German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's trip to Moscow on November 28. Merz recalled that after Orban's previous visit to the Kremlin in July 2024, Russia intensified airstrikes on Ukraine.
A German court has issued an arrest warrant for a 49-year-old Ukrainian in connection with the Nord Stream pipeline explosions. Kuznetsov himself denies his involvement.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Ukraine will need strong armed forces and security guarantees after any peace agreement with Russia. He emphasized that Kyiv should not be forced to cede territory, and the most important guarantee is a well-equipped Ukrainian army.
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.
US President Donald Trump will host the G20 at his golf resort in Miami next year, personally determining the guest list. He will not invite South Africa, which chairs the G20 this year and has incurred his wrath.
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.
"Ukrzaliznytsia" has accelerated the direct flight No. 67/68 Kyiv - Warsaw by more than 2 hours, changing the timetable. Train No. 23/34 Kyiv - Kholm has also been updated for the fastest connection to Warsaw with a transfer.
Ukrzaliznytsia announced new international railway routes. For the first time, sleeping cars will run from Uzhhorod to Vienna, and Berehove will get a direct connection to Budapest. It will be possible to reach Germany with one transfer.
European countries are considering joint offensive cyber operations and surprise military exercises in response to Russia's hybrid attacks. This comes amid an unprecedented number of sabotage acts and attempted attacks linked to Moscow.
Germany is developing and implementing a secret 1,200-page "Operational Plan Germany" (OPLAN DEU) in case of war with Russia, which provides for the transfer of up to 800,000 NATO troops to the front line. The plan details logistics and defense, and also brings back a Cold War mentality, taking into account modern threats and infrastructure problems.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius warned against forcing Ukraine into unilateral territorial concessions. He emphasized that Ukraine must remain capable of defending itself in the future.
Frozen Russian assets could be the only way to end the war in Ukraine and prevent its spread to Europe. Europe must demand a just peace for Ukraine, using confiscated assets to save it.
Germany has announced winter aid to Ukraine amounting to 170 million euros, as well as increased military support. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz noted that the total amount of German aid to Ukraine has reached 11.5 billion euros.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held simultaneously in Canada, Mexico, and the USA for the first time, across 16 stadiums, with 48 teams participating. The final will be hosted at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, and Ukraine will play in the qualification playoffs.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has requested 22 billion euros for the next three years and will present a proposal for 1. 35 billion euros for a new program to strengthen defense capabilities in space. This is the first time that the civilian organization ESA, founded in 1975, is moving into the military sector.
EU countries are working on a "plan B" in case they cannot reach an agreement on seizing frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine.
European leaders, including France and Great Britain, are discussing the creation of multinational military forces to support Ukraine after a peace agreement with Russia. A working group has been established to clarify the details of military assistance, which may include troop deployment and air support.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the continuation of communication with the American side regarding a potential peace agreement. He also discussed the development of the situation and coordinated further steps with German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
The European Court of Justice has ruled that Poland must recognize same-sex marriages concluded in other EU countries, as refusal violates EU citizens' rights to respect for private life and freedom of movement. This decision concerns the case of a Polish couple who married in Berlin and were denied marriage registration in Poland.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Donald Trump expressed readiness for a jointly developed peace plan for Ukraine. The talks in Geneva have concluded, but a breakthrough is not expected this week, adds the German leader.
European defense company stocks reached a nearly two-month low on November 24. This happened amid progress in negotiations on a US-backed peace plan for Ukraine.
Germany will transfer Skyranger 35 to the Ukrainian Armed Forces on a Leopard 1 tank chassis, which effectively counters drones and low-flying targets. The system creates a 4-kilometer "kill-box" and integrates into the overall air defense network.
Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren stated that the country's laws prohibit the transfer of military equipment to countries involved in armed conflict. He denied information about Chile's agreement to supply Germany with Marder 1A3 IFVs for further transfer to Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine, including American proposals for a peaceful settlement. The Turkish president expressed his readiness to facilitate the negotiation process by providing the Istanbul platform.
German Chancellor Merz stated that the path to ending the war in Ukraine would be long, despite some progress in negotiations in Geneva. He emphasized the need for coordinated European action and Russia's participation in real negotiations.
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.
EU leaders will be briefed this morning on peace talks to end the war in Ukraine after a weekend of rapid negotiations in Geneva. Officials have become more optimistic about peace, although details were scarce.
German actor Udo Kier, known for his collaborations with Andy Warhol, Lars von Trier, and Madonna, has died at the age of 81. He starred in over 200 films, including lead roles in Warhol's "Flesh for Frankenstein" and "Blood for Dracula."
