Beijing and Moscow are linked by a strategic partnership and a common adversary, “the West”. Senior Diplomat Johannes Regen­brecht analyzes for us what this alliance is about, what interests Xi Jinping is pursuing in Putin’s large-scale war against Ukraine and what challenges the Russian-Chinese alliance faces from an erratic president in the White House. The US and the European Union must be aware that restric­tions on Ukraine’s sover­eignty will set a signif­icant precedent not only for Europe, but also for the Indo-Pacific region. 

The EU risks losing Russia’s frozen assets as sanctions near expiration. Legal experts confirm trans­ferring these funds to Ukraine is lawful and would enforce Russia’s repara­tions oblig­ation. Seizing the assets could bolster inter­na­tional law and strengthen Ukraine finan­cially and military. Yulia Ziskina asks if the EU will act before it is too late.

Trump celebrates himself above all in his State of the Union speech. His executive orders have not only plunged his country into uncer­tainty and insecurity since he took office. While Trump and his MAGA people are still on their honeymoon, the discontent with his policies – both domestic and foreign – is growing and the devas­tating conse­quences are increas­ingly being felt. Where is the US opposition and from where is there resis­tance from within the liberal, pro-democ­ratic ranks? Our political analyst, Jackson Janes, looks at the mood in his country from Washington.