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Zelensky to Hold High-Level Talks in London on Peace Proposals

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, along with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, at Downing Street. The discussion comes amid a US-driven push for Ukraine to accept concessions in peace talks with Russia. The meeting follows negotiations in Florida, where Zelensky’s team pushed to amend a White House plan that Ukraine believes leans too heavily toward Russian demands.

The talks aim to ensure that any peace deal comes with strong security guarantees capable of deterring future Russian aggression. The UK and France have been spearheading efforts to build a “coalition of the willing” to support Ukraine’s long-term defence, though the role of a future reassurance force in Ukraine remains unclear. Some European countries, including Germany, have expressed reservations about deploying troops on Ukrainian soil, fearing escalation.

Key sticking points in the US-led peace initiative include Ukrainian troop withdrawal from contested eastern regions and the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently under Russian control. While US officials claim progress is being made, Russia shows little sign of compromise and continues to insist on retaining occupied territories and blocking Ukraine’s NATO ambitions. European leaders fear the proposed terms could prioritise a quick end to the war over long-term European security.

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Germany Introduces Voluntary Military Service for 18-Year-Olds

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Germany’s parliament has approved a voluntary military service program for 18-year-olds, marking a major shift in the country’s defense policy. From January 2026, all 18-year-olds will receive a questionnaire asking if they are interested in joining the armed forces. While participation will initially be voluntary for men and women, mandatory medical exams for men will start in July 2027 to assess fitness for potential service. The move aims to strengthen Germany’s military after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and to meet NATO force targets.

The decision has sparked protests across the country, with students in as many as 90 cities planning strikes. Critics argue that military service disrupts lives, encourages obedience training, and exposes young people to the realities of war. In Hamburg alone, about 1,500 people were expected to protest, highlighting widespread skepticism among German youth about the new law.

Germany’s armed forces currently number around 182,000, and officials plan to increase this to 260,000 by the early 2030s, supplemented by 200,000 reservists. Incentives for voluntary service include a monthly salary of €2,600, making it more attractive than similar programs in France. The legislation reflects Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s push to rebuild the Bundeswehr into Europe’s strongest conventional army amid growing security concerns.

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Germany’s Merz Wins Crucial Vote on Pensions Reform Despite Internal Revolt

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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz secured an absolute majority in parliament on Friday for his controversial pensions bill, overcoming resistance from younger members of his own conservative bloc. The draft, which guarantees current pension levels until 2031, passed with 319 votes, indicating it likely succeeded without the support of opposition parties.

The vote came after days of turbulence within Merz’s Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) alliance. A youth faction inside the party had threatened to vote against the bill, arguing that it preserves an unsustainable system and places an unfair financial burden on future generations.

The dispute underscored growing questions about Merz’s control over his party and the stability of the coalition government, which includes conservatives and the center-left Social Democrats. Analysts say the internal tensions and reliance on a slim parliamentary majority point to challenges ahead for implementing reforms aimed at reviving Germany’s struggling economy and strengthening its neglected military sector.

Across Europe, pensions and generational fairness are emerging as hot political issues as aging populations strain budgets. Although Merz ultimately avoided the embarrassment of needing opposition support—despite a surprising offer from the Left Party to abstain—the infighting has deepened doubts about his ability to steer major legislation in the future.

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King Charles Welcomes German President Steinmeier for First UK State Visit in 27 Years

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King Charles welcomed German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Britain on Wednesday, marking the start of a three-day state visit aimed at reinforcing ties between the two nations. This is the first state visit by a German president in nearly three decades and follows Charles’ own inaugural overseas tour to Germany in 2023 after becoming king. The visit highlights a renewed effort to strengthen UK–EU relations in the post-Brexit era.

The king and Queen Camilla greeted President Steinmeier and his wife, Elke Büdenbender, in Windsor before joining a ceremonial carriage procession to Windsor Castle, accompanied by Prince William and Princess Kate. Steinmeier is also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Downing Street, followed by a state banquet at the castle later in the day. The trip comes shortly after German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit in July, during which he signed a new treaty with Britain aimed at resetting diplomatic ties.

During the rest of the visit, Steinmeier will lay flowers at the tomb of the late Queen Elizabeth, view the historic State Sleigh designed by Prince Albert, and deliver an address to British lawmakers. He will also meet German footballers playing in the Premier League. On Friday, the German president and his wife will travel to Coventry—devastated by bombings during World War Two—where he will lay a wreath at the ruins of the old cathedral alongside the Duke of Kent, commemorating shared history and reconciliation.

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Thousands of German Army Ammunition Rounds Stolen from Lorry

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A major security breach has occurred in eastern Germany after a shipment of Bundeswehr ammunition was stolen from a civilian-operated delivery truck in Burg. According to German media reports, nearly 20,000 rounds were taken, including 10,000 pistol rounds, 9,900 blank assault-rifle rounds, and several smoke grenades. The theft was discovered when the load arrived at Clausewitz Barracks on 26 November, prompting an immediate joint investigation by the army and local police.

Authorities believe the theft happened overnight after the truck driver left the vehicle in an unguarded parking lot and stayed in a nearby hotel. The defence ministry expressed serious concern, noting that such ammunition “must not fall into the wrong hands.” Investigators are examining why the driver did not use the military’s hotline for assistance or request an escort, which is available for sensitive transports.

The incident adds to a pattern of missing ammunition cases in Saxony-Anhalt, where police reported smaller losses in Bernburg and Eisleben earlier this year. However, officials have not identified any link between these events. No arrests or suspects have been confirmed so far as the investigation continues.

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Germany Urges Trump to Invite South Africa to 2026 G20 Summit

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Germany said on Thursday it would work to convince U.S. President Donald Trump to reverse his decision to exclude South Africa from next year’s G20 summit in Florida. Trump has repeatedly accused South Africa’s black-majority government of mistreating its white population, citing widely debunked claims of attacks on white farmers. These assertions led Washington to boycott the recent G20 summit in Johannesburg, despite the group adopting a joint declaration on climate and global challenges.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office said several G20 members had privately expressed support for Pretoria after Trump’s comments. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz publicly stated he would lobby Trump to extend an invitation to South Africa, stressing that G20 and G7 forums should not be reduced without solid justification. South Africa, however, said it would not campaign for backing from individual countries, noting the delicate diplomatic position many face with the United States.

Trump’s criticism intensified after he claimed South Africa mishandled the handover of the G20 presidency—an allegation Pretoria denies, saying the U.S. delegation was not present at the time. Although it is unclear how the U.S. could formally block South Africa’s participation, experts suggest visa denials could be one tactic. The dispute adds fresh strain to already tense U.S.–South Africa trade negotiations, which have been affected by new U.S. tariffs and cuts to financial assistance earlier this year.

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Germany Approves New Military Service Plan to Expand Bundeswehr

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Germany’s coalition government has agreed on a new military service plan aimed at significantly expanding the Bundeswehr amid growing security concerns in Europe. Starting next year, all 18-year-old men will be required to complete a military service questionnaire, with women participating voluntarily. From 2027, mandatory medical examinations for men will follow. The plan is designed to help Germany build Europe’s strongest conventional army and could pave the way for compulsory enlistment if targets aren’t met.

The government aims to boost active troop strength from around 182,000 to as many as 260,000 by 2035, supported by an additional 200,000 reservists. Defence leaders—including Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger—believe the goal is achievable within five years, especially as NATO pressures member states to strengthen defence capabilities in response to potential threats from Russia. Recent warnings from German defence officials have emphasised the need to be fully prepared by 2029.

However, the plan faces strong opposition from Germany’s political left and many young people, who argue that compulsory service infringes on personal freedom. Protests have emerged, with some youths expressing fear of being drawn into conflict, while others have voluntarily enlisted citing a desire to protect democracy. Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has attempted to reassure the public, insisting that a stronger, better-equipped military serves as a deterrent and reduces the likelihood of Germany entering a conflict.

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Algeria Pardons Jailed Novelist Boualem Sansal Amid Diplomatic Efforts

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Almost a year after his arrest at Algiers airport, French-Algerian novelist Boualem Sansal, 81, has been pardoned by the Algerian presidency and allowed to leave the country. Sansal, who has been at the center of a tense diplomatic row between Paris and Algiers, departed for Germany on a military plane to receive medical treatment for prostate cancer.

The release came after German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier directly appealed to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, leveraging his trusted relationship with the Algerian leader. French President Emmanuel Macron thanked Tebboune for the “act of humanity,” highlighting France’s respectful and calm approach in securing Sansal’s freedom.

Sansal had been sentenced to five years in prison in July for remarks deemed to undermine national unity, having long been critical of the Algerian government. His pardon was granted on humanitarian grounds due to his advanced age and fragile health, overriding earlier unsuccessful appeals from France.

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German Man Arrested Over Dark Web Death Threats Against Politicians

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German authorities have arrested a Polish-German citizen accused of operating a dark web platform that called for the assassination of high-profile political figures. Prosecutors said the suspect — identified only as Martin S., in line with German privacy laws — offered cryptocurrency bounties for “successful hits” and shared personal details of individuals he had labelled with “death sentences.” Reports suggest former chancellors Angela Merkel and Olaf Scholz were among the alleged targets.

The suspect was detained in Dortmund late on Monday and faces charges related to serious crimes against the state. While officials have not disclosed his motives, they confirmed that his website, active since mid-2025, also provided information on making explosives. He was scheduled to appear before an investigative judge who will determine whether an arrest warrant will be issued.

The case comes amid rising concerns in Germany over escalating threats and attacks on politicians, fuelled by increasing political polarisation. A recent report by the federal cyber-security agency BSI warned that businesses and institutions are still not adequately protected, highlighting a 52% surge in cyberattacks — including DDoS operations, with Russia identified as a major source — around the national election earlier this year.

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Trial Opens for Suspect in Deadly Magdeburg Christmas Market Attack

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The trial has begun in Magdeburg, Germany, for Taleb A., a 51-year-old Saudi doctor accused of driving a rented BMW through a crowded Christmas market on 20 December 2024, killing six people — including a nine-year-old boy — and injuring more than 300 others. Prosecutors said the vehicle reached speeds of up to 48 km/h during the attack, which lasted just over a minute.

Authorities allege the suspect acted deliberately, motivated by anger and frustration over personal legal disputes. He faces charges including six counts of murder, attempted murder of 338 people, and causing grievous bodily harm to more than 300 others. If convicted, he could receive a life sentence. Prosecutors added that he was sober, acted alone, and planned the attack over several weeks.

The case is being held in a special temporary courtroom due to the large number of victims and their families. Officials described the accused as an “untypical” attacker, noting his criticism of Islam and past expressions of support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The incident recalled previous attacks on German Christmas markets, which have been targeted in recent years.

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