Key events<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 18m ago<\/p>\n Estonia ferry disaster in 1994 caused by bow failure not explosion, report confirms<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 37m ago<\/p>\n EU to water down landmark ban on new petrol and diesel cars<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 1h ago<\/p>\n Russia labels Deutsche Welle \u2018undesirable\u2019 organisation<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 2h ago<\/p>\n ‘Russia remains threat today, tomorrow, and for foreseeable future,’ Finnish PM says<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 2h ago<\/p>\n Zelenskyy, Schoof back EU reparations loan as Ukraine could face ‘financial challenges’ without it<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 3h ago<\/p>\n Peace plans ready to be presented to Russia in days, says Zelenskyy<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 3h ago<\/p>\n ‘If you start a war, you will be held to account,’ EU’s Kallas says<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 4h ago<\/p>\n Leaders sign treaty establishing international Ukraine war damages body<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 4h ago<\/p>\n Zelenskyy, leaders call for accountability for Russia’s acts against Ukraine<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 4h ago<\/p>\n Kremlin says Christmas truce depends on broader peace deal, Russia wants ‘achieve our goals’<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 5h ago<\/p>\n ‘Every single detail matters,’ Zelenskyy says of peace talks, as he warns against rewarding Russia for aggression<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 5h ago<\/p>\n Zelenskyy warns ‘winter cold can become one of most dangerous weapons’<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 5h ago<\/p>\n Zelenskyy urges Netherlands to back EU reparations loan, use of frozen Russian assets<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 5h ago<\/p>\n ‘We must make Russia accept there are rules in world,’ Zelenskyy says<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 5h ago<\/p>\n ‘Most intense and focused negotiations’ since war started, Zelenskyy says<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 5h ago<\/p>\n Ukraine’s Zelenskyy about to speak in Dutch parliament<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 6h ago<\/p>\n Russia yet to see details of proposals, Kremlin says<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 6h ago<\/p>\n New European body to assess claims for reparations on Ukraine to be set up<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n 6h ago<\/p>\n Morning opening: What are you saying, Russia?<\/p>\n <\/a>Show key events only<\/p>\n Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature<\/p>\n Estonia ferry disaster in 1994 caused by bow failure not explosion, report confirms<\/p>\n The sinking of the Estonia ferry more than 30 years ago was caused by the failure of its bow section, not an explosion or collision as claimed by some, authorities have said, in a report aimed at finally closing the case on Europe\u2019s worst civil maritime disaster since the second world war<\/a>.<\/p>\n The bow door of the Estonia ferry being lifted from the bottom of the sea off Ut\u00f6 island in November 1994, nearly two months after the ferry sank in the Baltic Sea. Photograph: Jaakko Avikainen\/LEHTIKUVA\/AFP\/Getty Images<\/p>\n \u201cThe MV Estonia<\/a> sank as a result of the collapse of its bow construction,\u201d Estonian, Swedish and Finnish investigators said. \u201cThere is, therefore, no reason to start a new full-scale \u2026 investigation of the accident.\u201d<\/p>\n On the night of 28 September 1994, the roll-on, roll-off ferry sank in the Baltic Sea during a storm, claiming the lives of 852 people.<\/p>\n An official investigation in 1997 concluded that the ferry\u2019s bow shield had failed, causing rapid flooding and sending the vessel to the bottom.<\/p>\n But alternative theories have continued to propagate and in 2020, video from a television documentary showed hitherto unseen holes in the ship\u2019s hull<\/a>, prompting authorities to take a fresh look at the disaster.<\/p>\n The report, which was based on six separate examinations of the wreck site, interviews with survivors, modelling and technical analysis, concluded that the damage to the hull was caused by rocks on the sea bottom.<\/p>\n \u201cThe inspections do not reveal any signs that the MV Estonia collided with any other vessel or object during its voyage,\u201d the investigators said. \u201cNor are there any signs that an explosion occurred on the ship.\u201d<\/p>\n A preliminary report in 2023 blamed rocks for the holes in the hull<\/a>. It also concluded that the ferry was not seaworthy at the time of its final voyage.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>EU to water down landmark ban on new petrol and diesel cars The EU has confirmed it will water down its landmark 2035 ban on the sale of new petrol or diesel cars, yielding to heavy pressure from the car industry and leaders from several EU member states including Germany<\/a> and Italy.<\/p>\n Workers assemble an Volkswagen’s ID.3 electric car on a production line at the Volkswagen electric car factory in Zwickau, Germany. Photograph: Jens Schlueter\/Getty Images<\/p>\n Under current legislation manufacturers were obliged to ensure that 100% of production of cars and vans had zero emissions up to 2035.<\/p>\n The European Commission confirmed on Tuesday that this will now be reduced to 90%, enabling the continued manufacture of a portion of plug-in hybrid electric cars, or even combustion engines beyond 2035.<\/p>\n However, in a carrot-and-stick approach, the remaining 10% of assembly line output that is not carbon neutral will need to be compensated by other green measures on the factory floor, including the use of green steel made in Europe or use of biofuels in non-electric vehicles.<\/p>\n \u201cThis will allow for plug-in hybrids (PHEV), range extenders, mild hybrids, and internal combustion engine vehicles to still play a role beyond 2035, in addition to full electric (EVs) and hydrogen vehicles,\u201d the commission said.<\/p>\n The commission has also relaxed targets for electric vans, reducing the requirements for a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 to 40%.<\/p>\n The move, which follows lobbying by chancellor <\/a>Friedrich Merz<\/a> and Italian prime minister <\/a>Giorgia Meloni<\/a>, will be seen as a victory for the European car industry which has struggled to make the transition to electric and now faces growing competition from Chinese rivals<\/a>.<\/p>\n The decision, which had been widely anticipated in recent days<\/a>, has already been denounced by the Green party in the European parliament which has said it amounts to a \u201cgutting\u201d of flagship legislation aimed at cutting Europe\u2019s emissions.<\/p>\n Share<\/a> Let\u2019s take a quick look at other news across Europe<\/a>.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Russia labels Deutsche Welle \u2018undesirable\u2019 organisation<\/p>\n Russia has blacklisted Germany\u2019s news broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) as an \u201cundesirable\u201d organisation, which means anyone who works or supports such a group could be prosecuted in the country.<\/p>\n DW had already been declared a \u201cforeign agent\u201d by Kremlin, along with several other organisations or groups critical of Moscow\u2019s invasion.<\/p>\n DW has a Russian-language service but closed its Moscow bureau in 2022 after threats it would be expelled. This was seen as a tit-for-tat move against Germany banning broadcasts by Russia\u2019s RT state broadcaster in 2022.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a009.44 EST<\/p>\n They reinforced commitments to advancing \u201cthe Eastern Flank Watch\u201d, which includes a European drone defence network.<\/p>\n They also outlined again Nato\u2019s Article 5 significance and said EU specific defence efforts were complementary to that foundational defence and deterrence standing<\/p>\n Strengthening Europe\u2019s defence readiness\u2026 in alignment with NATO plans and requirements is essential. Complementarity between NATO and the EU is not optional\u2014 it is a strategic imperative\u201d<\/p>\n By uniting at the highest political level, we send a clear and unequivocal message: Europe\u2019s Eastern Flank is a common responsibility and must be defended with urgency, leadership and resolve.<\/p>\n The security environment has changed irreversibly, and we must adapt with determination and speed.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a008.58 EST<\/p>\n Some more from the Eastern Flank summit where leaders of the eight EU countries most exposed to Russia<\/a> have met in Helsinki to shore up defence collaboration.<\/p>\n They led off their joint statement saying Russia is the \u201cmost significant, direct and long-term threat to security, peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area\u201d and said that besides the invasion in Ukraine<\/a>, Russia\u2019s hybrid operations and sabotage against Europe were increasing.<\/p>\n Attempts to destabilise our societies must be viewed as part of Russia\u2019s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n We remain committed to increasing our support for Ukraine while ramping up pressure on Russia. We will also continue to work closely with our partners being targeted by Russian hybrid activities, especially the Republic of Moldova.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a009.05 EST<\/p>\n ‘Russia remains threat today, tomorrow, and for foreseeable future,’ Finnish PM says<\/p>\n Leaders of the eight \u201ceastern flank\u201d countries \u2013 that\u2019s the Nordics, the Baltics, Bulgaria, Poland and Romania \u2013 are now speaking at a joint press conference after their talks in Helsinki and they have a strong message on Russia<\/a>.<\/p>\n Bulgaria’s prime minister Rossen Jeliazkov, Poland’s prime minister Donald Tusk, president of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda, Finland’s prime minister Petteri Orpo, Romania’s president Nicusor Dan, Latvia’s prime minister Eviika Silina, prime minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson, and Estonia’s prime minister Kristen Michal brief the media at the Eastern Flank Summit at the House of the Estates in Helsinki, Finland. Photograph: Sergei Grits\/AP<\/p>\n Speaking alongside the leaders of Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Finland\u2019s prime minister Petteri Orpo says the meeting takes place as \u201cEurope is facing some of the most serious and existential questions of our time.\u201d<\/p>\n Orpo says that \u201cwe are closer to peace than ever before,\u201d but warns that \u201cwe do not see any signs that Russia really wants peace.\u201d<\/p>\n Russia remains a threat today, tomorrow, and for the foreseeable future, for the whole of Europe. This is the reason we are strengthening our cooperation.<\/p>\n He says:<\/p>\n \u201cWe share a strong political will to reinforce our common security and Europe\u2019s defence, starting from the eastern flank.\u201d<\/p>\n Estonian prime minister Kristen Michal hit similar tones as he says that \u201cEurope\u2019s security is closely tied to Ukraine<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf Russia is not strategically defeated in Ukraine, it will become bolder,\u201d he warns.<\/p>\n He also calls for the adoption of the EU reparations loan for Ukraine at this week\u2019s European Council.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is the best option to give Ukraine the financing it needs quickly, and it puts Ukraine into stronger position for a just and sustainable peace,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n Sweden\u2019s Ulf Kristersson repeats the warning:<\/p>\n \u201cRussia is the long term defining threat to Euro-Atlantic security and the war of aggression against Ukraine threatens literally, not only the eastern border of the European Union, but the continent as a whole.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Just a little bit of newsy nugget there at the very end of Zelenskyy\/Schoof press conference, as the Ukrainian president says that the US is now expected to take the documents discussed last night in Berlin to Russia to talk about the proposed security guarantees, 20-point peace plan, and a reconstruction plan for Ukraine<\/a>.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Zelenskyy and Schoof also get asked about the prospect of Ukraine<\/a> joining the European Union.<\/p>\n Schoof stresses the Dutch \u201care fully supportive\u201d of membership for the EU.<\/p>\n Zelenskyy says he sees the EU accession process as part of a broader discussion on Ukraine\u2019s security guarantees, in the context of economic security.<\/p>\n He says \u201cwe know why and who is trying to block\u201d the accession process.<\/p>\n (He means Hungary, which has long argued that, essentially, it would be wrong for the bloc to admit a country at war.)<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Zelenskyy and Schoof get also asked about the European-led multinational force expected to help with maintaining the peace in Ukraine<\/a>, if a deal is reached.<\/p>\n Schoof goes first and says that during the Berlin talks the new security guarantees \u201cbecame very strong,\u201d and the package being discussed \u201cgives the real opportunity for Ukraine to negotiate with Russia<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n He says that the Netherlands<\/a> would have to go through a parliamentary procedure if the country was to confirm its participation in the force.<\/p>\n Zelenskyy says that different countries will have different roles, from logistics through intelligence to troops deployment. He says \u201ca lot of countries are really ready to help.\u201d<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Zelenskyy, Schoof back EU reparations loan as Ukraine could face ‘financial challenges’ without it<\/p>\n Ukraine\u2019s Zelenskyy is now speaking at a press conference with the Dutch prime minister, Dick Schoof, and the pair just got asked about the use of frozen Russian assets and the EU\u2019s proposal for a reparations loan.<\/p>\n Schoof says the Netherlands<\/a> sees the loan as \u201cthe preferred option,\u201d but he acknowledged legal concerns from a number of countries, including, critically, Belgium where Euroclear is based.<\/p>\n Frozen Russian assets<\/a><\/p>\n He says he agrees with Belgium that the risk needs to be shared by all countries with legally guarantees, so that \u201call EU member states take their fair share.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt will be a difficult decision, but I sincerely hope that we come to an agreement on Thursday and that the financial needs of Ukraine can be solved with the help of the frozen assets,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n Zelenskyy acknowledges that Ukraine \u201cdefinitely\u201d faces \u201cfinancial challenges,\u201d and says \u201cit is definitely not easy for Ukraine.\u201d<\/p>\n He says it would be difficult for Ukraine to \u201cstand strong\u201d without this support and cover some of the financial issues it faces.<\/p>\n But he generally repeats his points on how important it is for the EU leaders to agree to the loan.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>Peace plans ready to be presented to Russia in days, says Zelenskyy<\/p>\n Shaun Walker and Peter Beaumont<\/p>\n Volodymyr Zelenskyy says proposals negotiated with US officials on a peace deal to end Russia\u2019s war in Ukraine could be finalised within days, after which American envoys will present them to the Kremlin.<\/p>\n Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and German chancellor Friedrich Merz (not pictured) hold talks at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany. Photograph: Action Press\/Shutterstock<\/p>\n After two days of talks in Berlin<\/a>, US officials said on Monday they had resolved \u201c90%\u201d of the problematic issues between Russia and Ukraine, but despite the positive spin it is not clear that an end to the war is any closer, particularly as the Russian side is absent from the current talks.<\/p>\n In the early hours of Tuesday morning the Ukrainian president said the US Congress was expected to vote on security guarantees and that he expected a finalised set of documents to be prepared \u201ctoday or tomorrow\u201d. After that, he said, the US would hold consultations with the Russians, followed by high-level meetings that could take place as soon as this weekend.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are counting on five documents. Some of them concern security guarantees: legally binding, that is, voted on and approved by the US Congress,\u201d he said in comments to journalists via WhatsApp. He said the guarantees would \u201cmirror article 5\u201d of Nato.<\/p>\n The main sticking point between the Ukrainian team and US negotiators remains the issue of land. Trump wants Ukraine<\/a> to give up the parts of the Donbas region it still holds, while Ukraine wants to freeze the lines at the current point of contact. \u201cWe are discussing the territorial issue. You know it is one of the key issues. At this point, there is no consensus on it yet,\u201d Zelenskyy said after the Berlin talks.<\/p>\n It is not clear how the two sides will proceed on the territorial issue, with Zelenskyy previously suggesting that a compromise solution such as a free economic zone could be theoretically possible if the Ukrainian people voted for it in a referendum. The critical stumbling block is likely to be when the plans are put to the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, who has given no sign he is willing to compromise on his war aims.<\/p>\n \u201cIf Putin rejects everything, we will end up with exactly what we are experiencing on our plane right now \u2013 turbulence,\u201d said Zelenskyy, recording the comments after his plane took off from Berlin for the Netherlands<\/a> for a series of meetings on Tuesday.<\/p>\n Share<\/a>‘If you start a war, you will be held to account,’ EU’s Kallas says<\/p>\n Speaking at the event in the Hague, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Russia cannot escape paying the bill for its war in Ukraine<\/a>.<\/p>\n The commission, which will validate war damages in Ukraine to be paid by Russia<\/a>, sends a message to future aggressors, Kallas said in comments reported by Reuters, that \u201cif you start a war, you will be held to account\u201d.<\/p>\n She also announced the EU would provide \u201cup to one \u20ac1m\u201d to pay for the preparatory work for the new commission.<\/p>\n Share<\/a><\/p>\n Updated at\u00a007.05 EST<\/p>\n Leaders sign treaty establishing international Ukraine war damages body<\/p>\n The treaty is now signed, establishing the International Claims Commission of Ukraine<\/a>.<\/p>\n Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset and Moldovan President Maia Sandu stand behind Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Moldovian Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi and Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel during the signing of a treaty to establish the International Claims Commission for Ukraine in the Hague. Photograph: Piroschka Van De Wouw\/ReutersShare<\/a>Zelenskyy, leaders call for accountability for Russia’s acts against Ukraine<\/p>\n Ukraine\u2019s Zelenskyy has just been speaking again at the launch of The International Claims Commission for Ukraine (10:39<\/a>).<\/p>\n In his very brief remarks, he largely followed the same lines as in the Dutch parliament, saying that \u201call pressure on Russia<\/a> must remain in place for as long as occupation of our land continue.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs long as our people remain in Russian captivity and until the Ukrainian children abducted by Russia are brought home, sanctions must limit Russia, until it shows respect for peaceful for peaceful life and the rights of its neighbours. And of course, of course, every Russian war crime must have consequences for those who committed them,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n He said that making Russia accountable for its crimes is needed to \u201cthat others learn not to choose aggression.\u201d<\/p>\n Speaking before him, the caretaker Dutch PM, Dick Schoof, warned that \u201cthere must be no impunity\u201d for Russia\u2019s acts in Ukraine<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cToday is all about justice, because without it, there can be no just and lasting peace. But justice doesn\u2019t just follow automatically. We need to lay the groundwork and prepare as carefully as possible,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Similar sentiment was expressed by Moldova\u2019s president Maia Sandu, as she warned that \u201cwhere accountability is avoided or postponed, violence returns, often in more destabilising forms.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAccountability is a condition of security today and for the future. But accountability is not only about Ukraine, and it is not only about one aggressor and one victim. Accountability is about Europe<\/a>, about every country in Europe, it is about whether Europe as a whole is willing to defend its peace,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n![\"Ukrainian](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1765898949_862_4583.jpg\")
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset and Moldovan President Maia Sandu stand behind Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Moldovian Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi and Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel during the signing of a treaty to establish the International Claims Commission for Ukraine in the Hague. Photograph: Piroschka Van De Wouw\/ReutersShare<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Lisa](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Lisa-OCarroll-byline-004.jpg\")
Lisa O\u2019Carroll<\/p>\n![\"Jakub](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Jakub_Krupa.png\")
Jakub Krupa<\/p>\n