Berlin summons Russian ambassador over increase in hybrid attacks

U.S. President Donald Trump is urging Ukraine to finalize a peace deal with Russia, emphasizing the need for a swift resolution. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is seeking security guarantees before proceeding with any agreement, highlighting the ongoing tension between the two nations.

France has called for a delay in the vote on the EU-Mercosur trade deal, stating that the current terms are unacceptable for EU member states. This request highlights ongoing concerns regarding the implications of the agreement for both European and Latin American markets.

Five individuals have been arrested in Germany over a suspected plot to attack a Christmas market. Local media reports indicate that one of the suspects is an imam at a mosque, who allegedly called for a vehicle attack against the festive gathering.

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is set to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders in Berlin this weekend to discuss a potential ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine war. This meeting follows a series of diplomatic engagements aimed at formulating a political agreement to end the conflict, marking day 1,390 of the war.

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is traveling to Berlin to engage in peace negotiations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, as confirmed by a senior White House official. This meeting aims to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and explore pathways to a resolution.

Reports suggesting Ukraine could join the European Union by January 1, 2027, have been dismissed as unrealistic by officials in Brussels, amidst ongoing discussions about a US-led peace plan. This skepticism comes on day 1,389 of the Ukraine war, highlighting the complexities of Ukraine's EU aspirations during the conflict.

A senior US official indicated that Ukraine's potential integration into the European Union by 2027 is unlikely, despite the US plan to end the war in Ukraine. European diplomats highlighted that even if pro-Moscow governments like Hungary were to agree, numerous complex issues would need to be resolved swiftly.

The European Union has decided to indefinitely freeze €210 billion of Russian sovereign assets within its jurisdiction, a move aimed at redirecting these funds to support Ukraine's defense amid ongoing military aggression from Russia. This decision follows increased threats from Moscow regarding potential retaliation against Euroclear, the financial institution managing these immobilized assets.