New EU sanctions against Russia are set to take effect next Monday, coinciding with the third anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, the head of the Russian sovereign wealth fund anticipates the return of US companies to the Russian market within the year. In Ukraine, Odessa faces severe utility disruptions following a Russian attack, and nearly 300,000 Ukrainians have found employment in Germany since the conflict began. Discussions between Putin and Trump may occur soon, amid criticism of the ongoing war and US-Russia relations.
New EU sanctions targeting Russia are scheduled to be implemented next Monday. Meanwhile, the head of the Russian sovereign wealth fund anticipates the return of US companies to the Russian market within this year.
Key updates:
Employment of Ukrainians in Germany Surges
In the three years since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, Germany has seen the employment of nearly 300,000 Ukrainians. According to the Federal Employment Agency (BA), over 245,000 of these individuals contribute to social security. These statistics are derived from the latest estimates available as of November 2024, with more current numbers still pending release from the BA.
Potential Putin-Trump Meeting on the Horizon
The Russian presidential office has indicated that a meeting between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump could occur by the end of February. Spokesperson Dmitri Peskov stated that such talks require adequate preparation. The discussions held in Riyadh on Monday are considered a significant step toward addressing the Ukraine crisis. Peskov emphasized that the relationship between these two superpowers must first be revitalized before any restoration can take place. President Trump mentioned that he is likely to meet with Putin ‘probably in February.’
Odessa Faces Power Outages Following Attack
Reports from Ukraine indicate that a substantial number of residents in Odessa are currently without electricity, water, and heating due to a Russian assault. Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov described the situation via Telegram as a ‘massive enemy attack’ on populated areas, with over 250,000 people impacted. At least four individuals have been reported injured.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shared on platform X that around 160,000 people in Odessa are experiencing power outages. He condemned Russia’s attacks on civilian energy infrastructure, pointing to a recent meeting of foreign ministers from the US and Russia in Riyadh, where Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov denied such aggressions.
Residents of Odessa survey buildings damaged by drone strikes.
Kellogg Visits Kyiv as US Special Envoy
Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, has arrived in Kyiv, as reported by Ukrainian media. Footage from the agency Suspilne showed him arriving by train and being greeted by US Ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink. During his three-day visit, Kellogg is expected to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky, among others, after a tour of Europe that included attendance at the Munich Security Conference.
New Sanctions Against Russia Effective Monday
In response to the ongoing aggression against Ukraine, EU nations have agreed to a new package of sanctions against Russia. This set of sanctions is slated to come into force next Monday, coinciding with the third anniversary of the invasion, as announced by the Polish EU Council presidency following a decision made by the committee of permanent representatives of the member states in Brussels.
No Significant Damage to Samara Oil Refinery
Local authorities in Samara, Russia, reported that the oil refinery recently attacked by Ukraine is under control, with no significant damage noted. Governor Vyacheslav Fedorishchev communicated via Telegram that all repercussions from the attack have been addressed. While he had initially confirmed an attack, he clarified that Samara, situated in southern Russia, is far from the Ukrainian border. Ukrainian forces have targeted Russian oil refineries, asserting they supply the Russian military.
Russian Sovereign Wealth Fund Expects US Companies Back
Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian sovereign wealth fund, announced expectations for the return of US companies to Russia by this year. He stated that the Russian Direct Investment Fund anticipates several American businesses will re-enter the market in the second quarter of 2025. However, he cautioned that the process won’t be straightforward as many market segments are already filled. Following sanctions due to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, numerous US and European firms exited the Russian market.
Dmitriev was part of the Russian delegation attending discussions in Riyadh, and his fund was established to bolster investments in the domestic economy.
Trump Critiques Ukraine Amid Ongoing War
In response to Ukraine’s remarks about not being invited to the Riyadh discussions, Trump reacted with sarcasm, stating, ‘I heard today: Oh, we weren’t invited,’ and added, ‘Well, you’ve been in it for three years.’ He emphasized that the conflict should have concluded long ago and suggested that Ukraine could have negotiated a resolution. Trump criticized the leadership in Kyiv for allowing a conflict that he believes should never have occurred. Although he expressed personal regard for Zelensky, he insisted the focus should be on effective resolutions rather than personal relationships.
Odessa Suffers Utility Disruptions After Assault
A recent Russian assault on the Ukrainian port city of Odesa has resulted in significant disruptions to electricity, heating, and water supply. Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov reported that essential services, including hospitals and social infrastructure, are currently lacking heating. He described the attack as massive and shared images on Telegram showing buildings with broken windows and damaged exteriors, though he did not provide details on casualties.
US Freezes Immigration Applications for Ukrainians
Reports indicate that the Trump administration has temporarily halted all immigration applications from Ukrainian and Latin American migrants. This decision has been attributed to concerns regarding fraud and security, as reported by CBS News, which cited internal memos and unnamed government officials.
Expert Deems US-Russia Talks ‘Fruitless’
In light of rising tensions with the US, a prominent peace researcher argues that Europe should prioritize a more unified defense strategy. Dan Smith, director of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri), emphasized that for European nations to enhance their military effectiveness, they must closely integrate their armed forces and defense initiatives. He expressed skepticism regarding Trump’s unilateral approach to negotiations with Russia concerning Ukraine’s future, suggesting it does not bode well for achieving lasting peace or even a sustainable ceasefire. Smith labeled this approach as a ‘pointless endeavor.’
Ukraine perceives the US-Russia meeting primarily as a victory for Moscow.