EU agrees to indefinitely freeze Russian assets, removing obstacles to loan to Ukraine
The European Union agreed on Friday to indefinitely freeze the assets of the Russian central bank held in Europe, thus lifting a major obstacle to using these funds to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia. This decision by EU member states aims to leverage part of the Russian sovereign assets they immobilized after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Following this endorsement, Russian sovereign assets will remain frozen for as long as necessary, rather than voting every six months to extend the freeze. This effectively eliminates the risk that Hungary and Slovakia, which maintain better relations with Moscow than other member states, would at some point refuse to renew the freeze, thus forcing the EU to return the money to Russia.
Ukrainians have made no "territorial deals" and "are not considering any today," says the Elysée
Ukrainians have made "no deal" on territories and are not "considering any today," insisted the French presidency on Friday, after press statements suggesting they were open to demilitarizing territories they still control and that Russia claims. "Ukrainians have not made a deal on territories, are not considering a deal on territories today, are not considering a DMZ (demilitarized zone)," insisted an adviser to French President Emmanuel Macron.
Europeans and Ukrainians are also asking Americans for "security guarantees" before any territorial negotiation in eastern Ukraine occupied by Russians, the French presidency said Friday evening. "European expectations towards Americans... could resemble what is somewhat easily called a kind of Article Five [note: as in NATO], that is, an American guarantee for those participating in the coalition of volunteers," emphasized an Elysée adviser.
Turkish ship damaged in Ukraine: Turkey calls for "suspension" of attacks on ports and energy infrastructure
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for a "suspension" of attacks on ports and energy infrastructure after a Turkish transport ship was damaged in a Russian airstrike in the Black Sea. "We insist once again on the importance of an immediate ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine and reiterate the need for an agreement to prevent any escalation in the Black Sea, particularly by ensuring navigation security and suspending attacks targeting energy and port infrastructure," the ministry stated in a press release.
Turkish transport ship damaged in Russian strike near Ukrainian port of Odessa
A Turkish transport ship was damaged in a Russian airstrike near the Ukrainian port city of Odessa on the Black Sea, according to concordant sources. "Russia launched a missile strike on civilian port infrastructure in the Odessa region," announced Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction Oleksiy Kuleba on Telegram.
European leaders intensify diplomatic efforts for peace negotiations
European capitals are intensifying diplomatic efforts to bring both parties to the negotiating table. According to sources close to the discussions, several peace plans are being evaluated, with the American proposal being the most detailed to date. The main point of contention remains security guarantees for Ukraine in any post-conflict scenario.
The European Commission has proposed a new package of economic support for Ukraine, including immediate financial assistance and long-term reconstruction funds. This comes as the Ukrainian economy continues to face significant challenges due to the ongoing conflict.
Volodymyr Zelensky expected in Berlin on Monday
The Ukrainian president is expected in Berlin this Monday, amid intense diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war between Ukraine and Russia, a senior official announced this Friday. "If the security situation allows it, he will be there," specified this official speaking on condition of anonymity while Germany, France and the United Kingdom are key European supporters of Kyiv against Moscow.