Former Putin adviser Sergey Karaganov warned that Russia would use nuclear weapons against Europe should it ever come close to defeat.

The European Union’s ban on the import of fuels made from Russian crude has put some traders on edge as the bloc’s curbs enter into force — a reminder of the potential for blowback from regulations that are designed to hurt Moscow.

Imports of oil from Indian refiners have boomed since the European Union curbed its direct purchases of energy fuels from Russia. Traders have taken advantage of a so-called “refining loophole” in the sanctions regime, by selling on oil products to Europe which are made from Russian crude then refined in India.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized European leaders, accusing them of failing to act when it comes to defending Ukraine against Russia. “Europe loves to discuss the future, but avoids taking action today, action that defines what kind of future we will have,” Zelensky said at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday.

Western fuel companies say cheap supplies and lack of political will risk locking the continent into strategic dependency

The EU is preparing its 20th sanctions package against Russia, focusing on tightening enforcement, expanding maritime restrictions, and closing loopholes used to circumvent existing measures, while more far-reaching energy sanctions remain unlikely.

On December 20, 2025, the European Union (EU) nearly crossed a dangerous line in its relations with Russia. The European Union attempted to seize Russian financial assets held in Belgium, claiming they could be used to fund the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Ahead of the state visit of the European Union leaders from January 25 to 27, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas said Friday that the India-EU Free Trade Agreement is a “strategic choice” and provides a chance to reduce reliance on China, Russia and US.

An ally and former adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin and former President Boris Yeltsin said the country could use nuclear weapons against Europe should Russia ever be on the verge of defeat in its ongoing war with Ukraine.

Ukraine nuclear facilities face Russian attack threats as Moscow weighs strikes on power substations to force capitulation, officials say. Zaporizhzhia is a primary target.