Summary
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia would achieve its goals without needing war with the West, even as the European Union considers taking Russian assets to support Ukraine. EU leaders are meeting to discuss using frozen Russian money to aid Ukraine, but opinions on this plan differ among the members. Meanwhile, Ukraine and Russia continue their military conflict, with both sides claiming control over strategic areas.
Key Facts
- President Putin stated Russia would achieve its objectives and dismissed Western calls for war as untrue.
- The EU is considering using 210 billion euros in frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's economy and military.
- EU leaders are meeting to decide on a potential 90 billion euros loan to Ukraine using these assets.
- There are legal concerns about the plan, and several EU countries have reservations.
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a plan to use funds from the sale of Chelsea FC for humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
- Ukraine claimed control over 90% of the town of Kupiansk, but Russia disputes this.
- Russia controls Crimea, most of the Donbas region, and parts of Kherson, Zaporizhia, and neighboring regions in Ukraine.
- Both countries have intensified their focus on targeting each other's energy infrastructure recently.
