Ukrainian politicians and economists urge European partners to freeze over 200,000 billion euros of Russian assets to support Ukraine's defense against Russia at a time when US support is hanging by a thread. The European Union has renewed economic sanctions against Russia for another six months and is preparing the 18th package of sanctions.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin stated on Monday that supporters of the US Senator Lindsey Graham's bill, which would impose new and tough sanctions on Russia and its trading partners (China and India), should consider how it would impact efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine.
The pace of talks to resolve the war in Ukraine depends on Kiev's position, the effectiveness of US mediation, and the situation on the ground, said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov in televised statements on Sunday.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, upon arriving in Kiev for an unannounced visit, stated that "Putin does not yield to any of his maximalist demands, he does not want negotiations, he wants a surrender."
Russia, which already controls about a fifth of Ukraine, is gradually advancing, gaining ground in the southeastern Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk in recent weeks, intensifying airstrikes across the country.
Russia launched a total of 107 drones against Ukrainian territory last night, with direct hits in 15 locations. Russian air defense systems destroyed 16 Ukrainian drones in the Kursk region and the Sea of Azov.
The head of the largest Russian bank predicts a difficult year for Russia's economy in 2026
The head of the main Russian state bank, Sber, German Gref, stated on Monday that 2026 will be a challenging year for the country's economy. "2026 also does not promise to be the easiest year. Therefore, we need to prepare well in 2025 to not disappoint our investors in 2026," said Gref.
The official added that "much will depend on geopolitics," GDP growth, and "of course, on the dynamics of the Central Bank's interest rates." He explained that "it is already clear that it will not be easy because the first half of 2026 is already visible." These statements come amid concerns of a banking crisis in the next twelve months.
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Russia blocks 15 European media websites in response to the blocking of Russian sites
Russia has blocked 15 European press websites in response to similar measures imposed by the European Union against several Russian media outlets, as reported by the Russian Foreign Ministry in a statement.
Moscow stated that this measure is a response to "new restrictions by the EU against eight Russian publications and information channels... approved within the framework of the 16th package of sanctions adopted by the European Council in February of this year."
Among the banned Russian media, the Foreign Ministry mentioned 'Eurasia Daily,' 'Fondsk,' 'Lenta,' 'News Front,' 'Rubaltic,' and 'Krasnaya Zvezda,' the official media of the Russian Ministry of Defense.
"Brussels and the capitals of the EU member countries were repeatedly warned that unfounded bans and restrictions against Russian media, as well as other types of political repression, would not go unanswered by Russia," stated the Russian Foreign Ministry.
North Korean media show Kim Jong Un covering coffins with the flag
North Korean state media showed leader Kim Jong Un covering coffins with the national flag in what appeared to be the repatriation of dead soldiers fighting for Russia against Ukraine, as the countries commemorated a historic military treaty, according to Reuters.
In a series of photographs displayed against the backdrop of a gala performance by North Korean and visiting Russian artists in Pyongyang, Kim is seen alongside rows of half a dozen coffins, covering them with flags and pausing briefly with both hands resting on them.
The EU has adopted 17 packages of sanctions and is already preparing the eighteenth.
Since Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the EU has adopted 17 packages of sanctions and is already preparing the eighteenth.
The European Council has reaffirmed its support for a global, fair, and lasting peace based on the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.
It has also made it clear that "no initiative regarding Ukraine should be taken without Ukraine's consent."
Finally, the Council emphasized that the European Union "remains ready to increase pressure on Russia, including by adopting new sanctions," as reported by Efe.
Kallas: "We will continue to pressure Moscow"
The EU renews economic sanctions against Russia for another six months
The European Union (EU) officially renewed economic sanctions against Russia for another six months until January 31, 2026, for its destabilizing actions in Ukraine, as reported by Efe.
"The EU has officially agreed today to extend sectoral sanctions against Russia. We will continue to pressure Moscow to end its war in Ukraine," stated the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security, Kaja Kallas, in a social media post, adding that "each sanction weakens Russia's ability to wage war."
The political agreement to extend these sanctions was reached by the heads of state and government of the Union at their summit last Thursday in Brussels.
These economic sanctions, first introduced in 2014 with the Russian annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol, have been expanded since February 2022 in response to Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine, as indicated by the Council in a statement.
They also include a ban on importing or transferring crude oil transported by sea and certain petroleum products from Russia to the EU, as well as the removal of the Swift system from several Russian banks and the suspension of activities and licenses for broadcasting in the Union of several "disinformation media" backed by the Kremlin.
Additionally, the EU has been approving specific measures to counter the circumvention of sanctions.
Currently, these consist of a broad spectrum of sectoral measures including restrictions on trade, finance, energy, technology, dual-use goods, industry, transportation, and luxury items.
The Kremlin warns that US sanctions on Russia and its partners would affect peace in Ukraine
The Kremlin stated on Monday that supporters of the US Senator Lindsey Graham's bill, which would impose new and tough sanctions on Russia and its trading partners, should consider how it would affect efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov responded to a question after Graham said on Sunday in an interview with ABC News that President Donald Trump had told him that the sanctions bill could be voted on.
Peskov said that Russia was aware of Graham's stance and considered him a "hardcore Russophobe."
If implemented, the bill would impose 500% tariffs on countries buying Russian products like oil, something that China and India purchase in large quantities.
The 18th EU sanctions package against Russia could be approved this week
Germany expects the European Union's plan for an eighteenth package of sanctions against Russia to be approved this week, a government spokesperson said in Berlin on Monday, as reported by Reuters.
"The European Commission proposed on June 10 a new round of sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine over three years ago, targeting Moscow's energy revenues, banks, and military industry," the spokesperson said.
Over 200,000 billion euros of frozen Russian assets
Ukrainian politicians and economists urge European partners to freeze over 200,000 billion euros of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's defense against Russia at a time when US support is hanging by a thread, as reported by Efe.
Germany promises continued aid to Ukraine
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul made an unannounced visit to Kiev on Monday in a show of continued support for Ukraine's fight to repel the Russian invasion, as international peace efforts led by the United States fail to progress. Wadephul was scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
Wadephul stated in a press release that Germany will help Ukraine "continue to successfully defend itself, with modern anti-aircraft defense and other weapons, with humanitarian and economic aid." Germany has been the second-largest military supporter of Ukraine after the United States, whose continued support is in doubt.