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Polaris of Enlightenment

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https://nordictimes.com/world/300000-nato-troops-on-high-readiness/

World

300,000 NATO troops on “high-readiness”

The war in Ukraine

Published June 16, 2024 – By Editorial staff
Turkish NATO troops during an exercise in 2021.
2 minute read
Editorial staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

The war in Ukraine continues to escalate, and open confrontation between the West and Russia seems increasingly likely. Now, a senior official has announced that NATO countries have "comfortably exceeded" their goal of putting 300,000 troops on high alert.

Back in 2022, after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, NATO countries agreed to "massively" increase the number of forces that alliance commanders can deploy within 30 days if necessary, the AFP news agency reports.

– The offers on the table from allies comfortably exceed the 300,000 that we set, the NATO official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

– Those are forces which allies have said to us, 'They are available to you as of now at that level of readiness'.

Substantially increasing the number of troops ready to deploy quickly in live situations is part of NATO's updated strategy to fend off a possible Russian attack, which was formally approved at a summit last year.

"There are capability gaps"

For the first time since the Cold War, it also lays out what each member state of the US-led alliance is expected to do in practice in the event of a full-scale war with Russia.

According to the anonymous official, NATO commanders are currently making sure that each member state has the capacity to implement the set strategies if necessary. At the same time, he admits that the alliance is seriously lacking in "key weapons" - such as air defense and long-range missiles.

– There are capability gaps. There are things that we don't have enough of as an alliance at the moment and we need to tackle.

Editorial staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

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https://nordictimes.com/world/trump-and-putins-peace-plan-leaked/

World

Trump and Putin’s peace plan leaked

The war in Ukraine

  • Ukraine will not be allowed to host NATO troops on its territory, and foreign combat aircraft may only be stationed in Poland.
  • To ensure peace, they demand that Ukraine reduce its army to 600,000 troops and refrain from missiles that can reach Moscow.
  • Ukraine will not be allowed to invade Russia, nor will it be permitted to use military force to reclaim territorial areas.
Published today 12:20 pm – By Editorial staff
According to The Telegraph, the leaked peace plan can be interpreted as a significant defeat for Ukraine and, not least, Brussels.
2 minute read
Editorial staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

The United States and Russia have, according to reports from British newspaper The Telegraph, negotiated a secret peace plan to end the war in Ukraine.

The plan, consisting of 28 points, has been kept secret during negotiations between American and Russian officials and reportedly contains several radical proposals.

For example, Ukraine would hand over the entire Donbas region and Crimea, which would be recognized as Russian territories.

In exchange, the US and its allies promise to take decisive military action and reimpose sanctions if Russia breaks the ceasefire and attacks Ukraine again.

At the same time, Russia would be reinstated in the G7, which would then become the G8, and almost all frozen assets would be returned – except for $100 billion that would go toward Ukraine's reconstruction.

The agreement means that Ukraine would lose important security guarantees if the country violates the agreement.

Volodymyr Zelenskyj
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Photo: President Of Ukraine/Public Domain

Heavy pressure on Zelensky

According to Ukrainian sources speaking to the Financial Times, the Trump administration is exerting strong pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Washington has, according to unconfirmed sources, informed Zelenskyy that the negotiations follow an "aggressive timeline", with the goal of ending the war before the new year.

Meanwhile, Zelensky is expected to hold elections within 100 days after a ceasefire, while Vladimir Putin promises not to invade a NATO country.

Neither the White House nor the Kremlin has shared the complete list of points.

Kiev-friendly governments in Europe argue that the plan involves excessive concessions regarding Ukraine's territorial integrity and represents a capitulation to the Kremlin.

The full details of the plan are now expected to lead to intense debates in Europe and among Ukraine's allies.

Editorial staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

The peace plan

  1. Ukraine's sovereignty shall be confirmed.
  2. A comprehensive non-aggression agreement between Russia, Ukraine and Europe shall be concluded. All ambiguities from the past 30 years shall be considered resolved.
  3. Russia is not expected to invade neighboring countries and NATO shall not expand further.
  4. A dialogue between Russia and NATO, with the United States as mediator, shall resolve security issues and create conditions for détente, global security and future cooperation.
  5. Ukraine shall receive reliable security guarantees.
  6. Ukraine's armed forces shall be limited to 600,000 personnel.
  7. Ukraine shall renounce NATO membership in its constitution, and NATO shall include in its statutes that Ukraine cannot be admitted in the future.
  8. NATO shall not deploy troops in Ukraine.
  9. European fighter aircraft shall be stationed in Poland.
  10. American guarantees:
    – The US receives compensation for the guarantee.
    – If Ukraine invades Russia, the country loses the guarantee.
    – If Russia invades Ukraine, all global sanctions are reinstated, recognition of new territory and other benefits in the agreement are revoked.
    – If Ukraine fires missiles at Moscow or St. Petersburg without reason, the guarantee ceases.
  11. Ukraine is entitled to EU membership and receives short-term priority access to the European market during the evaluation.
  12. A global reconstruction package for Ukraine, including:
    a. Creation of a development fund for fast-growing industries.
    b. The US shall cooperate with Ukraine to rebuild, develop and operate gas infrastructure.
    c. Joint efforts to restore war-affected areas.
    d. Infrastructure development
    e. Extraction of minerals and natural resources.
    f. The World Bank develops special financing packages.
  13. Russia is reintegrated into the global economy:
    a. Sanctions can be lifted gradually and case by case.
    b. The US and Russia can enter into long-term economic cooperation in energy, infrastructure, AI, data centers and mining projects.
    c. Russia is invited to return to the G8.
  14. Frozen Russian assets:
    – $100 billion of frozen Russian assets are invested in Ukraine's reconstruction under American leadership, the US receives 50% of the profits. Europe contributes $100 billion. Remaining frozen Russian funds are returned or placed in a joint investment fund for the US and Russia.
  15. A joint US-Russian working group on security issues shall be established.
  16. Russia shall legislate its non-aggression policy toward Europe and Ukraine.
  17. The US and Russia shall extend the validity of nuclear arms limitation agreements, including START I.
  18. Ukraine shall be a non-nuclear weapons state under the Non-Proliferation Treaty.
  19. The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant shall be operated under IAEA supervision, with electricity divided 50/50 between Russia and Ukraine.
  20. Both countries shall implement educational programs in schools and society to promote understanding and tolerance between cultures and counter racism and prejudice.
    a. Ukraine shall follow EU rules on religious and linguistic minority protection.
    b. Both countries shall abolish discriminatory measures and guarantee media and educational rights.
    c. All Nazi ideology and activities shall be prohibited.
  21. Territories:
    a. Crimea, Luhansk and Donetsk are recognized as de facto Russian, including by the US.
    b. Kherson and Zaporizhzhia shall be frozen along the contact line.
    c. Russia relinquishes other agreed territories outside the five regions.
    d. Ukrainian forces shall withdraw from the parts of Donetsk Oblast they currently control. The area becomes a neutral, demilitarized buffer zone internationally recognized as Russian territory. Russian forces may not enter this zone.
  22. Both countries commit not to change future territorial arrangements by force.
  23. Russia shall not prevent Ukraine from using the Dnipro River for trade, and free transport of grain across the Black Sea shall be guaranteed.
  24. A humanitarian committee shall be established to resolve remaining issues:
    a. All prisoners and bodies shall be returned on an "all for all" basis.
    b. All civilian prisoners and hostages will be returned, including children.
    c. Family reunification programs shall be implemented.
    d. Measures to alleviate conflict damage.
  25. Ukraine shall hold elections within 100 days.
  26. All parties receive full amnesty and waive future claims related to the war.
  27. The agreement becomes legally binding and is monitored by the Peace Council, led by Donald Trump. Sanctions for violations.
  28. Ceasefire takes effect immediately when parties have withdrawn to agreed positions.

 

Source: The Telegraph via SVT (Swedish public broadcaster)

https://nordictimes.com/world/eu-taxpayers-have-paid-over-e180-billion-to-ukraine/

World

EU taxpayers have paid over €180 billion to Ukraine

Welfare collapse

Published November 17, 2025 – By Editorial staff
Archive photo.
3 minute read
Editorial staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

The EU has so far approved more than €180 billion in economic support to Ukraine since the Russian invasion in 2022. Recently, an additional package worth approximately €6 billion was approved, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to demand increased grants and loans.

Last week, the European Commission approved almost six billion euros in new support to Ukraine.

The amount consists of €4.1 billion in a macro-financial assistance (MFA) loan and €1.8 billion in a support package, a large part of which consists of grants.

With this disbursement, the EU's total support to Ukraine now exceeds an astronomical €180 billion. In addition, there is military and financial support from other Western countries, not least the United States.

Zelenskyy demands more money

The day before the EU's decision, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was interviewed by Bloomberg. He emphasized the need for additional financing.

– We must find other alternatives. It is a question of our survival. That is why we really need it. And I count on our partners, Zelenskyy said.

In the same interview, he hinted that Ukraine hopes to gain access to frozen Russian assets in the EU, where a loan worth over €140 billion is being considered.

The Russian funds are held, among other places, at the securities depository Euroclear in Belgium. However, Belgian authorities and the company oppose the use of the assets.

– There are at least as many frozen assets in the rest of the world. It's a bit frustrating that everyone is pointing at us, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever told HLN, a Belgian news outlet.

De Wever has so far blocked proposals for seizure and emphasizes the risk that Belgian taxpayers could be forced to compensate Russia if there is no legal basis.

Ukraine in difficult military situation

The Ukrainian president admits, however, that the war is going hard for Ukraine and that the strategically important city of Pokrovsk, among others, is under heavy pressure. He emphasizes, however, that defense decisions are left to Ukrainian commanders.

– No one is forcing them to die for some ruins, he reportedly commented on the military chain of command.

Volodymyr Zelensky believes that Russia wants Ukraine to give up the rest of Donetsk Oblast, including the cities of Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, and that the country is then prepared to end the war.

According to him, it has therefore become important for Russian President Vladimir Putin to conquer Pokrovsk in particular. Thereby showing the US and Donald Trump that Ukraine cannot win the war and that the only possibility for peace is to agree to Russian demands.

Demands that Zelenskyy stubbornly refuses to accept.

– We cannot leave eastern Ukraine. No one will understand that. People will not understand it. And most importantly, no one can guarantee us that if they get this or that city, they won't continue afterward. We have no deterrent, Volodymyr Zelensky says.

Editorial staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

https://nordictimes.com/world/germany-donates-additional-millions-to-ukraines-energy-sector-despite-corruption-scandal/

World

Germany donates additional millions to Ukraine’s energy sector – despite corruption scandal

The war in Ukraine

Published November 13, 2025 – By Editorial staff
The Merz government continues to donate millions to Ukraine - despite the country's recurring and extensive corruption scandals.
2 minute read
Editorial staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

Berlin is increasing its financial support to Ukraine's energy system with an additional €40 million – while a major bribery scandal rocks the country's state-owned energy company.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced on Tuesday that Berlin is allocating €40 million to help Ukraine meet its winter energy needs.

The purpose, he says, is to ensure that Ukrainian households and industries can continue to function despite the strains of war.

– Germany is helping Ukrainians survive another winter of war with an additional €40 million, Wadephul said in a statement, while noting that Germany has already spent around €9 billion in military support to Kiev this year.

Investigation into bribes at state nuclear power company

The announcement coincides with Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) launching a comprehensive investigation into what is described as a high-level criminal organization.

The organization is suspected of earning large sums through bribes and illegal contracts with the state-owned nuclear power company Energoatom.

So far, seven people have been charged, and according to Ukrainian media, businessman Timur Mindich is identified as one of the main suspects.

Mindich, who has close ties to President Volodymyr Zelensky and was previously his business partner, allegedly left the country shortly before his residence was searched by investigators.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov claims that Western aid to Ukraine has largely been "stolen" due to widespread corruption.

Former American National Security Advisor Michael Waltz has similarly described Ukraine as "...one of the most corrupt countries in the world".

Volodymyr Zelenskyj
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky increasingly pressured by Ukraine's recurring corruption scandals. Photo: President Of Ukraine/Public Domain

Corruption continues - support likewise

Corruption has long been a pervasive problem in Ukraine. A survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) showed in September that 71 percent of the population feels that corruption has increased since the conflict with Russia escalated in 2022.

Ukraine has implemented anti-corruption reforms since 2014 - including creating new institutions such as the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption (NACP).

Despite the reforms, corruption remains a widespread problem in the country, particularly in certain sectors such as the energy sector. There is criticism that Western support risks ending up in corrupt structures.

Transparency International's latest corruption index places Ukraine at 105th out of 180 countries – better than Russia (154th), but far from EU levels. Despite this, Western countries continue to pour support into Kiev.

Germany's decision to increase its contributions thus raises questions about how the aid will be monitored and how effectively it is actually being used in a country still struggling with systemic corruption.

Editorial staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

https://nordictimes.com/the-nordics/denmark/copenhagen-to-become-hub-for-ukrainian-arms-exports/

Denmark

Copenhagen to become hub for Ukrainian arms exports

The war in Ukraine

Published November 4, 2025 – By Editorial staff
In September, a Ukrainian rocket fuel factory was established in Sønderjylland, Denmark – now the collaboration is taking another step with a weapons export office in the capital.
2 minute read
Editorial staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

Ukraine plans to open two arms export offices in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Berlin, Germany, before the end of the year, despite expected Russian reactions. The aim is to finance domestic production of in-demand weapons systems by selling surplus production, confirms President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen welcomes the announcement, but Danish television channel TV 2's defense correspondent Anders Lomholt warns that the decision is not without risks for Denmark.

— Russia will definitely see it as a provocation. We saw very sharp reactions when it was decided to allow a Ukrainian factory near Vojens where they will manufacture rocket fuel, says Lomholt.

Denmark and Germany were selected due to their willingness to cooperate both at the state level and within the defense industry. The offices will promote exports of Ukrainian weapons that are not in high demand domestically, while the revenues will be used to purchase advanced American weapons systems.

— This is about weapons that we can afford to sell, so that we get money for our domestic production of things that we lack and that we don't have enough money for, says Zelensky.

Revenue finances US weapons

From the Russian side, there is according to the defense correspondent great dissatisfaction that Denmark is not only supporting Ukraine, but also actively promoting Ukrainian arms industry with massive weapons support.

Among the weapons that Ukraine continues to develop and export are the Flamingo and Ruta missiles. The money from exports will be used to purchase expensive American weapons systems such as Patriot missiles and the Tomahawk cruise missile, although the latter still lacks approval from the United States.

Zelensky also states that Ukraine aims to produce 600-800 interceptor drones per day by the end of November. These are used to fill gaps that have emerged due to a shortage of air defense systems.

— This is really very good news for Denmark and especially for our defense industry, that they now prioritize cooperating even more closely with Denmark, claims Troels Lund Poulsen

Today's announcement is the latest development in the increasingly deep cooperation between Denmark and Ukraine. In September, it was announced that a Ukrainian company will produce rocket fuel for the Ukrainian defense forces in Sønderjylland.

Editorial staff
editorial@nordictimes.com