FT: Luxury brands flow into Russia through shadow markets despite EU sanctions
A thriving network of personal shoppers and cross-border resellers continues supplying Russian elites with Western luxury goods.
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Europe
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EU bank funds € 86 million anti-drone shield for Ukraine’s power grid amid Russian attacks
Ukrenergo accelerates construction of protective structures at critical power substation.
Reuters: Germany may expand military to 230,000 troops in face of Russian threat
The move reflects broader changes in German politics, where decades of military restraint have given way to more assertive defense policies, though domestic budget challenges and political instability could complicate these plans.
Some 4.2 million Ukrainians hold temporary protection status in EU, Eurostat reports
Eurostat data reveals Ukrainian women and children constitute nearly 77% of EU temporary protection beneficiaries.
Biden: About 80,000 US troops deployed in Europe to deter Russian aggression
President Biden has informed Congress that 80,000 U.S. troops are stationed across NATO countries in Europe as part of ongoing deterrence efforts against Russian aggression.
Europe will act only when Russia causes disaster, Chatham House fellow
Nothing has been able to convince Europe to step up, leaving Putin in precisely the position that he wants to be, which is with large parts of Europe helpless before him, says Keir Giles.
Baltic States, UK, and Denmark commit billions to support Ukraine’s forces in 2025
Meanwhile, Kyiv anticipates a second tranche of EU's €1.9 billion in military aid to Ukraine, focused on critical defense equipment like ammunition and air defense systems.
European allies plan to arm Ukraine using “Danish model” amid Kyiv’s defense funding shortages
Kyiv is working with European allies to produce drones and long-range missiles locally, strengthening its defense sector.
Top NATO official urges leaders to get ready for “wartime scenario” after Russia threatened retaliation for Ukraine’s strikes at its territory
NATO’s Rob Bauer calls on industries to adjust production lines for operating under wartime conditions.
Poland says Europe’s largest countries ready to aid Ukraine if US suspends its support for Kyiv
An emergency summit of representatives from Europe’s largest nations took place today in Warsaw.
Estonia urges European allies to boost Ukraine support amid US uncertainty
European leaders must increase defense spending to maintain credibility with potential future US president Donald Trump, Estonia's prime minister told Bloomberg in Budapest.
Sikorski: Europe must take greater responsibility for its own security
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has called for immediate European action on defense spending and migration policy as US election results emerge.
Ukraine to rely on European support if US aid declines after November elections, says Zelenskyy
Ahead of the U.S. presidential election, Zelensky expressed confidence in Europe’s role as a key supporter of Ukraine, underscoring the continent’s economic and military advantage over Russia.
Bloomberg: Europe still paying Russia billions for gas despite Ukraine war
European imports of Russian natural gas have begun to rise again, reaching 20% of total imports this year after dropping to 15% in 2023, signaling a potential reversal in efforts to reduce dependency.
EU energy ministers weigh options for Russian gas transit as Ukraine transit deal expires
Azerbaijan could play a pivotal role in maintaining gas flows to Europe as the EU seeks alternatives to Russian supplies through Ukraine.
Borrell: EU mission to train Ukrainian military to be extended for two years
The EU Training Mission for Ukrainian military is operating primarily in Poland and Germany.
Belgium strengthens security measures due to possible sabotage and espionage
Recent incidents, including cyberattacks and sabotage attempts linked to pro-Russian actors, highlight the increasing complexity of security challenges facing Europe.
Ukraine offered six European countries assistance in overcoming consequences of floods
Ukraine's offer of rescue assistance signals a growing recognition of the need for international cooperation in the face of intensifying climate-related disasters.
Russia conducts large-scale psychological warfare in Europe, FBI dossier reveals
The FBI-obtained documents reveal Russia's extensive disinformation campaign aimed at winning over Europeans' hearts and minds, which entails manipulating UK, Italian, French and German officials, influencers and journalists.
Support Ukraine now or pay more later, Dutch think tanks tell West
Two prominent Dutch think tanks warn that scaling back aid to Ukraine could lead to far greater costs for Western nations in the future, urging continued support despite short-term financial pressures.