• Putin claims Ukraine is unwilling to engage in peace negotiations.
• Ukraine strikes a Russian tanker, marking a significant escalation.
• The European Union and Ukraine disagree on the use of frozen Russian assets for support.
• Putin warns of consequences for Europe regarding asset use.

Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of evading a peaceful resolution to the ongoing war, asserting that the responsibility lies with Kyiv and its European allies to initiate negotiations. He expressed willingness to engage in talks but on strict terms that Ukraine has resolutely opposed, including the acceptance of a territorial forfeiture and demilitarization, terms described by Kyiv as unacceptable. During a recent year-end news conference, Putin noted, "The ball is entirely in the court of our Western opponents," emphasizing Russia's readiness for dialogue conditioned on their demands being met, according to Africanews and India Times.

As negotiations remain stagnant, Ukraine has recently showcased its military capabilities, claiming to have struck a Russian "shadow fleet" oil tanker in the Mediterranean—a bold move in their ongoing conflict strategy. The operation, executed using aerial drones, was touted as a significant advance in Ukrainian efforts to undermine Russian oil shipment operations, emphasizing that such ships are legitimate targets under international law. A representative from Ukraine’s SBU intelligence agency stated, "Ukraine will not stop and will strike it anywhere in the world," highlighting their commitment to continued resistance, according to CBS News and India Times.

On the diplomatic front, the European Union has announced a support package exceeding $100 billion for Ukraine, but discussions about leveraging frozen Russian assets for this aid have failed to materialize. UKraine officials have voiced concerns over the EU's decision to fund without tapping into these assets, asserting that such resources should be utilized to bolster their defense while maintaining pressure on Russia. Putin criticized the EU's plans as attempts at "daylight robbery," warning of grave repercussions for Europe should they pursue these financial strategies against Russia’s assets, according to CBS News and India Times.

Despite these tensions, U.S. officials have been mediating efforts for peace, pushing for a resolution to what has become Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II. While Putin acknowledges these maneuvers, he maintains that Ukraine must show readiness to accept Russia's conditions, suggesting that there is still a pathway to negotiations if Ukraine concedes to Moscow's demands, according to Africanews and CBS News.