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Polaris of Enlightenment

The Nordic Times

Polaris of Enlightenment

The Nordic Times

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https://nordictimes.com/world/erdogan-nato-must-stay-out-of-the-ukraine-war/

World

Erdogan: “NATO must stay out of the Ukraine war”

The war in Ukraine

Published July 10, 2024 – By Editorial staff
Erdogan does not want NATO countries to declare war on Russia.
2 minute read
Editorial staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

On the eve of the NATO summit in Washington, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took the opportunity to clarify his country's position on the war between Russia and Ukraine.

He emphasized that while Turkey supports Ukraine's territorial integrity, it is completely "unacceptable" for NATO to become an active party in the conflict.

– We expect an outcome from this summit that takes into account our national security interests and strengthens solidarity within the alliance. During our meetings (in Washington), we will draw attention to the growing threat of terrorism in the world and emphasize the need to intensify NATO's efforts here, he said.

– We maintain a principled position on the conflict in Ukraine. We support its territorial integrity and consider it unacceptable for NATO to become a party to the war in Ukraine, he continued.

He added that "every day that weapons are being used (in Ukraine) confirms the rightness of Türkiye's position", according to media reports.

Focus on Israeli crimes

The president also announced his intention to "put Israel's ongoing massacre against the Palestinian people on the agenda" at the summit, lamenting that "We have not been able to achieve what we wanted from NATO regarding Israel and Palestine".

– The efforts of the international community are not yet enough to stop Israel. We will put these issues back on the agenda of our meetings in the US and expect to obtain the results we hope for. Serious talks were held in Doha. The head of Mossad also visited Qatar. Certain steps have been taken, but they have not been finalized yet, Erdogan pointed out.

According to the president, Turkey is "is among five NATO countries that make up the backbone of the organization" and therefore hopes that its demands will be heard. The NATO summit will be held between July 9 and 11 in the US capital and this year also coincides with the 75th anniversary of the military alliance.

Editorial staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

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https://nordictimes.com/world/russia-producing-weapons-in-volumes-adversaries-couldnt-have-dreamed-of/

World

Russia producing weapons in volumes adversaries “couldn’t have dreamed of”

The war in Ukraine

Published today 10:06 am – By Editorial staff
Sergei Chemezov is the head of Rostec, the Russian state-owned defense conglomerate.
2 minute read
Editorial staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

Russia's defense industry is now manufacturing more artillery shells and aerial bombs than any other country in the world, according to Sergey Chemezov, head of the state-owned defense conglomerate Rostec. Production has increased dramatically since the conflict in Ukraine escalated in 2022.

In an interview with the news agency TASS, published on Tuesday, Chemezov outlines a significant escalation in weapons manufacturing, writes RT.

— We are supplying aircraft, tanks, infantry vehicles, howitzers, electronic warfare systems, drones and much more in enormous quantities. No country in the world today produces as many shells and aerial bombs, he says.

Chemezov states that he cannot provide exact figures but notes that the production volumes are such that the country's adversaries "could not have dreamed of".

Production multiplied many times over

Russian officials have repeatedly highlighted the increased defense production over the past three years. In May 2024, President Vladimir Putin stated that ammunition manufacturing had increased fourteenfold since the military operation began, while drone production had quadrupled and the production of armored vehicles increased 3.5 times.

Russia has consistently condemned Western arms deliveries to Ukraine, arguing that they only prolong the conflict without affecting its ultimate outcome.

Kremlin open to negotiations

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated on Tuesday that Russia wants to achieve its goals "through political and diplomatic means" and that the country remains "completely open to a negotiation process". At the same time, Moscow accuses Kiev of wanting to continue the fighting, backed by its Western allies.

Russia has also accused the EU and Britain of obstructing ongoing peace efforts.

Editorial staff
editorial@nordictimes.com

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 November 21, 2025 – 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