The OSCE is ready to deploy a new observer mission to Ukraine to monitor a future ceasefire. This mission would require the approval of all 57 member states, including Russia and Ukraine.
Tesla registrations in Europe fell by 12. 3% in November, reaching about 17,000 cars. Excluding Norway, the decline was 36.3%, while in Norway sales increased by 175%.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov discussed security guarantees for Ukraine and Europe with national security advisors from key European countries, as well as representatives of the EU and NATO, in Brussels. The parties agreed on further consultations to achieve lasting peace.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb said that the conditions for a "just peace" in Ukraine are unlikely to be met, although today we are closer to peace than yesterday. This comes after meetings between US envoys and Putin, which yielded no progress.
NATO countries are demanding a say on the alliance's role in a future peace agreement with Ukraine, having previously been excluded from negotiations. NATO foreign ministers will meet in Brussels to discuss the outlines of a peace plan.
The defense ministers of the European Union countries discussed further support for Ukraine and European defense, emphasizing the critical importance of making a decision on multi-year funding for Kyiv.
Canada is calling on NATO for a more systemic approach to Arctic security amid geopolitical changes. Foreign Minister Anita Anand will raise the issue at a meeting of NATO ministers.
He emphasized the importance of progress in developing security guarantees and a long-term foundation for the stability of Ukraine and Europe.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on constructive talks with the US in Miami, noting the presence of "difficult issues" that still need to be worked on. Further actions will be determined after the report of Ukrainian representatives returning to Europe and planned negotiations with European partners.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. This comes amid Donald Trump's optimism about a deal to end Russia's war against Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy and Finnish President Alexander Stubb held talks on Russian aggression. The parties exchanged information and assessed diplomatic scenarios, emphasizing the need to pressure Russia.
The sanctions coalition imposed restrictions on over 500 entities in Russia's energy sector, including oil tankers and financial institutions. This led to a decrease in the price of Russian oil and a reduction in its exports, forecasting significant losses for the Russian budget.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of Finland Alexander Stubb coordinated their positions on peace efforts. They share a common vision that the security of Ukraine and Europe can only be determined with their participation.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated that Ukraine's future is Ukraine's decision, and European security is Europe's decision. He emphasized that the coming days will be crucial for achieving a just and lasting peace.
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.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha held talks with the heads of diplomatic missions of key European countries, agreeing on positions regarding further steps in the peace process. He informed partners about the latest developments in peace efforts and the results of negotiations in Geneva.
The foreign ministers of Ukraine, Great Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, and Finland are holding a video call. This is happening against the backdrop of ongoing peace plan negotiations in Geneva.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of carefully considered joint actions with partners to ensure lasting peace and guaranteed security. This statement came amid talks on the US peace plan, which was also commented on by the President of Finland.
European officials fear that Donald Trump may cease support for Ukraine. Meetings are scheduled next week between France, Germany, and Great Britain, as well as other countries, to discuss possible changes to the US plan.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot will hold coordination talks with European ministers on the situation around Ukraine. Ministers from Germany, Poland, Great Britain, Finland, Italy, and the head of the EU foreign policy department will join the conversation.
Finnish fuel retailer Teboil has filed for restructuring due to extensive sanctions against the Russian company Lukoil.
Lukoil has dissolved the supervisory board of its international business due to US sanctions pressure. The company's management is concentrated in the hands of managing director Alexander Matitsyn; despite the reorganization, the international structure remains under Lukoil's control.
The Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate has lost about 2,000 religious communities that have joined the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Support for the Moscow Patriarchate among Ukrainians does not exceed 4–5%, while about 55% of citizens support the OCU.
Political scientist Oleh Lisnyi emphasizes that all discussions about the US peace plan revolve around rumors. He also points out that Ukraine's position remains unchanged.
The Finnish chain of gas stations Teboil, owned by Russian Lukoil, is suspending operations. This is happening due to the depletion of fuel reserves amid US sanctions against the parent company.
European leaders will gather on December 18 for the last EU summit in 2025 to address Ukraine's funding, aiming to avoid a funding shortfall by mid-next year. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for coordinated action, warning of costly alternatives.
Finnish troops have begun artillery exercises in Lapland, near the Russian border, involving heavy artillery. Polish troops are also participating.
Denmark will join a NATO project to develop a single standard for 155mm artillery ammunition. Minister of Defense Troels Lund Poulsen signed a declaration of intent to develop a common design for 155mm ammunition together with other NATO countries.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb stated that a ceasefire in Ukraine is unlikely in the near future, calling on European allies to support Kyiv despite the corruption scandal. He emphasized the need for European resilience and increased pressure on Russia.
Finland has deported a former Wagner PMC mercenary to Russia who illegally crossed the border in June. The North Karelia Border Guard carried out the deportation after information about his past became public.