European Council Chief: EU’s Strong Association Agreement with Ukraine

The European Council President, Charles Michel, has stated that the European Union (EU) already has a robust “association agreement” with Ukraine, countering Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s call for a “strategic partnership” before discussing Ukraine’s potential membership. This statement follows the upcoming summit of EU leaders that will require unanimous agreement to begin accession talks with Ukraine. Orban, known for his close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressed his hesitation to sign the current proposal and instead proposed a partnership agreement lasting between five and ten years to establish closer cooperation and understand the implications of potential EU membership before initiating negotiations. Michel highlighted that the existing agreement provides numerous opportunities for close collaboration with Ukraine.

Russian Ruble Slides to Two-Week Low

The Russian ruble has fallen to a two-week low against the U.S. dollar as the recent rally driven by Moscow’s capital controls, higher interest rates, and rising oil prices wanes. The ruble briefly dipped below 90 against the dollar and is on track for its first weekly decline in eight weeks.

Russian Foreign Minister Accuses U.S. Secretary of State of “Simple Cowardice”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has criticized U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, accusing him of “simple cowardice” after Blinken left a meeting of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in North Macedonia. Lavrov’s attendance at the meeting was met with controversy due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, leading to boycotts from Ukraine and the Baltic nations. Lavrov stated that Russia sees no indication of Ukraine being willing to negotiate a political resolution and affirmed that Russia will not change its course of action in Ukraine.

Kremlin Predicts Long-Term Western Sanctions

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has expressed confidence that Western sanctions against Russia will persist for many years and form the foundation of Russia’s long-term economic strategy. This statement comes in response to the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Geoffrey Pyatt’s remarks that the U.S. aims to cut Russian oil and gas revenues by half by 2030.

Estonian Prime Minister: Pro-Ukraine Coalition Remains Strong

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has emphasized that Western support for Ukraine remains steadfast, despite the recent rise of right-wing populist figures in Europe. She highlighted the strength of the combined defense budgets of the Ramstein coalition, which supports Ukraine against Russian aggression, stating that they are thirteen times larger than Russia’s heavily inflated defense budget. Kallas urged for firmness and unity in supporting Ukraine.

Hungary’s Orban Proposes EU-Ukraine Strategic Partnership Agreement

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has suggested that the EU should prioritize signing a “strategic partnership agreement” with Ukraine instead of immediately initiating membership talks. Orban’s close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin has influenced his stance on Ukraine’s membership. The upcoming EU summit will determine whether to proceed with membership negotiations, requiring unanimous agreement from all 27 member states.

Ukraine Urges Faster Fortification of Frontline Areas

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for the accelerated construction of stronger fortifications in key battlegrounds facing attacks from Russian forces, particularly in eastern Ukraine. Zelenskyy stressed the need for enhanced defenses in Avdiivka, Maryinka, and other parts of the Donetsk region, as well as defensive lines in the Kharkiv and Kherson areas.

Ukraine Shoots Down Russian Drones; Russia Destroys Uncrewed Navy Vessel

The Ukrainian air force reported shooting down 18 out of 25 attack drones launched from Russia towards eastern and southern Ukraine, along with one guided cruise missile. Russia claimed to have destroyed an uncrewed Ukrainian navy vessel heading towards Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. Independent verification of these claims is ongoing.

German Chancellor Affirms Solidarity with Ukraine

During a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz discussed the current political, military, and humanitarian situation in Ukraine. Scholz assured Zelenskyy of Germany’s unwavering support, along with that of European and international partners.

Read More of this Story at www.cnbc.com – 2023-12-01 13:53:00

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