United States
Donald Trump is forcing EU leaders to confront a future in which America is no longer their primary security guarantor. Europe must organize its own defense much faster than anyone could have imagined.
Republican Thomas Massie introduced a bill in Congress for the US to withdraw from NATO, considering it a relic of the Cold War. He proposes redirecting funds to its own defense rather than protecting "socialist countries."
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.
EU countries intend to accelerate a decision on immobilizing up to 210 billion euros of Russian sovereign assets. This will allow them to bypass Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban before next week's summit.
The U. S. State Department is reverting to the use of Times New Roman font in official communications, overturning the Biden administration's decision to switch to Calibri. This decision, made under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is motivated by a return to professionalism and the cancellation of the "wasteful" DEIA program.
US President Donald's statement about Europe as an "undemocratic obstacle" was a godsend for the Russian regime. Russian policy aims to undermine European support for Ukraine and exploit the opportunity to sow doubts about the viability of the NATO alliance.
Oil prices remained stable on Wednesday after falling 1% in the previous session. Brent crude futures rose 0.1% to $62.01 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude rose 0.1% to $58.32 a barrel.
US Ambassador Tom Barrack said that Turkey must abandon the Russian S-400 air defense system. This is a condition for the country's return to the F-35 program.
Pope Leo XIV commented on Donald Trump's statements about Europe's decline and "weak" leaders, expressing concern about a possible split in the alliance between Europe and the United States. He also declined to comment on the US peace plan for Ukraine, noting that some of its parts introduce significant changes in relations between Europe and the United States.
EU Permanent Representative Stavros Lambrinidis stated that Russia is escalating its attacks on Ukraine, destroying infrastructure and targeting civilians. He emphasized that the aggressor shows no desire for peace, and the EU will continue its diplomatic efforts.
Senators Jeff Merkley and Catherine Cortez Masto have introduced a bill that prohibits the U. S. Treasury Department from minting one-dollar coins featuring a living or incumbent president. This addresses the Treasury Department's plans to issue commemorative coins featuring Donald Trump for the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
The provision that prohibited Kyiv from joining NATO was removed from the current peace plan, although the new version does not address this issue at all. At the same time, European officials predict that it may take a long time for the US, Russia, and Ukraine to resolve their differences.
President Zelenskyy announced that the US has expressed a desire to provide Ukraine with realistic security guarantees, voted on by Congress, as well as to supply weapons. These guarantees include sanctions, air defense, and provisions similar to Article 5.
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.
Czech police found the body of 22-year-old Ukrainian Andriana Ofrim, who had been missing since November 21, in a body of water. A 33-year-old acquaintance, a compatriot, has been detained and confessed to the murder, the motive for which was financial disagreements.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that at a meeting with Putin, he stated Ukraine's desire to return Crimea, but noted that the state currently does not have the strength to do so. He also mentioned the lack of sufficient support for Ukraine's accession to NATO.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the country's readiness to hold elections, emphasizing the need to resolve security issues and the legislative framework. He also called on the United States and European partners to help ensure security for holding elections.
The US is not ready to accept Ukraine into NATO, but this is a matter for the future. Ukraine is considering effective security guarantees analogous to NATO, including bilateral guarantees with the US.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine uses Neptune missiles, the Palyanytsia drone missile, the Flamingo cruise missile, and the Sapsan operational-tactical missile system for strikes on Russia. He noted that the Neptunes are working well but did not disclose the quantity so that the enemy would not know all the details.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has not yet handed over an updated "peace plan" to the US, but this will likely happen tomorrow. He noted that the US is not demanding the surrender of Donbas territory, and Russia is the initiator of this idea.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced three documents regarding the end of the war with Russia, which concern security guarantees, the reconstruction of Ukraine, and framework agreements. These documents are being discussed with American and European partners.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discussed the Reconstruction Investment Fund, expanding Ukraine's ability to purchase US LNG, and financial support. Alvarez & Marsal has been appointed as the Fund's investment advisor.
The President of Ukraine held a conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The parties discussed further diplomatic work and concrete steps needed to end the war.
Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the UN, Andriy Melnyk, stated that Ukraine will not trade its sovereignty and territories. He emphasized that Moscow will get "a hole from a bagel," not Ukraine's capitulation.
The U. S. Department of Defense has selected Alphabet Inc.'s Gemini for Government system to provide artificial intelligence capabilities for its civilian and military personnel. This platform, known as GenAI.mil, will help the military quickly analyze video and images.
The President of Finland stated that peace for Ukraine is now "quite close," closer than at any time since the start of the full-scale invasion. Negotiations are progressing simultaneously on three key documents, including a framework plan, security guarantees, and the reconstruction of Ukraine.
US President Donald Trump's approval rating has risen to 41% according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. The increase was due to growing support for his economic policies among Republicans.
Mexico and the US will hold a meeting to resolve a dispute over water resource allocation. This comes amid Trump's threat to impose a 5% tariff on Mexican goods due to a violation of the 1944 treaty.
The President of the European Council, António Costa, stated that Americans must respect the democratic choice of Europeans. This was a response to statements by US President Donald Trump regarding Europe.
President Zelenskyy announced his readiness to present to the USA Ukrainian and European components of possible steps to end the war. This will happen after discussing the results of the work in London with the Ukrainian negotiating team.