Politics

Monday, February 24

Military aid: Europeans step up support for Ukraine amid Trump’s actions.

Military aid: Europeans step up support for Ukraine amid Trump’s actions. The EU is preparing a new €20B military aid package for Ukraine amid US President Trump’s attempts to reach a quick peace settlement with Russia. The funds will be used to strengthen UkraineR...

The EU is working on the confiscation of frozen Russian assets held in the EU.

The EU is working on the confiscation of frozen Russian assets held in the EU. The EU is considering the potential confiscation of around $280B in frozen assets belonging to the Russian Central Bank in light of a possible reduction in aid from the US. There is ongoing discussion...

Friday, February 21

A sharp political turn: The US declines to identify Russia as an “aggressor” in G7 statements and refuses to co-author a UN resolution on Ukraine.

A sharp political turn: The US declines to identify Russia as an “aggressor” in G7 statements and refuses to co-author a UN resolution on Ukraine. The US opposes the use of the word “aggressor” for Russia and similar formulations that G7 leaders have used since 2022 in statements connected with the third anniversary of the invasion o...

Europe is exploring options to restore its military power in light of rising Russian rhetoric.

Europe is exploring options to restore its military power in light of rising Russian rhetoric. According to the EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, discussions have intensified on how to boost defense spending, with joint financing increasingly becoming part of the conversation. The bloc may ...

Trump to rewrite Ukraine minerals deal, and pressures Zelenskyy to sign it.

Trump to rewrite Ukraine minerals deal, and pressures Zelenskyy to sign it. The Trump administration may push for a “simplified deal” with Ukraine on its mineral reserves to hasten the peace process and then later negotiate more detailed terms. Last week, Presiden...

Starmer and Macron are heading to Washington with a plan for a Ukrainian peacekeeping mission.

Starmer and Macron are heading to Washington with a plan for a Ukrainian peacekeeping mission. French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will travel to Washington next week for meetings aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine. Starmer is expected to pre...

The President of Lithuania has unveiled his own plan to support Ukraine, calling for an urgent €10B investment in Ukraine’s defense.

The President of Lithuania has unveiled his own plan to support Ukraine, calling for an urgent €10B investment in Ukraine’s defense. Following the second round of emergency talks between European and Canadian leaders on Wednesday hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, Lithuania’s Head of State, Gitanas Nauseda, urged all...

Second emergency meeting in Paris: France and Germany are ready to take responsibility for peace and security in Ukraine and Europe.

Second emergency meeting in Paris: France and Germany are ready to take responsibility for peace and security in Ukraine and Europe. After discussions in Paris on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron held another urgent meeting focused on Ukraine on February 19. He spoke with several leaders from the EU, Canada, Iceland and Nor...

The EU’s new Russian sanctions will sever 13 additional Russian banks from SWIFT.

The EU’s new Russian sanctions will sever 13 additional Russian banks from SWIFT. Another 13 banks will be removed from the international payment system as part of the 16th package of EU sanctions. Representatives from 27 EU countries, including Hungary, agreed upon this new set of...

Europe must overcome its geopolitical stupor and accelerate the development of its defense strategy, which will include investments in Ukraine.

Europe must overcome its geopolitical stupor and accelerate the development of its defense strategy, which will include investments in Ukraine. “I spoke about the need to wake Europe from its economic and geopolitical stupor… Recent events and a different perspective from the US now compel us not only to confront the truth, but al...

Trumps statements concerning Ukraine are not justified: How much money has the US actually spent on Ukraine during the three-year war?

Trumps statements concerning Ukraine are not justified: How much money has the US actually spent on Ukraine during the three-year war? Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the US Congress has allocated around $183B to Ukraine, not $350B as President Donald Trump claims, according to data from t...

Thursday, February 20

What are the risks of Trump’s course to quickly end the Russian war against Ukraine?

What are the risks of Trump’s course to quickly end the Russian war against Ukraine? US President Donald Trump, trying to hasten the end of the war in Ukraine, is creating a dangerous split in international politics. This threatens not only the security of Ukraine, but also Europe. At...

Trump summarizes the outcome of negotiations with the Russians: Ukraine must hold elections to engage in talks.

Trump summarizes the outcome of negotiations with the Russians: Ukraine must hold elections to engage in talks. The US President described the meeting as “very good,” stating that his confidence in resolving the war in Ukraine has increased. Trump mentioned that he is not opposed to the deployment o...

What demands did Russia make during the negotiations with the US?

What demands did Russia make during the negotiations with the US? At the meeting in Riyadh, Russia sought the release of its frozen state assets and an easing of US-applied sanctions. This amounts to approximately $6B, which represents the portion of the Russian Cen...

Russia demands that NATO revoke its promise of Ukraine’s accession to end the war, while Zelenskyy rejects any ultimatums.

Russia demands that NATO revoke its promise of Ukraine’s accession to end the war, while Zelenskyy rejects any ultimatums. Russia insists that not only Ukraine be denied entry to NATO but also on rescinding the Bucharest Summit decision of 2008 regarding Ukraine’s future membership in the Alliance. “Otherwise,...

Trump stated that it’s unclear how Ukraine spent the $350B in aid it received from the US; Zelenskyy corrects his counterpart’s figure.

Trump stated that it’s unclear how Ukraine spent the $350B in aid it received from the US; Zelenskyy corrects his counterpart’s figure. US President Donald Trump remarked that Washington allocated $350B in assistance to Ukraine, but “nobody knows where this money went.” He added that Ukraine “will have to pay or deal...

The EU is committed to playing a central role in peace talks and is prepared to provide security guarantees to Ukraine.

The EU is committed to playing a central role in peace talks and is prepared to provide security guarantees to Ukraine. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola noted that the international community must act as a united front on the issue of Ukrainian security guarantees, and Europe bears a special responsibility...

Russia seeks to entice Trump with a deal regarding its natural resources and market access.

Russia seeks to entice Trump with a deal regarding its natural resources and market access. The Kremlin has proposed an agreement on Russian natural resources to the U.S. presidential administration, according to Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and a member of the...

Peacekeeping mission in Ukraine: what are the positions of Zelensky and the main allies?

Peacekeeping mission in Ukraine: what are the positions of Zelensky and the main allies? President Zelenskyy said that in lieu of Ukraine joining NATO, a strong military and the presence of EU and the US troops in Ukraine could be an acceptable security guarantee. What are Ukraine’s...

Wednesday, February 19

How have the negotiations between Russia and the US in Saudi Arabia concluded?

How have the negotiations between Russia and the US in Saudi Arabia concluded? Representatives of the US State Department reported that during the talks, the parties agreed to: Establish a consultation mechanism to address shortcomings in bilateral relations between the US and R...

Why does Saudi Arabia seek a mediator role in the negotiations between the US and Russia?

Why does Saudi Arabia seek a mediator role in the negotiations between the US and Russia? Analysts believe this highlights the country’s ambition to become a global player capable of effectively mediating international conflicts. Another likely objective is to gain additional leverag...

The meeting in Saudi Arabia was not a peace talk; Russia anticipates progress in discussions with the US within two to three months.

The meeting in Saudi Arabia was not a peace talk; Russia anticipates progress in discussions with the US within two to three months. US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce emphasized that the meeting between Russian and US representatives in Saudi Arabia should not be viewed as the start of negotiations to end Russia’s w...

EU leaders discuss the deployment of peacekeepers in Ukraine, and opinions are divided.

EU leaders discuss the deployment of peacekeepers in Ukraine, and opinions are divided. At the emergency Paris summit on February 17, French President Emmanuel Macron proposed deploying peacekeeping troops in Ukraine. However, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Poland opposed this idea. German C...

The prospect of a peaceful settlement is prompting Europe to consider resuming Russian gas supplies.

The prospect of a peaceful settlement is prompting Europe to consider resuming Russian gas supplies. Amid discussions about a potential end to the war in Ukraine, European officials are starting to contemplate renewing Russian gas purchases. The Economist notes that some officials are already “...

The US and Russia have developed a three-stage plan to end the war in Ukraine.

The US and Russia have developed a three-stage plan to end the war in Ukraine. According to Fox News, the plan involves a ceasefire, after which elections should be held in Ukraine, and only then will a peace agreement be signed. The US and Russia view conducting elections in Uk...

Tuesday, February 18

US and Russian representatives arrived in Saudi Arabia to begin preparations for the Trump-Putin meeting.

US and Russian representatives arrived in Saudi Arabia to begin preparations for the Trump-Putin meeting. According to CNN, a meeting between senior US and Russian officials is scheduled for February 18. The US delegation includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio, White House National Security Advisor Mike ...

Trump wants to end the active phase of Russia’s war against Ukraine by Easter; Ukraine and Europe will be at the negotiating table.

Trump wants to end the active phase of Russia’s war against Ukraine by Easter; Ukraine and Europe will be at the negotiating table. The administration of US President Donald Trump has told its European partners that it wants to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine by April 20. This is causing concern among European leaders, who fear tha...

Trump will permit Europe to purchase American weapons for Ukraine and seeks to understand the role Europe can play in supporting Ukraine.

Trump will permit Europe to purchase American weapons for Ukraine and seeks to understand the role Europe can play in supporting Ukraine. US President Donald Trump has stated that he is prepared to allow European countries to acquire American weapons for transfer to Ukraine. This could enable Kyiv to continue utilizing American weapons,...

The EU is considering Ukraine’s automatic accession to NATO in the event that Russia violates a future ceasefire.

The EU is considering Ukraine’s automatic accession to NATO in the event that Russia violates a future ceasefire. This proposal is expected to receive support from several European leaders and American senators. Finnish President Alexander Stubb has already positively assessed this proposal. It should be noted th...

Britain and Sweden have announced their readiness to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine.

Britain and Sweden have announced their readiness to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that his country is ready to send troops to Ukraine to ensure the implementation of a peace agreement, if necessary. Starmer emphasized that any participatio...

Ukraine and the UAE have signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement: How will this impact interstate trade?

Ukraine and the UAE have signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement: How will this impact interstate trade? During a working visit to the UAE, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the signing a bilateral trade agreement that will simplify trade between the two countries. According to the Ministry of Econ...

Ukraine presents projects valued at $500M to investors in Saudi Arabia.

Ukraine presents projects valued at $500M to investors in Saudi Arabia. A Ukrainian delegation in Saudi Arabia engaged in discussions to deepen economic cooperation with nearly 100 local entrepreneurs. They presented these businesses with promising investment opportunitie...

The President of Finland outlines three stages for achieving peace in Ukraine from a position of strength.

The President of Finland outlines three stages for achieving peace in Ukraine from a position of strength. Finnish President Alexander Stubb emphasized at the Munich Conference that Ukraine should negotiate with the Russian Federation exclusively from a position of strength and presented a plan to foster a...

Monday, February 17

President Zelenskyy issued a few strong statements while in Munich.

President Zelenskyy issued a few strong statements while in Munich. Zelenskyy spoke at the Munich Security Conference, and these are the main takeaways: On a peace agreement: For any peace agreement to end the war it must be supported by both Ukraine and the US. Europ...

Zelenskyy presents Ukraine’s alternatives to NATO membership.

Zelenskyy presents Ukraine’s alternatives to NATO membership. As NATO membership is not currently under consideration for Ukraine, President Zelenskyy asserts that the country should receive another reliable security guarantee – a military force of 1.5 million s...

Vance on sanctions and military actions: US vice president explains how to compel Russia to negotiate in good faith.

Vance on sanctions and military actions: US vice president explains how to compel Russia to negotiate in good faith. JD Vance told the WSJ that the US is prepared to impose new sanctions against Russia and does not rule out the possibility of deploying its military in Ukraine if the Kremlin fails to engage in negoti...

Ukraine is already working with the Trump team on a peace agreement draft, and the US-Russian talks are scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia.

Ukraine is already working with the Trump team on a peace agreement draft, and the US-Russian talks are scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia. President Zelenskyy announced the commencement of work with US President Donald Trump’s team and expressed optimism about achieving peace. The US is now viewed as a powerful force capable not on...

Kellogg suggests that a peace treaty will include “an agreement on the potential loss of territories.”

Kellogg suggests that a peace treaty will include “an agreement on the potential loss of territories.” US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg believes that Ukraine is unlikely to reclaim the internationally recognized borders established in 1991. “I think they will need some agreement on the potential lo...

Ukraine’s mineral agreement with the US is not yet ready to be signed.

Ukraine’s mineral agreement with the US is not yet ready to be signed. President Zelenskyy said that the proposed agreement concerning the use of Ukrainian natural resources has still not been finalized. The document does not adequately protect the country’s intere...

Preparing for negotiations to end the war against Ukraine, Putin is gathering his heavyweights.

Preparing for negotiations to end the war against Ukraine, Putin is gathering his heavyweights. According to Bloomberg, the list of Russian negotiators already includes Yuri Ushakov, Russia’s chief foreign policy advisor, and Sergei Naryshkin, director of the Russian Foreign Intelligence S...

Europe will be able to provide up to 25,000 peacekeepers for Ukraine.

Europe will be able to provide up to 25,000 peacekeepers for Ukraine. According to the AP, a coalition of European countries is secretly developing a plan to deploy troops in Ukraine to ensure security guarantees following a peace agreement with Russia. The main contrib...

The Trump administration has laid out ambitious plans for Ukraine’s post-war economy.

The Trump administration has laid out ambitious plans for Ukraine’s post-war economy. The US aims to participate in Ukraine’s reconstruction beyond developing its valuable resource deposits, stated US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. “It will be mutually beneficial. When A...

Ukraine received 1.6 million rounds of ammunition through the Czech initiative, and Ukroboronprom is broadening its list of European partners.

Ukraine received 1.6 million rounds of ammunition through the Czech initiative, and Ukroboronprom is broadening its list of European partners. The Czech Republic will continue its initiative to supply Ukraine with artillery ammunition, through which Kyiv has already received 1.6 million shells. This initiative is funded at least until April,...

Friday, February 14

“Putin won the war”: Analysts comment on Trump’s call to Putin.

“Putin won the war”: Analysts comment on Trump’s call to Putin. Professor of international politics Carlo Masala believes that the telephone conversation between the presidents of the US and Russia actually means Putin’s victory. “This is an apocalypti...

Three scenarios for the end of the war in Ukraine.

Three scenarios for the end of the war in Ukraine. Bloomberg analysts have predicted three possible outcomes following the conclusion of the Russian-Ukrainian war: The basic and most likely scenario is that Ukraine’s occupied territories will re...

Strengthening EU security and supporting Ukraine without US assistance will require $3T.

Strengthening EU security and supporting Ukraine without US assistance will require $3T. According to Bloomberg, protecting Ukraine and expanding their own armed forces could cost Europe’s largest states an additional $3.1T over the next 10 years. Rebuilding the Ukrainian Armed Forces cou...

Weimar+: Europe is ready to increase support for Ukraine and demands participation in negotiations.

Weimar+: Europe is ready to increase support for Ukraine and demands participation in negotiations. The heads of diplomacy from France, Great Britain, Spain, Italy, Poland, Germany, and the EU issued a joint statement: “We share the goal of continuing to support Ukraine until a just, comprehen...

Kyiv calls the latest Ramstein a productive meeting; Ukrainian air defense will receive a boost.

Kyiv calls the latest Ramstein a productive meeting; Ukrainian air defense will receive a boost. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said that during the most recent Ramstein meeting, the allies confirmed continued military assistance to Ukraine and new powerful weapons packages for the Ukra...

Thursday, February 13

Winning the Economic and Financial War in Ukraine.

Winning the Economic and Financial War in Ukraine. In advance of expected talks upon Trump’s presidency in early 2025, “land for peace” has become the catchphrase uttered by those who want a quick end to the war. Central among the innumerable c...

US Treasury Secretary arrives in Ukraine to negotiate a rare minerals deal.

US Treasury Secretary arrives in Ukraine to negotiate a rare minerals deal. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Wednesday that the minerals deal between Kyiv and Washington would provide Ukraine with a post-war “security shield,” and President Zelenskyy sa...

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