Germany

The EU's top diplomat called for an end to pressure on Zelenskyy regarding negotiations with Russia and for real security guarantees. Kallas emphasized that supporting Ukraine is now cheaper than the consequences of a possible Russian victory.

The German Ministry of Defense has approved a large-scale program for the purchase of military equipment worth 20 billion euros. It is planned to modernize the Taurus, purchase submarines, Aegis systems, Patriot missiles and other weapons.

NATO's new command for the coordination of Western military assistance to Ukraine has started work in Wiesbaden. The NSATU structure takes over the functions of the Ramstein group for the military implementation of the decisions taken.

The President of Ukraine will hold a series of important meetings with European leaders in Brussels. Talks are scheduled with the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, and other countries, as well as the EU and NATO leaders.

European countries are discussing the possibility of deploying up to 100,000 troops to Ukraine after a ceasefire or peace agreement. France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom could form the basis of a coalition.

Britain, France, and Germany accused Iran of building up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to unprecedented levels. The IAEA confirms that Iran is the only country that possesses uranium with a purity of 60%.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has signed a contract with Rheinmetall for the supply of 155-mm artillery shell charging modules. The delivery of tens of thousands of charges is scheduled for January 2025.

Rheinmetall has received an order to supply 20 Marder 1A3 infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine. Delivery is scheduled for the first half of 2025, with funding provided by Germany.

Ukraine's German repair center for large military equipment will be moved from Slovakia to Germany by the end of the year. The repair center has been operating in Slovakia since the end of 2022.

The German chancellor cited Trump's criticism of Biden's decision to strike Russia to justify his refusal to provide Ukraine with Taurus missiles. Trump called Biden's authorization “very stupid.

The German chancellor wants to visit Trump after he takes office on January 20. The visit is planned before the early elections in Germany, which are expected on February 23.

A three-story World War II bunker was put up for auction in Hamm for 1 euro. However, the new owner will have to spend 620 thousand euros to demolish it.

An unexploded World War II bomb was discovered during construction work in the Sulz district. As a result, 3,000 residents of the largest residential complex, Uni-Center, were evacuated within a 350-meter radius.

France restored its flag at the embassy in Damascus after a 12-year break. European countries begin to establish diplomatic contacts with the new Syrian government.

Germany's defense minister has announced the country's possible participation in securing a future ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Specific details of the peacekeeping mission have not yet been discussed due to the absence of cease-fire talks.

Russia's maritime oil exports fell to 3. 06 million barrels per day due to terminal repairs and sanctions pressure. Two-thirds of Russia's “shadow fleet” tankers are idle at ports due to tighter Western sanctions.

Donald Tusk announced the 46th package of military aid to Ukraine worth €100 million in January. Zelenskyy and Tusk discussed the situation at the front and coordination with partners during their meeting in Lviv.

NATO has officially accepted the coordination of Western military assistance to Ukraine from the United States through the new NSATU mission in Wiesbaden. The mission will include 700 personnel with bases in Belgium, Poland and Romania.

The housing and utilities expert spoke about the importance of international assistance for the energy efficiency of Ukrainian communities. Thanks to cooperation with foreign partners, communities receive generators and equipment for the stable operation of infrastructure.

During a visit to Berlin, the Lithuanian Defense Minister agreed on the largest purchase of military equipment in the country's history. Lithuania will purchase 44 German Leopard-2 tanks.

The German Defense Minister announced a possible role for the country in ensuring a future ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. The specific details of participation will depend on the terms of the ceasefire and the mandate of the peacekeeping force.

The Kremlin is preparing an information attack on German politics, imposing a narrative about “candidates for peace and war. ” Russia plans to threaten Germans with war if Taurus missiles are transferred to Ukraine.

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.

In early 2025, Ukraine expects to open additional negotiation clusters on EU accession. The Verkhovna Rada is actively working on European integration laws and forming 35 negotiating groups.

The foreign ministers of 10 countries and the EU condemned military cooperation between the DPRK and Russia, including the deployment of North Korean troops. The countries called on Pyongyang to stop helping Moscow and withdraw its troops.

Energy autonomy is becoming a key task for Ukrainian communities. The expert advises focusing on energy saving first, and then implementing energy efficiency measures.

Olaf Scholz will face a vote of confidence in the Bundestag, which he is likely to lose due to the collapse of the coalition. Early elections for the new chancellor are scheduled for February 23, with Friedrich Merz as the main competitor.

Friedrich Merz called Olaf Scholz's European policy a “complete failure”. According to him, EU leaders do not want to meet with the chancellor, who either keeps silent or reads moral lectures.

German Chancellor Scholz refuses to provide Ukraine with long-range Taurus missiles to avoid a conflict with Russia. Opposition leader Merz is in favor of transferring the missiles to strike Russian military targets.

Amazon's union has authorized a strike at two warehouses in New York City due to the company's refusal to negotiate. The workers are demanding better working conditions and a pay raise by December 15.