Putin praises Orbán’s ‘balanced’ position on Ukraine as leaders meet in Moscow – Europe live

Talks between the UK and the EU regarding the UK's participation in the EU defence fund have collapsed, primarily due to disagreements over a fee that would enable UK defence firms to access a larger portion of loans. This breakdown in negotiations highlights ongoing tensions between the two sides following the UK's departure from the EU.

The Louvre Museum has announced a significant increase in ticket prices for non-EU visitors, raising the cost from 22 to 32 euros, which translates to approximately $37. This decision has sparked protests from labor unions, who argue that the price hike is discriminatory against international tourists. The museum aims to boost its annual revenues through this measure.

Ukrainian anti-corruption investigators have conducted searches at the home and offices of Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, amid allegations of a significant corruption scandal involving a $100-million kickback scheme in the energy sector. Yermak has confirmed the searches and expressed his willingness to cooperate fully with the investigation.

Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever has criticized the EU's proposal to utilize frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, labeling the plan as fundamentally wrong and a violation of international law. He expressed concerns that such actions could destabilize financial markets and harm the euro, casting doubt on Europe's ability to fund Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia.

Ukraine’s anti-corruption investigators conducted searches at the offices of Andriy Yermak, a top aide to President Volodymyr Zelensky, amid rising political tensions and increasing pressure from Washington for a peace deal with Russia. The specific reasons for the searches remain undisclosed, but they highlight ongoing concerns about corruption within the Ukrainian government.

Ukraine's anti-corruption agency has launched searches at the home of Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, amid a significant corruption scandal involving a $100-million kickback scheme in the energy sector. This scandal has intensified public outrage as the country grapples with ongoing Russian attacks on its power infrastructure, leading to fears of winter heating shortages.

Ukraine's anti-corruption authorities conducted searches at the offices of Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff, although the specific reasons for the searches were not disclosed. This action raises questions about potential corruption within the highest levels of the Ukrainian government.

Ukraine's military reported an overnight attack on Russia's Saratov oil refinery and the Saky air base in Crimea, coinciding with claims from the Russian defense ministry that 136 Ukrainian drones were intercepted, with many shot down over the Rostov and Saratov regions.