The recent terrorist attack near Moscow, the deadliest in 20 years, has challenged Vladimir Putin's security promise to Russians. Putin linked the fight against terrorism to his invasion of Ukraine, while Ukrainian officials denied involvement. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident may accelerate Russia's military actions against Ukraine, with a potential spring offensive. EU leaders discussed defense industry production and called for a ceasefire in Gaza. France and Germany announced a new tank development, and EU satellites will be launched from the US. Ukraine's Prime Minister advocated for the country's EU accession, and EU leaders supported membership talks with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Western sanctions and their effectiveness are a key focus of Russian propaganda, highlighting the Kremlin's efforts to control this narrative and the actual impact on the Russian economy. Over ten years of the Russia-Ukraine conflict have seen multiple sanctions packages from the EU, with the 13th package adopted in February 2024 and discussions for a 14th underway. Despite these measures, the conflict continues, and Russia attempts to downplay the sanctions' effects. Russian propaganda portrays sanctions as ineffective and harmful to the West, while surveys indicate that most Russians believe the sanctions do not affect them significantly. Ukrainian perspectives on sanctions vary, with some doubting their effectiveness in ending the war. The article is part of the FREIHEIT media project funded by the European Media and Information Fund (EMIF).

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the West to maintain a united front against Russian President Vladimir Putin and to increase support for Kyiv to ensure Moscow does not win the war. Zelensky spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos, emphasizing the need for air superiority for Ukraine and criticizing the West's hesitation in support as potentially prolonging the conflict. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg pressed for continued military donations to force Putin to negotiate. The EU and the US are working on providing financial aid, with EU leaders trying to overcome Hungary's veto on funding. Putin stated that Russia will not be forced to give up its gains in Ukraine, while the Russian Foreign Ministry criticized the Davos meeting for not increasing support for Zelensky's proposals.

Ukraine and Switzerland are set to host a significant meeting of national security advisors in Davos to garner support for Ukraine's peace plan. This fourth official gathering aims to build international backing for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's 10-point peace plan, which includes restoring Ukraine's territorial integrity and withdrawing Russian troops. Despite previous meetings not yielding a final declaration or summit date, there are considerations for a summit in February 2024. However, challenges persist as Western attention is divided, and some countries remain neutral or supportive of Russia. The talks exclude Russia, which has rejected the initiative, and Ukraine remains firm against ceding territory. The ongoing conflict and Western aid dynamics continue to shape the geopolitical landscape.

Brussels is working to overcome Hungary's veto of EU aid to Ukraine, with European diplomats proposing a compromise that includes a mid-term review of the four-year aid program in 2025, allowing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to potentially oppose the funding then. EU member states agreed on a partial negotiation mandate to discuss a €50 billion aid package for Ukraine, despite Budapest's threat of a veto at the upcoming leaders' summit. Hungary has requested that the package be divided into annual tranches and has made additional demands regarding EU Covid recovery funds. The EU continues to seek a resolution with Hungary, while also considering alternatives, including an agreement without Hungary. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is attempting to persuade Orbán to support Ukraine and improve relations with President Volodymyr Zelensky. The US has also expressed disappointment with Hungary's stance on Ukraine and is pressuring Budapest to approve the funding.

EU countries are considering a new naval operation to ensure security and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea amid ongoing Houthi attacks on ships. The proposal, to be discussed by EU ambassadors, suggests a mission involving anti-air destroyers or frigates. The urgency has increased following recent US and British strikes in Yemen and disruptions to global supply chains. Spain has opposed participation due to its commitment to the Atalanta mission and domestic political reasons. The EU aims to finalize plans by January 22 and potentially launch the operation by the end of February.

Hungary is conditioning the approval of aid for Ukraine on the extension of the recovery plan's validity, which would give it more time to negotiate the unfreezing of its funds. Hungary also seeks the ability to veto the Ukrainian package annually, providing further opportunities to blackmail other states. The EU failed to unanimously approve a €50 billion fund to support Ukraine's economy in December due to Hungary's veto. Hungary proposed an alternative to provide Ukraine with €12.5 billion in grants and loans annually, instead of a one-time decision on the fund. This move could allow Hungary to delay and block the process to exchange its consent for concessions on penalties for undermining the rule of law and corruption. The EU is preparing for a challenging summit on February 1 to persuade Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

With Russia's war on Ukraine entering its third year, the conflict has reached a stalemate, and both the EU and the US are struggling to provide new funding for Kyiv. Despite continued bilateral aid, concerns about 'Ukraine fatigue' are rising. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizes the need for ongoing support to counter Russian advances. The EU faces internal challenges, including Hungary's veto of a €50 billion aid package, while the US grapples with budgetary constraints. Germany and other European nations have pledged increased military aid, but the long-term resolve of Western allies remains uncertain.

The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has reached a stalemate, with both sides facing significant challenges. Russia is leveraging time to weaken Western resolve, while the US and EU struggle to secure new funding for Ukraine despite their promises of unlimited support. The article highlights the critical need for long-term financial and military commitments from Ukraine's key supporters, the EU and the US, amidst internal and external pressures. Key figures such as Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky are central to the narrative, with the former determined to continue the conflict and the latter advocating for essential support. The EU faces internal disagreements, particularly with Hungary, over the aid package, while the US grapples with budgetary constraints. The outcome of these financial battles will significantly impact Ukraine's ability to sustain its defense and government operations.

Charles Michel, President of the European Council, announced his early departure to run in the European elections, accelerating discussions on EU 'top jobs'. His decision could lead to Viktor Orbán temporarily assuming the Council presidency, a prospect met with concern due to Orbán's controversial stance on democracy. Michel's move, seen as a bid to strengthen EU's global position and defense, has sparked mixed reactions, including criticism from within his political family. The announcement also pressures Ursula von der Leyen to declare her candidacy for a second term as European Commission President.