Italy
The US is offering Ukraine security guarantees similar to NATO's Article 5, but with an implicit ultimatum to accept them now. This offer is an attempt to accelerate a peace agreement and allay fears of a future Russian attack.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that frozen Russian assets totaling up to $210 billion are a financial security guarantee for Ukraine. He presented two scenarios for their use: for post-war reconstruction or for annual financial assistance of 40-45 billion euros for the Armed Forces of Ukraine in case of continued aggression.
Negotiations on a peace plan for Ukraine are about to begin in Berlin. Representatives from the US, Italy, France, and other countries are present at the meeting.
Today, European leaders, including Macron and Rutte, will meet with Zelenskyy to get an update on the negotiations between Ukraine and the United States. Donald Trump is also expected to join the conversation via a phone call.
EU ambassadors in Brussels today are discussing the European Commission's amendments to the reparations loan proposal for financing Ukraine. These amendments aim to address the concerns of Belgium, as well as Italy, Bulgaria, and Malta, who are calling for alternative options.
The European Union is facing a critical week as it tries to protect Ukraine from an unfavorable peace deal imposed by the US and Russia, and to save a multi-billion euro loan financing agreement for Ukraine. EU leaders will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and American officials in Berlin to discuss a peace deal, and will also fight for support for the lending plan among European governments.
Giorgia Meloni called Donald Trump's new national security strategy an "alarm signal" for Europe. She emphasized that Europe must organize itself and strengthen its own defense, rather than relying on the United States.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban criticized the EU's initiative to use frozen Russian assets, calling it dangerous and equating it to a declaration of war, and also accused European leaders of a misguided financial approach to supporting Ukraine.
Italy, Belgium, Malta, and Bulgaria have opposed the EU's plan to transfer 210 billion euros of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine. They are calling on the European Commission to consider alternative options for financial assistance, such as joint EU debt.
Archaeologists in Turkey have found a 3rd-century fresco depicting Jesus among goats. This is the only known example of early Christian art outside of Italy.
In November 2025, global EV sales reached 2 million, bringing the total to 18. 5 million units year-to-date, a 21% increase over 2024. Europe leads the growth, while North America lags after the cancellation of tax incentives, and China remains the largest market.
The European Commission refused to comment on media reports about the alleged expanded US National Security Strategy. According to the press, the document names Italy, Austria, and Poland as targets for weakening ties with the EU.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that it is difficult to name the timeline for a peace agreement regarding the war in Ukraine. He noted that there are complex issues regarding reconstruction, security guarantees, and territory.
The volume of aid to Ukraine this year may be the lowest since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion. European military aid will not compensate for the deficit due to reduced support from the United States.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome. They discussed defense support for Ukraine, strengthening air defense, and enhancing energy resilience, as well as further financial support.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at Palazzo Chigi in Rome for a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Prior to this, he met with the Pope.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Pope Leo XIV during his visit to Italy. The meeting lasted about half an hour at Villa Barberini.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Italy for a meeting with Pope Leo XIV in Castel Gandolfo. A meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is also planned.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Rome after visits to London and Brussels. He will meet with Pope Leo XIV and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
President Zelenskyy reported 24/7 communication with partners, which confirms Europe's maximum involvement in resolving the Ukrainian issue. He discussed support for Ukraine, strengthening air defense, and energy assistance with representatives of many countries and international organizations.
The EU has agreed to tighten migration rules, which include accelerating deportations and reducing social benefits for rejected asylum seekers. An annual Solidarity Fund of 420 million euros is also being created for 2026 to support member states most affected by migration pressure.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in the United Kingdom. He will meet with the British Prime Minister, the leaders of France and Germany, and then fly to Belgium.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni. Italy will send equipment for Ukraine's energy infrastructure in the coming days.
Tensions are rising within Italy's coalition regarding further financial and military aid to Ukraine in 2026. The League party has called for the return of frozen Russian assets, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister support aid.
The German Bundestag has passed a new military service law that provides for a two-tier system with voluntary service and possible conscription. This is intended to increase the size of the Bundeswehr, as 18-year-old men will receive notices of readiness to serve.
Federica Mogherini resigned as Rector of the College of Europe after being detained by Belgian police. The investigation concerns alleged corruption in the establishment of the EU Diplomatic Academy.
Spiegel reported that the Élysée Palace, in a statement to the German publication, denied that Macron had spoken of any betrayal.
The organizers of the Milan-Cortina Winter Games received the Olympic flame at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens. This marked the beginning of a 63-day torch relay that will travel across Italy before the Olympics in February.
A poll has shown that almost half of Europeans consider Donald Trump an “enemy of Europe,” and more than two-thirds believe their country would not be able to defend itself in the event of a war with Russia. Most respondents support EU membership and believe that Brexit has harmed the United Kingdom.
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.