Ukraine updates in English

[N0TZU]

Of course Ukraine has made substantial contributions in science, industry and invention, and there have been many notable, talented and successful people who originated in Ukraine. But you’re right, it’s difficult to name them except for Zelensky, and one or two other political or oligarch figures notable during this war.

I think one major reason for this is that in history Ukraine has mostly been dominated by some imperial power and her achievements and people referred to as belonging to that power - the Soviets or Russia in our time. A search for notable Ukrainians as defined by their geographic origin will show many familiar names, and note the Ukrainian contributions in a number of fields.

(One such person was famous theoretical physicist George Gamow. Coincidentally later in his career he joined the faculty at my alma mater, the U. of Colorado, and the main physics building is named for him. His son became a professor of biology there.)

I agree with you about national and cultural identity being preserved - or not. Over history not many countries and cultures have been successful at doing it during a diaspora or under pressure of terrible persecution and have essentially disappeared. Those that do survive tend to have very strong cultural traditions, language, beliefs and codes. Probably the most remarkable example being the Jewish people, until the founding of modern Israel.

[N0TZU]

I read the text of the Trumpian so called peace agreement proposal. https://thehill.com/policy/international/5617141-trump-ukraine-russia-peace-plan/

To call it a plan is sophistry for a what is an outline. I won’t list all the provisions and glaring defects here except to say that it reads like a Russian wet dream, and largely like a commercial intent document between parties that are mostly operating in good faith. How incredibly naive and foolish, but I expect nothing better from amoral mentally addled criminal Trump and his idiot negotiator Witless, even on a good day.

There are quite serious people who think this plan is a payoff to Putin so that he doesn’t go public with dirt on Trump. Who knows if it’s true or not, but it wouldn’t surprise me at all if such evidence exists. Given that Ghislane Maxwell was suddenly moved out of prison to a posh Federal detention facility (“Club Fed”), reportedly with special privileges, shortly after being visited by a top DOJ official, and Trump’s near panic over the prospect of Epstein files being released.

But it does serve one person well and that’s Trump, who never does anything unless he is compensated. In this case there is the usual open corruption to occur and also the symbolic but openly coveted Nobel Peace Prize - or so he thinks. I think it safe to say that he will never be awarded that or any other prize from Oslo or Stockholm.

“I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse” - Vito Corleone, The Godfather

This sums up the plan and the threat by Trump to withdraw all support of Ukraine if not signed by the American Thanksgiving Day. What a cynical bastard to add that insult, though in a short term sense there would be thanks for bombs not falling and soldiers dying.

The practical cynical reason for that timing is to bury the story under the holiday because this week most Americans are busy with preparing and then it’s essentially a four day weekend when people do not pay attention to the news.

[US7IGN]

Of course Ukraine has made substantial contributions in science, industry and invention, and there have been many notable, talented and successful people who originated in Ukraine. But you’re right, it’s difficult to name them except for Zelensky, and one or two other political or oligarch figures notable during this war.

I think one major reason for this is that in history Ukraine has mostly been dominated by some imperial power and her achievements and people referred to as belonging to that power - the Soviets or Russia in our time. A search for notable Ukrainians as defined by their geographic origin will show many familiar names, and note the Ukrainian contributions in a number of fields.

(One such person was famous theoretical physicist George Gamow. Coincidentally later in his career he joined the faculty at my alma mater, the U. of Colorado, and the main physics building is named for him. His son became a professor of biology there.)

I agree with you about national and cultural identity being preserved - or not. Over history not many countries and cultures have been successful at doing it during a diaspora or under pressure of terrible persecution and have essentially disappeared. Those that do survive tend to have very strong cultural traditions, language, beliefs and codes. Probably the most remarkable example being the Jewish people, until the founding of modern Israel.

Hi Bob!

The truth is that in russian/Soviet science or culture, a russian is more of an exception. Usually, it is either a Jew or a Ukrainian. Their great advantage is organized cruelty and the ability to subjugate or destroy others. It's like a few bullies in a school who terrorize the entire class and all the honor students together are unable to resist them, because they are unable to degrade to the level of bullies. It seems one of the reasons for the hatred of the russians towards the Ukrainians is that they realize this and cannot accept the fact that it is the Ukrainians who are the heirs of Kyivan Rus, although they appropriated its land and name.

I cannot take seriously what is called the 28-point peace plan and it seems to me that it is just a mockery. However, none of those who previously divided the world were distinguished by great intelligence, and even the president's office does not hide the fact that it uses something like ChatGPT.

Europe quickly wrote its plan, which is also not worth the paper it was written on. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/11/23/leaked-europe-rival-peace-plan-ukraine-full-russia-war/

So only the army and the economy matter. A report by Mick Ryan of the Center for Strategic and International Studies suggests that over the last two years, russia has developed an overlapping series of asymmetric advantages in manpower, drones, battlefield innovation, and command and control that pose a serious threat to Ukraine, particularly in the ground environment. russia has learned to learn better, which bodes ill for Ukraine as well as for eastern Europe’s future security. At the same time support to Ukraine in the military, intelligence, economic, information, and diplomatic domains remains a crucial element of this war. https://www.csis.org/analysis/seven-contemporary-insights-state-ukraine-war

The fuss about ending the war on any terms has reached a new level and, together with the decline in support for Ukrainian refugees, hints that big changes are coming.

Nearly 200,000 Ukrainians in US thrown into legal limbo by Trump immigration crackdown, writes Reuter https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/nearly-200000-ukrainians-us-thrown-into-legal-limbo-by-trump-immigration-2025-11-23/

Energy companies promise to improve electricity supplies in the coming days, but OSINT researchers report that russia has again begun to transfer strategic aircraft closer to the borders of Ukraine. Traditionally, this may indicate the preparation of a massive missile strike, which could lead to even greater blackouts. https://expres.online/podrobitsi/rf-zminila-aerodrom-dlya-tu-95ms-chas-pidlotu-raket-skorotivsya

[US7IGN]

Rustem Umerov, the head of Ukraine's security council, said on Tuesday the US and Ukraine had reached "a common understanding on the key terms of the agreement discussed" at previous talks in Geneva. The White House has not commented on the prospect of Trump-Zelensky talks. Meanwhile, the US has confirmed its officials are set to meet russian representatives in Abu Dhabi.

However, the gap between the terms that Ukraine and russia will accept is still very wide and the Kremlin is unlikely to agree to the kind of deal that Kyiv may approve. Leaders in Kyiv and Europe had criticised the initial draft of a peace plan, which they said was too favourable to russia.

Counter-proposals - reportedly drafted by the UK, France and Germany - excluded any recognition of russian-held regions, raised Ukraine's permitted army size, and left the door open to Ukraine joining Nato, writes BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy95jvw57v2o
https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/russia-ukraine-us-peace-plan-trump-11-25-25?post-id=cmielq37x00003b6pn4zfs0m2

Fighting continued overnight, with russia and Ukraine trading air attacks. Officials in Kyiv said at least six people had been killed in russian strikes on the city, while russian officials said at least three had been killed in a Ukrainian strike in the Rostov region. The A-60, an experimental flying laboratory, an aircraft-based laser weapon carrier, and the A-100, an early warning and control aircraft, were damaged in Taganrog. The aircraft plant, including the final assembly shop, also suffered significant damage. https://ua.news/ua/war-vs-rf/zsu-na-zavodi-v-taganrozi-spalili-dva-tsinni-litaki-foto

22 missiles and more than 460 drones were launched at Ukraine overnight. The main target of the massive combined strike was again energy infrastructure facilities, the Ministry of Energy reported. https://weukraine.tv/novyny/voroh-zavdav-kombinovanoho-udaru-po-enerhetitsi-minenerho/

I couldn't sleep that night, and the house shook from the rocket hits nearby. Not far from me, a drone hit the house right in the middle. My blood pressure has risen again and I feel an unpleasant feeling in my heart. I think I know the main reason for my bad health.

Today I finally visited the doctor with the results of all the examinations and she said that at least I don’t have tumors or hemorrhages in my head, which is certainly pleasing, but everything else needs treatment. She even gave me her personal phone number and said to write if I had any questions. I gave her my number and said that I would be happy to help her as a lawyer. Apparently I’m really not in such a bad state)

The pile of pills is growing menacingly and they can already replace breakfast, but it seems that most of them are designed to relieve tension and stabilize my blood pressure.

[N0TZU]

Stranger than fiction, but here we are:

On a leaked phone call, US envoy Steve [“Witless”] Witkoff is heard advising a Russian official on how to “sell” the peace proposal to President Trump.

(Gifted) https://wapo.st/4rkOZtR

“After the publication of the alleged phone call — in which Witkoff is heard advising a Russian official on how Putin should sell a plan to Trump involving Ukraine surrendering territory — the senior Kremlin official involved said Wednesday that someone was listening in and releasing confidential phone conversations over the Ukrainian peace process.”

Trump said that what Witkoff did is “standard”*, but even some of the usually supine and servile Republicans in Congress are alarmed:

“Trump said that he had not heard the recording but called Witkoff’s approach ‘a very standard form of negotiation.’ The leak is causing further consternation among Republican lawmakers, many of whom had criticized the 28-point peace plan first presented by Washington as appeasing Russia. On Tuesday, Don Bacon, a Republican lawmaker from Nebraska, said Witkoff should be fired and could not be trusted with handling the peace talks.”

“For those who oppose the Russian invasion and want to see Ukraine prevail as a sovereign & democratic country, it is clear that Witkoff fully favors the Russians.” Bacon wrote on X. “He cannot be trusted to lead these negotiations. Would a Russian paid agent do less than he? He should be fired.”

Well, what is the problem when the President himself obviously acts in Russia’s interest too?

* It’s absurd to believe that Trump thinks it “standard” for one of his staff to advise the opposing side in a business negotiation. Therefore his statement is either his usual ass covering lie, or a tacit admission that there is no other side in this case, or both.

[US7IGN]

I am not surprised that Trump and many other people, especially the older generation, sincerely consider Ukraine to be part of what was the USSR and are engaged in a dialogue with russia. The same goes for russia, which is not at war with Ukraine, but with the West. Europe's position convinces both the US and russia that it is not a significant force and therefore its interests are not taken into account. It seems to me that Biden and his team were afraid of russia, while Trump and his team are no longer afraid of it and look down on it, recognizing only China as a really strong player. But these are just my assumptions. As well as the fact that Trump's desire to quickly end the war in Ukraine at any cost is due to the need to free up resources and shift the focus to the east, where it seems that China's attack on Taiwan is already inevitable.

Chinese President Xi Jinping “explained” his country’s principled position on the Taiwan issue to US President Donald Trump during a telephone conversation on Monday, November 24. This was stated at a briefing by Peng Qing'en, spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council (government) of the People’s Republic of China, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. “We will unite compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait and together remember history, preserve the power of our country, and build a common future,” he added. https://www.ukrinform.ua/rubric-world/4062880-si-czinpin-rozasniv-trampu-poziciu-kitau-stosovno-tajvanu.html

Despite “a few remaining points of disagreement,” President Trump heralded his team’s “tremendous progress” made towards ending russia’s war in Ukraine. Earlier, his top diplomat, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also struck a relentlessly upbeat tone after “very positive” Ukraine talks in Geneva at the weekend. The “items that remain are not insurmountable,” he insisted.

Meanwhile, as a US military envoy met russian officials in Abu Dhabi, it was even declared that the “Ukrainians have agreed to the peace deal,” despite “some minor details to be sorted out.” That’s the uniformly optimistic spin the Trump administration has been putting on the tough and sensitive negotiations currently underway to forge a common US, Ukrainian and European position on how the Ukraine war should come to a negotiated end.

But according to a senior Ukrainian source with direct knowledge of the negotiations, there are still significant gaps between what the Trump administration is asking of Ukraine, and what the embattled authorities in Kyiv are prepared to accept, reports CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/2025/11/25/europe/us-ukraine-peace-talks-obstacles-analysis-intl-hnk

Given that russia does not agree even to the terms of the original plan, all the US trade with Ukraine on certain points, which looks like a typical example of shuttle diplomacy, makes no sense at all. As I have repeatedly said, you cannot stop russia with talks, and no one in the West is going to fight with it. Ukraine also does not have the ability to fight independently. Therefore, Ukraine must agree to everything that is offered to it or be left without money and support at all, which will lead to even worse consequences.

Are we any closer to peace in Ukraine? After a frantic, often confusing few days of diplomacy, Donald Trump seems to think so. "We're getting very close to a deal," he told reporters on Tuesday.

But from the russians, apart from some discontented mutterings about European involvement and unauthorised leaks, the response has been somewhat muted. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said on Wednesday that Moscow viewed some elements of the latest draft positively but "many require special discussions among experts". Separately, President Vladimir putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, said it was "premature" to think that a deal was close.

Given the gulf that exists between Ukraine and russia on so many key issues – including territory, Nato membership, who should pay for Ukraine's reconstruction and how will those involved in war crimes be held accountable – it is hard to see all the necessary pieces falling into place anytime soon. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly0jjv2lg1o

It seems that the zones of influence have already been determined and all that remains is to sell the situation to the Ukrainians, who have managed to believe in their invincibility.

Meanwhile, russia is doing more and more damage to Ukraine's power system every day and is preparing for another major strike. https://mind.ua/news/20297858-vorog-atakuvav-energetiku-v-kilkoh-oblastyah-ukrayini

It seems that power outages are now lasting only a few hours a day, thanks solely to restoration efforts and warm weather.

[N0TZU]

I’m glad to hear that the power outages are shorter at the moment.

I agree with your views on the peace proposal and mostly on the general trends between the countries involved. However, I think that you might assume far too much rationality and analytical thought to the US positions and actions from the Trump administration.

As a captive audience member experiencing their shitshow for the last 10 months, I can confidently say that very little of what they do has careful thought behind it, except perhaps the cruel, grotesque, and largely extralegal immigration policies of Reichskommissar Stephen Miller. (However there is a plan, which is to reduce the republic to an authoritarian quasi-Christian state.)

Of course there are some competent people there but many are overwhelmed by incompetent and servile cabinet secretaries, or because they are frequently countermanded by the President who apparently has the attention span of a squirrel unless personal money, prestige or revenge is involved. Sec. Of State Marco Rubio fits into this latter category.

[N0TZU]

I see that the home of Andriy Yermak is being searched by NABU and SAPO.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c058lp086zvo
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/65149

[US7IGN]

Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosińska-Kamyś, commenting on the information about the search by anti-corruption services of the house of the head of the office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak, stated that the strategy of supporting Ukraine remains unchanged.

At the same time, Kosińska-Kamyś stressed the need for transparency in anti-corruption policy, without which "it is impossible to join the European Union," writes the Polish news portal wPolityce.pl. https://zn.ua/ukr/POLITICS/polshcha-ochikuje-vid-ukrajini-pojasnen-cherez-obshuki-v-jermaka-zmi-.html

Zelensky's chief of staff resigns after Ukrainian anti-corruption raid on his home https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg9nd2wddno

I would think that someone decided to leave in time and blame everything on Zelensky. It seems that the dismantling of the regime is really underway. If russia also collapses, then Ukraine will have to hold out a little longer and will have the opportunity not only to win, but also to receive Kuban and Kursk as reparations.

In the short term, uncertainty and the risk of complete chaos are increasing even more.

President Vladimir putin has stated that russia will lay down arms only if Kyiv's troops withdraw from territory claimed by Moscow. During his comments to reporters putin again expressed his contempt for the Ukrainian leadership, which he said he considered illegitimate. There was therefore "no use" signing any documents with them, he added. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp84nl57v0lo

So far, we have a missile attack after a week of preparation. https://glavred.net/ukraine/skoro-budet-massirovannyy-obstrel-monitory-nazvali-obekty-kotorye-mogut-byt-pod-udarom-10719590.html?utm_source=ukrnet_news Tomorrow, its consequences will be known.

[US7IGN]

I still couldn't sleep at night despite the latest medication, which makes me sleepy even during the day. Powerful explosions and flashes outside the window were interspersed with the buzzing of drones and air defense fire. Nearby, debris from downed drones hit houses, killing and injuring people and causing fires. In the morning, the traditional roll call in messengers and calls to friends to see if everyone is alive. Those on the right bank were left without electricity and water, some without heat.

More than 600,000 people in the Kyiv region of Ukraine were without power on Saturday morning after an overnight russian attack. Ukraine's energy ministry said more than 500,000 of these were in the capital itself, with the rest in the surrounding region. It attributed the power losses to missile and drone strikes on energy infrastructure in the city and several other regions. Around 36 missiles and nearly 600 drones were launched on targets across Ukraine overnight, officials said, killing three and injuring dozens of others. https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/articles/c87ld49xdxwo
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2gylngx7go

No less upheaval is taking place in politics. The former top adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday told The Post he is headed to the frontlines — hours after he submitted his resignation from the position in the wake of a raid on his home by Kyiv’s national anti-corruption bureau. “I’m going to the front and am prepared for any reprisals,” Andriy Yermak told The Post in an impassioned text message Friday night. “I am an honest and decent person.” He then apologized if he no longer answers calls. He did not say when or how he intended to go to the frontlines of the war against russia. https://nypost.com/2025/11/28/world-news/andriy-yermak-is-prepared-for-any-reprisals-after-resignation-from-ukraines-govt/
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz0nljm4y74o

Due to changes to the legislation during the war, it became possible to avoid criminal liability through voluntary mobilization, which many corrupt people took advantage of, but where exactly they serve remains a secret. Therefore, such statements were received quite critically.

Recently, a new system of recruiting combat units was approved by sending recruits directly to the units where they are now to undergo training, and not in training centers as before. They say that this was done so that the mobilized would have fewer opportunities to run away. https://24tv.ua/novi-pravila-rozpodilennya-novobrantsiv-mizh-pidrozdilami-chomu_n2961499

On the other hand, it is very reminiscent of what was mocked two years ago when the russians threw their soldiers into the trenches without training. So, I wonder if we will see Yermak in the trenches and how soon?

But for me personally, all these events are almost insignificant compared to the fact that Kate, after her interview with the coordinator, is going to the MUN conference. Model UN simulations engage hundreds of thousands of students each year, helping them to learn more about the principles of the UN and how it functions. Many of today’s leaders in law, government, business and the arts – including at the UN itself – participated in Model UN as students. https://mymun.com/
https://www.un.org/en/mun

This is a significant step towards engaging in the world of international relations.

[KD8ZM-Brady]

Excellent news about Kate, who is to be at the MUN!
I am about 60% done with your manuscript editing, having disciplined myself to accomplish 10 pages per day. I have not been able to keep up with the forum but I'm glad you are doing as well as you can be under the circumstances.
Braden

[N0TZU]

Congratulations to Kate! It will be an excellent learning experience, and an opportunity to make connections with others that may be helpful in the future.

[US7IGN]

Thank you Braden and Bob!

This has lifted my spirits tremendously lately, despite everything else. We feel God's support every day!

In recent days, russian attacks have mainly targeted the power grid and the outage schedule is getting worse. But 6 hours of electricity a day is not so bad considering that there is heating and water. On the other hand, there is no frost yet.

On the night of November 30, after a large-scale strike on Kyiv, russia also attacked the city of Vyshgorod, north of the capital. A strike on a high-rise building killed one person and injured 19, including children. More than a hundred people had to be evacuated. https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/articles/cd9z221vjnpo

Today, during the airstrike on the Dnipro, many people were killed and injured. My friend's windows were broken by the shock wave. https://www.slovoidilo.ua/2025/12/01/novyna/suspilstvo/rosiyany-vdaryly-ballistykoyu-po-dnipru-ye-poraneni

Ukraine is responding, but the scale is certainly unparalleled. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported strikes on several important facilities on russian territory - an aircraft repair plant in Taganrog, Rostov Region, and the Afipsky Oil Refinery. The Security Service of Ukraine said that they had hit Russian oil tankers in the Black Sea. The latest actions have sparked objections from Turkey. https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/articles/c741me42jn9o

Ukraine's deep-strike drone campaign targeting russia's oil and gas production facilities has already cost its enemy 10 percent of its refining capacity, according to industry experts. Still russia operates the world's third-largest refining system and has substantial built in surplus capacity. https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Ukraines-Oil-Strikes-Are-Hurting-Russias-War-Economy.html

Negotiations in Florida between senior US officials and a Ukrainian delegation aimed at ending the war are "complex but very constructive." US and Ukrainian representatives call them successful, but the main thing is what russia will say. https://edition.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-venezuela-immigration-ukraine-news-11-30-25
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/12/01/europe/us-ukraine-talks-russia-war-analysis-intl-hnk

The political crisis in Ukraine has generated interesting comments from some politicians who rarely speak their minds.

Valery Zaluzhny reflects on the political goal of the war and unexpectedly comes to the conclusion that since 2019, russia has been actively preparing for an invasion, while Ukraine, on the contrary, has been deteriorating its military capabilities. What a strange coincidence with the change of government in 2019 and the publication of these thoughts only after it became obvious that this government would soon leave. https://www.liga.net/ua/politics/opinion/polityka-i-viyna-realnist-proty-ochikuvannia

Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko calls for restoring democracy and becoming stronger, accusing the central government of corruption. https://www.pravda.com.ua/columns/2025/11/29/8009587/

[US7IGN]

The recent quiet nights have allowed me to get a good night's sleep, but I still feel sleepy all day. Maybe this combination of weather and medication is causing the apathy.

It turned out that since March 2022, the second power unit of the Khmelnytsky nuclear power plant has been operating with partial equipment malfunctions. The problem concerns the turbine mechanism, where the fifth-stage blades are missing. Because of this, the maximum electrical power of the power unit is currently set at 900 MW. This is 100 MW lower than its estimated design capacity. https://suspilne.media/khmelnytskiy/1173862-hmelnicka-aes-pracue-z-obmezennam-potuznosti-cerez-poskodzenna-turbini-ak-ce-vplivae-na-energosistemu-ukraini/

The director of one of the largest charitable foundations, "Return Alive," Taras Chmut, in an interview with the Suspilne newspaper, provides a critical overview of the situation at the front, describing it as a strategic crisis caused by a shortage of personnel and the inability to maintain a continuous line of defense.

He reveals in detail the problem of the quality of mobilization, indicating that every month a significant percentage of people enter the army, who are a burden on the system, which leads to an acute shortage of manpower in combat infantry units.

Chmut emphasizes that failures are the result of systemic problems in state administration and military planning, which proves the illogical creation of new brigades in conditions of a lack of personnel. He also believes that there are disproportionately many rear units compared to combat units. https://texty.org.ua/fragments/116404/nam-treba-vyznachyty-skilky-ye-chasu-do-kolapsu-syl-oborony-derzhava-mozhe-ce-poraxuvaty-chmut/

I don't know how correct his conclusions are, but they fit naturally into the general state of governance.

Former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and current Ambassador to the United Kingdom Valeriy Zaluzhny has apparently arrived in Ukraine from London. He may be on holiday, or he may want to be closer to the center of events that will unfold due to the political crisis and the peace process. https://www.stopcor.org/ukr/section-politika/news-vdoma-najkrasche-eksgolovkom-zsu-zaluzhnij-natyaknuv-scho-perebuvae-v-ukraini-01-12-2025.html

In the late summer of 1939, the foreign ministers of the USSR and Germany, Molotov and Ribbentrop, signed the infamous non-aggression pact. It divided Eastern Europe between the countries and allowed Hitler to invade Poland.

Europe was recently shocked by the American-russian plan for Ukraine. And while it is not correct to compare these documents directly, one thing is alarming: the two largest military powers are once again trying to “reshape” the continent in their own interests, writes Bloomberg columnist Mark Champion.

This, he believes, was clear back in February. At that time, it was already becoming clear: the Trump administration is more interested not in a fair peace for Ukraine, but in restoring relations with russia — at the cost of Kyiv and its European allies. https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2025-12-02/ukraine-peace-deal-is-becoming-the-worst-threat-to-europe-since-1939

So the question is whether Europe is going to do something or allow russian aggression to spread across the continent. For Ukraine, the outlook is getting worse and worse. The European Central Bank has refused to support the idea of ​​a so-called "reparation loan" for Ukraine for 140 billion euros, writes the Financial Times. https://www.ft.com/content/616c79ee-34de-425a-865e-e94ba10be788

Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner are in russia today to meet with President Vladimir putin to discuss a possible peace plan to end the war in Ukraine. https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/trump-ukraine-russia-venezuela-12-02-2025?t=1764695686259

russian President Vladimir putin says Europe's demands for the end of the war in Ukraine are "not acceptable". In a speech in Moscow, he adds: "We are not going to fight with Europe, but if Europe wants to fight with us, we are ready right now". https://www.bbc.com/news/live/cwypq7xjvdqt

Interestingly, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in Moscow at the same time as Wittkoff. https://www.moscowtimes.ru/2025/12/02/glava-mid-kitaya-priletel-vmoskvu-odnovremenno-suitkoffom-a181599

It seems, soon Ukraine will not be able to prevent the US and russia from deciding their own fate. Unfortunately, even in Ukraine, many do not understand that peace negotiations are actually only between the US and russia, and any agreement will be concluded only between them. Ukraine and Europe are removed from the negotiation process and can only influence something through actions. But Ukraine will not be able to do anything, and Europe will not want to.

[US7IGN]

Five hours of talks between russian President Vladimir putin and top United States negotiators did not yield a breakthrough on a possible Ukraine peace deal, writes CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/2025/12/02/europe/russia-ukraine-putin-us-witkoff-talks-intl-hnk

It was impossible to hope for anything else. Moreover, russia is threatening to step up strikes on Ukrainian ports and ships heading to them, Vladimir putin said in response to recent naval drone attacks on russian tankers in the Black Sea, russian media reported. https://www.interfax.ru/russia/1061086

Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, co-chaired the 20th round of China-russia strategic security consultations with Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Security Council of the russian Federation, in Moscow. The two sides exchanged in-depth views on the Ukraine crisis. Shoigu introduced russia's position and considerations, appreciated China's efforts to support peace, and stated that russia has the full capability and firm will to achieve its strategic goals and eliminate the root causes of the crisis. Wang Yi elaborated on China's consistent position, stating that China supports all efforts conducive to achieving peace, supports reaching a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement, and will continue to maintain strategic communication with russia on this matter, The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports. https://www.mfa.gov.cn/zyxw/202512/t20251202_11765303.shtml

China consistently opposes any unilateral sanctions not approved by the UN Security Council and believes that pressure on Moscow, including the use of frozen russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine, will not contribute to the settlement of the russian-Ukrainian conflict, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a briefing. https://ua.news/ua/world/kitai-vistupiv-proti-sanktsii-shchodo-rf-nagoloshuiut-na-politichnomu-vreguliuvanni-mzs

The EU did the math and decided that Ukraine must fight for another four years: Europe will provide the money, writes the New York Post. Helping Ukraine defeat russia is a cheaper prospect for Europe than giving into the Kremlin’s concessions, according to a new study titled “Europe’s Choice” out of Norway. Funding Ukraine’s war effort over four years will cost European governments between $606 and $972 billion, but it would cost them almost double, between $1.4 and $1.8 trillion, to reinforce its eastern flank if Moscow gets its way. https://nypost.com/2025/11/30/us-news/russia-getting-its-way-would-cost-europe-hundreds-of-billions-more-than-ensuring-ukraine-victory-study/

Unfortunately, this report does not include calculations of how much this will cost Ukraine and how much the life of each Ukrainian who will die if the war continues is estimated at. Unfortunately for some Ukrainians (who have to go to war) it looks like the Ukrainian government is once again getting money to catch people and send them to the front, fearing that in case of defeat the russians will do the same to them. On the other hand, for such a Ukrainian it makes no difference who exactly does this to him and the talk about him having to die exactly for Ukraine does not really inspire him.

This morning I was woken up by a call from my friend whose brother had been caught. However, the laws don't work in this case, and I don't deal with bribes, so I said I couldn't help. It looks like he'll try to run away at the first opportunity.

Meanwhile, the russian Shahed strike drone was first spotted carrying an R-60 air-to-air missile. This is an unpleasant situation, because now the crews of aircraft engaged in the destruction of drones have to worry not only about catching up with the Shahed and shooting it down, but also about their own safety. Although our planes and helicopters have a missile launch warning system, it is not perfect everywhere. https://www.unian.ua/weapons/rosiyski-shahedi-yaku-zagrozu-nesut-raketi-na-vorozhih-dronah-13213746.html

Former press secretary of President Volodymyr Zelensky Yulia Mendel commented on the role of Andriy Yermak in the negotiations with russia. According to her, it was he who assured the president that there would be no full-scale invasion. She called him a very dangerous person and accused him of misleading President Volodymyr Zelensky. So it seems that now Zelensky will try to hold Yermak responsible for everything. https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/mendel-pro-yermaka-vplyv-na-zelenskoho/33611619.html

The Ministry of Finance reports that as of October 31, 2025, Ukraine's public and state-guaranteed debt amounted to UAH 8,276.2 billion (or USD 197.2 billion). In October, the total amount of public debt and state-guaranteed debt increased by UAH 252 billion (USD 2.98 billion). https://www.mof.gov.ua/uk/news/derzhborg_u_zhovtni_2025_roku_zris_perevazhno_za_rakhunok_kreditu_era_vid_ies_iakii_ne_vplivaie_na_borgovu_stiikist-5454