标签： Europe

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a compelling appeal to the European Union to support a plan that would release billions of euros in frozen Russian assets to bolster Ukraine’s defense efforts. Speaking during the EU leaders’ summit in Brussels, Zelensky expressed hope for a ‘positive decision’ regarding the utilization of €140 billion (£122 billion) in Russian funds currently held in a Belgian clearing house. This proposal, which has sparked significant debate, would complement the existing sanctions imposed on Russia, including recent measures targeting the Kremlin’s oil revenues. The EU’s latest sanctions, announced on Thursday, follow similar actions by the United States against Russia’s oil industry, marking the first time President Donald Trump has sanctioned Moscow amid growing frustration over President Vladimir Putin’s refusal to end the conflict. Trump also confirmed the indefinite postponement of a planned meeting with Putin in Budapest, citing unproductive discussions. The US sanctions specifically targeted Russian oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil. Meanwhile, European ministers have been deliberating on how to allocate the frozen Russian assets as a ‘reparations loan’ to Ukraine. Zelensky, attending the Brussels summit, emphasized the moral and financial responsibility of Russia, stating, ‘Russia brought war to our land, and they have to pay for this war.’ However, the proposal faces legal and political hurdles, with Belgium expressing reluctance due to potential legal challenges from Russia. EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas acknowledged the complexities but stressed that ‘Russia is responsible for the damages in Ukraine and has to pay.’ Russia has vehemently criticized the plan, with foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova warning of a ‘painful response’ to any confiscatory measures. The EU’s latest sanctions also targeted three Chinese businesses involved in purchasing Russian crude oil, a move condemned by China as undermining economic cooperation. The overarching goal of these measures, according to Kallas, is to ‘deprive Russia of the means to fund this war’ and send a clear message that ‘Russia can’t outlast us.’

In a decisive move to bolster Europe’s defense capabilities, European Union leaders have endorsed a comprehensive strategy titled ‘Readiness 2030.’ This initiative aims to fortify the 27-nation bloc against potential external aggressions by the end of the decade, with a particular focus on countering Russian threats. The plan was unveiled during a summit in Brussels, where leaders emphasized the existential challenge posed by Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and its broader implications for global security.

In a dramatic turn of events, President Donald Trump has called off the highly anticipated US-Russia summit in Budapest, signaling a shift in his approach to dealing with Moscow. This decision comes just weeks after the announcement of the meeting, which was intended to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The cancellation underscores the growing frustration within the Trump administration over Russia’s unwillingness to compromise or make concessions to end the war.

In a landmark case at the Old Bailey, 21-year-old Dylan Earl has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a series of pro-Russia sabotage acts on UK soil, including a devastating arson attack on a Ukrainian-owned warehouse in East London. This marks the first sentencing under the newly enacted National Security Act, which could see Earl imprisoned for life. The warehouse, targeted in March 2024, was a hub for dispatching essential equipment, including Starlink satellite terminals, to Ukraine. Earl’s actions were part of a broader campaign supporting Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine, as highlighted by prosecutor Duncan Penny KC. Earl’s involvement extended beyond arson; he attempted to recruit a British soldier for intelligence gathering on behalf of the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary organization. Messages revealed in court showed Earl discussing plans for further attacks, including a potential arson in the Czech Republic, and even exploring extortion schemes. Despite his barrister’s portrayal of Earl as a ‘sad individual’ influenced by online gaming and drug use, the judge emphasized the seriousness of his crimes. Five other men, including Jake Reeves and Ashton Evans, are also implicated in related offenses. Sentencing is scheduled for Friday, with the case underscoring the UK’s heightened focus on national security threats linked to foreign powers.

In a significant development, British counterterrorism authorities apprehended three individuals in London on Thursday, suspecting them of espionage activities on behalf of Russia. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the men, aged 44, 45, and 48, were taken into custody under the National Security Act, accused of aiding a foreign intelligence service, specifically Russia. Simultaneously, law enforcement officers conducted searches at multiple properties across the city as part of the ongoing investigation.

Thousands of Hungarians took to the streets of Budapest on Thursday, October 23, to rally in support of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, as the country braces for what could be the most competitive parliamentary elections in his 15-year tenure. The event, organized as a “peace march,” coincided with Hungary’s national holiday commemorating the 1956 anti-Soviet uprising, which was brutally suppressed by the Red Army. Participants voiced their backing for Orbán’s stance that Hungary risks being drawn into Russia’s war in Ukraine, with banners declaring, “We don’t want to die for Ukraine.” The march, which began at the Margaret Bridge with a backdrop of Hungary’s neo-Gothic parliament, saw attendees waving flags representing towns and villages across the nation.

In a bid to assert its influence in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, European Union leaders are pushing for a more active role in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. This move comes after the EU was largely excluded from the U.S.-mediated ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. During a summit in Brussels, primarily focused on the Ukraine crisis, EU heads of state also turned their attention to the fragile truce in Gaza, discussing potential measures to support stability in the war-torn region. The EU, being the largest aid provider to Palestinians and Israel’s top trading partner, aims to leverage its position to foster lasting peace. Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden emphasized the importance of European involvement, stating, ‘Gaza is not over; peace is not yet permanent.’ The conflict has deeply divided the 27-nation bloc and strained EU-Israel relations to historic lows. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had previously proposed sanctions and a partial trade suspension against Israel to pressure a peace deal, though momentum waned following the U.S.-brokered ceasefire. However, EU officials argue these measures remain relevant as violence persists in Gaza and the West Bank. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently dismissed Europe’s relevance, calling it ‘essentially irrelevant and displaying enormous weakness.’ Despite this, the EU is working to integrate itself into the post-ceasefire diplomatic efforts. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stressed the bloc should not only fund stability but also actively participate in reconstruction. The EU has supported the Palestinian Authority, pledged humanitarian aid, and proposed extending a West Bank police support program to Gaza to bolster a stabilization force outlined in the ceasefire plan. Additionally, the EU is seeking membership in the ceasefire’s ‘Board of Peace’ oversight body. The European Border Assistance Mission in Rafah, operational since 2005, has also played a role, aiding thousands of individuals during the ceasefire before pausing operations when hostilities resumed.