemn “provocative actions” and prevent a “large-scale man-made disaster.
In the Middle Ages, a real hunt for black cats was launched in Western Europe. It was believed that black cats were the helpers of sorcerers and witches in their magical rituals.
Croatia is introducing compulsory military service from January 1, 2025. Recruits will undergo 2 months of training, and the government is increasing funding for the army due to the tense situation in Europe.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba discussed bilateral relations and political dialogue with his Indian counterpart. The conversation took place amid reports of a possible visit of the Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine.
The birthplace of kites is China, where they appeared about three thousand years ago. Kites were mostly made in the form of mythological creatures.
The President of Ukraine has submitted to the Verkhovna Rada a draft law on ratification of the Rome Statute of the ICC. This will strengthen Ukraine's position in the international arena and allow for more effective prosecution of Russians for their crimes.
Law enforcement officers detained an official from the canine training center who tried to organize the illegal transportation of a man to Europe for 21,000 euros. The suspect faces up to 9 years in prison.
Calligraphy originated almost simultaneously with writing more than five thousand years ago in Mesopotamia. The art of calligraphy combines ancient traditions that have developed over thousands of years in different cultures.
The National Museum of History of Ukraine has received three Roman silver bars dated 306-337 that were rescued from illegal sale. The ingots, each weighing 342 grams, were found in Zakarpattia, and their total value is almost UAH 3.5 million.
Despite the fighting near the key transit point, Russia and Ukraine intend to continue supplying gas to Europe through the Sudzha station.
Rafał Brzoska plans to sue Meta over fake ads featuring his image on Facebook and Instagram. He will demand an end to the violations and a large compensation for charity.
Due to the Russian attacks, European companies have reduced their gas storage in Ukraine to 10% of last year's volumes. Ukraine wants traders to continue using its infrastructure, as it generates important revenue.
President Zelenskyy reported a fire on the territory of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, set by the Russian occupiers. He emphasized that the situation cannot be normal while the plant is under Russian control.
Insight News Media has identified a number of regional media outlets registered in Russia that pose as Ukrainian. These sites are spreading Russian propaganda and disinformation in an effort to undermine the credibility of the Ukrainian government.
The apple harvest in key EU countries in 2024 will fall by 11% compared to the previous year. Production will also decline in Ukraine and Moldova, leading to high prices and new opportunities for exporters.
The Minister of Energy said that the main work on the construction of KhNPP Units 3 and 4 is still ahead. The project involves the installation of equipment based on the American Westinghouse AP1000 technology.
Gas futures in Europe are approaching their highest levels since December on concerns about supplies from Russia. Prices have risen 45% since the start of the stockpiling season due to numerous outages.
A law enforcement officer from Prykarpattia organized the smuggling of men of military age to Romania for $10,000 per person. The accomplices drove the men to the border, where they crossed into Romania on foot.
The IAEA reports on forest fires near the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant that threaten its external power supply. The fires were observed under the overhead cables of two power lines supplying the plant.
The President of Ukraine held a meeting on cooperation with NATO and neighboring member states. They discussed the possibility of joint defense against attacks by Russian missiles and drones.
An anonymous advisor to Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian troops control the Sudzha station in Russia. Gas continues to flow through the station, which is the last point of transportation of Russian gas to Europe via Ukraine.
According to Bloomberg, Ukrainian troops have entered Russia's Kursk region, the first invasion by a foreign army since World War II. This took the Russian military by surprise and caused concern for Putin.
In Libya, the attorney general ordered the arrest of the unnamed oil minister for behavior incompatible with his position. Against this backdrop, NOC suspended production at the country's largest field due to force majeure.
Gas prices in Europe hit a one-year high following reports that Ukrainian troops have seized the gas transit point in Sudzha. There is no official confirmation, but traders fear possible supply disruptions.
President Zelensky submitted a draft law on multiple citizenship to the Verkhovna Rada. The draft law defines the principles of citizenship and the grounds for its loss, including the acquisition of citizenship of the aggressor state.
The governor of the Kursk region announced the introduction of a state of emergency due to the difficult situation in the border areas. This decision was made amid reports of a possible seizure of the town of Sudzha and a gas distribution station by the Ukrainian armed forces.
Satellite images of the destroyed Sudzha checkpoint in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation are published. Russian sources claim that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have seized a gas distribution station, but there is no official confirmation.