Russian invasion

NATO's future
German air force chief: Continue buying weapons from the US

To meet the threat from Vladimir Putin, Germany must continue buying proven weapons systems from the US, while Europe builds its own defense capabilities. This is what the head of the German air force, Holger Neumann, tells Politico.

The statement comes at a time when Europe is preparing to become less dependent on American weapons. Neumann emphasizes that it takes time to build its own defense.

- Right now we don't have time, he says.

According to Neumann, Europe's industries have a large capacity to produce defense equipment, but at the same time have not had time to develop the technical competence that the United States possesses.

Sanctions
Race against time for new sanctions against Russia

Before midnight, EU countries need to agree on their 21st sanctions package against Russia. If it fails, one of the consequences will be an automatic increase in the price cap that sets a maximum price for what Russia is allowed to earn on its oil. TT writes.

A solution is now being sought at the last minute at an extraordinary ambassadorial meeting late Tuesday afternoon.

Among the remaining issues are opposition to further measures against Russian liquefied natural gas and demands for an exemption for the Austrian bank Raiffeisen.

The sanctions package has already been cut back after Bulgaria said no to measures against the head of the Russian Orthodox Church and Germany opposed an import ban on Russian Alaska pollock. A planned visa ban for Russians who fought in Ukraine has also been watered down in the negotiations.

Source: Trump to support Graham's sanctions against Russia

Trump is to support one of the heart issues of the recently deceased Senator Lindsey Graham - namely a sanctions package against Russia. A source within the White House tells Bloomberg.

The package is intended to put pressure on the Kremlin by punishing countries that trade with Russia or buy Russian oil.

Previously, the White House has opposed sanctions against Russia, citing that they would undermine attempts to broker peace through diplomacy.