The Hague adopted a convention on the establishment of an international commission to compensate Ukraine for damages caused by Russia. Ukraine, the Netherlands, and Moldova were the first to sign the document, which is open to all states.
President Zelenskyy stated that negotiations with partners concern not only the cessation of hostilities, but also mechanisms for security guarantees for Ukraine. He emphasized that the goal is to prevent a new war.
The President of Ukraine stated that Russia loses about 30,000 soldiers' lives at the front every month. He emphasized that Moscow values power and money more than people.
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.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in the Netherlands for a series of meetings with European leaders, including the President of Moldova and the Prime Minister of the Netherlands. A speech to parliament and an audience with King Willem-Alexander are also planned.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in the Netherlands on December 16. He will meet with Prime Minister Dick Schoof and King Willem-Alexander to discuss peace talks and support for Ukraine.
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.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb has canceled a planned visit to the United States to participate in European discussions on the peace process in Ukraine. He will join talks in Berlin, where other European leaders and high-ranking officials will also be present.
The administration of US President Donald Trump is forming a coalition to counter China's dominant control over critical minerals and technology sectors. On Friday, the Pax Silica declaration will be signed with the participation of Singapore, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Israel.
The UAF has decided on the venue for the potential two play-off matches of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Ukrainian national team will play its home games in Valencia, Spain, at the "Ciutat de València" stadium.
Iceland will be the fifth country not to send participants to Eurovision in Vienna next May. Immediately after the EBU's decision, Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia announced their boycott.
US sanctions against Russian oil giants Lukoil and Rosneft, which came into force on November 21, could cause a structural reorganization of the global oil sector. This will lead to the forced sale of assets and the redistribution of ownership of fields and refineries around the world.
President Zelenskyy announced that the US will not close the PURL program, and it will continue its work. Ukraine also received 700 million euros from the Netherlands and has plans for financing next year.
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.
At the 2026 World Cup, FIFA is introducing mandatory three-minute hydration breaks in each half of all matches. The referee will stop the game at the 22nd minute of each half, regardless of weather conditions or venue.
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.
The US Congress has provided $800 million in aid to Ukraine in the defense budget for two years, allocating $400 million each for 2026 and 2027. The total US defense budget for 2026 will be $901 billion.
The Dutch government has pledged an additional 700 million euros to Ukraine from the remaining funds in the budgets of the Ministries of Defense and Foreign Affairs. This amount is less than the parliament's request, but most parties supported the proposal.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The meeting takes place amid fears that the US may pressure Ukraine to accept a peace deal with Russia.
The Netherlands scrambled two F-35 fighter jets in response to reports of an unknown drone in its airspace. The drone posed no threat and left the country's airspace; its origin remains unclear.
FIFA has released the schedule for the 2026 World Cup group stage, highlighting matches with the highest expected temperatures, particularly in Inglewood and Philadelphia. Some teams, such as South Korea and Canada, will benefit from convenient logistics, playing consecutive matches in the same location.
In January-October 2025, Ukraine increased its imports of tomatoes to 81. 8 thousand tons and cucumbers to 109.6 thousand tons. Turkey traditionally remains the largest supplier of both crops.
The United States of America has invited Poland to participate in next year's Group of 20 (G20) summit in Miami. This invitation is due to Poland's economy entering the world's top 20, while South Africa, despite being a G20 member, will not be invited.
The Netherlands, Spain and Ireland will boycott Eurovision 2026 due to Israel's permission to participate. This decision was made after members of the European Broadcasting Union voted for new rules protecting the integrity of the competition.
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%.
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.
New Zealand is allocating $15 million to a program for the procurement of American weapons for Ukraine. This contribution is part of Ukraine's Priority Urgent Requirements List (PURL) and will only be used to purchase weapons or equipment that comply with the country's international obligations.
Norway, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, and Canada announced funding for support packages for American weapons for Ukraine totaling over a billion dollars. Canada and Great Britain are also providing additional practical assistance.
The Czech Ministry of Defense stated that the modernization of T-72 M4CZ tanks was ineffective due to problems with firing accuracy. The Czech army will replace them with Leopards, as continuing the modernization contract has been deemed impractical.
The Netherlands plans to close centers for Ukrainian refugees in 2027, when the EU's temporary protection status expires. Around 135,000 Ukrainians will have to provide for their own housing and medical care.
