US 'pressuring' EU not to use frozen Russian assets for Kyiv, Ukraine official says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a stark warning regarding the dire situation on the battlefield if European leaders do not approve the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. The EU is currently deliberating on a $105 billion loan to sustain Kyiv's military efforts amid ongoing conflict with Russia.

The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on two judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) due to their involvement in investigating potential war crimes by Israeli officials in Gaza. This action has been condemned by the ICC as a significant infringement on its independence, highlighting the ongoing tensions surrounding international accountability in conflict zones.

Farmers protesting against the EU-Mercosur trade deal clashed with police in Brussels, where they drove tractors into the city and faced tear gas as tensions escalated during an EU leaders' summit. The protests were fueled by fears that the trade deal would allow cheaper agricultural imports from Brazil, threatening local livelihoods.

Discussions at the EU summit in Brussels are focused on the potential use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, with Ukrainian MP Lisa Yasko emphasizing the significance of this decision for Europe's leadership role. She stated that the outcome of the evening could reveal whether Europe can act decisively or if fear of Russia will prevail.

The signing of the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement has been postponed to January, as announced by EU chief Ursula von der Leyen during a summit in Brussels. This decision follows demands from Italy and France for a delay, primarily to seek additional protections for their farming sectors, disrupting the European Commission's plans to finalize the deal this week.

The Trump administration has proposed new regulations aimed at banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth, labeling such treatments as 'sex-rejecting procedures.' This initiative will prevent Medicaid from covering essential services like puberty blockers and hormone therapies for minors, raising significant concerns among healthcare advocates and experts.

European Union leaders are convening in Brussels to discuss the potential use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's urgent financial needs, as the country faces a significant cash shortfall amid ongoing conflict. This summit is being described as one of the most crucial since the 2008 financial crisis, with decisions expected to impact Ukraine's stability and future.

The Trump administration has announced plans to end gender-affirming care for minors, labeling such treatments as 'sex-rejecting procedures.' This proposal will prevent Medicaid funds from covering puberty blockers, hormone treatments, or surgical procedures for minors wishing to access these services through Medicare or Medicaid.