December 15, 2023

Status Update

The Story

The European Union is considering Ukraine’s bid to join the club.

Tell me more.

Yesterday, 26 EU leaders agreed to begin accession talks with Ukraine during the bloc’s summit in Brussels. The historic move came after Hungary abstained from the vote in disagreement. Ukraine applied to join the bloc nearly two years ago — days after Russia’s invasion in February 2022. That’s because EU membership could grant the war-torn country greater security from countries like Russia and provide a path towards wealth. Now, Ukraine is one step closer to joining the bloc. But this is just the beginning.

What do you mean?

Ukraine’s membership approval could take a decade or longer. The reason: The EU requires all aspiring members to get up to speed on its standards and rules. It's why other candidates like Serbia, Albania, and Bosnia have been in membership talks for years. Still, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the EU's decision a “victory” for his country. The European Council President said the agreement shows the EU's “strength.” Meanwhile, Hungary blocked the EU's nearly $55 billion aid package for Ukraine. The bloc plans to resume negotiations on aid next month.

theSkimm

If Ukraine joined the EU today, it would be the fifth most populous country in the bloc and the poorest. Now, the EU must decide whether that choice is worth potentially disrupting its market and dragging itself into conflict with Russia.

The Latest

Yesterday, reports revealed the Biden administration is urging Israel to wind down its ground and air offensive in Gaza in the coming weeks. Instead, the US reportedly wants Israel to carry out more targeted attacks in Gaza to destroy Hamas tunnels, kill Hamas leaders, and rescue hostages. The Biden admin’s comments come as Israel's defense minister said yesterday that it’ll take “more than several months” to destroy Hamas — signaling that its ground offensive is far from over.

The US’s push for a new direction in the war is the latest example of it not seeing eye-to-eye with Israel, amid Gaza’s growing humanitarian crisis. Since the war began, more than 18,700 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, and half of the territory’s population is starving. Meanwhile, Israel’s mass arrest of hundreds of Palestinian men is raising backlash amid reports that detainees are being stripped of their clothes and given limited access to food or water. Israel reportedly says they’re treating detainees “according to protocol.”

What's making a mad dash before going on break…

Congress. Yesterday, the House passed an $886 billion defense bill with bipartisan support — a day after the Senate approved the measure. The bill's been months in the making and doesn't include restrictions on the Pentagon's abortion travel policy or transgender care — provisions far-right Republicans had pushed for. As for what the legislation does include, there’s a 5.2% pay increase for service members and Pentagon employees and expanded military partnerships in the Indo-Pacific — China’s backyard. There's also $300 million for Ukraine — separate from the $61 billion currently up for debate in the House. An extension of a controversial surveillance program that targets foreign nationals is also included, amid ongoing negotiations. The bill now heads to President Biden’s desk, who’s expected to sign it.

What might’ve recently binged “The Sopranos”...

Temu. Earlier this week, the online retailer filed a lawsuit accusing Shein of “mafia-style intimidation” tactics against Temu suppliers. Since it first launched in 2022, Boston-based Temu has been chipping away at Shein’s market share through its heavily discounted goods from China. Now, Temu alleges that Shein is taking merchants’ cellphones to snoop for confidential business info. This suit comes weeks after both companies dropped previous lawsuits against each other over copyright and antitrust concerns. Shein said the latest lawsuit is “without merit.”

Who is stirring up controversy (again)…

Ye. Today, the rapper, formerly known as Kanye West, is expected to release his latest album “Vultures” — a collaboration with Ty Dolla $ign. This will be Ye’s first album since making antisemitic remarks last year, when he said he’d go “death con 3 on Jewish people.” At the album’s listening party earlier this week, he wore what looked like a black KKK-style hood. Now, critics are calling out artists like Nicki Minaj, Offset, Quavo, and Chris Brown for being in the album — and standing with Ye after his comments. The album’s release comes amid a surge in antisemitism in the US, with the Anti-Defamation League reporting a 337% surge since the October 7th attacks.

Who actually won’t be able to help with the dishes…

AI boyfriends.

What ended its reign…

“The Crown.”

While Drake and Camila Cabello are soaking up the sun…

Olivia Rodrigo and Louis Partridge have no need for mistletoe.

We're building a tool to help you cross off the to-dos keeping you up at night. Meet theSkimm Beta, a space where you can learn how to manage your debt and get more pleasure. Check it out.