Minister of Defense of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal during the ‘Ramstein’ meeting in Brussels, Belgium, on October 15, 2025. Telegram/Denys Shmyhal
Early on November 4, world and Ukrainian events merged into a single day’s briefing: Kyiv is working out new contract terms for the Armed Forces of Ukraine with clear service terms; the European Union is preparing an expansion package that will underscore support for Ukraine on its European path; additional funds are needed for winter gas imports; flights could be suspended due to the US shutdown; in Serbia early elections have been announced.
Contracts for military personnel. The government plans to introduce agreements with stable service terms – from one to five years. Under such contracts there would be an annual mobilization deferment after the 2–5-year term of validity. They also anticipate higher payments, the introduction of bonuses, and an expanded social package. According to the official, after the relevant legislative changes are adopted, contracts will be available to both current servicemen and new signatories. President Volodymyr Zelensky also expressed the need to create conditions so that experienced service members remain on a contract basis.
The EU notes Ukraine’s progress. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that on November 4 the EU would approve an expansion package that would reaffirm support for Ukraine on its European path. Before the package’s release she discussed this with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky. von der Leyen also stressed that the EU will provide Ukraine with emergency energy support during winter and will consider options for financial assistance.
Ukraine needs more than 750 million euros for gas imports. President Zelensky said energy is now the top priority. After his talks with Ursula von der Leyen, it emerged that the EU will provide Ukraine with about 127 million euros in additional gas support. An estimated video conference with leaders who back Ukraine’s energy program is also expected. It was reported that within a week there would be a meeting with like-minded leaders as part of energy coordination. In addition, it was emphasized that Ukraine must continue seeking funding sources for the winter – specifically from the 2 billion euro pot, from which a further 750 million needs to be found.
Due to the shutdown in the United States, airspace could be closed. Domestic flights could be suspended for safety reasons as the government shutdown leads to a shortage of air traffic controllers and flight delays. This position was voiced by US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the shutdown has lasted for more than 34 days; thousands of air traffic controllers are working without pay, leading to widespread flight disruptions. At southern and eastern airports, staffing shortages have led to over 6,000 delays and more than 500 cancellations. Airlines report that more than 3.2 million passengers have been affected by flight restrictions.
Serbia plans early elections. Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić said that parliamentary elections will take place earlier than planned amid protests following the roof collapse at the Novi Sad railway station a year earlier. He added that a specific date will be determined by competent authorities in accordance with the Constitution and laws. Debates about new elections and possible dates have been ongoing for some time in the country. “Respecting the protesters’ demands for early elections, we will meet them, and elections will be held before the set term. When? That will be decided by the competent authority. And the people at the elections will show what policy they support,” the president noted.
Key Morning Events on November 4
“Respecting the protesters’ demands for early elections, we will meet them, and elections will be held before the set term. When? That will be decided by the competent authority. And the people at the elections will show what policy they support”
– president