Politics

Wednesday, July 30

Trump is serious this time: Russia has 10 days left to reach a truce.

Trump is serious this time: Russia has 10 days left to reach a truce. US President Donald Trump said he would give Russia 10 more days, beginning yesterday, to reach a truce with Ukraine, formally announcing a new deadline intended to put pressure on Putin to end the wa...

Money for reforms: The EU has warned Kyiv about the link between funding certain programs and the operations of the NABU and SAPO.

Money for reforms: The EU has warned Kyiv about the link between funding certain programs and the operations of the NABU and SAPO. The EU sent Kyiv a diplomatic warning about potential funding cuts if the parliament does not fully repeal the provisions of Law No. 12414 this week, which restrict the powers of the National Anti-Cor...

Tuesday, July 29

The Western allies are ramping up the pressure on Moscow, as Trump shortens the deadline for Putin to agree to truce from 50 to 10-12 days.

The Western allies are ramping up the pressure on Moscow, as Trump shortens the deadline for Putin to agree to truce from 50 to 10-12 days. According to Vladyslav Vlasyuk, Ukraine’s sanctions commissioner for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the EU is already working on its 19th Russian sanctions package. Kyiv has submitted its propos...

The US and EU reach a trade deal: Why it’s a good sign for Ukraine.

The US and EU reach a trade deal: Why it’s a good sign for Ukraine. The US and the EU have agreed on a trade deal that will impose a 15% tariff on most EU exports, including cars, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals, starting August 1. To replace Russian energy, the E...

Zelenskyy signs a law to reform ARMA in order to secure €600M in EU funding.

Zelenskyy signs a law to reform ARMA in order to secure €600M in EU funding. President Zelenskyy approved Law No. 12374-d, which enhances the institutional capacity of the National Agency of Ukraine for the Identification, Search, and Management of Assets Derived from Corrupti...

Germany doubles its defense aid to Ukraine.

Germany doubles its defense aid to Ukraine. Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany Oleksiy Makeyev stated that the German government has allocated €8.3B for Ukrainian military aid in this year’s budget. “All previous government projects pr...

Monday, July 28

Experts doubt that Trump will impose 100% tariffs on Russia’s trading partners.

Experts doubt that Trump will impose 100% tariffs on Russia’s trading partners. According to Reuters, US President Donald Trump is unlikely to impose the promised 100% tariffs on countries that buy Russian oil. Trump has already threatened similar measures against countries that ...

The EU might cut off Russian gas supplies a year earlier than expected.

The EU might cut off Russian gas supplies a year earlier than expected. The European Parliament is exploring proposals to accelerate the EU’s phase-out of Russian gas by one year, aiming for January 2027. EU countries and their lawmakers are preparing to negotiate an EU p...

Friday, July 25

The US and the EU have signed a weapons purchase agreement that will supply Ukraine’s military.

The US and the EU have signed a weapons purchase agreement that will supply Ukraine’s military. US President Donald Trump said that the US and the EU have reached an agreement in which Brussels will cover the full cost of all weapons and equipment that will be acquired. After receiving American ...

Zelenskyy has submitted a bill to the parliament that will ensure the independence of the SAPO and NABU.

Zelenskyy has submitted a bill to the parliament that will ensure the independence of the SAPO and NABU. President Zelenskyy has introduced draft law No. 13533, with an explanatory note stating that the version of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine adopted by parliament on July 22 poses potential ris...

Thursday, July 24

The third round of talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations concluded in Istanbul without any breakthroughs.

The third round of talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations concluded in Istanbul without any breakthroughs. After the meeting, Rustem Umerov, the head of the Ukrainian delegation, said that Ukraine had proposed a leaders’ meeting with the involvement of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and US Pr...

President Zelenskyy has signed a law that limits the independence of the NABU and SAPO: How have Ukraine’s international allies responded?

President Zelenskyy has signed a law that limits the independence of the NABU and SAPO: How have Ukraine’s international allies responded? President Zelenskyy approved a bill that increases the influence of the Prosecutor General’s Office over investigations by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specializ...

Ukraine’s allies are supplying Kyiv with thousands of UAVs and will help to repair tanks.

Ukraine’s allies are supplying Kyiv with thousands of UAVs and will help to repair tanks. Latvia has sent 1,300 drones to Ukraine’s Armed Forces as part of the multinational Drone Coalition. Including this shipment, Ukraine has received a total of 12,000 Latvian-made drones worth ove...

Wednesday, July 23

Ukraine’s controversial restructuring of its anti-corruption agencies concerns the West.

Ukraine’s controversial restructuring of its anti-corruption agencies concerns the West. The Ukrainian Parliament approved legislation that would strip the country’s anti-corruption agencies of their independence and could hinder efforts to combat high-level corruption. The changes effect...

Deteriorating relations with Trump will not compel Putin to end the war; Russia plans extensive rearmament.

Deteriorating relations with Trump will not compel Putin to end the war; Russia plans extensive rearmament. According to The Guardian, Putin does not seem embarrassed by the first tangible rift between US President Donald Trump and Moscow, indicating that the Russian dictator has long anticipated this devel...

The Russian oil business is under pressure: The US hopes that Europe will join secondary sanctions against buyers of Russian oil.

The Russian oil business is under pressure: The US hopes that Europe will join secondary sanctions against buyers of Russian oil. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the Washington expects its European allies to join potential secondary tariffs against countries that help Russia, particularly by purchasing its oil. The...

Ukraine needs $120B for defense in 2026, with 50% of this amount expected to come from its allies.

Ukraine needs $120B for defense in 2026, with 50% of this amount expected to come from its allies. According to Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine will require at least $120B for its defense needs in 2026, and efforts are currently underway with EU and NATO member states to secure half of this...

Drones, missiles and air defense reinforcement: Ukraine’s allies announce hundreds of millions in support.

Drones, missiles and air defense reinforcement: Ukraine’s allies announce hundreds of millions in support. At the 29th Ramstein format meeting, which was attended by 52 countries and organizations, Ukraine’s international partners confirmed their support for Ukraine in its fight for freedom and peace...

Tuesday, July 22

Germany and the US have agreed to transfer five Patriot systems to Ukraine, enhancing Kyiv’s long-range capabilities.

Germany and the US have agreed to transfer five Patriot systems to Ukraine, enhancing Kyiv’s long-range capabilities. Berlin and Washington concur that Ukraine should receive five Patriot air defense systems as soon as possible, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said during the 29th meeting in the Ramstein form...

Kyiv and Paris have agreed to deepen their strategic cooperation and establish a €200M fund for Ukraine’s infrastructure and economy.

Kyiv and Paris have agreed to deepen their strategic cooperation and establish a €200M fund for Ukraine’s infrastructure and economy. Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said that during French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot’s visit to Kyiv, they discussed cooperation in defense, finance, reconstruction, and sanctions...

Monday, July 21

Xi plans to organize a trilateral meeting with Putin and Trump.

Xi plans to organize a trilateral meeting with Putin and Trump. Chinese President Xi Jinping wants to hold a meeting with US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of the celebrations marking the end of World War II, scheduled in Beiji...

The US will initially supply new weapons to allies who will then transfer it to Ukraine.

The US will initially supply new weapons to allies who will then transfer it to Ukraine. The Trump administration plans to redistribute weapon supplies, especially air defense systems, so that countries transferring their stocks to Ukraine will receive them first. The US has already prior...

The EU has approved its 18th Russian sanctions package, one of the toughest packages yet.

The EU has approved its 18th Russian sanctions package, one of the toughest packages yet. EU ambassadors agreed on the 18th package of sanctions in response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. EU Foreign Minister Kaja Kallas described this package as “one of the toughest sa...

Friday, July 18

The government in Ukraine has been reshuffled, and it is now headed by former Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko.

The government in Ukraine has been reshuffled, and it is now headed by former Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine appointed Yulia Svyrydenko as the new Prime Minister. The Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, became the First Deputy Prime Minister and Denys Shmyhal w...

The EU is seeking partners to share in Ukraine’s financial support over the next two years.

The EU is seeking partners to share in Ukraine’s financial support over the next two years. Before the new seven-year EU budget for 2028-2034 is adopted, the EU will not be able to fully cover Ukraine’s financial needs on its own, so it is negotiating with partners on how to split aid ...

Germany denies Trump’s statement about Patriot missiles being sent.

Germany denies Trump’s statement about Patriot missiles being sent. The US has just begun negotiations with allies to determine what can be sent to Ukraine and who will supply it. The German government refuted US President Donald Trump’s claim that the first Pat...

Ukraine believes that Trump’s secondary sanctions could finish the war by the year’s end.

Ukraine believes that Trump’s secondary sanctions could finish the war by the year’s end. Head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office Andriy Yermak stated that US President Donald Trump can end the Ukraine conflict by the end of 2025 if he enforces strict sanctions on buyers of Russian ene...

Ukraine’s accession to the EU will require revising the bloc’s multi-annual budget, which is scheduled to provide €100B in aid to Kyiv.

Ukraine’s accession to the EU will require revising the bloc’s multi-annual budget, which is scheduled to provide €100B in aid to Kyiv. As European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted, if Ukraine becomes an EU member before the end of the seven-year budget period from 2028 to 2034, during which the EU plans to allocate €10...

Thursday, July 17

American weapons are already headed to Ukraine, but not all EU and NATO members will participate in weapon purchases.

American weapons are already headed to Ukraine, but not all EU and NATO members will participate in weapon purchases. The first Patriot missiles, part of the aid package announced by the US, are already en route to Ukraine from Germany, said US President Donald Trump at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. He stated there...

Putin intends to continue the conflict until the West makes concessions, and Trump might reduce Russia’s 50-day deadline.

Putin intends to continue the conflict until the West makes concessions, and Trump might reduce Russia’s 50-day deadline. Russian dictator Putin plans to keep fighting in Ukraine, aiming to seize more territory until the West accepts his terms; Trump’s threats to tighten sanctions have not intimidated him. Putin...

Wednesday, July 16

The US plans to sell NATO $10B worth of weapons for Ukraine.

The US plans to sell NATO $10B worth of weapons for Ukraine. US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the US will significantly increase its weapons supplies to European allies, who will then send arms to Ukraine. The US will sell about $10B worth of ...

The US Congress has postponed a vote on Russian sanctions following Trump’s announcement of a 50-day deadline for Putin to agree to peace.

The US Congress has postponed a vote on Russian sanctions following Trump’s announcement of a 50-day deadline for Putin to agree to peace. The US Senate will not be voting on a bill to impose sanctions on Russia and its oil and gas buyers anytime soon, said Republican Senate majority leader John Thune. “If at some point the preside...

Germany will send Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine and is preparing for a potential conflict with Russia in 2029.

Germany will send Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine and is preparing for a potential conflict with Russia in 2029. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated after talks with Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth that Germany and the US will decide within days or weeks on sending two Patriot systems to Ukraine. Once the...

Kallas is disappointed by the 50-day deadline for Russia, and Trump hints at strikes on Moscow.

Kallas is disappointed by the 50-day deadline for Russia, and Trump hints at strikes on Moscow. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas welcomed Donald Trump’s tougher stance on Russia but said the 50-day ultimatum was “too long” given that Russia is killing civilians in Ukraine ev...

Tuesday, July 15

Trump has given Russia 50 days to reach an agreement with Ukraine and will send American weapons to Kyiv.

Trump has given Russia 50 days to reach an agreement with Ukraine and will send American weapons to Kyiv. US President Donald Trump once again expressed his disappointment with Russia and promised to impose “very tough tariffs” if a peace agreement is not reached soon. “We are very, very...

“Ukraine cannot quickly free the occupied territories without significant human casualties. Pressure on it is unacceptable” – Pavel.

“Ukraine cannot quickly free the occupied territories without significant human casualties. Pressure on it is unacceptable” – Pavel. Czech President Petr Pavel stated that the West should not pressure Ukraine to liberate all of the currently occupied areas immediately if it would cause excessive losses. He said support for Ukraine ...

The war is not an obstacle to Ukraine’s membership, and the countries of Southeastern Europe support Ukraine’s path toward the EU and NATO.

The war is not an obstacle to Ukraine’s membership, and the countries of Southeastern Europe support Ukraine’s path toward the EU and NATO. Ukraine has real prospects for progress in joining the EU, even if the war continues, said European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos. She emphasized that the current hostilities will not hinder ...

The EU has agreed on a price cap for Russian oil as part of its 18th sanctions package.

The EU has agreed on a price cap for Russian oil as part of its 18th sanctions package. EU ambassadors are close to finalizing this package, which will include a lower price limit for Russian oil. Currently, EU countries have agreed on a dynamic mechanism to limit the price of Russian oi...

Monday, July 14

Zelenskyy outlines the condition for beginning negotiations with Russia, which has proposed a “new approach” to ending the conflict.

Zelenskyy outlines the condition for beginning negotiations with Russia, which has proposed a “new approach” to ending the conflict. Ukrainian leadership will not enter another round of talks with Russia until all the exchanges agreed upon at the second Istanbul meeting are completed, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in Rome. ...

The Coalition of the Willing has agreed to send foreign troops to Ukraine and will establish a joint funding plan for 2026.

The Coalition of the Willing has agreed to send foreign troops to Ukraine and will establish a joint funding plan for 2026. Last week, the coalition leaders decided to establish a headquarters in Paris and announced that plans for deploying a future military contingent in Ukraine are complete. The countries have already ag...

NATO will cover the cost of American weapons sent to Ukraine; discussions are underway for the purchase of 10 air defense systems and offensive weapons.

NATO will cover the cost of American weapons sent to Ukraine; discussions are underway for the purchase of 10 air defense systems and offensive weapons. US President Donald Trump is considering approving new funding for Ukraine for the first time since taking office. The source of this potential new funding remains unknown, but Trump has at least two ...

Trump is preparing a surprise sanctions move against Russia.

Trump is preparing a surprise sanctions move against Russia. US President Donald Trump may announce new sanctions on Russia by July 14. According to The Times, he is seriously considering imposing tough secondary sanctions on countries that trade oil with Russi...

Ukraine and the World Bank launch a five-year, $200M reconstruction project preparation program.

Ukraine and the World Bank launch a five-year, $200M reconstruction project preparation program. The Government of Ukraine has signed an agreement with the World Bank to initiate the five-year PREPARE Ukraine program, which will fund the preparation of state and municipal reconstruction projects ...

Friday, July 11

URC2025: The EU and its institutions have committed billions in support for Ukraine.

URC2025: The EU and its institutions have committed billions in support for Ukraine. The EU signed agreements worth €2.3B, including guarantees and grants, which will enable Ukraine to attract up to €10B in additional investment, according to EC President Ursula von der Leyen. She als...

Kubilius at URC2025: Europe has provided Ukraine with about €54B in defense support during the full-scale war and is preparing new solutions.

Kubilius at URC2025: Europe has provided Ukraine with about €54B in defense support during the full-scale war and is preparing new solutions. Defense support to Ukraine from Europe during the full-scale war amounts to about €54B, or less than 0.1% of the bloc’s GDP, said European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius on the sideli...

This year, Ukraine will allocate 26% of its GDP to defense, with external financing needs exceeding $40B for next year.

This year, Ukraine will allocate 26% of its GDP to defense, with external financing needs exceeding $40B for next year. During the 14th meeting of the Ukrainian Donor Platform’s Steering Committee within URC2025, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that by the end of June the government had submitted amendments t...

The Ukrainian parliament is drafting a bill on arms exports.

The Ukrainian parliament is drafting a bill on arms exports. According to Kateryna Mykhalko, the executive director of the Technological Forces of Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada is working on legislation that will create a framework to regulate this process. She b...

Trump is prepared to approve new sanctions against Russia but demands greater authority to lift them.

Trump is prepared to approve new sanctions against Russia but demands greater authority to lift them. US President Donald Trump is ready to sign a sanctions bill targeting Russia. However, he will only do so if the bill is amended to grant him more control. The current bill allows the president to lif...

Putin will not sacrifice his objectives in Ukraine to improve relations with Trump and is expected to breach Ukrainian defenses in the upcoming months.

Putin will not sacrifice his objectives in Ukraine to improve relations with Trump and is expected to breach Ukrainian defenses in the upcoming months. Vladimir Putin continues to ignore President Trump’s disappointment and push forward in Ukraine with renewed intensity, ignoring new pressure from the US potentially being applied. The Russian d...

Kellogg: International partners should help Ukraine in rebuilding with a new Marshall Plan.

Kellogg: International partners should help Ukraine in rebuilding with a new Marshall Plan. During a discussion organized by the Yalta European Strategy (YES) on the eve of URC2025, US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg recalled how, after World War II, the US launched the Marshall Plan for Europe....

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