UK Defence Secretary John Healey discussed with his Baltic and Northern European counterparts the possibility of confiscating oil tankers linked to Russia's shadow fleet. The goal is to tighten restrictions on Moscow's war economy.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the Ukraine-US-Russia talks narrowed the range of issues, but the most difficult ones remain. The US does not know if Russia is serious about ending the war.
President Zelenskyy indicated that the Kremlin seeks to normalize relations and ease sanctions through negotiations. He called on the Trump administration to increase pressure on Russia.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has made many compromises, including the fact that Putin and his entourage are not in prison. He noted that this is the biggest compromise the world has already made.
US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said that China is providing crucial support to Russian aggression. He could end the war by calling Putin and stopping the sale of dual-use technologies.
President Zelenskyy stated that strong security guarantees, a reconstruction agreement, and increased pressure on Russia would accelerate the end of the war. He called for sanctions against Russian nuclear energy and hopes for peace next year.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Europe cannot send troops to Ukraine to avoid escalating tensions. He emphasized the lack of evidence of Russia's serious intentions regarding a peace agreement.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha emphasized the need to ban the issuance of visas to Russian military personnel and their family members. He noted that this would deprive them of the opportunity to visit Europe, Canada, and the United States.
Slovakia and Hungary have reported disruptions in oil supply via the Druzhba pipeline. Hungary blames Ukraine, while Ukraine denies the accusations, citing Russian attacks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Reza Pahlavi, the Crown Prince of Iran in exile, in Munich. They discussed sanctions against the Iranian regime, Iran's cooperation with Russia, and support for Ukraine's territorial integrity.
Ukraine's representative to the IOC, Valeriy Borzov, commented on the situation with the disqualification of skeleton racer Heraskevych and the violations by the Italian snowboarder. He emphasized the need to change IOC rules.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Russia is not ready for serious negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine. He believes that the war will end when Russia is economically and potentially militarily exhausted.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha met with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to report on Russian strikes that threaten nuclear safety. Ukraine proposed amending the IAEA Statute to limit Russia's rights.
Hungary's opposition Tisza party maintains a 10% lead over Prime Minister Orbán's Fidesz party in February. This is according to a poll conducted by the Idea Institute ahead of the April 12 parliamentary elections.
The parliament is working on restoring open competitions for public positions, which were canceled due to martial law. This issue is relevant for obtaining 50 billion euros from the EU and preventing corruption.
Donald Trump is not confident in the effectiveness of pressuring Russia and fears disrupting the negotiation process. Expert Stanislav Zhelikhovsky explained that Trump needs quick results for the elections, and sanctions do not provide an immediate effect.
Ukraine, the US, and Russia are planning another round of talks next week, possibly in Miami or Abu Dhabi. The main stumbling block remains territory, particularly Russia's demand to control the entire Donbas.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree on sanctions against 91 maritime vessels of Russia's shadow fleet. These vessels were used to transport oil in circumvention of sanctions.
Venezuelan lawmakers have postponed the adoption of an amnesty bill due to disagreements over its application. Thousands of opposition supporters are demanding the release of all political prisoners.
Secretary of State Rubio will hold talks with Hungary and Slovakia regarding the purchase of Russian energy. The visit to Hungary is bilateral, and the visit to Slovakia is a logical addition to the trip.
Children from the Kyiv football academy "Lokomotyv", whose base was destroyed by Russian shelling, presented a ball to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. They are asking for support for Ukrainian children and for Russia not to be reinstated in international football.
Ukraine is counting on the announcement of new contributions from partners to strengthen its defense, particularly in the areas of air defense, drone provision, and ammunition. Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov emphasized the importance of strengthening sanctions against Russia.
UAF President Andriy Shevchenko met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, discussing the prevention of Russians' return to international competitions. The issue of Russians was not considered at the UEFA Congress, which was confirmed by UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin.
The head of the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate, Oleh Korikov, stated that the situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is deteriorating, with four power outages recorded. Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha called on the world to stop Russia and impose sanctions against "Rosatom."
Tens of thousands of cars are being exported from China to Russia through 'grey market' schemes, circumventing sanctions. Some of these vehicles are manufactured in China, while others are imported from third countries.
The aviation industry of Ukraine retains critical technological competencies and generates foreign exchange earnings. The lack of state support can lead to a loss of competitiveness.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine adopted a resolution that allows for faster and more effective sale of confiscated assets. Funds from the sale will be directed to the Fund for the Elimination of the Consequences of Armed Aggression.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the US remains a key player in supporting Ukraine and pressuring Russia. Washington is a leader in sanctions policy, provides military assistance, and plays a role in diplomatic efforts.
Oil prices rose due to investor concerns about escalating tensions between the US and Iran. Brent futures rose to $69.67, and WTI to $64.92.
The Estonian Foreign Intelligence Department reports that the Kremlin is trying to restore political influence in the Baltic region through controlled academic structures. The "Baltic-Scandinavian Macroregion" project is coordinated by the Russian Presidential Administration and is a hybrid influence operation.
