European Union
The EU has offered Ukraine a deal on critical minerals, competing with the US offer. Trump demands mineral rights in exchange for $500 billion in compensation for support.
The heads of state of the North Baltic Eight held talks in Kyiv on security and European integration. During the three years of war, the allies provided Ukraine with 26 billion euros in military aid.
putin said that the EU could play a role in finding a solution to the conflict in Ukraine, but without European demands. He insists on taking into account the positions of other international players, including the BRICS countries.
European Commissioner Martha Kos expects three clusters of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU to open in the first half of 2024. The European Commission also offers Ukraine to join the EU's internal energy market by April 27.
Ukraine's Prime Minister urged the EU to speed up negotiations on all six integration clusters. Hungary has blocked negotiations on the first cluster, demanding additional conditions for the protection of minorities.
The leaders of the Nordic and Baltic countries announced increased military assistance to Ukraine and support for its membership in NATO. They also reaffirmed their support for Ukraine's European integration and emphasized the importance of holding Russia accountable.
The EU has adopted the 16th package of sanctions and is working on the 17th. Ministers supported a new military aid initiative for Ukraine, the details and scope of which will be discussed at the March 6 summit.
Kaja Kallas reported an increase in the number of EU countries supporting the confiscation of frozen Russian assets. However, the EU diplomat does not expect an agreement to be reached in March due to the lack of unanimous support.
The EU foreign policy chief said that NATO membership is the strongest and cheapest security guarantee for Ukraine. She emphasized the irreversibility of Ukraine's path to the Alliance and praised the Ukrainian army as the strongest in Europe.
EU Diplomacy Chief Kaja Kallas announced broad support for a new defense initiative for Ukraine. Specific amounts of aid and decisions may be made at the EU summit on March 6.
Europe is considering the possibility of appointing a single representative for future negotiations on Ukraine from the EU and allied countries. The issue will be discussed at a special meeting of the European Council on March 6.
President Zelenskyy said that Russia could return in 10 years if Ukraine is not ready. An attack will not happen if Ukraine is a NATO member and has a strong army.
The EU foreign policy chief expressed concern over the US statements but emphasized the possibility of resolving differences. Tomorrow he will meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Ukraine will continue to work on a special tribunal to review the crimes of Russian aggression even after the hot phase of the war is over. The EU has already laid the legal groundwork for the establishment of a tribunal for Russian political and military leaders.
The President of the European Commission said that sanctions have a huge impact on the Russian economy. Their lifting is possible only after concrete steps on the part of Russia.
EU foreign ministers are considering a new military aid package for Ukraine. The amount could be between 20 and 30 billion euros, with the final decision to be made by EU leaders on March 6.
The French Minister of European Affairs stated the need for Europe's participation in peace negotiations in Ukraine. Haddad emphasized the importance of military support and guaranteeing long-term peace.
Estonia increased military aid to Ukraine by 25% and pledged to allocate 0. 25% of GDP annually. Prime Minister Kristen Michal emphasized that only Ukraine should determine the terms of the peace process.
Slovak Vice Prime Minister Peter Kmiec has stated the need to involve Ukraine and the EU in peace talks after the US changed its approach. Slovakia supports Ukraine's sovereignty and European integration.
The European Union has published a new sanctions list of Russians as part of the 16th sanctions package. The list includes 13 people, including businessmen, propagandists, athletes and comedians.
The Prime Minister of Sweden announced significant progress in the creation of a special tribunal for Russian aggression against Ukraine. The EU has already laid the legal groundwork for the tribunal, which will be able to prosecute Russian leaders.
EU foreign ministers decide to suspend sanctions against Syria in the banking, energy and transportation sectors. Five Syrian organizations were removed from the list of frozen assets.
The Verkhovna Rada adopted an appeal to parliaments, governments and international organizations on the third anniversary of the Russian invasion. 244 MPs supported the document with calls for military, economic assistance and promotion of European integration.
The President of the European Commission stated that the provision of weapons to Ukraine will be at the center of the EU's attention in the coming weeks. The EU and its member countries have already provided support amounting to 145 billion euros.
Alexander Stubb presented a plan for the peace process, including sanctions pressure and a ceasefire. The plan is based on Finland's experience and envisages preserving Ukraine's independence without concessions on EU and NATO membership.
António Costa convenes a special meeting of the European Council to discuss support for Ukraine and strengthening Europe's defense. The EU is ready to increase financial and military support for Ukraine.
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković stated that a just peace must stop the killings in Ukraine. He emphasized the need for a clear plan for the reintegration of the occupied territories.
The German president said that Russia will not gain legitimacy for its actions through a dialogue with the United States. He emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine and the impossibility of negotiations without its participation.
Finland will provide €4. 5 million for the second phase of the Ukraine Recovery Partnership Facility for 2025-2027. The funds will be used to support the stability and unity of Ukrainians in the affected regions, as well as basic services and humanitarian needs.
Gitanas Nausėda called for the opening of the first cluster of negotiations in the coming weeks.