Russian invasion

The World's Response
EU Outlines "Plan B" to Keep Ukraine Afloat

EU countries are outlining a backup plan to keep Ukraine financially afloat in early 2026, reports Politico. This is if member states do not have time to agree on using Russia's frozen assets in time.

Kyiv has warned that the money could run out early next year.

Therefore, the EU is now looking at a simpler and faster solution: to borrow money itself and send it to Ukraine, something that will cover the urgent need. In that case, the loan would be repaid when a long-term solution is in place.

Above all, it is Belgium, where the frozen Russian assets are held, that has slowed down a decision and demanded guarantees that all EU member states will share the financial and legal risks.

"Russia lacks real will for peace talks"

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says that Russia lacks real will for peace talks. This is reported by the BBC.

She emphasizes that Ukraine needs strong security guarantees and that Europe will support the country "every step of the way".

- Regardless of how a future peace agreement is designed, it is clear that a large part of the implementation will rest with the European Union and its NATO allies.

von der Leyen also says that Russia's tactics are unchanged and that violence escalates every time there is progress towards real peace, writes Europaportalen.

- We have seen this before. This is a pattern. 

Putin's Russia
Russian Red Cross expands operations in occupied Ukraine

The Russian Red Cross (RRC) is deeply involved in Russia's military and propaganda apparatus, while the organization receives millions of euros from its international arm, Meduza reports.

The funding comes, among other things, from grants from the European Commission and other international organizations. In recent years, new organizations operating under the Red Cross brand have appeared in Ukraine's occupied territories.

The newspaper writes that the RRC, among other things, was involved in organizing a competition where children learned to assemble weapons and use drones.

The RRC itself says that they are neutral, but the newspaper believes that they actively participate in pro-Russian organizations. 

Dressed Putin calendar this year: "Wants to show his coolness"

The annual calendar with pictures of Russian President Vladimir Putin has been released, writes the New York Times.

- Putin is presented as an iconic figure, they want to remind everyone of how cool he is and how much control he has, says Russia expert Fiona Hill.

The pictures show Putin on a snowmobile, in a judo suit and in hunting clothes. However, unlike some previous years, he has kept his shirt on. In the past, he has been seen bare-chested on horseback.

The newspaper notes that none of the twelve pictures remind the Russians who buy the calendar of Putin's war in Ukraine, even though some of the quotes highlighted in the calendar are about Russia "getting stronger" in recent years.