Costa urges Orban to respect EU loan to Kiev as Ukrainian army recaptures 400 km²
The European Council insists on the disbursement of the 90 billion loan to Ukraine, while on the ground the Ukrainian army advances and new negotiations with Russia are prepared.
"I strongly urge you to comply with the decision taken at the December European Council" on the 90 billion loan to Ukraine. This was written by the President of the European Council Antonio Costa in a letter addressed to Viktor Orban, stressing that "a decision taken by the European Council must be respected" and explaining that "violating this principle violates the principle of sincere cooperation". Tomorrow in Kiev Costa will raise the issue of the pipeline case with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Costa also mentioned in the missive.
Kallas: no progress to date on new sanctions package
The EU foreign ministers failed to reach an agreement today on the 20th sanctions package against Russia for the war in Ukraine. "This is a defeat, it is not the message we wanted to send today. But the work continues." This was stated by High Representative Kaja Kallas, at a press conference at the end of the EU Council.
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Kallas also spoke about the Hungarian blocking of the 90 billion loan to Kiev. "It is indeed deplorable that the decision taken by all leaders in the European Council is now a step backwards," said the EU High Representative.
Ukrainian army commander: 'Since the end of January, control of 400 km² of territory resumed'
In a message posted on social media, General Oleksandr Syrsky, commander of the Ukrainian army, announced that the Ukrainian army had regained ground on the Russian army. "Since the end of January this year, on the Oleksandrivka front, airborne assault forces and adjacent units have regained control of 400 sq km of territory and eight cities," he wrote. The enemy 'continues to exert pressure', using small assault groups to infiltrate Ukrainian positions, as well as artillery, drones and, in some areas, armoured vehicles, Syrsky added.
Possible new negotiations at the end of March
A new round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia could be held on 26 and 27 February. This was announced by the head of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's office, Kirill Budanov. "It is no secret that the negotiations are not easy. But we are definitely moving forward and approaching the moment when all sides will have to make final decisions: continue this war or make peace," he added. Budanov added that he hoped that a new exchange of prisoners could be conducted this week. 'We are working on it, I hope it will happen this week,' he said, anticipating that it could be a 'significant' number of prisoners, 'bigger than last time'.
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