Ukraine

When Russia invaded Ukraine two years ago, endangering global trade and energy supplies, it seemed that a swift return to normalcy would have been in the interests not only of the countries that rushed to Ukraine's support but also of China, as its growth and people's welfare, too, depend on the stability of the global system of economic and political government.

Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine, faced a sudden air strike alert this morning, prompting the Bulgarian delegation led by Speaker of the National Assembly Rosen Zhelyazkov to seek refuge in a bomb shelter.

It seems that Viktor Orban has become a "vaccine" which strengthens the European Union, forcing it to act decisively whenever it appears adrift. A few weeks ago, in mid-December, the leaders of the other member-states urged the Hungarian prime minister to "go get some coffee" while they approved the start of Ukraine's and Moldova's EU accession process.

Day 709 of the invasion of Ukraine. Summary of key events in the last 24 hours:

Today, EU leaders reached a rapid consensus on a €50 billion support package for Ukraine, breaking a deadlock that threatened crucial financial assistance for Kyiv. The breakthrough came after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who had been obstructing the release of funds, conceded during intense negotiations at the extraordinary summit.

Türkiye and Ukraine have signed a document to set up the Turkish-Ukrainian Reconstruction Task Force that will allow Turkish companies to take part in the infrastructure projects in Ukraine.

The deal was inked during the forum on the reconstruction of Ukraine, organized in Istanbul on Jan. 31.

EU leaders will grapple with Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban at a crunch summit meeting Thursday to try to overcome his veto on 50 billion euros in financial aid for Ukraine.

Fighting in Ukraine during the previous day was fought in the Dnipropetrovsk region, and clashes were also fought in Kharkiv and Kherson, in the east and south of the country.
On the other hand, more than 10 drones of the Ukrainian armed forces attacked the Belgorod region in the past 24 hours, with more than 120 shells fired at towns and villages in the border region.

The fight to root out endemic corruption remains a major issue as Ukraine presses its bid to secure membership in the European Union

February 20th of this year will mark the second anniversary of Russia's attack on Ukraine. The military situation currently seems deadlocked - little progress is being made and peace is currently not in sight.