Berlin, December 15, 2025, will go down in history books as the day when Europe stopped being afraid and began to act

Towards a Just Peace: What the Berlin Joint Statement Means for Ukraine and Europe

On 15 December 2025, Europe’s political centre of gravity shifted to Berlin. There, a remarkable line-up of European leaders – including Chancellor Merz, Presidents Stubb, Macron, Costa, President von der Leyen, and Prime Ministers Kristersson, Frederiksen, Meloni, Schoof, Støre, Tusk and Starmer – issued a joint statement on Ukraine that could define the next phase of the war and the continent’s security architecture for decades to come.

At the heart of the declaration is a clear message: Ukraine’s security, sovereignty and prosperity are not only a moral imperative, but a core interest of Euro-Atlantic security. And for the first time, the United States and Europe are publicly aligning around a single framework for a just and lasting peace, centred on President Trump’s proposed plan and President Zelenskyy’s leadership.

A New Phase in the War – and in Diplomacy

Andrew Azarov. How to get through a crisis with minimal losses and build a crisis-resilient business

Andrii Azarov, Founder of the GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE international consortium (global-alliance.biz), entrepreneur with 35 years of experience, managing 40+ companies, organisations and projects; Chairman of the Higher Council of the European Association of Business Development.

Why the world keeps entering “new crises”

Over the last decade, the global economy has been living in a near-permanent stress test: financial shocks, political turbulence, economic downturns, pandemics, supply-chain disruptions, currency volatility, constant wars, energy price swings, high inflation and rising interest rates. These crises look different on the surface, but inside the business they trigger the same chain reaction: 

• demand falls or becomes unpredictable
• costs rise (or cash flow collapses)
• credit tightens
• partners break commitments
• the workforce becomes anxious
• decision-making speed becomes more valuable than “perfect plans” 

The anti-crisis methods are largely the same, regardless of whether the trigger is a pandemic, a financial crisis, a political crisis or a broader economic recession: protect liquidity, stabilise operations, renegotiate obligations, reduce complexity, pivot to what is in demand, and build partnerships that increase resilience.

Practical advice for the future (from my 35-year playbook)

Zaluzhnyi: “Our allies must deploy nuclear weapons in Ukraine as a security guarantee.”

Nuclear Shadows Over Ukraine: From the Budapest Memorandum to Calls for Allied Deterrence

When Valerii Zaluzhnyi publicly argued that Ukraine’s allies should deploy nuclear weapons on Ukrainian territory as a security guarantee, it was not just a provocative soundbite. It was the latest expression of a long, painful story: a country that once held one of the world’s largest nuclear arsenals, gave it up under pressure and promises — and was then invaded by one of the guarantors.

To understand why such a statement can now be voiced by a senior Ukrainian statesman, we have to go back to the early 1990s.

Ukraine: Once the World’s Third-Largest Nuclear Power

When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Ukraine did not start its independent life as a “normal” non-nuclear state. It suddenly found itself sitting on a huge part of the Soviet strategic arsenal:

Sanctions Knockout: What the Blocking of Wise and Revolut Cards Means for Russians

The international payment service Wise has begun blocking cards issued to users from Russia and Belarus. The move follows the 19th package of European Union sanctions and further cuts many Russians and Belarusians off from global financial services. Customers are already receiving notifications that their cards will be disabled unless they confirm that they are citizens or legal residents of a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.

What has Wise changed for its users

The restrictions cover both physical and virtual Wise cards linked to accounts held by Russian or Belarusian citizens, as well as by people who live in Russia. For these users, card functionality is being switched off. They can no longer pay in shops or online with their Wise card. They cannot withdraw cash from ATMs. They also lose the option to rely on the card to top up their balance, pay for digital subscriptions or cover everyday expenses abroad.

“Education is not only about knowledge, but about creating strong personalities” — Dr. Olga Azarova

Trend: Shift from knowledge-based learning to competency-based learning.

International Education Network MINIBOSS BUSINESS SCHOOL is the world’s № 1 brand in business education for kids and teens. For more than two decades, it has pioneered a new educational model that develops entrepreneurial, emotional, creative, and leadership skills in children aged 6–17, preparing them for success in the global economy.

“Education is not only about knowledge; it is about creating strong personalities who can lead, innovate, and transform society.” — Dr. Olga Azarova, Founder of MINIBOSS Business School

Zelensky will speak to Trump after the US presented Ukraine with a draft "peace plan"

Zelensky to speak to Trump after US proposes Russia-Ukraine peace plan

Volodymyr Zelensky will speak to Donald Trump after the US presented Ukraine with a draft "peace plan" to end the war with Russia.

The plan was reportedly drafted by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and his Russian counterpart Kirill Dmitriev, without Ukraine's involvement.

In a statement, Zelensky's office said the US believed the draft plan could "help reinvigorate diplomacy" and added that Ukraine had "agreed to work on the plan's provisions in a way that would bring about a just end to the war".

Kyiv supported "all substantive proposals capable of bringing genuine peace closer," the statement said.

The Ukrainians did not share any details of what the proposal entails, although according to sources quoted by Axios, the Financial Times and Reuters, it includes plans for Kyiv to give up areas of the Donbas in eastern Ukraine that it still controls, to cut significantly the size of its army, and to forego many of its weapons.

November 19 is Women's Entrepreneurship Day

November 19 is World Women's Entrepreneurship Day
On November 19, the world celebrates World Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, established by the UN at the initiative of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organisation (WEDO). Just ten years ago, this date did not exist in the global calendar. Today, it unites almost 150 countries and thousands of women entrepreneurs across the world.

How This Day Was Born
The initiator of World Women’s Entrepreneurship Day is American entrepreneur and philanthropist Wendy Diamond. She was inspired by a trip to Honduras and her encounters with microfinance funds supporting low-income women. After returning to the United States, she decided to create a global movement to support women entrepreneurs.

The first WED ceremony was held on 19 November 2014 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. In its very first year, Women’s Entrepreneurship Day was marked in 144 countries, and today it is observed in almost 150 countries.

Women’s Entrepreneurship Day 2025 Summit in the United Nations

Women’s Entrepreneurship Day 2025 Summit in the United Nations

Celebrated every year on November 19 under the auspices of the United Nations, Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (WED) has become the world’s largest initiative dedicated to celebrating, supporting, and empowering women in business, leadership, and innovation.

Now in its 12th year, the movement has grown to unite over 150 countries, thousands of partners, and millions of participants — all working toward one shared mission: to empower women economically and socially so they can build a better world for all.

The World Woman Club and WEDO: A Global Partnership for Change

Since 2016, the World Woman Club (WWC) — founded by Dr Olga Azarova — has been a proud partner of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organisation (WEDO), actively advancing its mission across Europe and Asia. 

From London to Kyiv, Vilnius to Chişinău, the World Woman Club and WEDO bring together female entrepreneurs, innovators, and professionals to exchange ideas, build connections, and ignite change.

All-Ukrainian Charity Action WINGS OF SUPPORT for Ukrainian Children

Tears of joy, trust, warm positive energy, gratitude, sincere emotions, support, countless hugs, and the cheerful laughter of children — all this describes the charity project “Wings of Support,” which filled hearts with love and hope.

The event was held under the initiative of the World Woman Club, in partnership with the World Woman Forum, with the support of Dr Olga Azarova, Ludmila Stanislavenko and a generous family from Taiwan — Cherry Chang and Evan Yang, who provided charitable donations for the implementation of this meaningful project.

Day of the Ukrainian Hustka 2025

Born of Love, Inspired by Tradition, Empowered by the Spirit of Ukrainian Women

In a world that changes rapidly — where borders blur and war reminds us of the value of every symbol of unity — the Ukrainian scarf (hustka) has become more than an element of national attire.
It has transformed into a symbol of spiritual strength, feminine dignity, and love for the Motherland.

That is why in 2019, a unique international cultural and patriotic project was born — “DUH” – The Day of the Ukrainian Hustka, initiated by Liudmyla Stanislavenko, Head of the Global Council of the WORLD WOMAN CLUB — an international network of women leaders uniting successful and inspiring women from over 30 countries worldwide.

 

Global Peace Award “UKRAINIAN SUN” 2025

In 2022, at the very beginning of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, the Global Peace Award “Ukrainian Sun” was founded by Dr Olga Azarova, Founder and President of the World Woman Club International.

“Fighting for peace is worth it.
Because peace is not the silence after a storm —
it is harmony created from love, wisdom, and action.”
— Dr. Olga Azarova

The world needs new heroes — not only those who fight with weapons, who are undoubtedly the greatest value of Ukraine today, but also warriors of light, who carry meaning, peace, knowledge, justice, and hope.

That is why we created the Global Leadership Award “Ukrainian Sun” — as a symbol of gratitude to all who build a world worth living in through their actions.

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The Meaning of “Ukrainian Sun”

“Ukrainian Sun” is more than an award — it is a global mark of honour, uniting people from different countries, cultures, religions, and worldviews around one goal — building peace through the power of humanity.

Ukrainian Sun Award Honours Global Leaders Who:

• Strengthen international dialogue and diplomacy;
• Support and expand peacebuilding initiatives;
• Create platforms for intercultural understanding and cooperation;
• Develop educational, scientific, and social projects;
• Empower women and youth in their pursuit of a better future

The Global Peace Award “Ukrainian Sun” is a message of gratitude from the people of Ukraine to everyone who stands today on the side of good, light, and truth.

Ukraine has become a symbol of courage and dignity in the 21st century — defending democracy and freedom for the entire civilised world. Now, our Sun shines far beyond borders — as a light of peace and hope for all humanity.

Global Peace Award “Ukrainian Sun” — Laureates & Justifications

1. Olena Zelenska – First Lady of Ukraine
For her humanitarian leadership and care for war victims.
Olena Zelenska has become the voice of compassion and resilience during the war in Ukraine. Her initiatives in mental health, children’s education, and humanitarian aid symbolise the moral strength of Ukrainian womanhood and the healing power of empathy in times of war.

 

2. Ursula von der Leyen – President of the European Commission
For uniting Europe and supporting Ukraine in the struggle for peace.
As the first woman leading the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen demonstrated unprecedented solidarity with Ukraine and visionary leadership that strengthened European unity, democracy, and values of peace and freedom.

 

3. Oksana Markarova – Ambassador of Ukraine to the USA
For strengthening Ukraine–USA cooperation and representing the nation’s courage.
Oksana Markarova’s diplomatic leadership has amplified Ukraine’s voice in the world. Through her professionalism, integrity, and vision, she has become a symbol of Ukrainian resilience and female leadership in international diplomacy.

 

4. Liudmyla Stanislavenko – Chair of the Global Council, World Woman Club
For uniting Ukrainian women worldwide and supporting the vulnerable.
Her tireless volunteer work, social projects, and cultural diplomacy have empowered women and refugees, while promoting Ukraine’s image as a nation of humanity, dignity, and resilience. She embodies the strength of Ukrainian female leadership.

 

5. Tetiana Semikop – Social and Charity Activist
For lifelong service to vulnerable people and children.
Through decades of public service and her “Faith, Hope, Love” initiative, Tetiana has created safe spaces for victims of violence and supported hundreds of families. Her compassion and action exemplify peace through care and social justice.

6. Irene Khajalia – Educator and Civil Activist (Georgia)

For promoting inclusive education and international cooperation.
As one of Georgia’s pioneers in modern education, Irene has broken barriers and championed lifelong learning, leadership, and youth empowerment, inspiring global respect for the transformative power of education.

 

7. Iryna Plakhtiy – Volunteer, Philanthropist, and Life Coach
For uniting people through kindness, personal transformation, and social service.
Iryna’s humanitarian and coaching projects have supported war-affected families, military personnel, and children. Her philosophy of “Faith in Goodness” has inspired thousands to act with courage, empathy, and purpose.

Each laureate of the “Ukrainian Sun” Global Peace Award reflects a facet of peacebuilding — through diplomacy, leadership, education, volunteerism, and human compassion. Together, they represent the living light of Ukraine — a nation whose spirit shines far beyond its borders, bringing hope, unity, and renewal to the world.

About the Ceremony

The Global Peace Award “Ukrainian Sun” is Ukraine’s gratitude to the world —
a mark of honour and a symbol of humanity’s new dawn.

The award ceremony will take place in Davos, Switzerland,
the heart of global dialogue, during the World Woman Forum 2026.

Here, those will gather who bring light — not only for themselves but for the entire world.

“When the Ukrainian Sun rises — darkness retreats.” ☀️
— Dzhokhar Dudayev

#UkrainianSunPeaceAward #GlobalPeaceAward #UkrainianSun #WorldWomanForum2026