Articles in this Cluster
18-12-2025
European Union leaders are set to make a crucial decision on whether to loan Ukraine tens of billions of euros in frozen Russian assets to support its military and economic needs. The assets, worth €210bn, are mostly held by the Belgium-based organization Euroclear. While some EU members, including Belgium and Hungary, have expressed opposition to using the cash, others believe it will help deter Russia from continuing the war. The European Commission has proposed loaning Kyiv €90bn over the next two years. The decision requires a two-thirds majority vote among EU member states.
Entities: European Union, Ukraine, Russia, Euroclear, Belgium • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
18-12-2025
Heavy rains have worsened the living conditions of hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, with the UN warning of a dire humanitarian situation. Almost 55,000 families have been affected, with their belongings and shelters damaged or destroyed. The UN agencies have stepped up aid deliveries, but there is still not enough aid getting in. One baby has died from hypothermia, and at least 11 other people have died in building collapses caused by the severe weather. The International Committee of the Red Cross has stressed the need for increased and sustained humanitarian assistance to respond to urgent and long-term needs.
Entities: Gaza Strip, Palestinians, UN, Unicef, Jonathan Crickx • Tone: urgent • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
18-12-2025
Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte has stated that Donald Trump is 'good news for collective defence, for Nato and for Ukraine' due to his efforts to increase Nato spending and push for a resolution to the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Rutte praised Trump's role in getting Nato countries to pledge to spend 5% of their economic output on defence by 2035. The article also discusses the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with Russia's President Putin dismissing warnings of a potential attack on Nato allies as 'hysteria'. The US has been conducting intense negotiations with Ukrainian officials over a Trump-proposed peace plan, which includes security guarantees for Ukraine. European allies are also discussing increasing economic pressure on Moscow to stop the war.
Entities: Nato, Donald Trump, Mark Rutte, Russia, Ukraine • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
18-12-2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a 'very workable' peace plan to end the nearly four-year war with Russia could be finalized within days and presented to the Kremlin. The plan, negotiated with U.S. officials, includes postwar security guarantees for Ukraine and a proposed 'free economic zone' in the Donbas region. However, key issues remain unresolved, such as the status of Ukrainian territory occupied by Russian forces. Russian President Vladimir Putin's stance on recognizing Moscow's control over certain regions remains a significant obstacle. Zelenskyy warned that if diplomatic efforts fail, Ukraine expects increased Western pressure on Moscow, including tougher sanctions and additional military support.
Entities: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia, Ukraine, Vladimir Putin, United States • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
18-12-2025
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia's goals in Ukraine remain unchanged and will be achieved through either diplomatic means or military force. Putin made these comments during an annual Defense Ministry meeting, where he also criticized European leaders and accused them of trying to weaken Russia. The comments come as diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine are ongoing, with recent meetings between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. special envoys. Putin's remarks suggest that Russia is prepared to continue its military campaign if diplomatic efforts fail.
Entities: Vladimir Putin, Ukraine, Russia, Defense Ministry, Volodymyr Zelenskyy • Tone: negative • Sentiment: neutral • Intent: inform
18-12-2025
The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon is fraying, with Israel launching attacks on Lebanon every four hours on average. The UN reports that at least 127 civilians have been killed in Israeli strikes since the ceasefire began. Israel claims it is targeting Hezbollah's military infrastructure, while Hezbollah denies this. The UN mission in southern Lebanon, UNIFIL, has recorded over 10,000 violations of the ceasefire agreement, including Israeli attacks and ground activities. Israel has established five military bases inside Lebanon and is constructing a border wall that crosses into Lebanese territory. The continued presence of Israeli forces has hampered reconstruction efforts, with over 64,000 Lebanese people remaining displaced from their homes.
Entities: Israel, Lebanon, Hezbollah, UN, UNIFIL • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
18-12-2025
EU leaders are meeting in Brussels to discuss releasing €210bn (£184bn) in frozen Russian assets to Ukraine to help fund its war with Russia. The move is seen as crucial to Ukraine's ability to continue fighting, as it faces bankruptcy in early 2026 without international assistance. The Belgian government has blocked the release, citing concerns over potential Russian legal action. EU leaders are working to address these concerns and pass an emergency bill to secure sanctions against Russia. The meeting is seen as a test of EU unity and credibility, with Vladimir Putin potentially taking advantage of a divided Europe if the vote fails.
Entities: Vladimir Putin, Ukraine, European Union, Brussels, Russia • Tone: neutral • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
18-12-2025
European Union leaders are meeting to discuss a plan to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine's war effort in 2026 and 2027. The plan is contentious, with Belgium voicing opposition due to concerns over potential legal risks and the impact on international investors. The European Union needs to reach an agreement to provide Ukraine with much-needed funding, as the country is expected to run out of cash by the end of March. A failure to agree on a funding plan could undermine Europe's relevance and ability to act decisively.
Entities: European Union, Russia, Ukraine, Belgium, Brussels • Tone: urgent • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
18-12-2025
The European Union (EU) is set to hold crucial talks on Ukraine, China, and its economic future amid growing concerns about the bloc's divisions and ability to take meaningful action. EU leaders will meet to discuss key issues such as using frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's war effort, finalizing a trade deal with Mercosur, and developing a geoeconomic strategy towards the US and China. However, member states appear more inclined to act individually rather than collectively, creating an air of existential dread ahead of the meeting.
Entities: European Union, Ukraine, China, European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen • Tone: positive • Sentiment: negative • Intent: inform
18-12-2025
Belgian neurologist Steven Laureys, a pioneer in detecting hidden awareness in patients with severe brain injuries, has expanded his global research network to China by working with Hangzhou Normal University. He believes China offers a 'wonderful opportunity' for scientists due to its significant investment in science, contrasting with the funding instability in the US under the Trump administration. Laureys praises China's ability to unify resources and push people to work together, a trait he sees as crucial for scientific progress. He also notes that Europe has not yet developed a unified science policy, suggesting it is an opportunity for the continent to react.
Entities: Steven Laureys, China, Hangzhou Normal University, Belgium, United States • Tone: positive • Sentiment: positive • Intent: inform
