The US proposes a new plan to increase pressure on Putin — what is it about
Category
World
Publication date

The US proposes a new plan to increase pressure on Putin — what is it about

The US proposes a new plan to increase pressure on Putin — what is it about
Source:  CNN

The Biden administration is actively working to persuade European countries to support the transfer of about $300 billion in frozen Russian central bank assets to a special account. These funds can only be unblocked as part of a future peace agreement.

Points of attention

  • The Biden administration is actively working to increase pressure on Putin through the confiscation of Russian assets and is proposing to transfer frozen funds to a special account.
  • European partners express concern about the direct confiscation of Russian assets by banks, but the US is ready to provide Ukraine with $15 billion from frozen Russian assets for the PEACE in Ukraine project.
  • Future President Donald Trump has supported the idea of a quick end to the war with Russia, but the initiative may contradict international law and complicate agreements.
  • Ukraine plans to receive $15 billion from frozen Russian assets for the development of social and humanitarian projects, as part of a broader aid program from the United States.
  • Biden's meeting with Zelensky, during which the frozen assets were planned to be discussed, was canceled due to the emergency situation in Los Angeles, but Ukraine has already signed an agreement with the World Bank to use these funds.

US proposes to seize all Russian assets to increase pressure on Putin

As the media reports, representatives of the Biden administration have already held consultations with the team of President-elect Donald Trump. In particular,

Marco Rubio (designate for Secretary of State) and Mike Walz (future National Security Advisor) have expressed general support for this strategy. Trump, according to sources, is interested in a quick conclusion to the war, which he considers protracted.

European partners are concerned that direct seizure of Russian assets by banks could violate international law, making it difficult to reach any agreement before Trump takes office.

Friedrich Merz, a potential German chancellor and leader of the Christian Democratic Union party, has shown some willingness to consider this initiative, but is not currently in office.

It is noted that Joe Biden planned to raise the issue during a meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky in Rome. However, the event was canceled due to the emergency situation in Los Angeles. Biden's phone conversation with Zelensky last Friday touched on various issues, but it is not known for certain whether the topic of frozen assets was discussed.

US to provide Ukraine with $15 billion from frozen Russian assets

As reported by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal, the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine and the World Bank signed an agreement that provides for the use of these funds within the framework of the PEACE in Ukraine project.

The financial package is part of a larger initiative in which the United States is providing Ukraine with $20 billion under the G7 program.

The funds will be used for social and humanitarian expenses.

Category
Ukraine
Publication date

What threatens students for failing the military training exam - the response of the Ministry of Defense

Ministry of Defense of Ukraine
Basic military training in universities

According to Deputy Head of the Ministry of Defense Serhiy Melnyk, students of higher educational institutions who, for one reason or another, will not be able to pass the exam in basic military training will be expelled from the university.

Points of attention

  • University students who fail the basic military training exam risk being expelled from the university, according to the Deputy Head of the Ministry of Defense.
  • Completion of the Basic Military Training (BMT) is mandatory for students starting from September 2025, involving 300 academic hours divided into theoretical and practical courses.
  • The training includes gaining knowledge in tactical, intelligence, first aid, military discipline, and weapons handling skills, with students receiving a certificate and military accounting specialty upon successful completion.
  • Failure to pass the BZVP exam or refusal to take the military oath can result in students being unable to continue their studies at the university and restrict their future employment opportunities in government agencies and the prosecutor's office.
  • Basic military training will play a crucial role in shaping the skills and discipline of university students, preparing them for potential military roles and enhancing their overall education.

What is known about the mandatory completion of BMT by university students?

Melnyk warned that students who fail the BMT exam may be expelled.

If students, according to certain principles, for example, cannot pass the exam or pass it "unsatisfactorily", or if they refuse to take the military oath, they will not be able to continue their studies at the university in the future, the Deputy Head of the Ministry of Defense noted.

In addition, Melnyk emphasized that Ukrainians who do not have basic military training will not be able to work in state and local government bodies and the prosecutor's office.

When will the BMT start and how will it be held in Ukrainian universities?

Basic military training for university students will begin in September 2025 and will include 300 academic hours. 

Basic military training will be divided into 2 parts:

  • theoretical course — 90 academic hours, which students will take at their educational institutions

  • ⁠practical course — 210 academic hours in training units, centers of the Armed Forces, and other institutions.

It is noted that during the training, students will receive basic knowledge of tactical, intelligence and psychological training, first aid, and the basics of military discipline.

In addition, they will master weapons handling skills.

Based on the results of passing the BMT, students will take the military oath and receive a certificate and a military accounting specialty.

Category
Politics
Publication date

CIA Director Burns dared to engage in an "intelligence duel" with Putin for the sake of Ukraine

Burns' War for Ukrainian Freedom

Current CIA Director William Burns is a rather modest figure, which is why not many Americans and Ukrainians know that he fearlessly led CIA forces in Ukraine since Russia's invasion nearly three years ago.

Points of attention

  • CIA Director William Burns actively supports Ukraine in its fight against Russian invaders.
  • Burns is closely acquainted with Putin, for at least 20 years.
  • He explained who the Russian dictator really is and what to expect from him.

Burns' War for Ukrainian Freedom

In December, the CIA director returned from his 14th visit to Ukraine. It is important to understand that most of his trips were secret, but most recently, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky published a photo of them shaking hands in front of the Ukrainian flag.

We had many meetings throughout this war, and I am very grateful to him for his help. We do not divulge secrets, but we keep in touch.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

President of Ukraine

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and William Burns (Photo: Facebook)

It is also worth noting that in late 2021, it was Burns who warned Kyiv and the world that Russia was ready for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Then the head of the CIA shared extremely sensitive US intelligence.

His CIA officers remained in place after the Russian invasion began and after American diplomats and military personnel left (Ukraine). They were on the front lines for nearly three years, exchanging intelligence to help Ukraine fight the Russian invaders.

Burns always knew who Putin was

International columnist David Ignatius points out that, at a deeper level, the CIA chief was locked in an intelligence duel with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

What is important to understand is that Burns has known the illegitimate head of the Kremlin for about 20 years, as he was the US ambassador to Moscow for quite a long time.

According to the CIA chief, Putin is "an emperor who is not quite dressed."

Burns may be destined to meet Putin on the battlefield in Ukraine. ... He now sees little chance that Putin is ready for any deal that is not a capitulation of Ukraine, Ignatius emphasizes.

The expert emphasizes that for the past 4 years, Burns has been the unwavering leader of America's secret service, providing assistance to Ukraine on the ground. On the battlefield, he has steadfastly stood by the side of Ukraine and his own commanders.

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