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Hungary blocks €50bn of EU funding for Ukraine

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Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, has blocked €50 billion in EU aid for Ukraine, a move that comes just hours after EU leaders reached an agreement to begin membership talks. Orban, known for maintaining close ties with Russia, announced the veto, citing opposition to additional financial support for Ukraine. While the EU leaders unanimously agreed on aid and wider budget proposals, Hungary’s objection led to the postponement of aid negotiations until early next year. Despite Hungary’s stance, the EU proceeded with granting membership talks to Ukraine, Moldova, and candidate status to Georgia.

The decision to block aid raises concerns for Ukraine, which heavily relies on EU and US funding in its ongoing struggle against Russian forces. This setback comes at a time when Ukraine is also seeking approval for a $61 billion US defense aid package, facing delays due to disagreements among US lawmakers. The potential implications for Ukraine’s counter-offensive against Russian forces, especially with the arrival of winter, heighten anxieties about the country’s ability to resist the occupation.

President Zelensky of Ukraine expressed gratitude for the EU’s decision on membership talks, despite the aid block. The EU’s move to include Ukraine and Moldova in accession talks was celebrated as a “victory” by Zelensky, who emphasized the importance of the decision for both countries. Moldova’s President Maia Sandu also welcomed the development, acknowledging the shared path to EU accession with Ukraine. Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised the decision as a “strong sign of support,” highlighting that both Ukraine and Moldova belonged to the “European family.”

Prime Minister Orban, in a video message on Facebook, distanced himself from his EU counterparts, labeling Ukraine’s membership as a “bad decision” and reiterating Hungary’s opposition to providing substantial funds to Ukraine. The EU’s decision to open accession talks does not guarantee immediate membership for Ukraine, as the process involves passing numerous reforms and adhering to EU standards, a journey that can span several years. Despite the challenges, the EU’s commitment to engaging in talks signals a significant step toward fulfilling Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

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Russia-Ukraine war: Putin tells Russia his war objectives are unchanged

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Russian President Vladimir Putin, during his first major news conference since launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, stated that peace with Ukraine would only happen when Russia achieves its objectives.

He combined the event with his annual “direct line” phone-in and discussed the “special military operation in Ukraine,” emphasizing Russian sovereignty and a strong economy despite the war. Putin listed the objectives as “denazification, demilitarization, and its neutral status” for Ukraine. He revealed that Russia has 617,000 troops in Ukraine, with additional voluntary recruits, and mentioned losses without providing specific numbers.

Putin addressed Ukraine’s recent military success near the Dnipro River, attributing it to a last-ditch attempt to reach Crimea. He suggested Russian forces withdrew to wooded areas to protect soldiers and claimed Ukraine’s motives were politically driven to seek more military funding from the West. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned that if Putin succeeds in Ukraine, further aggression might follow.

Putin asserted that Russian forces have the upper hand on the front line in Ukraine, despite economic sanctions and political isolation. He expressed confidence in Russia’s ability to “move forward” despite these challenges.

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Ukraine war: Dozens wounded in missile strikes on Kyiv

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Dozens of people were injured in a series of missile strikes on the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, overnight, with 53 people, including six children, harmed, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. The attacks occurred after President Volodymyr Zelensky’s plea for increased military aid in the US yielded little progress. Ten Russian ballistic missiles were reportedly shot down, damaging kindergarten and hospital buildings. Zelensky, who left the US prior to the strikes, vowed a response and criticized Russia for targeting residential areas. The EU is set to discuss further aid for Ukraine, and Zelensky arrived in Norway for additional support talks.

The attack on Kyiv followed the use of cruise missiles by Russia, ending a 79-day hiatus in missile attacks. Ukraine’s air force claimed to have intercepted all 10 incoming missiles. The projectiles were identified as Iskander-M ballistic missiles and S-400s, designed for air defense but also used against ground targets. A major cyberattack on Ukraine’s largest mobile network operator, Kyivstar, disrupted operations, impacting millions of people relying on air raid alerts. Additionally, the port city of Odesa faced drone attacks, causing injuries and damage.

Zelensky’s efforts to secure more military aid in the US faced challenges, with President Joe Biden warning Republicans about giving Russia a “Christmas gift” if aid was not increased. Zelensky and Biden agreed to enhance air defense systems for Ukraine. Meanwhile, a summit of European leaders discussed Ukraine’s potential accession to the EU, but Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban opposed opening accession talks, emphasizing the need for support without full membership.

Hungary has previously clashed with EU partners over its stance on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed Ukraine’s fight as crucial for Europe and urged support for its inclusion in the European family.

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Russia’s new Black Sea naval base alarms Georgia

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In early November, 50 opposition MPs in Georgia urged NATO and EU member states to unite against Russia’s plan to establish a permanent naval base in Abkhazia, a breakaway region. The move has raised concerns that it could involve Georgia in Russia’s conflict in Ukraine and disrupt Tbilisi’s plans for a Black Sea port. Abkhazia, though internationally recognized as part of Georgia, has been under Russian and separatist control since the 1990s.

Georgia’s foreign ministry condemned Russia’s plan as a violation of sovereignty, but officials downplayed the immediate threat. Satellite imagery suggests ongoing dredging and construction at the port, indicating potential infrastructure for larger cargo ships. Some fear the base could involve Georgia in a conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The head of Georgia’s Foreign Relations Committee emphasized the government’s focus on immediate threats, such as Russian forces near the occupation line. Despite assurances, concerns exist that the naval base could impact Georgia’s mega-infrastructure project—a deep-sea port in Anaklia, crucial for the Middle Corridor, a fast route between Asia and Europe avoiding Russia.

The Anaklia project was canceled in 2020, with accusations that the government yielded to Moscow’s interests. The cancellation led to international arbitration. The government maintains plans to revive the deep-sea port.

While Georgia has a pro-EU population, its government has a complex relationship with Moscow. Accusations of a pro-Russian stance were labeled “absurd,” citing EU agreements and aspirations. However, the delicate situation underscores Georgia’s vulnerability due to its history of conflicts with Russia and lack of NATO security.

Georgia alleges Russia is using the naval base to pressure against EU integration. A decision on Georgia’s EU candidate status is expected at a December summit. Officials assert Russia aims to undermine Georgia’s stability and European integration, showcasing its influence in the South Caucasus.

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Laura Kuenssberg: Ukraine in ‘mortal danger’ without aid, Olena Zelenska warns

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Olena Zelenska, Ukraine’s first lady, has issued a grave warning about the perilous situation facing Ukrainians if Western nations do not continue their financial support. This concern arises following the blocking of a vital $60 billion aid bill for Ukraine by Republican senators in the US. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Zelenska emphasized the potential life-threatening consequences if the world grows weary of the ongoing crisis, stating that Ukraine could be left to perish without sustained assistance.

The urgency of the situation was highlighted by the White House, which cautioned that US funds for Ukraine could soon run out. However, a deal for additional assistance has been delayed as Republicans seek compromises on unrelated domestic issues before granting approval. President Biden underscored the significance of aiding Ukraine, warning that a failure to do so would be a detrimental “gift” for President Putin, and history would harshly judge those turning their back on the cause of freedom.

Zelenska’s exclusive interview with the BBC provided insight into her deep concern over the delays in financial support, describing the situation as a “mortal danger” for her country. She expressed distress at witnessing signs of diminishing global willingness to help, emphasizing that the continued aid is a matter of life for Ukraine. The first lady’s warnings serve as a poignant reminder of the critical need for ongoing assistance to ensure Ukraine’s survival in the face of Russian aggression.

The United Kingdom has also played a role in urging US politicians to reach a timely agreement for Ukraine. During a visit to Washington, UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron emphasized the US’s pivotal role as the “lynchpin” in the Western coalition supporting Ukraine’s fight against Russia. He urged the US not to inadvertently gift President Putin by blocking the financial support required for Ukraine’s ongoing struggle against Russian forces. The shifting attitudes within the international community raise concerns about Ukraine’s ability to sustain its fight without robust and continuous support. Zelenska’s warnings are strategically crafted to underscore the critical importance of ongoing assistance for Ukraine’s survival on Europe’s eastern flank.

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Russia luring migrants from Finnish border for war in Ukraine

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Russia has been recruiting foreign migrants detained at its border with Finland for military service in Ukraine, as evidenced by several cases reported by the BBC. This practice involves coercing individuals in pre-deportation detention centers to sign contracts for army service. While this tactic is not new, the numbers increased significantly as foreign migrants arrived at Russia’s border with Finland. Finland temporarily closed its Russian border crossings, accusing Moscow of using migrants as part of a destabilization campaign after Finland joined NATO.

In the past three weeks, 236 people in Karelia, one of the three Russian regions bordering Finland, were arrested for staying in Russia without valid visas. The pattern was similar in the other two border regions of Leningrad and Murmansk. Migrants, including a Somali man identified as Awad, detained for immigration violations, were approached by military representatives and offered a job in the Russian army, promising good pay, medical care, and permission to stay in Russia upon completing a one-year army contract.

The influx of migrants at Finland’s border led to accusations that Russia encouraged the surge, bypassing visa checks and organizing the distribution of bicycles for migrants. Awad, who had arrived in Russia in mid-July and attempted to enter Poland via Belarus, hired a taxi in November to reach the Finnish border. After being detained, he and others were pressured to sign army contracts to avoid deportation.

The report mentions an Iraqi man facing deportation who claimed he was also pressured to sign an army contract due to the danger he faced in Iraq. According to a representative from the Somali community in Belarus, at least 60 Somali nationals in Russian detention centers were approached by military recruiters, with some reportedly agreeing to sign contracts with the Russian army.

Awad and his group realized they were being sent to fight in Ukraine when they reached a military camp at the border. Despite threats of long prison sentences, the detainees demanded the annulment of their contracts. Some received letters confirming the cancellation, but they remain in the military camp. Awad insists he was deceived and did not fully understand the contract, emphasizing that he is an asylum seeker, not a soldier. The BBC has sought comment from the Russian interior ministry regarding the allegations.

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Putin makes rare foreign trip to Gulf states

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Russian President Vladimir Putin has undertaken a rare foreign trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. The discussions are expected to cover topics such as the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, as well as oil production. Notably, the UAE is hosting the COP28 UN climate summit. Despite facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) related to alleged war crimes, including the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children, both the UAE and Saudi Arabia do not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction.

Putin’s visit is seen as part of Russia’s efforts to assert influence and counter isolation attempts by the West. In the UAE, trade and oil are key agenda items, as it is described as Russia’s primary economic partner in the Arab world. Putin also traveled to Saudi Arabia to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, discussing bilateral cooperation and regional events. The leaders reportedly addressed ways to promote de-escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict and discussed conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and Sudan.

Furthermore, Putin is set to meet Iran’s President Ibrahim Raisi to discuss the war in Gaza. This trip follows Putin’s limited international travel since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with visits restricted to Russian-occupied Ukraine, Iran, and China.

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Ukraine spy chief’s wife Marianna Budanova ill in suspected poisoning

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Marianna Budanova, the wife of Ukraine’s top spy, Lt Gen Kyrylo Budanov, has been hospitalized for suspected poisoning with heavy metals, as confirmed by a Ukrainian intelligence source. The source did not disclose additional information about potential victims or the circumstances surrounding the incident. Several Ukrainian media outlets have independently reported similar information, suggesting that multiple intelligence officials may have been affected. Notably, Ukraine’s military intelligence has not officially commented on these reports.

Lt Gen Budanov, who leads Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence, has been a pivotal figure in planning and executing major military operations against Russian forces following the full-scale invasion in February 2022. Despite the reports of poisoning, there is no indication as to whether Russia is believed to be responsible for the alleged attack.

Mrs. Budanova, born in 1993 in Kyiv, holds a master’s degree in psychology and has been involved in politics, previously serving as an adviser to the mayor of Kyiv. The reports suggest that she may have been exposed to heavy metals through poisoned food. Although the specific heavy metal involved has not been disclosed, sources emphasize that the substances are not commonly used in everyday life or military operations.

In the context of safety concerns, Lt Gen Budanov and his wife had been staying in his office since the February 2022 invasion, as mentioned in a September interview. Despite more than 10 reported assassination attempts against Lt Gen Budanov, there is no indication in the current reports that he has also been targeted. The situation remains dynamic, and further developments are awaited as investigations unfold.

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Ukraine war: Kyiv hit by biggest drone attack since war began

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Kyiv experienced its most significant drone attack since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to the city’s mayor. The assault, consisting of over 75 Iranian-made Shahed drones, targeted the capital from the north and east. Despite the city’s air defenses successfully intercepting 74 drones, explosions and the sound of air defenses echoed through Kyiv for more than six hours. The Shahed drones, viewed as a cost-effective alternative to Russia’s diminishing missile stocks, are slower but distinctive due to their wingspan.

The attack caused damage to buildings, including a kindergarten, and left at least five people injured, including an 11-year-old child. Fortunately, there were no reported fatalities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced the strikes as an intentional act of terror, vowing to continue uniting the world against Russian aggression. The assault coincided with Ukraine’s commemoration of the 1932-1933 Holodomor famine, adding symbolic weight to the event.

The possibility of Russia targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, a tactic used in the past, materialized as 16,000 homes in central Kyiv lost power. While Moscow’s previous attempts to deprive Ukrainians of essential resources failed, causing authorities to rapidly repair damaged infrastructure, the impact of such strikes remains significant. Despite ongoing improvements in Ukraine’s air defenses, attacks like these continue to cause destruction, instill fear, and disrupt the lives of its residents.

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Jamala: Ukrainian Eurovision winner added to Russia’s wanted list

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Ukrainian Eurovision song contest winner Jamala, whose real name is Susana Jamaladinova, has been added to Russia’s wanted list, according to state media. The accusations against her include spreading fake information about the Russian armed forces, a charge often used by the Kremlin against those critical of Russia’s actions. Jamala, known for openly criticizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, was placed on the wanted list last month. The independent Russian human rights website Mediazona reported this, and details of the listing became widely known on Monday.

Russian breaking news Telegram channel Shot claimed that Jamala was added to the list for posting alleged “fakes” about atrocities in the Ukrainian town of Bucha in 2022. The Kremlin has denied responsibility for the Bucha massacre, despite evidence indicating Russian forces’ involvement. Jamala, currently in Australia after fleeing Ukraine with her family following the invasion, responded to the news by posting a photo of herself in front of the Sydney Opera House with a link to an article about it and a facepalm emoji.

Jamala won Eurovision in 2016 with the song “1944,” inspired by the forced deportation of her people, the Crimean Tatars, by Russia during that year. The song, perceived as addressing Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, caused controversy for allegedly breaking the competition’s rule against overtly political songs. However, organizers allowed it, and it ultimately won, defeating Russia. Jamala, in her 40s, has been vocal about using her music to give a strong voice to her homeland, Crimea, and to counter the historical narratives propagated by the Russian Empire and Soviet Union. She emphasized the importance of revealing the truth through her songs in her latest folk album, Qirim.

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