Friedrich Merz faces a decline in popularity, with only 16% of Germans supporting him as a candidate. Economic forecasts are falling, and his coalition is paralyzed by internal conflicts.
On November 14, 265 combat engagements were recorded along the entire front line, with the most attacks repelled in the Pokrovsk direction. The enemy launched two missile strikes with 23 missiles and 52 air strikes with 111 guided bombs.
The administration of US President Donald Trump has approved the sale of air defense systems worth $3. 5 billion to Germany. Berlin requested 173 Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) Block I missiles and 577 Standard Missile 2 Block IIIC missiles, as well as related equipment.
Germany will allocate 150 million euros for the purchase of American weapons for Ukraine within the framework of the PURL mechanism. This initiative provides for accelerated delivery of American weapons to Ukraine, financed by European partners.
The US has signed a defense contract with Boeing for the production of up to 60 CH-47F Block II heavy-lift helicopters for Germany. The contract is valued at $876 million, with work to be completed by October 28, 2035.
The pro-Russian hacker group NoName057(16) claimed responsibility for DDoS attacks on Danish digital services on November 13, including government agencies and defense enterprises. These attacks, which occurred on the eve of municipal elections, aimed to block access to websites and influence the political process.
Actress Michelle Yeoh, Oscar winner for her role in "Everything Everywhere All at Once," will receive the Honorary Golden Bear at the Berlinale. The award ceremony will take place on February 12 at the opening of the film festival.
The Budget Committee of the Bundestag approved the federal budget for 2026, increasing aid to Ukraine to 11. 5 billion euros. These funds are intended for artillery, drones, armored vehicles, and the replacement of Patriot missile systems.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on young Ukrainians to serve their country instead of leaving for Germany, a request he made to President Zelenskyy. Merz also confirmed the government's plans to revoke the right to receive citizen assistance for refugees from Ukraine.
According to a European Commission study, 46 road fatalities per million inhabitants were recorded in the EU in 2023. The highest mortality rates are observed in the southeastern regions, particularly in Bulgaria, Greece, France, and Romania.
Germany is considering a draft law on conscription if necessary, which includes a mandatory medical examination for 18-year-old men. Women will also be able to undergo the examination, and volunteers are offered up to 2,600 euros per month.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with German Chancellor Merz, discussing the situation at the front and key steps for defense. They also coordinated positions regarding the opening of an export office for Ukrainian weapons in Berlin.
Eurostat has published data for the first half of 2025, showing a significant gap in electricity and natural gas prices between European countries. Some countries pay several times more than their neighbors.
French President Emmanuel Macron is considering inviting Chinese leader Xi Jinping to the G7 summit in 2026, a move that could be a bold diplomatic step. The idea has been discussed with some allies, and Macron may visit China in December.
Germany plans to reduce payments to Ukrainian refugees from 563 euros to 180 euros for those arriving after April 1, 2025. These individuals will be considered asylum seekers, losing their special status.
Germany stated that it trusts President Zelenskyy and Ukraine, despite the scandal in the energy sector.
The Georgian Prosecutor's Office has opened a criminal case against Giorgi Gakharia for organizing the intentional infliction of grievous bodily harm during a protest action in 2019. He is accused of abuse of power and causing harm to the health of citizens.
This decision caused controversy between the city hall and the state government, which could escalate into a lawsuit.
The gastronomic towel "ENEIDA" was created within the framework of cooperation between the International Women's Movement "For Family Values" and the Charitable Foundation "MHP-Hromadi". The symbolism of the towel embodies a person's path from the earthly to the spiritual, the unity of generations and the pod, the harmony of male and female principles, the power of life, love, and the continuity of Ukrainian traditions.
Global sales of all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles rose 23% in October to 1. 9 million units. Europe led the growth, while North America saw a 41% drop in sales.
According to a survey conducted for Deezer, 97% of people could not distinguish AI-generated music from human-made music. More than half of respondents felt awkward about this, and 80% would like AI-generated music to be clearly labeled.
Germany has called on the nationalized company SEFE to terminate its long-term contract for the supply of LNG from Russia. The contract for 2.9 million tons per year is valid until 2040, and its cancellation is estimated at 10 billion euros.
In Britain, the government is reducing its contribution to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria by 15%, allocating 850 million pounds sterling for the period 2026–2028.
A number of European countries will receive additional support from the EU to overcome the growing migration burden. The new mechanism will become operational after the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum comes into force in mid-2026.
Google plans to invest 5. 5 billion euros in the development of computing resources and operations in Germany over the next four years. The investment covers two data centers in the Frankfurt region, which is part of the company's ongoing commitment to Europe.
Germany plans to spend 19 billion euros on clothing and equipment for soldiers and 7. 5 billion euros on armored vehicles by 2034-2037. This will allow the army to be equipped to reach a strength of 460,000 soldiers.
Ukraine's foreign trade deficit in goods for January-October 2025 reached $34. 6 billion, which is 51.75% more than last year. Total trade turnover amounted to $101 billion, with imports accounting for $67.8 billion and exports for $33.2 billion.
Sergei Lavrov risks losing his post as Russian Foreign Minister if he fails to prevent the strengthening of the US position in relations with Russia. The recorded absence of the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry at important events may indicate disapproval in the Kremlin of the "deterioration" of relations with the Trump administration.
German federal police have arrested 49-year-old Martin S. on suspicion of plotting to assassinate more than a dozen politicians and public figures, including Olaf Scholz and Angela Merkel. The suspect distributed a list of targets via the dark web and collected donations for assassination bounties.
The German government plans to increase its defense support for Ukraine to over 11. 5 billion euros next year. The additional funds are earmarked for artillery, drones, armored vehicles, and the replacement of two Patriot air defense systems.
