Russian invasion

Drone alarm in Europe
Germany: Drones linked to frozen Russian assets

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius believes that this week's drone flights in Belgium can be linked to the country's holdings of Russian assets, Reuters reports. Talks are underway about the frozen assets being used to finance aid to Ukraine, and Pistorius says that "everyone" sees the connection.

The aim, according to the minister, is to deter Belgium, whose financial institution Euroclear holds the money.

- It cannot be interpreted in any other way.

Belgium's Defense Ministry notes that such speculation exists, but does not want to comment on Pistorius's statements.

Sanctions
Russian sanctions could sabotage Orbán and Trump's friendship

Donald Trump's relationship with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will be tested when the leaders meet in Washington on Friday, according to the BBC and the New York Times.

The American newspaper writes that they admire each other but that there are also clear differences of opinion, not least when it comes to Russian energy. Last month, the US imposed sanctions on two Russian oil giants and Hungary gets a large part of its energy from Russia.

Donald Trump has threatened to impose so-called secondary sanctions on countries that buy Russian energy.

“Trump has the upper hand,” writes James Batchik at the Atlantic Council’s Europe Center think tank.

The world’s response
Former NATO chief warns of “perpetual war” in Ukraine

European countries must change their Ukraine strategy – otherwise they risk a perpetual war. That is what Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former Danish prime minister and secretary general of NATO, says, according to The Guardian. He believes that Vladimir Putin has no reason to negotiate peace as long as Russia feels they can win.

– Changes in pace and attitude are needed.

He warns that Ukraine's territory will slowly shrink and wants the country to get more long-range missiles that can be used against targets on Russian soil. Ahead of a possible ceasefire, Fogh Rasmussen wants European soldiers to form a protection force on Ukrainian soil.

Swedish reactions
Sweden and Ukraine to develop weapons together

Sweden and Ukraine plan to create a joint hub for defense innovation in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, the countries' defense ministers Pål Jonson (M) and Denys Sjmyhal said at a press conference.

The idea is, among other things, that Swedish and Ukrainian personnel will cooperate to develop new weapons.

- Together we can move faster from ideas to weapons in the hands of soldiers, says Jonson according to DN.

Before the press conference, Jonson and Sjmyhal signed a so-called declaration of intent to establish the hub.