Italy's Supreme Court has approved the extradition of Serhiy Kuznetsov to Germany, where he is suspected of orchestrating the explosions on the Nord Stream pipelines. Kuznetsov's lawyer expects his client to be handed over to German authorities in the coming days.
President Zelenskyy hopes the war will not last ten years, but Ukraine is ready to fight for another two or three years, according to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Tusk also noted that Ukraine has the right to attack Russia-related targets anywhere in Europe.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó joked about a Polish court and the possible detention of Putin's plane, to which he received a sharp response from his Polish counterpart Radosław Sikorski. Sikorski hinted at Hungary's reaction to the 'Druzhba' oil pipeline incident and the independence of Polish justice.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó accused Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk of "protecting terrorists" after his comments on the Nord Stream explosions. Tusk stated that the main problem with Nord Stream 2 was not its sabotage, but the very fact of its construction.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha responded to Hungarian Minister Szijjártó's criticism regarding Zelenskyy's statements. Sybiha called on Hungary to diversify energy resources and become independent from Russia.
A Ukrainian citizen, Serhiy K. , has been detained in Italy on suspicion of involvement in the Nord Stream pipeline explosions. He was allegedly on board the sailboat used by the attackers.
European leaders aim to prepare Trump for a meeting with Putin, fearing a "dirty deal" on Ukraine. They will hold a virtual summit to set boundaries and discuss security guarantees for Ukraine.
The European Union has begun work on the 19th package of sanctions against Russia after approving the 18th.
According to Barrot, the European Union is preparing a new package of sanctions against Russia, which will be the toughest in the last three years. The restrictions will be aimed at the financial and energy resources of the Kremlin, and may also affect foreign companies that help circumvent previous sanctions.
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.
