EU agrees deal to ban Russian gas by end of 2027

The European Commission has proposed a plan to provide Ukraine with a loan funded by frozen Russian assets, aiming to bolster Ukraine's financial position amid ongoing conflict. This initiative includes a secondary option for an EU loan based on common borrowing, addressing concerns raised by Belgium, which holds a significant portion of these assets.

NATO foreign ministers convened in Brussels to address the ongoing threat posed by Russia amid the continued conflict in Ukraine. With no significant progress towards peace, European leaders are intensifying military support efforts for Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a meeting will be arranged between Ukrainian and U.S. negotiators following the return of Trump's team from Moscow, where they engaged in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The Eurovision Song Contest is facing a critical decision as its organizing body may vote on Israel's participation in the 2026 competition, amid threats from several nations to withdraw if Israel is not excluded due to the ongoing Gaza conflict. This situation marks a significant moment for the contest, as it navigates political tensions while aiming to maintain its cultural integrity.

The European Commission has proposed a plan to provide €90 billion to support Ukraine over the next two years, potentially utilizing frozen Russian assets or borrowing from international markets. This initiative comes as Ukraine continues to face significant financial challenges due to the ongoing conflict with Russia.

King Charles welcomed German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, affirming that the UK and Germany are prepared to strengthen Europe against potential Russian aggression while expressing support for Ukraine. This visit highlights the significance of the Kensington treaty, which aims to enhance cooperation between the two nations in various sectors, including defense and migration.

An Algerian appeals court upheld a seven-year prison sentence for French sports journalist Christophe Gleizes, who was convicted on terrorism-related charges. Gleizes, 36, is currently the only journalist from France imprisoned abroad, and his case has emerged amid rising diplomatic tensions between France and Algeria.

NATO chief Mark Rutte responded to Vladimir Putin's assertive remarks, affirming the alliance's readiness to protect Europe. Analyst Peter Zalmayev noted that Putin's confidence stems from a lack of international repercussions for NATO airspace violations.