**Germany’s Ruling Party and Challenger Agree on Ukraine Support**
Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his main challenger, Friedrich Merz, agreed during a TV debate that Berlin must continue supporting Ukraine. They also both agree that Russia’s war in Ukraine should end as soon as possible.
The debate was held on February 9, just before the upcoming elections on February 23. Polls show Merz’s conservative party is leading the vote. Scholz’s ruling coalition lost its majority after another party left it.
During the debate, Merz said Germany could have ended the war sooner if it had supported Ukraine more strongly and with less hesitation. He also called for a united strategy between Europe and the U.S. allies on the Russia-Ukraine war.
Scholz, who has provided $11 billion in military aid to Ukraine since 2022, stressed that he wants to help Ukraine build up a strong army.
**Russia’s War Continues**
Meanwhile, Russia launched 83 combat drones overnight, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. This is just one of many incidents in recent days where Russian forces have been active in Ukraine.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. Vice President JD Vance are expected to meet during a security conference later this week.
**Diplomatic Efforts**
Moldova’s Prime Minister said that the breakaway region of Tiraspol rejected EU financial assistance due to Russian influence.
The news comes as 19 EU member states proposed expanding financing for arms production through the EIB on January 31.
U.S. President Donald Trump said his administration is making progress in negotiations with Ukraine, while Chinese President Xi Jinping invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to commemorate Japan’s surrender and the end of World War II.
**International Reactions**
The U.S. has accused North Korea of sending its citizens to work overseas, which is a violation of UN resolutions. The U.S. aid to Kyiv “is going to be a partnership with the Ukrainians in terms of their rare earths, their natural resources, and their oil and gas,” Trump’s national security adviser said.
The EU has been told to boost independence further and end all Russian energy imports. Some have even suggested a full trade embargo on Russia.
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