The leaders of France, the UK and Germany—Macron, Starmer and Merz—have agreed on the use of frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine. While a final decision is yet to be made, an agreement with the US may soon launch the process. The US is expected to provide security guarantees to Europe in case of possible threats from Russia, as part of plans to transfer seized Russian funds—up to €200 billion—for Ukraine's military needs.
Meanwhile, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has stated its readiness for a peaceful truce during the Winter Olympics, should Russia agree to participate. Although previous Olympic ceasefires were broken by Russia, Ukraine indicates that negotiations may be possible with support from international partners.
In Belarus, military drills are underway, with heightened combat readiness creating additional tension on the border. North Korea is showcasing new missile systems and, according to reports, North Korean soldiers are engaged in demining activities in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, especially in Sumy and Kursk regions.
The US is introducing 100% tariffs on Chinese goods, a move expected to affect Russia-China cooperation and, potentially, the dynamics of the war in Ukraine. Political support from key European figures, notably Macron during France's current political uncertainty, remains vital for Ukraine.
Analysts emphasize the complexity of the situation, with many unresolved issues regarding the prospect of peace, the impact of sanctions, and the reliability of Ukraine's allies.
