United States
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte denied reports that the US plans to shift most of the burden of defending Europe to European countries by 2027. He noted that Europe must step up its defense, but the Reuters report was incorrect.
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.
Senior officials from the United States, Ukraine, France, Germany, and Great Britain will meet on Saturday, December 13, in Paris. They will discuss US President Donald Trump's peace plan, which includes territorial losses for Ukraine.
By the end of 2025, gold reached $4. 2 thousand per ounce, a 57% increase over the year. KIT Group analysts attribute this to the US Federal Reserve's policy, the geopolitical situation, and demand from central banks.
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.
In Quedlinburg, Germany, a truck carrying chickens overturned on the A36 autobahn, causing about 5,000 birds to escape. Traffic was blocked, and veterinary services were engaged in catching the chickens.
Residents of the US Pacific Northwest and Canada are preparing for evacuation due to catastrophic floods caused by a powerful atmospheric front. A state of emergency has been declared in the US, and major highways in Canada have already been closed due to floods and landslides.
People's deputies Fedir Venislavskyi and Volodymyr Vatras confirmed work on draft laws regarding post-war elections, but Oleksandr Korniienko denies the existence of ready legislative initiatives. The main obstacles to holding elections are the constitutional ban during martial law and the inability to guarantee security.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban fully supported the US criticism of the EU, calling it the most important document of recent years. He noted that Americans see Europe's economic dead end and civilizational crisis.
As a result of the Russian strike on Fastiv on the night of December 6, 27 suburban train cars were destroyed, with damages estimated at UAH 300 million. The depot and station were destroyed, and UAH 100 million is needed for reconstruction.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had a "constructive" conversation with US President Donald Trump, where they discussed Ukraine and a possible meeting in Berlin. Merz emphasized that Ukraine must decide on concessions, and also criticized Putin and supported the use of frozen Russian assets.
First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Oleksandr Kornienko stated the impossibility of parliamentary elections during martial law, citing the Constitution and the security situation. He emphasized the lack of a legal framework and difficulties with security, military participation, and voting abroad.
The Georgian Parliament has fast-tracked a bill that tightens the rules for holding protest actions. The new law requires notifying the Ministry of Internal Affairs five days in advance of holding a rally in crowded places.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia submitted additional proposals to the US on collective security guarantees. He emphasized that the guarantees cannot be limited to Ukraine alone.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated the need for security guarantees for all parties in the war in Ukraine. He also noted that Donald Trump sincerely seeks to resolve the conflict through political and diplomatic methods.
Donald Trump has unveiled an online platform for obtaining a US "Golden Card," which allows wealthy foreigners to gain legal residency for a contribution of $1 million. The program includes a biographical check, a $15,000 fee, and a government contribution, and a "platinum" card for $5 million has also been announced.
The Trump administration has handed European counterparts documents outlining its vision for Ukraine's reconstruction and Russia's return to the global economy. The proposals have sparked a fierce struggle between America and its allies in Europe.
US B-52 bombers, capable of carrying nuclear weapons, flew over the Sea of Japan alongside Japanese F-35 and F-15 fighters. This was a response to joint China-Russia exercises in the region, as well as increased Chinese military activity around Taiwan.
Sergei Lavrov's report to the Federation Council showed that the Kremlin is ready to speak only the language of threats. He accused the West of "animalistic Russophobia" and threatened war for "hostile steps."
The US House of Representatives has passed the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2026. The document provides $800 million for Ukraine and measures to deter Russia and China.
The Royal United Services Institute believes that Great Britain does not have a plan for waging a war that would last more than a few weeks. At the same time, European factories would need several years to reach the level of mass production of weapons in Russia.
US President Donald Trump stated that 82% of Ukrainian citizens demand a peace agreement. He also raised the issue of holding elections in Ukraine, calling on Zelenskyy to be a realist.
The Danish Defence Intelligence Service has for the first time named the US a potential threat to the country's security, noting that the US prioritizes its own interests and encroaches on Greenland. Russia and China are still considered the main risks to Denmark.
Ukraine has submitted its response to the latest draft peace plan to the American side. This document is the result of negotiations with the Trump team and European partners.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with people's deputies regarding holding elections under martial law. He expects the deputies to offer their vision on this issue.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with the American side regarding the reconstruction and economic recovery of Ukraine. They discussed key issues for recovery, mechanisms, and the vision for reconstruction.
Political expert Oleh Posternak stated that Ihor Kolomoisky should repent before Ukrainians for his "deeds" that warrant at least one life sentence. The expert recalled the accusations against the oligarch of contract killings, siphoning off billions of hryvnias through PrivatBank, and embezzling 3.3 billion UAH in the cases of Ukrnafta and Ukrtatnafta.
An Austrian court has definitively blocked the US request for the extradition of Dmytro Firtash, concluding over a decade of legal hearings. The Higher Regional Court of Vienna confirmed that the lower court's decision is final, as prosecutors failed to meet the deadline for filing an appeal.
Ukraine will submit a document to the US in the near future after several rounds of peace talks. This will happen after working with Trump's team and European partners.
Four of India's seven largest oil refineries continue to purchase Russian oil at significant discounts, while Reliance Industries Ltd. refrains due to the risk of sanctions. Russian oil imports to India are expected to decrease, but trade will continue at a lower level.