**Western Nations Should Pressure Russia, Not Ukraine, for Peace**
Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said that Western nations should put pressure on Russia to negotiate a peace deal, rather than pushing Ukraine into talks. This comes as the US is expected to withdraw support once President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
Sikorski believes that Russia, as the aggressor in the conflict, should be forced to negotiate with Ukraine. He said that both the US and EU must help Ukraine achieve a stronger negotiating position before any potential talks.
**EU Sanctions Russia**
The European Union has adopted its 15th sanctions package against Russia, targeting the country’s shadow fleet and defense sector. This move comes after Ukraine’s allies increased economic and military support for Kyiv in an attempt to strengthen the nation’s hand before any potential peace talks.
**US Warns of North Korean Involvement**
A US State Department spokesperson warned that if North Korean troops crossed into Ukraine to fight for Russia, it would be a serious escalation. The warning comes as large-scale production of Russia’s nuclear-capable Oreshnik missile is set for the near future.
**Ukraine and Allies Push Back Against Russia**
President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia is hiding North Korean losses in Ukraine. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that a deal allowing Russian gas to transit through Ukraine will not be extended beyond the end of the year, as several European countries intensify efforts to secure alternative energy supplies.
**EU Imposes Sanctions on China**
The EU has imposed fully fledged sanctions on Chinese firms for supplying Russia’s military in the war against Ukraine. These sanctions include asset freezes and visa bans.
**Russia Prepares for War with NATO**
Russia’s Defense Minister Andrei Belousov said that the country should prepare for a war with NATO within the next 10 years.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com