Sanctions
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States does not dispute the results of European allies' investigations into the poisoning of Alexei Navalny. Washington fully trusts the technical and scientific reports of European laboratories.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced new aid packages for Ukraine, emphasizing air defense missiles as a priority. Decisions on energy and a new sanctions package against those involved in the war are also expected.
Ukraine is preparing a new package of sanctions against Russian individuals who support the war and use sports for military purposes. President Zelenskyy stated that this would be a signal to the world, as Ukrainians are forbidden from mentioning the victims of Russian aggression at the Olympics.
President Zelenskyy named three key steps for Donald Trump to stop Russian aggression. These are providing security guarantees to Ukraine, demanding Moscow to cease fire, and increasing support for Ukraine if Putin refuses.
Iran is proposing that the United States include an economic component in a new nuclear deal, which would entail mutual benefits in exchange for limiting nuclear activities and easing sanctions. Tehran is talking about possible agreements in the energy, mining, and aviation sectors.
Russians use song contests in Donetsk to militarize Ukrainian children, imposing a cult of war on them. Schoolchildren performed patriotic songs about the heroes of the "Great Patriotic War."
The US Indo-Pacific Command intercepted the Panamanian-flagged tanker Veronica III, which was transporting Iranian oil in violation of sanctions. The vessel was tracked from the Caribbean Sea to the Indian Ocean.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Slovakia, where he will meet with Prime Minister Robert Fico and President Peter Pellegrini. He will discuss US-Slovak relations, regional security, and nuclear energy.
At the Munich Security Conference, Kaja Kallas rejected the notion of a "declining Europe," emphasizing its resilience. She called Russia the main threat but noted that Russia is not a superpower.
The US and Japan are strengthening their strategic partnership, modernizing their economic security relationship. This comes amid a diplomatic standoff with Beijing, which has blocked the supply of components to Japan.
Trump and Netanyahu agreed to increase economic pressure on Iran. The goal is to reduce oil exports to China to force Tehran to make concessions on its nuclear program.
Cuba has canceled its annual cigar festival due to fuel shortages and power outages caused by the US oil embargo. This decision will affect the country's revenues and the global market for premium cigars.
During his visit to Europe, the Governor of California urged international partners not to sever strategic ties with the United States. He emphasized that radical changes in American foreign policy under Trump are a temporary phase.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha met with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas. They discussed peace efforts, strengthening sanctions against Russia, and Ukraine's EU membership.
Andriy Sybiha appealed to the G7 countries to increase energy assistance to Ukraine and strengthen its air defense. He noted that Ukraine needs about $15 billion to finance air defense.
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.