In a powerful display of unity, eight European leaders alongside senior European Union officials have declared their intention to channel Moscow’s frozen billions towards aiding Kyiv’s efforts in the ongoing conflict. This bold move, announced in a joint statement, highlights a commitment to Ukraine’s cause despite some reservations concerning the legal and potential repercussions of such an action.

Interestingly, the statement also voiced support for former President Donald Trump’s initiatives toward achieving peace in Ukraine. Trump is expected to engage in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest, Hungary in the coming weeks, a development that adds another layer to the complex geopolitical dynamics.

The leaders of Ukraine, the UK, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Poland, and Denmark, along with EU officials, made this announcement at the onset of what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described as a “very active week in diplomacy.” This diplomatic push underscores the urgency and importance of international collaboration in addressing the crisis.

Further sanctions targeting Russia’s economy are also on the agenda, poised for discussion at an EU summit scheduled in Brussels on Thursday. “We must ramp up the pressure on Russia’s economy and its defense industry, until Putin is ready to make peace,” the joint statement emphasized on Tuesday, reflecting a firm stance against Russian aggression.

Meanwhile, on Friday, the Coalition of the Willing—a consortium of 35 countries supporting Ukraine—is set to convene in London. This meeting is expected to further consolidate international efforts and strategize on ways to support Ukraine in its struggle.

On Friday, a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing — a group of 35 countries who support Ukraine — is due to take place in London.