Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
But it’s doubtful that the two sides can agree on how to do it.
It might be one the only times of the year, the two countries have agreed on anything.
What is happening?
In a post on X, Ukranian President, Wolodomyr Zelenskyy, said that he have appointed the former Minister of Defence, Rustem Umerov, as head Ukraine’s National Security Council.
Meant to “add momentum” to negotiations
Zelenskyy explains in the post that the apoointment is meant to “add momentum” to the stalled peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
Kremlin agrees
According to the Russian News Agency, Interfax, Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, said that the Kremlin “absolutely agree” with Zelenskyy’s wish of adding momentum to the talks.
“A positive signal”
During a conversation with journalists on Friday, Peskov commented on the statement by Zelenskyy, saying:
“This is a positive signal. And here we absolutely agree: indeed, we are also in favor of adding dynamics to the negotiation process.”
Not Umerov’s only job
Other than adding momentum to the peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, he will also be tasked with securing weapons agreements with Ukraine’s allies.
Trump’s 50-day deadline
Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump gave Russia a 50-day deadline to reach a ceasefire-agreement with Ukraine.
If not …
If Kremlin does not agree to a ceasefire before then, Russia will be hit with a 100 % tariff from the US.
Targeting Russian trade partners
What might be more serious for Russia is that Trump also threatened to issue a 100 % tariff on countries buying Russian oil.
These countries include China and India.
18th round of sanctions from the EU
Earlier today, the EU-member states agreed on the 18th round of sanctions aimed at Russia.
It lowers the price cap on Russian oil to 15 % below market average, and other than that targets the Russian energy industry and shadow fleet.
