On November 26, Valerii Klychok analyzed the current situation surrounding the war in Ukraine, comments from NATO, Russia, the roles of Europe and the US in negotiations, the country's financial outlook for 2026, and frontline developments.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the war could end by the end of the current year. Some Kremlin representatives also share this view but are not ready to publicly discuss Trump's plan, though they express support for it. Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov suggested the war could end by late 2025, but spokesman Peskov called such statements premature. Further attempts to influence the peace process are expected from countries including the United States.
Europe and the US are discussing security guarantees for Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron announced the creation of a working group to finalize these guarantees, led by France and the UK, with participation from the US and Turkey. EU representative Kaja Kallas emphasized strengthening financial assistance, military training, and supporting the defense industry, highlighting Russia's aggressive policy.
Ukraine's 2026 financing remains uncertain. The European Union proposes using frozen Russian assets for a reparation loan and is also considering a transitional loan in case no consensus is reached. Hungarian PM Orban opposes such measures and plans to visit Putin for discussions.
In Ukraine's parliament, there is a lack of votes for the 2026 budget. MP Dmytro Razumkov criticizes the draft budget for excessive deficit and corruption. Authorities plan to cover budget holes with foreign aid and frozen Russian assets.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau questioned NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov as a witness in an investigation related to possible corruption and interference, as part of the so-called "Midas" operation.
Frontline news: Ukrainian forces struck a missile equipment plant in Cheboksary, hit a Russian army command post in occupied Vasylivka (Zaporizhzhia region), and targeted troop concentrations and ammunition depots in Donetsk region. The situation in Pokrovsk remains difficult due to weather and Russian advances, but experts predict that its capture may take at least a year.
