BRUSSELS – European Union leaders plan to deliver a “clear signal” to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump during a summit on Thursday, emphasizing their steadfast support for Ukraine. They will also address the security and economic challenges his presidency might bring.

The leaders will begin their discussions in Brussels by hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and reaffirming their “unwavering commitment” to backing Ukraine “for as long as it takes,” according to draft conclusions.

Trump has consistently called for a swift resolution to the nearly three-year-old conflict. On Monday, he suggested that Zelenskiy should prepare for a peace agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin, though he did not specify if this would involve Kyiv ceding territory as part of the settlement.

Currently, Russian forces control nearly a fifth of Ukraine and continue to make advances in the eastern regions.

“Russia must not prevail,” the EU draft states, adding that no decisions regarding Ukraine should proceed without Kyiv’s involvement. One EU diplomat described the draft as sending “a clear signal to the U.S.”

The leaders will also discuss broader EU-U.S. relations over lunch, amid rising concerns about a potential transatlantic trade war.

Trump has warned that the EU will face “a big price” in tariffs for not purchasing enough U.S. exports. He has already announced significant tariffs on major trading partners like Canada, Mexico, and China, with the EU anticipating similar treatment.

Unity and Strategy

According to EU diplomats, maintaining unity will be vital for the bloc, preventing Washington from engaging in bilateral negotiations with individual member states—a strategy the EU successfully employed during Brexit negotiations.

“The U.S. may attempt separate negotiations, but so far, no country has taken that bait,” one diplomat remarked.

The EU aims to highlight its role as the United States’ second-largest trading partner and a close ally with shared values. However, mindful of Trump’s focus on trade deficits, EU officials have suggested increasing imports of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) or arms to ease tensions.

The lunchtime discussion, titled “EU in the World,” is expected to touch on relations with China, the possibility of taking sides in a U.S.-China trade dispute, and post-Brexit ties with Britain, which the bloc sees as a key security ally seeking to reset its relationship with the EU.

NASA astronauts Sunita “Suni” Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore’s long-awaited rescue mission has encountered another setback. Originally scheduled to return to Earth via SpaceX, their extended stay on the International Space Station (ISS) will now approach the 10-month mark, with their return pushed to Spring 2025.

The two astronauts have been stranded in space since their June 5 launch aboard Boeing’s Starliner. What was intended to be a one-week mission has turned into a prolonged ordeal after their malfunctioning spacecraft returned to Earth without them, triggering a series of delays.

Amid disputes between NASA and Boeing, the Starliner was deemed unsafe for their return due to persistent issues, including leaks and thruster failures. NASA then turned to SpaceX for assistance. Elon Musk’s company modified its Crew-9 mission to make room for Williams and Wilmore on the Crew Dragon capsule. While their return was initially planned for February, NASA now projects their journey back to Earth will occur in late March or even early April.

The Cause of the Delay

NASA officials explained that SpaceX requires additional time to prepare the replacement capsule for launch. Although alternative capsules were considered to maintain the schedule, NASA ultimately decided to extend the astronauts’ stay, opting to wait for the new Crew Dragon to be ready.

In the meantime, the astronauts are embracing the holiday spirit aboard the ISS. After celebrating Thanksgiving, they’re preparing for weightless Christmas festivities with their colleagues. Williams and Wilmore plan to connect with family and friends via video calls, bringing some cheer to their extended mission in space.

China has constructed at least 22 villages and settlements over the past eight years within territory traditionally considered part of Bhutan. Among these, eight villages have emerged since 2020 near the strategic Doklam plateau, according to satellite imagery.

These eight settlements in Bhutan’s western sector are strategically positioned in valleys or on ridges overlooking areas claimed by China, often near Chinese military outposts or bases. The largest settlement, Jiwu, built on Bhutanese pastureland known as Tshethangkha, lies within this region.

The location of these villages has raised concerns among experts in New Delhi, particularly due to their potential impact on the Siliguri Corridor, a narrow land stretch connecting India’s mainland to its northeastern states. The strengthening of China’s presence in this strategic area could increase the corridor’s vulnerability.

Doklam, the site of a 73-day standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in 2017, has seen significant Chinese construction activity in recent years, despite the withdrawal of frontline forces after the standoff. Satellite images have revealed new infrastructure development around the plateau.

Neither Bhutan nor India’s external affairs ministry has commented on the matter. Bhutanese authorities have previously denied Chinese settlements within their territory. However, former Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering stirred controversy in 2023 by stating that these facilities “are not in Bhutan.”

According to a report by Robert Barnett, a research associate at SOAS, since 2016, China has completed 22 settlements in Bhutanese territory, consisting of approximately 2,284 residential units and relocating nearly 7,000 people to these previously unpopulated areas. The report estimates that China has annexed around 825 sq km of Bhutanese land, amounting to over 2% of the country’s territory. Roads now connect these villages to Chinese towns, and since 2023, seven settlements have been constructed, with three set to be upgraded to towns.

Barnett’s report highlights that China’s primary objective in Bhutan’s western sector is to secure the Doklam plateau and adjoining areas. The eight villages in this region form a 36-km line from north to south, averaging 5.3 km apart. Historically, this area was ceded to Bhutan by Tibet’s ruler in 1913.

Ashok Kantha, India’s former envoy to Beijing, stated that the construction of these villages violates a 1998 agreement between Bhutan and China on maintaining peace and the status quo in border areas. Kantha noted that these settlements are part of a broader Chinese strategy to incrementally change facts on the ground, similar to their actions in the South China Sea. The power imbalance prevents Bhutan from effectively opposing these developments.

Barnett further noted that China’s approach disregards past commitments and other nations’ positions, raising concerns for India due to the proximity to the Siliguri Corridor. He emphasized that Bhutan, while treaty-bound to respect India’s security interests, has indicated that any decision on Doklam would require trilateral discussions involving India and China.

Barnett cautioned that China’s increasing influence in Bhutan, coupled with its ability to provide tangible benefits, could shift Bhutan away from India’s sphere of influence. He also predicted that Bhutan might soon allow China to establish an embassy in Thimphu, potentially boosting trade relations.

Relations between India and China have been at a low point since a 2020 military standoff in the Ladakh sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Although recent developments, including disengagement agreements at friction points, have signaled progress, the broader border dispute and geopolitical tensions remain unresolved.

President-elect Donald Trump on Monday criticized President Joe Biden’s recent decision to allow Ukrainian forces to use American long-range weapons to strike deeper into Russian territory, calling the move “stupid.” Trump suggested he may reverse the decision when he takes office and expressed frustration that his incoming administration was not consulted beforehand.

Last month, Biden lifted restrictions on Ukraine’s use of the U.S.-provided Army Tactical Missile System, enabling Kyiv to target Russian positions hundreds of miles inside Russia. Speaking during a wide-ranging press conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort, Trump questioned the timing of the decision.

“I don’t think that should have been allowed, certainly not weeks before I take over,” Trump said. “Why would they do that without asking me? I wouldn’t have approved it. I think it was a big mistake.”

Trump’s criticism comes as the Biden administration rushes to push remaining U.S. aid for Ukraine out the door before Trump assumes office on Jan. 20, amid uncertainty about future support. However, Trump’s stance underscores his significant influence over U.S. policy on Ukraine going forward, a key factor as he reiterates his campaign pledge to end the war swiftly.

When asked whether he would reverse Biden’s decision, Trump said: “I might. I think it was a very stupid thing to do.”

The White House defended its decision, noting it was the result of months of deliberation, well before last month’s election. “We’ve had conversations with the incoming administration at various levels and articulated the reasoning behind the decision,” said National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby.

Trump’s ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin have long drawn scrutiny, dating back to his 2016 campaign when he publicly urged Russia to release Hillary Clinton’s missing emails. Trump has also praised Putin on multiple occasions, once describing him as “pretty smart” for launching the invasion of Ukraine.

Vice President-elect JD Vance has echoed Trump’s stance, suggesting it is counterproductive for the U.S. to treat Moscow as an adversary.

On Monday, Trump renewed his call for both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Putin to negotiate an end to the war, lamenting the “carnage” caused by the ongoing conflict. However, Trump appeared to acknowledge the difficulty of achieving a resolution, despite previously claiming he could end the war within 24 hours of taking office.

“The Russia-Ukraine situation may actually be more difficult,” Trump said, contrasting it with the Middle East conflicts in Gaza and Syria.

Trump declined to confirm whether he has spoken with Putin since the election.

Earlier this month, Trump met with Zelenskyy in Paris while attending events marking the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral. Zelenskyy and Ukrainian officials have been working to secure Trump’s continued support for Ukraine.

The battlefield in Ukraine remains fluid, with both sides seeking an advantage to strengthen their negotiating positions in the nearly three-year war. Last week, the Pentagon warned that Russia may soon launch another intermediate-range ballistic missile attack, which Putin first deployed shortly after Biden eased the weapons restrictions.

Putin has since threatened NATO allies that support Ukraine, cautioning that further strikes could escalate the conflict. Biden’s decision to lift restrictions followed months of pressure from Zelenskyy and Western allies, who argued the ban hindered Ukraine’s ability to defend its cities and infrastructure from Russian attacks.

Biden ultimately acted amid growing concerns about Russia enlisting North Korean troops to regain control of the Kursk border region, which Ukraine captured earlier this year.

Indians could soon enjoy visa-free travel to Russia, with a new system expected to roll out by spring 2025. Discussions on a bilateral agreement to ease visa restrictions began in June, aiming to introduce visa-free group tourist exchanges between the two nations.

Since August 2023, Indian travelers have been eligible for e-visas to Russia, which take approximately four days to process. In 2023, India ranked among the top five countries for e-visas issued, with 9,500 e-visas granted to Indian citizens, according to The Indian Express.

Currently, Indian nationals require a visa issued by the Russian Embassy or Consulates to enter, stay, or exit Russia, a process often described as lengthy. Most Indian travelers visit Russia for business or official purposes. In 2023, over 60,000 Indians visited Moscow—a 26% rise compared to 2022. Early in 2024, India ranked third among non-CIS countries for business tourism, with 1,700 e-visas issued in the first quarter alone.

Russia already offers visa-free entry to travelers from China and Iran under its tourist exchange program, a successful initiative Moscow hopes to extend to India.

Meanwhile, Indian passport holders currently enjoy visa-free access to 62 countries, including popular destinations like Indonesia, the Maldives, and Thailand. Ranked 82nd on the Henley Passport Index 2024, India’s position is based on data from the International Air Transport Authority (IATA). The index assumes basic entry requirements are met, covering short stays for tourism or business, while excluding special scenarios like diplomatic or emergency travel.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been recognized as the “most powerful person in Europe” by Politico, which recently unveiled its annual list of the 28 most influential figures on the continent.

“The list highlights a broader continental trend: the rise of right-wing populists and ultranationalist leaders. These figures, often known for undermining civil rights and targeting minorities and asylum-seekers, are gaining prominence as centrist leaders falter,” Politico observed.

As the leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy party, Meloni has undergone a remarkable evolution—from being seen as an ultranationalist to assuming Italy’s highest office. Her position as a powerful figure makes her a key interlocutor for many leading nations.

In 2022, Meloni made history by forming Italy’s first far-right-led government since World War II and becoming the country’s first female prime minister.

A compelling orator with modest suburban roots, Meloni has been outspoken on issues such as immigration and LGBTQ+ rights. Since taking office, she has introduced policies addressing these contentious topics.

Meloni’s political journey began in her teens as an activist, eventually leading to her role as a councilor for the Province of Rome from 1998 to 2002. She later became the president of Youth Action. In 2008, she was appointed Minister of Youth in the Berlusconi government, a position she held until 2011.

In 2012, Meloni co-founded the Brothers of Italy party and became its leader in 2014. Her party’s electoral fortunes improved dramatically—from securing just 4% of the vote in the 2018 general elections to leading a coalition that garnered 43% of the vote in 2022. Brothers of Italy alone received 26% of the votes, despite record-low voter turnout.

Meloni has also taken a firm stance on the Ukraine war, backing EU sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Kyiv. Politico described her as a “straight-talking alpha” and credited her “no-nonsense” image with projecting governmental stability. The outlet highlighted instances where Meloni’s assertive responses have solidified her reputation.

Donald Trump’s potential re-election in the United States could bolster Meloni’s position further. While she may not yet be a significant figure on Trump’s radar, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has publicly admired her policies. Meloni has reciprocated, calling Musk an “added value” for a future Trump administration.