Russian Troops Advance in Donetsk as Ukraine Strikes Key Command Posts
Russian forces have reportedly made advancements near eight settlements in Donetsk Oblast
Amidst discussions surrounding a new US aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, which includes provisions for seizing Russian state assets in the US, American media outlets are expressing skepticism about the likelihood of such confiscation taking place.
The influential publication, The Hill, suggests that despite the potential for redirecting 5 billion USD of Russian assets to Ukraine, any such action would necessitate approval from the G-7 and the European Union. This raises doubts about the feasibility of asset seizure.
Citing a Wall Street Journal article, it is noted that Germany, a key player in European politics, does not currently support the immediate confiscation of Russian assets. Instead, there are concerns about using seized assets as leverage to pressure Russia into relinquishing control over Ukrainian territories it has annexed.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has vehemently opposed the notion of seizing Russian assets, warning of severe repercussions for what she deems as "Western theft."
Zakharova asserts that Russian assets are non-negotiable and should not be used as bargaining chips in geopolitical negotiations. She emphasizes Russia's stance of not engaging in property exchanges for territorial concessions.
In the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the US and its allies collectively froze approximately 300 billion USD in Russian foreign assets. Among these, nearly 5 billion USD are located within the United States, raising questions about their potential fate amidst escalating tensions.
Investigative journalist Christo Grozev has suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin might agree to Ukraine joining NATO under certain conditions
Azerbaijan has demanded an apology from Russia following the downing of an Azerbaijani civilian passenger plane, as confirmed by new information
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed unwavering resolve for a Russian victory in Ukraine, insisting on peace terms dictated by Moscow while issuing a stark warning to the West about the capabilities of the Oreshnik missiles
A high-ranking Russian military officer has been killed in an explosion in Moscow, the country's Investigative Committee confirmed
Former Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad has issued his first public statement since his regime was toppled earlier this month
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russian forces are maintaining a strategic upper hand along the entire front line in eastern Ukraine, emphasizing that their offensive is gaining momentum
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