EU Commission considers using frozen Russian assets to support the G7 loan to Ukraine. According to Politico, the European Commission is once again considering the possibility of using frozen Russian assets to support the recent $50 billion G7 loan to Ukraine, which is designed to counter any potential economic backlash from Moscow. The plan involves accessing funds held by Euroclear, a Belgium-based depository that manages a substantial portion of Russia’s frozen assets, to help offset the risk of Russian countermeasures. Supporters argue that this approach would reinforce the G7-backed lending scheme for Ukraine, funded by profits from around €200 billion in frozen Russian holdings.
Pentagon announces $425 million security aid package for Ukraine. The Pentagon has announced a new $425 million security aid package for Ukraine, including air defence missiles, artillery rounds, and anti-tank weaponry. Additionally, the aid features ammunition for NASAMS and HIMARS systems, Stinger missiles, and counter-drone systems. Alongside artillery shells, this package also includes armoured personnel carriers, small arms, and various other munitions. This announcement aligns with previous commitments made between U.S. President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which ensure Ukraine will continue to receive regular military support every two to three weeks.
Another Russian missile strike on Kharkiv. According to the National Police, a Russian missile strike targeted police facilities in central Kharkiv, resulting in the death of one officer and injuring 26 other officers along with four civilians. In this separate incident, two Russian S-300 missiles struck the administrative building, causing extensive structural damage. National Police Chief Ivan Vyhivskyi confirmed the attack, noting that emergency services and forensic teams swiftly responded to document the damage and gather evidence of Russia’s ongoing assaults on Ukrainian civilians and public infrastructure.
Former Finnish President urges EU citizens to stockpile supplies for emergencies. A new report by former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö, now Special Adviser to the President of the European Commission, urges EU citizens to stockpile essential supplies in preparation for potential emergencies, including war. Published on Wednesday, the report highlights the need for guidelines on stockpiling food, medicine, flashlights, and battery-powered radios, as well as evacuation procedures and access to emergency services. Prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic and increased threats like Russian aggression, the report calls for proactive preparedness across the EU, advising households to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours. While the report acknowledges other risks, it identifies Russian aggression as a major threat, emphasising the need for the EU to develop a clear plan for responding to armed aggression against member states.
