New sanctions against Russia and details of Zelenskyy's visit to Brussels - Monday brief

EU adopts 15th package of sanctions against Russia

The sanctions list includes 54 individuals and 30 organizations from Russia, China, and the DPRK, including restrictions on the Russian shadow fleet.

Sanctions were also imposed against the Russian military involved in the attack on Okhmatdyt, the management of companies in the energy sector, and those responsible for deporting children, propaganda, and circumventing sanctions.

Zelenskyy to attend EU Council meeting in Brussels

"President Zelenskyy has been invited to the European Council's first meeting following its President's appointment... And, of course, there will be many issues planned for discussion, including the Paris meeting and initiatives from the European Commission," said Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Minister of Justice of Ukraine.

Norway to allocate $240 million to strengthen Ukrainian Navy

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere says the Norwegian government will allocate 2.7 billion kroner ($242 million) to strengthen the Ukrainian navy and help it deter Russian naval forces in the Black Sea.

“It is essential to protect the Ukrainian population and Ukrainian infrastructure from attacks by Russia's Black Sea Fleet,” he said.

Ukraine responds to Slovak President's statement on territorial concessions

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi reacted sharply to a statement by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, who suggested that Ukraine should make territorial concessions for the sake of peace.

“The last time Slovak land was ceded to an aggressor—in the name of peace—it did not turn out well and did not bring peace to either the Slovaks or other nations,” Tykhyi emphasized.

Russia talks of 'victory' in 2025, shares plans for Ukraine takeover

“In 2025, Moscow plans to win the war in Ukraine and achieve the goals announced by Putin in June,” Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov said.

The Russians have set a goal of capturing the entire territory of four Ukrainian regions - the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions - by 2025.

He also suggested the possibility of a war with NATO in the next ten years.

Bundestag decides fate of Scholz's government

In the vote in the Bundestag, 717 votes were cast, with 207 in favor, expressing confidence in Olaf Scholz. 394 voted against, and 116 abstained. The vote opens the way for the dissolution of parliament and the holding of early elections.

Now, Scholz must ask Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to dissolve parliament and call for early elections. The Federal President has 21 days to do this. The elections are likely to take place on February 23.

Expert explains why Orbán makes statements about 'Christmas ceasefire'

"He gets the maximum from NATO and the EU through his specific position. He's not just earning bonuses from this, he's making money. He doesn't care about Ukraine, and in the end, not even about Russia. But he does care about America," Pavlo Lakiichuk, head of security programs at the Strategia XXI Globalistics Center, believes.

Russia uses North Korean troops in combat while concealing casualties - Zelenskyy

"Unfortunately, we have to defend against them too, though there is no reason for Koreans to die in this war. The only reason is Putin’s madness, which has engulfed Russia and fuels this war. We will continue to defend our positions," President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

Ukraine urges Hungary to end immoral manipulations over Christmas ceasefire

"We urge the Hungarian side to cease its immoral manipulations regarding peace and Christmas, and to refrain from unilateral contacts with the aggressor state that undermine collective efforts to restore a just peace," Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.