International Relations
The Netherlands will send an additional €700 million in aid to Ukraine in 2026
The Dutch government has officially allocated an additional €700 million to Ukraine from unused defense and foreign affairs budgets — the funds will go toward military support and strengthening defense.
US Congress approves defense budget — Ukraine may receive further support
The US House of Representatives has passed a national defense bill that provides support for Ukraine. The decision is an important signal for Kyiv during the ongoing war.
Lithuania considers banning passenger flights to Belarus due to security threats
The Lithuanian government wants to suspend regular bus and passenger services to Belarus after a series of incidents — the decision is to be agreed with Poland and Latvia.
France is hiding €18 billion in frozen Russian assets, calling into question reparations loan for Ukraine
France has the second-largest pool of frozen Russian assets after Belgium, but refuses to name the recipient banks. This complicates the European Commission's plans for a “reparations loan” to Ukraine.
Hungary and Slovakia will challenge the EU's decision to ban imports of Russian oil and gas
Budapest and Bratislava are preparing an appeal to the European Court of Justice to overturn the regulation banning imports of Russian energy resources. They believe that this threatens energy security and violates EU rules.
Despite US sanctions, Russia sent its first shipment of LNG to China from the Baltic plant
The Russian liquefied natural gas plant Portovaya sent its first LNG tanker to China after US sanctions were imposed — Moscow is testing workarounds and expanding cooperation with Beijing.
Thailand resumes air strikes on Cambodia — a new wave of border conflict
Following the death of a Thai soldier, Thailand launched air strikes on Cambodian military targets on the disputed border on December 8. The sides are once again accusing each other, and thousands of civilians are fleeing.
London prepares coordinated position of Europe and Ukraine on peace
Today, December 8, Zelenskyy will meet with Macron, Starmer, and Merz in London. The goal is to develop a joint European-Ukrainian position for peace negotiations and coordinate it with the US.
Italy to send generators to Ukraine — Giorgia Meloni expresses solidarity
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that additional generators would be sent to Ukraine to support the power grid; Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked her for the prompt assistance and consistent support.
The African Corps is suspected of mass civilian casualties in Mali: witnesses report beheadings, rapes and murders
Refugees from Mali accuse the new Russian military formation, the African Corps, of atrocities against civilians, ranging from burning villages to torture and mass executions.
Wadefu flew to Beijing — they will discuss peace in Ukraine
During his visit to China, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadefu will express Berlin's position on Ukraine and support for peace talks and pressure on Russia.
Merz to meet with NATO Secretary General Rutte on 11 December: security and support for Ukraine to be discussed
On Thursday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will meet with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Berlin. The main topics will be security in the Euro-Atlantic area and further assistance to Ukraine.
