Newsflash

The world according to Vladimir Putin — live updates

Russian President Vladimir Putin held his annual press conference, where he reaffirmed his aggressive stance on Ukraine and NATO. During the event, Putin dismissed European leaders as "little pigs" and reiterated his intention to claim what he refers to as Russia's "historic lands" in Ukraine, signaling no intention of backing down from his expansionist ambitions or opposition to NATO's growth. The press conference, live-blogged by POLITICO, provided a platform for Putin to address both journalists and the public, with analysts working to separate fact from rhetoric and highlight the most significant statements. His remarks underscore a continued hardline approach to foreign policy, particularly regarding territorial claims and military alliances. 🌍🗣️

Interpol issues red notices for Russian rail sabotage suspects wanted by Poland

Interpol has issued red notices for two Ukrainian men, Oleksandr Kononov and Yevhenii Ivanov, suspected of carrying out a sabotage attack on a Polish rail line in November on behalf of Russia. The suspects fled to Belarus immediately after the attack, and their current location remains unknown. The red notices mean that law enforcement agencies worldwide are urged to seek their arrest and extradition.

Polish authorities discovered sabotage on two sections of a rail line between Warsaw and Lublin, including an explosive device detonated near a freight train. Prime Minister Donald Tusk identified the perpetrators as Ukrainian nationals acting for Russia. Additionally, another Ukrainian man, Volodymyr B., has been charged in Poland for assisting in the sabotage.

Poland has experienced several sabotage incidents in recent years, often involving Ukrainian or Belarusian nationals recruited by Russia. Belarus has stated it will consider extraditing the suspects if found, though the likelihood remains uncertain given its alliance with Moscow. Poland has also issued European Arrest Warrants for the suspects, though these are only enforceable within the EU.

The sabotage in Poland is not Ivanov's first alleged act of terrorism. Earlier this year, he was convicted in absentia by Ukraine for attempting to bomb a military drone factory in Lviv. Despite this, Ukrainian prosecutors have not issued an arrest warrant for him. Kononov, born in Ukraine, has ties to the Russian-occupied city of Donetsk. Poland has responded to the attack by ordering the closure of Russia's consulate in Gdańsk, leaving only the embassy in Warsaw operational. 🚨🇵🇱

EU leaders strike deal on €90B loan to Ukraine — live updates

EU leaders reached a historic agreement on a €90 billion loan to Ukraine after an intense 15-hour summit in Brussels, concluding at 3 a.m. The deal marks a significant commitment to supporting Ukraine amid ongoing conflict, reflecting the EU's solidarity and determination to bolster Ukraine's economic and military resilience. The loan package is designed to provide critical financial assistance, helping Ukraine sustain its defense efforts and stabilize its economy. This agreement underscores the EU's unified stance in the face of geopolitical challenges and reaffirms its dedication to regional security and stability. 💶🇪🇺

Polish Constitutional Tribunal violated European law, rules EU court

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has ruled that Poland’s Constitutional Tribunal (TK) violated EU law by declaring parts of the EU treaties incompatible with the Polish constitution and questioning the validity of CJEU judgments. The CJEU also found that the TK itself is not a legitimate court under EU law due to the unlawful appointment of judges under the former Law and Justice (PiS) government. The ruling stems from a 2023 case brought by the European Commission against Poland, following two 2021 TK rulings that challenged the primacy of EU law.

The CJEU upheld the Commission’s complaint, stating that the TK’s actions infringed upon the principle of effective judicial protection and disregarded the primacy, autonomy, and uniform application of EU law. The court emphasized that Poland cannot rely on its constitutional identity to avoid compliance with EU values such as the rule of law and judicial independence. Additionally, the CJEU ruled that the TK’s composition, due to irregularities in the appointment of three judges and its chief justice, did not meet the requirements of an independent and impartial tribunal under EU law.

The ruling was welcomed by Poland’s current justice minister, Waldemar Żurek, who called for the reconstruction of a genuine, independent Constitutional Tribunal. However, the decision was condemned by former PiS prime minister Beata Szydło, who accused the CJEU of usurping power and undermining Poland’s sovereignty. Despite the change in government to a more EU-friendly administration led by Donald Tusk, progress on judicial reform has been hindered by internal coalition disagreements and opposition from President Andrzej Duda and his successor, Karol Nawrocki. 🇪🇺⚖️

Russia’s Oreshnik ballistic missile deployed to Belarus, Lukashenko says

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced that Russia has deployed its new intermediate-range ballistic missile system, known as Oreshnik, to Belarus, where it has now entered active combat duty. This deployment significantly reduces the buffer zone between Ukraine and potential Russian launch sites, as Belarus has already been used for Russian troop movements, missile launches, and drone attacks since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022.

The Oreshnik missile, introduced by Russian President Vladimir Putin in November 2024, is reportedly designed to carry nuclear warheads and is claimed to be unstoppable by Western air defense systems. However, experts remain skeptical about its capabilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the missile has a range of up to 5,000 kilometers but cannot strike targets within about 700 kilometers of its launch site, with Russia producing up to six such missiles annually. The Oreshnik made its combat debut during a Russian strike on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro on November 21, 2024, reportedly without a nuclear warhead. 🚀💥

EU kicks off crunch summit on Russian asset plan for Ukraine

The European Union has initiated a critical summit to finalize a plan for managing Russian assets to support Ukraine. This move comes as a response to the ongoing conflict and the need to bolster Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction efforts. The summit aims to address the legal and logistical challenges of seizing and utilizing Russian state assets, which could provide significant financial resources for Ukraine. The discussions are expected to focus on ensuring the plan aligns with international law and EU regulations while maximizing its impact on Ukraine’s stability and security. The outcome of this summit could shape the future of EU-Russia relations and the broader geopolitical landscape. 🇪🇺💡

EU leaders urge swift decision on frozen Russian funds for Ukraine

European leaders are calling for an urgent decision on utilizing frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, emphasizing the need for a swift and coordinated response. The proposal involves using these funds to bolster Ukraine's defense and reconstruction efforts amid ongoing Russian aggression. The discussion highlights the importance of European unity and strategic financial measures to counter the evolving security challenges posed by Russia. Leaders stress that decisive action is crucial to maintain stability and sovereignty in the region. 💡💸

Are Trump, the Gulf states and Russia meddling in Italy's top newspapers change of ownership?

The potential sale of two of Italy’s leading newspapers, La Repubblica and La Stampa, to Greek media tycoon Theodore Kyriakou has sparked widespread concern over editorial independence and foreign influence. Kyriakou, a close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump and with ties to Gulf states and Russia, is set to acquire the newspapers through his company, Antenna Group. The deal, valued at around €140 million, has drawn scrutiny due to Kyriakou’s political and business connections, including his attendance at a high-profile dinner with the Emir of Qatar and Trump in Doha.

The proposed sale has ignited protests and strikes among journalists, who fear that foreign ownership could compromise the newspapers' critical stance against Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, Trump, and Vladimir Putin. Russia’s embassy in Rome has even commented, hoping the newspapers would no longer act as "mouthpieces for unbridled anti-Russian propaganda" under new ownership. Italy’s parliament has summoned executives from GEDI, the current publisher, to address these concerns, while the government has so far resisted blocking the sale under its "golden power" regulations. The transaction, expected to close early next year, has raised fears of authoritarian influence seeping into Italy’s media landscape. 📰🌍

Decision time in Brussels: Will EU ignore threats and seize frozen Russian assets?

The European Union faces a critical juncture as leaders of the 27-member bloc convene to address pressing challenges, including financial support for Ukraine and countering Russian aggression. With Ukraine’s government at risk of insolvency by the end of spring, EU leaders must decide whether to seize €210 billion in frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine, despite potential legal risks. Alternatively, they could explore borrowing on bond markets, though Germany and other fiscally conservative northern European states oppose this option. A vocal minority advocates for a more cautious approach. The stakes are high as Russia escalates hybrid attacks and the U.S. supports pro-Moscow parties gaining traction across Europe. This summit is seen as pivotal, with some branding it "the most crucial EU gathering since the 2008 financial crisis." The decisions made will shape Europe’s response to geopolitical threats and economic instability. 💶🔍

Chinese exports threaten jobs in Europe, Finland, federation warns

China's surging exports are significantly impacting Europe's industrial sector, particularly in high-value industries like automotive and chemicals, leading to substantial job losses. Between 2015 and 2022, around 240,000 EU industrial jobs were lost due to rising Chinese imports, with Finland facing similar challenges. The Chemical Industry Federation of Finland warns that Europe risks losing hundreds of thousands more jobs and may permanently cede strategic industries to China.

China's industrial dominance is not driven by market-based competition but by aggressive state support, which has created massive industrial capacity and displaced European production, especially in Germany. China spends around 4.4% of its GDP (approximately €740 billion annually) on supporting its companies, far surpassing the EU's 1.5% and Finland's 1.1-1.4%. The federation's chief economist, Sampo Pehkonen, emphasizes that Europe has about five years to address this issue.

To mitigate further damage, the EU and Finland must prioritize maintaining favorable operating conditions for industry, avoiding additional regulations or tax increases. The federation's sustainability chief, Sami Nikander, stresses the need to critically assess EU regulations that weaken domestic production and facilitate cheaper imports. Without decisive action, Europe's industrial future remains at risk. 🏭💼

Estonia installs first bunkers on Baltic Defense Line

Estonia is fortifying its eastern border as part of the broader Baltic Defense Line, a collaborative effort with Latvia and Lithuania to counter potential Russian aggression. By 2027, Estonia aims to install 600 bunkers and 40 kilometers of anti-tank ditches. Currently, five bunkers are under construction along the southeastern border. These structures are designed to shield personnel from direct hits by 152 mm artillery ammunition, a weapon commonly used by Russian forces. The strategic placement of these bunkers and trenches is carefully planned to align with Estonia’s defense strategies and the unique terrain conditions. Lt. Col. Ainar Afanasjev, chief engineer at the Estonian Defense Forces, emphasizes the importance of meticulous planning and coordination with military units to ensure effective defense. This initiative underscores Estonia’s commitment to bolstering its defenses in response to regional security threats. 🛡️🇪🇪

Cartoon (18/12/2025)

The openly racist and fascist Blue-Black Movement has been reinstated as a registered political party in Finland. The group, which was removed from the register in 2024 due to its program violating constitutional and human rights laws, has since revised its rules and program to meet legal standards. Founded by former members of the Finns Party, the Blue-Black Movement promotes ethnonationalist ideologies and pays homage to the Lapua Movement, a radical nationalist and fascist group from the early 20th century. The group recently held a public event in Tampere, where participants displayed Finnish flags and a banner reading "May Day is White." The movement's return to the political landscape has raised concerns about the resurgence of extremist ideologies in Finland. 🇫🇮⚠️

EU imposes new sanctions on Russia's 'shadow fleet'

The European Union has expanded its sanctions on Russia’s "shadow fleet," targeting 41 additional vessels involved in circumventing oil price caps, supporting Russia’s energy sector, or transporting military equipment and stolen Ukrainian goods. This brings the total number of sanctioned ships to 600. The EU’s measures include banning these vessels from accessing EU ports and prohibiting the provision of maritime services to them. The shadow fleet, comprising older, often uninsured, and poorly maintained tankers, operates under various flags, making enforcement challenging. Russia heavily relies on fossil fuel exports, totaling €958 billion since the start of its invasion of Ukraine, with oil, gas, and coal making up 68%, 20%, and 12% of these exports, respectively. 🛢️🚢

‘Ukraine needs this money’ : Zelensky is in Brussels for talks on Russian assets

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is in Brussels for critical discussions on repurposing frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction efforts. The talks come as Ukraine faces escalating attacks from Russia, including a recent nighttime assault involving drones and missiles that injured at least 12 people across multiple regions. Zelenskyy has emphasized the urgent need for these funds, arguing that they are essential for Ukraine’s survival and long-term stability. The European Union is considering mechanisms to channel seized Russian assets into Ukraine, potentially through a new European Defense Mechanism or a Rearmament Bank, to bolster European security and reduce dependence on the U.S. Meanwhile, Russia continues to escalate its military campaign, ignoring calls for a ceasefire and targeting civilian infrastructure, which Ukraine and international organizations classify as war crimes. 💸🇺🇦

'Mayhem and chaos': Europe's airports demand urgent review of new border system

The European Union's Entry/Exit System (EES), launched on October 12th, is facing significant operational challenges, leading to long wait times and disruptions at major airports. The EES, which requires non-EU travelers to register biometric data and personal information upon entering the Schengen zone, has caused border control processing times to increase by up to 70%, with peak wait times reaching three hours. Airports in France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Portugal, and Spain are particularly affected.

The Airport Council International (ACI) Europe has expressed concerns in a letter to the European Commission, highlighting issues such as system outages, configuration problems, and insufficient deployment of self-service kiosks and border guards. ACI Europe Director General Olivier Jankovec warned that increasing the registration threshold to 35% in January, as planned, could lead to severe congestion and safety hazards if current issues are not resolved. He emphasized the need for swift action to stabilize the system and ensure a smoother travel experience.

Despite the challenges, ACI Europe remains committed to the EES but stresses the importance of addressing operational issues to prevent further disruptions. The letter also urges the European Commission, EU-LISA, Frontex, and Schengen member states to take immediate action to mitigate the impact on travelers and airport operations. 🛂✈️

US, Ukraine minerals deal will finally go live in 2026

Ukraine and the U.S. are set to launch a joint investment fund, known as the minerals deal, in early 2026. The fund's board of directors finalized key administrative steps on December 18, allowing it to begin accepting investments next year. Signed in April 2025, the minerals deal establishes a joint investment fund in Ukraine, providing the U.S. with favorable access to investment projects. The fund will focus on critical sectors such as critical minerals, energy, infrastructure, ICT, and emerging technology.

Ukraine's Economy Minister, Oleksii Sobolev, emphasized the shift from planning to action, aiming to deploy capital into projects that support Ukraine’s long-term growth and supply chain resilience. Proposals for investment will be accepted through a public website launching in January 2026, with the first investment decisions expected by the end of next year. The U.S. has shown particular interest in Ukraine’s critical raw materials, including lithium and gas projects.

Recent progress includes the first board meeting in September 2025, a joint pledge to invest $75 million each, and a U.S. delegation’s exploration of titanium, zirconium, and hafnium deposits. Alvarez & Marsal, a global consulting firm, was selected as the investment advisor for the initiative. For the first decade, all profits will be reinvested in Ukraine, and U.S. military assistance could also contribute to the fund. This initiative marks a significant step toward Ukraine’s reconstruction and economic development. 💰🏗️

Four remanded in custody in cocaine trafficking case on fishing vessel

A major cocaine trafficking operation involving a fishing vessel has led to the arrest of ten individuals, with four now remanded in custody. The French Navy intercepted the vessel, Urania A, earlier this week as it traveled from Guyana to Europe, uncovering over four tons of cocaine. Among those arrested is a 61-year-old man, dubbed the "Greek Escobar," who denies ownership of the ship, claiming he sold it in August 2025. The accused mastermind is alleged to have orchestrated the vessel's routes, recruited crews, and used intermediaries to establish corporate structures to obscure ownership. A 74-year-old man is also implicated in laundering the illicit proceeds. The investigation highlights the complex networks involved in international drug trafficking. 🚨🚢

Yle's new team takes aim at scams and fakes

In response to the growing threat of disinformation and deepfakes, Yle has established a dedicated verification team to strengthen its commitment to delivering reliable information. The team focuses on debunking false claims and verifying the authenticity of images and videos circulating online. For instance, reporter Satu Helin uncovered that an AI-generated image of a Christmas market was falsely used to support misleading claims about security in Germany. Helin emphasized that such disinformation aims to erode public trust in Finnish society, fostering doubt in official statements and academic research.

Meanwhile, journalist Henrik Wacker developed a program to track lobbying efforts behind Finland's recent gambling law reforms, one of the most heavily lobbied legislative projects in recent years. His investigation revealed significant involvement from Finnish media organizations, commercial broadcasters, foreign gambling companies, and the state monopoly, Veikkaus. Wacker highlighted the challenge of scrutinizing lobbying activities, which often occur behind closed doors, and the difficulty of extracting meaningful insights from vast amounts of raw data. The verification team's work underscores the importance of ensuring that the public receives accurate and trustworthy information in an era of digital misinformation. 🔍📡

Nearly 60% of Ukrainians see Zelensky as responsible for his associate's role in major corruption scandal, poll shows

A recent poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) reveals that 59% of Ukrainians hold President Volodymyr Zelensky personally accountable for the actions of Timur Mindich, his associate and former business partner, who is central to Ukraine's largest corruption scandal involving state nuclear power monopoly Energoatom. Only 30% disagree, while 11% remain undecided. The scandal, which has drawn significant public attention, involves Mindich, who fled Ukraine before facing charges. Zelensky has imposed sanctions on Mindich and another implicated businessman, Oleksandr Tsukerman, both of whom are now on a wanted list.

Despite the scandal, Zelensky's trust levels have shown resilience. A separate survey indicates that around 61% of Ukrainians trust him as of mid-December, a slight increase from early October. However, trust in Zelensky reportedly dropped by around 10% following the corruption revelations. The dismissal of Andriy Yermak, the former head of the President's Office, and growing pressure from the U.S. have since helped restore public confidence.

The poll also highlights broader concerns about corruption in Ukraine, with 67% of respondents believing that corruption has increased since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, while 19% see no change. The survey, conducted between November 26 and December 13, reflects the views of 1,000 respondents living in Ukraine-held territories. 📊🇺🇦

EU wants to wait with Mercosur agreement

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the signing of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement will be postponed until next month, following a request from Italy. The decision comes after a phone call between Brazilian President Lula da Silva and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who indicated that Italy would be ready to support the agreement with additional time for consideration. Lula had previously urged swift action, stating that it was "now or never" to sign the deal. However, both France and Italy have sought more time to review the agreement, which has been under negotiation for 25 years. The delay will be discussed further at a meeting of Mercosur countries this weekend, which includes Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay. 🇪🇺🇧🇷🇦🇷🇺🇾🇵🇾