Brussels drafts alternative funding solution to circumvent a Hungary veto on extending Russian assets freeze
Engineering a $50bn advance from the profits of frozen Russian assets is presenting a challenge
Commission set to table measure to indefinitely immobilise Russia’s central bank assets
Few disagree on the goal but turning it into reality requires strategic thinking
Top US and European defence companies want to recruit tens of thousands of workers this year
Leaders accuse Beijing of ‘enabling’ Ukraine conflict and consider more confrontational stance on its economic policies
Italian premier trades barbs with under-pressure French president over abortion rights
Leaders agree to front-load funding for Kyiv backed by expected profits from frozen Russian assets
Ukraine needs the money Russia owes it, all of it and fast
Talks on scheme to unlock funds to support Ukraine’s war effort continue as summit begins in Italy
Also in this newsletter: Have the farmers’ protests petered out?
Ministers meeting in Italy also pledge to press China to cut industrial subsidies
Also in this newsletter: Poland and Greece demand a shared EU air defence system
Washington seeks to front-load aid for Kyiv by using profits from Russia’s frozen assets as loan guarantees
Forecaster delivers downbeat outlook ahead of local elections in England
Agreement marks first time rich countries have set deadline on ending reliance on the fossil fuel
Turin meeting puts timeline on deal made at COP28 summit, with allowance for fossil-fuel-reliant nations like Japan
Batteries and other solutions aim to store wind, solar and hydropower to make up for intermittent supply
Hope that Washington’s idea could generate tens of billions in cash for Kyiv
Warnings come amid fears Tehran is stepping up support for Moscow’s war in Ukraine
Further economic growth is possible, but the right policies are needed to unlock it
Western leaders pledge to support Kyiv on second anniversary of Russia’s invasion as doubts over US aid mount
Price pressures in UK forecast to be highest among G7 nations over next two years
Belgian government circulates proposal as Kyiv’s allies seek ways to tap Moscow’s frozen wealth
Proposal would accelerate preparations in time for a February summit to show solidarity with Ukraine
