As the war in Ukraine continues into its 971st day, new developments have emerged on multiple fronts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on allies to confront evidence of North Korea’s involvement in the conflict, with reports of up to 12,000 North Korean troops set to participate. Ukrainian officials also announced the resignation of Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin amidst a scandal involving abuse of disability status by officials to avoid military service.
On the financial front, Russia is seeking increased cooperation with BRICS members as world leaders gather in Kazan. Estonia has urged NATO to raise defence spending targets, while the European Parliament has approved the use of frozen Russian assets to loan billions of euros to Ukraine. The EU, accused of committing economic crimes by Moscow, holds billions of euros in frozen Russian money.
In diplomacy, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed support for peace in Ukraine to Russian President Vladimir Putin, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has criticized Putin for harming vulnerable populations with attacks on food supply ships. Poland has expelled Russian consulate staff after uncovering a recruitment scheme for arson attacks in the EU and US.
In the US, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has announced plans for a $20 billion contribution to a G7 loan package for Ukraine and potential sanctions targeting Russian weapons procurement. With G7 leaders finalizing the plan, diplomatic efforts continue amidst ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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