Sanctions

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said that the EU plan to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine is “dead. ” According to him, not enough leaders supported the idea.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever stated that the texts on frozen Russian assets for the EU summit are still being worked on. Belgium does not support the idea of a reparations loan, but is ready for it if the risks are shared and the country is protected.

President Zelenskyy stated that the EU's refusal to use frozen Russian funds would weaken Ukraine, potentially affecting the course of the war and diplomacy. He emphasized that without these funds, Ukraine would be in a more vulnerable position, which would reduce Russia's interest in a diplomatic settlement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Brussels for the EU summit. The summit will address the issue of financing Ukraine and the use of frozen Russian assets.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine should be strengthened by the US and Europe if Russia does not stop the war. This includes additional weapons, sanctions, and financial aid.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine must be in a strong position, and Russia must understand that Ukraine will not capitulate. He emphasized the need to reduce the Russian economy through sanctions to force the Russian Federation to move to diplomacy.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the issue of using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's needs depends on the political will of partners. The President noted that these funds could be directed to support the Ukrainian army and defense production.

Russia seeks the complete capture of Donbas and the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops, which Ukraine does not agree to. The US is looking for a compromise solution, and the Ukrainian delegation has departed for Washington to discuss a peace plan.

President Zelenskyy states that Putin's signals about unwillingness to end the war are not new. The possibility of continuing the war depends on pressure from partners, particularly the US, and sanctions.

At Thursday's EU summit, leaders will try to persuade Belgium to agree to the use of frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine. This is the EU's last chance to greenlight a proposal to raise 210 billion euros from Russian assets.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed support for Venezuela, condemning unilateral pressure. This came after US President Donald Trump ordered the blocking of oil tankers to increase pressure on the South American country.

EU diplomats are trying to find a compromise on financial aid to Ukraine ahead of the bloc's leaders' summit. Options being considered include a loan based on frozen Russian assets or joint EU debt.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said that Donald Trump's statements exposed the true intentions of the United States towards his country, accusing them of seeking to appropriate oil, territories, and other assets. Maduro emphasized that Washington seeks to change the government in Venezuela and gain control over its lands and natural resources.

Russian intelligence organized a campaign to intimidate Belgian politicians and Euroclear top managers to block the use of frozen Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine. The attack targeted key Euroclear officials, where most of Russia's frozen assets are held.

The US does not support EU initiatives to confiscate Russian sovereign assets, warning of possible consequences. They consider frozen assets a flexible leverage in future negotiations.

US President Donald Trump announced his intention to regain control over oil rights in Venezuela, which, according to him, were lost. He noted that Venezuela illegally seized land and oil rights from American companies.

Venezuelan authorities have instructed the navy to escort oil product tankers. This could escalate tensions with the United States amid Donald Trump's statements about blocking the country's oil industry.

The US presidential administration has temporarily suspended sanctions against several Russian banks involved in settlements in the civilian nuclear energy sector. Financial transactions are permitted until June 18, 2026, for projects initiated before November 21, 2024.

FIFA has approved a record budget of $727 million for the 2026 World Cup, a 50% increase from the previous tournament. The champion will receive $50 million, while group stage participants will each get $9 million.

Silver prices have reached a new all-time high, surpassing the $65 per ounce mark, making it the best annual performance in history. The surge is driven by supply shortages, growing demand from high-tech industries, and the inclusion of silver on the US list of critical minerals.

This weekend, American and Russian officials will meet in Miami to discuss ways to end the war in Ukraine. The Trump administration is increasing pressure on Kyiv regarding territorial concessions.

Oil company PDVSA has resumed loading crude oil and fuel after a three-day pause caused by a cyberattack. Fuel exports remain blocked due to Washington's strict policies and fears of asset seizure. Crude exports have sharply fallen compared to 900,000 barrels per day in November.

Turkey is negotiating with Russia to return the S-400 systems to resolve the conflict with NATO and acquire F-35 fighters. This will allow Ankara to resume military cooperation with the West and strengthen its air force.

The President of Mexico is ready to mediate negotiations between the US and Venezuela to prevent a regional conflict. This happened after Donald Trump imposed a blockade on oil tankers and increased military presence in the region.

The Danube Commission has decided to create a Register of Damages from Russian aggression on the Lower Danube. This will ensure systematic collection of data on the damages caused and their transfer to the Council of Europe and the EU for compensation.

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine appealed to UEFA and European governments with a demand for a complete ban on the participation of Belarusian national teams and clubs in international tournaments. It is also proposed to restrict the entry of Belarusian athletes until the restoration of Ukraine's sovereignty.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Moscow is preparing next year as a year of war, and these are signals not only for Ukraine. He emphasized the need for partners, particularly the US, to react to this rhetoric, which undermines diplomacy.

FIFA has announced the launch of a new competition for players under 15, open to all 211 member associations. This decision effectively lays the groundwork for the return of Russian teams to world football after their suspension in 2022 due to aggression against Ukraine.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the importance of the EU's plan to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine's defense. This will increase pressure on Putin and accelerate the end of the war, despite some countries' fears of possible reprisals.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that his country will not participate in the meeting of EU leaders with their counterparts from the Western Balkans. This is Vučić's personal decision, who claims to be protecting the interests of Serbia, which has made little progress in its bid to join the EU.