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.
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.
The President of the European Commission also emphasized that "Europe's defense is our responsibility," summarizing plans to increase defense spending and production.
An ancient pleasure boat, matching the description of the Greek historian Strabo, was discovered off the coast of the Egyptian city of Alexandria. The vessel lay 7 meters underwater and 1.5 meters under sediment near the sunken island of Antirhodos.
The issue of territory is the "most problematic" in negotiations to end the war, as Russia seeks full control over the occupied lands. Ukraine cannot agree to the terms of Washington and Moscow without agreeing on the details, while the US continues to exert pressure.
British historian Timothy Garton Ash argues that only Europe can help Ukraine resist Russian aggression and US diplomatic betrayal. He emphasizes the need for military and economic support for Ukraine to change Putin's strategy.
A large fire at a restaurant-club in Goa, India, claimed the lives of at least 23 people, including tourists. The incident occurred on December 6 in the Arpora area, and the causes of the tragedy are being investigated.
The Swedish navy detects Russian submarines in the Baltic Sea almost every week. Sweden is preparing for a possible increase in their number if a ceasefire is reached in Ukraine.
On December 6, activists threw food at the display case with the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London, leading to the temporary closure of part of the area. Four protesters were detained on suspicion of causing damage.
Negotiations to end the Russian-Ukrainian war involving US representatives have hit a snag due to Vladimir Putin's stance. The Russian dictator has effectively rejected the agreement and is also unwilling to see US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned ads for Nike, Superdry, and Lacoste in Britain. The brands misled customers by using the term "sustainable" without proper evidence of environmental friendliness.
In New Zealand, a man swallowed a Fabergé pendant worth 33,000 New Zealand dollars in a store. Police are waiting for the jewelry to pass naturally, and the suspect will appear in court on December 8.
At Christie's auction in London, Faberge's "Winter Egg" was sold for 22. 9 million pounds sterling (approximately 30.2 million dollars), setting a new world record for Faberge items. This imperial egg, commissioned by Nicholas II in 1913, became the most expensive Faberge work sold at auction.
Ireland will provide Ukraine with an additional €100 million for non-lethal military aid and €25 million for energy supply. This was announced by Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin during Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Dublin.
US officials intend to return Russian assets after a peace treaty is concluded. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposes using them to support Ukraine.
The United States and Great Britain have reached an agreement on zero tariffs for British drug exports to the US. The NHS will increase the net price for innovative drugs by 25%, which could increase NHS costs by £3 billion.
Kaja Kallas expressed concern about possible pressure on Ukraine in peace talks and emphasized the importance of reparations credits from frozen Russian assets. She also supported Ukrainian anti-corruption institutions, stressing the importance of trust during the war.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed support for close relations with Poland, emphasizing European unity and a common stand against threats from Russia. Deeper cooperation in defense was discussed, including the protection of NATO's eastern flank and plans to sign a new defense agreement in 2026.
The European Commission is actively, though not publicly, participating in peace consultations on Ukraine, maintaining constant contact with Kyiv and the United States. Brussels ensures that the EU's interests are taken into account in the discussions and supports Ukraine's sovereignty.
A new analysis of two decades of satellite data has revealed the depletion of freshwater reserves in Southern and Central Europe. Scientists note that this is a consequence of climate change and an "alarming signal" for politicians.
American analysts have identified little-known sanctions that could harm the Russian war machine, focusing on chemicals for lubricants and tires. Blocking the Chinese company Xinxiang Richful and other suppliers could create a shortage of these critical materials.
Frozen Russian assets could be the only way to end the war in Ukraine and prevent its spread to Europe. Europe must demand a just peace for Ukraine, using confiscated assets to save it.
French law enforcement has arrested four more individuals in connection with the €88 million crown jewels robbery from the Louvre. The detainees are two men aged 38 and 39, and two women aged 31 and 40, all from the Paris region.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer downplayed reports of Ukraine's agreement to a peace deal, stating that it confirms satisfaction with the Geneva draft, which does not cover territorial issues. He emphasized that a just and lasting peace is only possible if Ukraine's sovereignty and its ability to defend itself are preserved.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed his readiness to deploy troops in Ukraine if hostilities cease. Great Britain is ready to send troops to defend Kyiv.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin must be forced to sit down at the negotiating table to end the war in Ukraine. He also emphasized the need to increase pressure on Russia by confiscating Russian assets in Europe.
EU leaders at an informal meeting in Angola discussed peace talks on Ukraine, agreeing that the 28 points proposed by the US and Russia need to be revised due to the unacceptability of some proposals. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk emphasized that no agreement should weaken the security of Poland and Europe, nor should it benefit the aggressor.
Russian troops destroyed one of the last power units in Chernihiv region two weeks ago. The 110 kV substation is beyond repair, as it was not fully protected in time.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US President's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will arrive in Geneva to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine. Italy will also send its representative to participate in the negotiations.
At the G20 summit, Western leaders emphasized their readiness to contribute to lasting peace, stressing that borders must not be changed by force. They also expressed concern about the proposed restrictions on Ukraine's armed forces.
