Wednesday, 31 July 2024

Kremlin Denounces EU Plan to Use Frozen Russian Assets for Ukraine Aid as "Theft," Vows Legal Action

The Kremlin criticized the EU's plan to use interest earned on frozen Russian assets to fund military aid to Ukraine, calling it "theft."
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that such actions violate international law and property rights, and Russia will pursue legal action against those involved.
The EU announced that the first tranche of 1.4 billion euros from these proceeds would be allocated for Ukraine in early August.
Following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, around $300 billion of Russian assets were frozen by the U.S. and its allies.
The EU plans to use the interest from these assets, expected to yield 15-20 billion euros by 2027, for an aid fund for Ukraine.
The Russian Foreign Ministry warned of a tough response to Europe's actions, criticizing the move as contrary to the principles of free markets and potentially damaging to global investment confidence.

PM Modi's Vienna Visit: A Strategic Move

PM Narendra Modi's trip to Vienna is the first by an Indian Prime Minister since Indira Gandhi in 1983.
Austria, a neutral European country not part of NATO, served as a strategic location for Modi's message to both Moscow and the West.
The visit followed Modi's meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, highlighting India's balanced approach in international relations.
The India-Austria relationship, rooted in trust and friendship, shows great potential for future collaboration.

European leaders condemned the attempted assassination of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his horror, stating that political violence has no place in society and offering his thoughts to the victims.
French President Emmanuel Macron called it a tragedy for democracies and expressed solidarity with the American people.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the attack as "despicable," emphasizing that political violence is unacceptable in a democracy.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen echoed this sentiment, denouncing political violence.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, an ally of Trump, shared his thoughts and prayers with the former president during this difficult time.

Moscow's Europe Square has been renamed Eurasia Square, indicating a shift in Russia's stance away from Europe.
The square, originally built as a symbol of unity with Europe, now reflects Russia's pivot towards Asia amid strained relations with the West due to the war in Ukraine and sanctions.
Reactions from Moscow residents are mixed, with some supporting the change due to current geopolitical tensions, while others view it as a sign of conflict.
The renaming of streets and squares in Moscow, including areas near the US and British embassies, highlights the political nature of such decisions in response to international conflicts.

Moscow's Europe Square has been officially renamed Eurasia Square.
The renaming reflects deteriorating relations between Russia and Western nations due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and Western sanctions.
Europe is now depicted as an adversary by Russian authorities, signaling a shift in political and cultural alignment.
Moscow Correspondent Steve Rosenberg interviews locals for their perspectives on the renaming.

July 21, 2024, became the hottest day ever recorded globally, with an average temperature of 17.09°C (62.76°F), surpassing last year’s record.
Scientists attribute the frequent breaking of heat records primarily to human-induced climate change, exacerbated by greenhouse gas emissions.
Unusual warmth in Antarctica, extreme heat in California, and a deadly heatwave in Europe contributed to the record-setting day.
Experts warn that without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, new temperature records are inevitable, underscoring the urgent need for political action.

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