Europe debates the future of Russia’s frozen assets

Ukrainian anti-corruption investigators have conducted searches at the home and offices of Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, amid allegations of a significant corruption scandal involving a $100-million kickback scheme in the energy sector. Yermak has confirmed the searches and expressed his willingness to cooperate fully with the investigation.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, where they discussed Ukraine and energy deliveries. Putin praised Orbán's 'balanced' stance on the Ukraine conflict, while the European Commission rejected Putin's characterization of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as an 'illegitimate' leader, affirming Zelenskyy's democratic election by the Ukrainian people.

Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever has criticized the EU's proposal to utilize frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, labeling the plan as fundamentally wrong and a violation of international law. He expressed concerns that such actions could destabilize financial markets and harm the euro, casting doubt on Europe's ability to fund Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict with Russia.

Ukraine’s anti-corruption investigators conducted searches at the offices of Andriy Yermak, a top aide to President Volodymyr Zelensky, amid rising political tensions and increasing pressure from Washington for a peace deal with Russia. The specific reasons for the searches remain undisclosed, but they highlight ongoing concerns about corruption within the Ukrainian government.

Ukraine's anti-corruption agency has launched searches at the home of Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, amid a significant corruption scandal involving a $100-million kickback scheme in the energy sector. This scandal has intensified public outrage as the country grapples with ongoing Russian attacks on its power infrastructure, leading to fears of winter heating shortages.

Ukraine's anti-corruption authorities conducted searches at the offices of Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff, although the specific reasons for the searches were not disclosed. This action raises questions about potential corruption within the highest levels of the Ukrainian government.

Ukraine's military reported an overnight attack on Russia's Saratov oil refinery and the Saky air base in Crimea, coinciding with claims from the Russian defense ministry that 136 Ukrainian drones were intercepted, with many shot down over the Rostov and Saratov regions.

In Geneva and Pokrovsk, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces intense military and diplomatic pressure as he navigates a controversial peace plan proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, which many fear could lead to unacceptable concessions to Russia. Zelenskyy described this period as 'one of the hardest moments in our history.'