International allies have committed $38 billion for Ukraine’s defense by 2026, with significant contributions from the UK, Germany, and Norway. The funds will support drones, air defense, and military training. Ukraine’s defense goals were presented at the recent ‘Ramstein’ meeting.
India’s largest refiners are avoiding new purchases of Russian oil as New Delhi moves closer to a trade agreement with the United States. Imports are expected to drop sharply as companies shift to suppliers in the Middle East, Africa and South America.
Russian athletes cleared to compete as neutrals in the Winter Olympics face scrutiny over ties to pro-war activities in Ukraine. Despite concerns, the IOC maintains their neutrality status. BBC Sport’s investigation highlights affiliations with military-backed figures.
Ukrainian and Russian negotiators met with US mediators in Abu Dhabi for their first trilateral talks of the war, with Donbas territory at the center. Russia wants Kyiv to hand over the rest of Donetsk, while Ukraine has proposed a demilitarized zone along the front line.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, criticized Europe’s inaction on security issues, urging the continent to break the cycle of repeated failures. He emphasized the need for a unified European defense force and stronger global action.
Western allies are moving towards binding security guarantees for Ukraine, including potential troop deployment and U.S. support against Russian aggression. These proposals will be discussed at a Paris summit, marking a significant shift from political promises to enforceable commitments.
After US forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, Donald Trump called the war “in Russia” primitive by comparison, apparently meaning Russia’s war on Ukraine. He also said he was not thrilled with Putin and called the war a bloodbath killing too many people.
The Trump administration’s new National Security Strategy accuses European governments of ignoring their voters, calls for an end to NATO expansion and urges a quick end to the war in Ukraine to restore strategic stability with Russia, alarming US allies across Europe.
European militaries are preparing for a future where NATO faces Russia with limited US backing. New drills in Romania reveal gaps in logistics, air defense, and strategic enablers as Washington reduces its presence and Europe rushes to build its own capabilities.
Putin dismissed Ukraine’s government as “illegitimate,” arguing it is pointless to sign agreements with Kyiv after postponed elections. Ukraine insists martial law makes voting impossible as the war continues, deepening the political standoff.
Secret US-Russia talks produced a sudden 28-point proposal forcing Ukraine to cede land, limit its military, and abandon NATO plans. European governments rushed to counter the plan and give Kyiv time to fight terms they say favor Moscow.
Montenegro has officially decided to join NATO’s Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) program, marking a significant step in alignment with Alliance efforts to support Ukraine. The Montenegrin Parliament approved the initiative on November 12th.
