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.
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.
The European Union has agreed to indefinitely freeze Russian central bank assets held in Europe. This removed a significant obstacle to using these funds to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that he would not support the European Commission's proposal for a reparations loan to Ukraine using frozen Russian assets if the funds were to be used for military purposes. He sent a letter to the President of the European Council, António Costa, warning of a blockade of decisions regarding the financing of Ukraine's military needs for 2026-2027.
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.
The Washington Post reports on the outlines of a future peace agreement for Ukraine, which includes EU membership by 2027 and security guarantees from the US. The agreement provides for a demilitarized zone and territorial exchange, but Donald Trump could influence the course of negotiations.
Hungary and Slovakia will file a motion with the European Court of Justice to overturn the RePowerEU plan, which provides for a complete ban on imports of Russian gas and oil. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that this step is due to the threat to secure energy supply and rising prices.
Warming up the engine before starting to drive in winter is a debatable issue among drivers. In some European countries, it is prohibited for environmental reasons, while in Ukraine, the decision rests with the driver.
The US is trying to block EU plans to use frozen assets of the Russian central bank to support a loan to Ukraine. Washington believes that these assets are necessary to secure a peace agreement between Kyiv and Moscow.
Ukraine is resuming the work of its Consulate General in Prešov, Slovakia, after an 11-year hiatus. The grand opening will take place on December 5 with the participation of the foreign ministers of both countries.
Lawmakers from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's party have submitted a bill that makes it harder to remove the president from office. The amendment comes four months before elections in which the opposition seeks to reverse Orban's consolidation of power.
Oil prices rose: Brent to $63. 02, WTI to $59.36. Attacks on Russian oil pipelines and lack of progress in peace talks contribute to rising prices.
Hungary and Slovakia will appeal to the EU's highest court to challenge the agreement to phase out Russian gas by September next year. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that the new restrictions are unacceptable, as Hungary cannot ensure energy supply without Russian sources.
The European Union has agreed on final rules that provide for a gradual cessation of Russian natural gas imports. A full embargo on supplies will come into force by the end of 2027 after approval by the EU Council and the European Parliament.
The European Commission is proposing a legal solution to avoid Belgium having to pay billions of euros if Hungary vetoes the extension of sanctions against Russia. This would allow €140 billion of frozen Russian assets to be used as a loan to Ukraine.
NATO is stepping up preparations for a possible confrontation with Russia, while the US is reducing its military presence in Europe. The number of American troops has already been reduced in Romania, and similar steps are planned in Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Hungary.
Polish President Karol Nawrocki limited his trip to Hungary, refusing to meet with Prime Minister Viktor Orban. This decision was made due to Orban's visit to Moscow, which caused concern in Warsaw.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that after the war, Ukraine would become a buffer state between the West and Russia, as it was before the war.
Ukraine, Slovakia, and Slovenia have been elected to the OPCW Executive Council for 2026–2028. Russia suffered its third consecutive defeat, failing to join the governing body.
The State Customs Service prevented several attempts to import the narcotic tea Mitragyna speciosa and the SPIRULINA supplement into Ukraine, discovering the largest consignment at the border with Hungary. In total, hundreds of kilograms of crushed kratom leaves, which are a narcotic substance, were seized.
The director and beneficial owner of a private company have been заочно notified of suspicion of embezzling UAH 28 million allocated for the purchase of drones for a state order. Both suspects have been declared internationally wanted after transferring funds abroad through fictitious structures.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced his support for the American "peace plan" for Ukraine, believing that Russia would emerge victorious from it. He noted that the current version is less favorable for Ukraine than in 2022, but could quickly end hostilities.
The European Commission has initiated legal proceedings against Slovakia over the adoption of a constitutional amendment that declares the priority of national law over EU norms. This has escalated tensions between Brussels and Robert Fico's government.
The Ministry of Energy denied Ukraine's electricity exports, explaining that production is entirely for domestic consumption. Damage to thermal and hydroelectric power plants by enemy attacks has reduced production capacity, so exports are not carried out.
Political scientist Oleh Lisnyi emphasizes that all discussions about the US peace plan revolve around rumors. He also points out that Ukraine's position remains unchanged.
The Ukrainian national team will face Sweden in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers play-offs. If they win, Ukraine will play in the final against the winner of the Poland – Albania match.
Poland is launching a pilot defense program wReady for civilians, which will last until December 14. It is designed to increase readiness for crisis situations amid threats from Russia.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is considering suing the EU over plans to stop Russian gas supplies from 2028. Slovakia and Hungary criticize these plans due to their dependence on Russian energy carriers and fears of economic consequences.
Ukraine plans to demand $43 billion in climate damage compensation from Russia to fund an environmentally sound post-war recovery. This was announced at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil, citing a report that estimates greenhouse gas emissions from the invasion at 236.8 million tons of CO2 equivalent.
Ukraine expects the first gas supplies via the Greek route in January 2026, which is more expensive than the Polish LNG terminal. This route, although flexible, requires cooperation with five operators.
