For the Trump administration, the main global problem is not Russia and its war in Ukraine, but China.
Euroclear CEO Valerie Urbain believes that frozen Russian assets should be used for peace negotiations rather than to finance a reparations loan to Ukraine. This would avoid complex legal risks and preserve leverage.
The White House stated that Europe risks "civilizational destruction" due to decades of economic decline, political censorship, and immigration. This is outlined in the updated US National Security Strategy, signed by Donald Trump.
The Trump administration has published a new national security strategy that focuses on an updated "Monroe Doctrine," criticizes immigration and Europe, and intensifies confrontation with China. The document blames mass migration for global problems and claims that Europe undermines peace in Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that Russia is ready to continue uninterrupted oil supplies. This happened during the annual summit in New Delhi, where the leaders reaffirmed the resilience of their ties to external pressure.
Large American banks are refusing to cooperate with the network of gas stations of the Russian giant "Lukoil" in the United States due to sanctions previously imposed against the company. Therefore, "Lukoil" is conducting transactions through small American banks.
The Norwegian Ministry of Defense will acquire two more submarines and long-range artillery from Germany, increasing the total cost of the order to almost 100 billion kroner. This is due to rising prices for raw materials and defense equipment, as well as the need to counter the activity of Russian submarines.
The United States is demanding that Europe take on a greater share of NATO's conventional defense capabilities by 2027, including intelligence and missiles. Some European officials consider this deadline unrealistic, as Europe needs time to build up its potential.
South Korea will gain access to nuclear submarines after US approval, which could change Asia's security landscape. This decision could lead to an escalation of the submarine arms race in the region.
General Alexus Grinkevich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) of NATO, stated that fewer American troops in Europe would not burden the continent's defense. This comes amid the expected withdrawal of American troops from Europe and their redeployment to the Indo-Pacific region.
The European Commission has fined Elon Musk's X platform 120 million euros for transparency violations under the EU's Digital Services Act. This is the first fine imposed under the bloc's flagship content moderation law.
Rheinmetall AG CEO Armin Papperger said that a peace agreement in Ukraine will not change future demand for weapons, as Europe enters a prolonged period of rearmament. The company expects European and German defense spending to grow, aiming for 50 billion euros in sales by 2030.
The United States has updated its national security strategy, which envisages the restoration of relations with Russia, the cessation of the war in Ukraine and preventing NATO expansion. The document also emphasizes the independent strengthening of Europe's defense and the importance of the Indo-Pacific region.
French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the unity of Europe and the US in supporting Ukraine, rejecting reports of a possible betrayal of Washington. He refuted skepticism about peace talks, stressing the importance of cooperation.
President Zelenskyy discussed the direction of negotiations with the United States with First Deputy Foreign Minister Serhiy Kyslytsia. This happened against the backdrop of a meeting in Miami and the announced strengthening of work with partners.
The US is trying to block EU plans to use frozen assets of the Russian central bank to support a loan to Ukraine. Washington believes that these assets are necessary to secure a peace agreement between Kyiv and Moscow.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kremlin head Vladimir Putin met in New Delhi, discussing peace efforts regarding Russia's war against Ukraine and expanding economic cooperation. Agreements on mobility, supplies of Indian products, and the leasing of a submarine are expected.
US President's special representative Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law and advisor Jared Kushner met with Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine Rustem Umerov in Miami. The meeting took place at the request of Witkoff and Kushner, who are Florida residents.
The United States of America has invited Poland to participate in next year's Group of 20 (G20) summit in Miami. This invitation is due to Poland's economy entering the world's top 20, while South Africa, despite being a G20 member, will not be invited.
Donald Trump stated that the war in Ukraine will eventually end. The US is working hard on this, "establishing peace around the world, settling wars at levels no one has seen before."
The Institute for the Study of War assesses that Putin is trying to conceal his initial war goals, limiting them to the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The Kremlin also rejected a US peace proposal without disclosing details.
The Trump administration has instructed US embassies to prioritize visa applications from foreigners planning to visit the country for investment or participation in major sporting events.
A delegation of 15 UN Security Council members visited Syria for the first time since 1945, meeting with interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The visit took place on the eve of the anniversary of the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime and aimed to build trust.
Ukrainian representatives will continue talks in the US with President Trump's team. The task is to get full information about what was said in Russia and what other pretexts Putin found to prolong the war.
Weeks after Iraq recognized Yemen's Houthis and Hezbollah as terrorists, the authorities revoked the decision, citing a mistake.
Iran's national football team coach, Amir Ghalenoei, will attend the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington. This will happen despite the country's football federation announcing a boycott of the event due to the US refusing to issue visas to its members.
Trump helped the leaders of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo sign a peace agreement and economic pacts. This will give the US access to the region's valuable minerals, although the implications for the 30-year conflict remain unclear.
Envoys of US President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian negotiators for the third time in two weeks to discuss a peace plan, while the Trump administration eased economic pressure on Russia. The US Treasury Department partially suspended sanctions against Lukoil gas stations outside Russia until April 29.
President Zelenskyy held a phone conversation with President of the European Council António Costa, discussing the negotiation track and the planned meetings of the Ukrainian team with the American side. Ukraine expects meaningful work to achieve a lasting peace.
The European Union is significantly strengthening its control over drug trafficking, planning to implement the most modern surveillance methods, including satellites.
