Nord Stream 2

Slovakia has blocked the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia for the second time, demanding guarantees from the European Commission regarding the RePowerEU initiative. This initiative envisages abandoning Russian gas by 2028, which, according to Slovakia, will have negative economic consequences.

Hungary and Slovakia will not support the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia. Hungary stated that it will not support a ban on the purchase of Russian oil and gas, as well as any new arms supplies or financial support to Ukraine.

According to Ukrainian Captain 1st Rank Andriy Ryzhenko, Russia's "shadow fleet" of tankers, which exports oil products bypassing sanctions, numbers between 600 and 1000 vessels. Most of them are outside sanctions, and their number and owners constantly change, which complicates tracking.

The President of Ukraine emphasized the importance of sanctions against Russia, which should precede its adaptation. He stressed the need for restrictions against oil, banks and individuals.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that a price ceiling of $45 per barrel of oil is better than $60, but real peace will come at $30 per barrel. He emphasized that this will change the course of thinking in Moscow.

The President of Ukraine emphasized the importance of limiting the tanker fleet of the Russian Federation and lowering the price of oil to 30 dollars in the new EU sanctions package. He emphasized that compromises with Russia move peace further away.

The President of Ukraine has imposed sanctions against 9 legal entities, including the "Artek" camp in Crimea, and 58 individuals involved in the deportation of Ukrainian children. The sanctions include asset blocking and trade restrictions.

The EU proposes an 18th package of sanctions against Russia, which includes a ban on transactions for "Nord Stream — 1,2", adding 77 shadow fleet vessels to the list, and reducing the price of oil to $45.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz agreed with Donald Trump that "Nord Stream-2" was a mistake. Trump mentioned a conversation with Merkel about Germany's financing of Russia.

Influential investor Stephen P. Lynch seeks to acquire a Russian pipeline. The White House is considering cooperation with the Kremlin on gas supplies to Europe, which is causing concern in Germany.

Zelenskyy emphasized the need for Taurus missiles. Mertz announced the purchase of Ukrainian long-range systems without restrictions on the Russian Federation and efforts against Nord Stream-2.

Germany will allocate 5 billion euros for military assistance to Ukraine. An agreement has been signed on financing long-range weapons produced in Ukraine, and a contract regarding the defense industry complex.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Germany will continue military support for Ukraine and will finance a significant part of Starlink. Zelensky and Merz discussed air defense, arms production, and sanctions against the Russian Federation.

The defense ministers of both countries will sign an agreement on the purchase of Ukrainian long-range systems. Ukraine will be able to use them without restrictions on targets on the territory of the Russian Federation.

Friedrich Merz stated that Germany will do everything possible to prevent the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline from operating. Pressure on Russia will also be increased to weaken its war machine.