EU to freeze €210bn in Russian assets indefinitely

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders in Berlin this weekend to discuss a peace plan aimed at halting the ongoing conflict with Russia before the year's end. This meeting follows previous discussions in Moscow, where Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin characterized their talks as constructive but acknowledged that significant work remains to achieve peace.

A Turkish car ferry was damaged in a strike at a Ukrainian port, an incident that Ukraine's president has attributed to Russian aggression. This attack has raised concerns about the safety of maritime operations in the region, particularly for vessels linked to Turkey.

A senior US official indicated that Ukraine's potential integration into the European Union by 2027 is unlikely, despite the US plan to end the war in Ukraine. European diplomats highlighted that even if pro-Moscow governments like Hungary were to agree, numerous complex issues would need to be resolved swiftly.

The European Union has endorsed an indefinite freeze on Russian assets, a decision made in light of Ukraine's urgent financial needs as it faces a cash shortfall of approximately €135.7 billion over the next two years due to ongoing conflict. This move aims to bolster Ukraine's economy amidst the prolonged war with Russia.

Families of South Africans have reported that their loved ones were allegedly lured into fighting for Russian forces in Ukraine, leaving them stranded in a conflict zone. This situation highlights the troubling recruitment tactics employed by Russia amidst its ongoing military operations in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the frontlines to commend soldiers for their efforts in retaking northern districts of Kupiansk, a significant development in the ongoing conflict with Russia. This visit underscores the Ukrainian military's recent gains in the region, reflecting a positive shift in the dynamics of the war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for elections in Ukraine, contrasting sharply with ongoing criticisms regarding the fairness of elections within Russia itself. This statement raises questions about the legitimacy of electoral processes in both nations amidst the ongoing conflict.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever met with UK Labour leader Keir Starmer in London to discuss various pressing issues, including the ongoing debate about utilizing frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. This meeting comes as the European Union is moving closer to a plan that could allocate these assets for Ukrainian aid, amidst legal challenges from Russia's central bank against Euroclear, the institution holding these funds.