Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered strong criticism of European leaders, accusing them of failing to act when it comes to defending Ukraine against Russia.

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.

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

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

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.

Donald Trump’s actions, including his aggressive stance on annexing Greenland, are causing significant shifts in global security dynamics, particularly for Europe.

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.

In this week's newsletter, RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak looks at two issues: the EU’s next sanctions package on Russia and a potential NATO-led “Arctic Sentry” operation.

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.

The Kremlin on Friday hailed what it said looked like the desire of Italy, France and Germany to resume dialogue on Ukraine with Russia as a "significant shift" which matched its own view of how the situation should evolve.