Politics

Monday, June 23

Putin has once again set ultimatums aimed at ending the war but his initial goal is to continue annexing Ukrainian territories.

Putin has once again set ultimatums aimed at ending the war but his initial goal is to continue annexing Ukrainian territories. The Russian dictator outlined the conditions that Ukraine must meet to halt the aggression: “Kyiv must agree to a neutral status, refrain from engaging in any foreign alliances, renounce any amb...

The EU is preparing a plan to generate more profit from frozen Russian assets in support of Ukraine.

The EU is preparing a plan to generate more profit from frozen Russian assets in support of Ukraine. The European Union is considering transferring frozen Russian state assets (almost €200B) from Euroclear in Belgium to a “specialized organization” under the auspices of the EU. The main a...

More than 10 European countries will intensify their fight against the Russian shadow fleet.

More than 10 European countries will intensify their fight against the Russian shadow fleet. Representatives from 12 EU countries (the Baltic states, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Finland, France, and Sweden), along with Britain, Norway, and Iceland, called for enhanced ...

Thursday, June 19

The results of the G7 Summit: military support and a statement on the Russian-Ukrainian war.

The results of the G7 Summit: military support and a statement on the Russian-Ukrainian war. President Zelenskyy, who cut his visit to Canada short following the deadly Russian attack on Ukraine and the departure of the US president from the summit, summarized the results of the meeting in Ca...

Zelenskyy at the G7 conference: Russia has only intensified its attacks on Ukraine since the new US president came into power.

Zelenskyy at the G7 conference: Russia has only intensified its attacks on Ukraine since the new US president came into power. The rise in Russia’s use of drones during its attacks is the only significant change in its behavior following the transition of the US presidency, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated...

The conflict in the Middle East has slowed passage of new American sanctions against Russia.

The conflict in the Middle East has slowed passage of new American sanctions against Russia. The US Senate has postponed consideration of a bill to impose sanctions on Russia due to the conflict between Israel and Iran, as well as the need to pass Donald Trump’s tax reform package. Sena...

Trump will support arms sales to Ukraine if he considers it a “good deal” for the US.

Trump will support arms sales to Ukraine if he considers it a “good deal” for the US. Former US special representative for Ukraine negotiations, Kurt Volker, believes that US President Trump may agree to supply weapons to Kyiv if it appears to be a good deal for the US. “For Trum...

Ukraine’s accession to the EU will ensure a 26% increase in its GDP.

Ukraine’s accession to the EU will ensure a 26% increase in its GDP. According to the Polish Economic Institute, Ukraine’s accession to the EU could serve as a powerful economic stimulus for both the country itself and its neighbors in Central Europe. It is anticipated...

The Ukrainian Parliament has passed a law regarding multiple citizenship.

The Ukrainian Parliament has passed a law regarding multiple citizenship. This is a significant change, as Ukrainian law had prevented individuals from holding citizenship from more than one country, which forced Ukrainians to renounce their citizenship in order to acquire ...

Wednesday, June 18

The Slovak government has given its support to Ukraine’s EU accession.

The Slovak government has given its support to Ukraine’s EU accession. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has backed Ukraine’s EU membership, emphasizing that all conditions must be satisfied. “The Slovak government wishes Ukraine European development. If Ukra...

The conflict between Iran and Israel has made it more challenging for the EU to lower the price cap on Russian oil.

The conflict between Iran and Israel has made it more challenging for the EU to lower the price cap on Russian oil. Last week, the European Commission included a proposal in the draft of its Russian sanctions package to lower the price cap on oil from the current $60 per barrel to $45. Some member states that suppo...

Germany has no plans to launch Russia’s Nord Stream, despite American efforts.

Germany has no plans to launch Russia’s Nord Stream, despite American efforts. The German government does not intend to restart the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline, used to transport Russian gas, or to launch Nord Stream 2, said Deputy Government Spokesperson Sebastian Hille. This st...

The EC has approved a plan to completely abandon Russian gas and oil.

The EC has approved a plan to completely abandon Russian gas and oil. The European Commission has approved a legislative proposal that outlines a gradual phase-out of Russian gas and oil imports into the EU by the end of 2027, with the goal of enhancing the bloc’s...

Tuesday, June 17

Austria’s president publicly urges Putin to engage in serious peace negotiations.

Austria’s president publicly urges Putin to engage in serious peace negotiations. “I appeal once again to those in power in the Kremlin to end this illegal war and start serious, honest negotiations. Mr. President Zelenskyy has assured us once again today that Ukraine is read...

How will the conflict between Israel and Iran affect Russia’s military capabilities in its war against Ukraine?

How will the conflict between Israel and Iran affect Russia’s military capabilities in its war against Ukraine? Analysts from the ISW believe that Russia may leverage the rise in oil prices following Israel’s strikes on Iran to sustain a prolonged conflict in Ukraine. Oil and gas revenues make up about 30...

The G7 summit in Canada is underway, amidst rising tensions in the Middle East and controversies over Trump’s tariffs.

The G7 summit in Canada is underway, amidst rising tensions in the Middle East and controversies over Trump’s tariffs. War in Ukraine will be discussed on June 17, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy set to meet with US President Donald Trump, as confirmed by a White House official to Axios. The two leaders l...

The EU will not lower the price ceiling for Russian oil without G7 support.

The EU will not lower the price ceiling for Russian oil without G7 support. The bloc will not independently reduce the price ceiling for Russian oil from $60 to $45 per barrel, as this initiative is unlikely to gain support from the G7 countries. The proposal to lower the pri...

Monday, June 16

The US has declined to provide an additional $300M in aid to Ukraine.

The US has declined to provide an additional $300M in aid to Ukraine. The US House Appropriations Committee approved the defense budget for the 2026 fiscal year, maintaining defense spending at 2025’s level and refusing to allocate an additional $300M for aid to U...

Putin has declared his readiness to continue “peace talks”; Ukraine supports the initiative if it is substantive.

Putin has declared his readiness to continue “peace talks”; Ukraine supports the initiative if it is substantive. Russia is prepared to continue direct negotiations with Ukraine after June 22, Russian President said during a 50-minute telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump. Trump, in turn, emphasiz...

The Armed Forces of Ukraine have stopped the Russian offensive in the Sumy region.

The Armed Forces of Ukraine have stopped the Russian offensive in the Sumy region. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the maximum depth of the fighting is currently seven km from the border of the Sumy region. However, the Russian advance in the region has been st...

The G7 nations are set to reduce the price ceiling for Russian oil to $45 per barrel, without Trump’s approval.

The G7 nations are set to reduce the price ceiling for Russian oil to $45 per barrel, without Trump’s approval. The EU and its G7 allies seek to gain the US’ consent to lower the ceiling price for Russian oil from $60 to $45 per barrel at the summit planned for June 15-17 in Canada, according to EU Special Repr...

Weimar+ alliance countries are ready to increase pressure on Russia.

Weimar+ alliance countries are ready to increase pressure on Russia. During a meeting in Rome, the foreign ministers of Poland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK, along with the EU High Representative, expressed their willingness to intensify pressure on Russia...

Ukraine risks losing out on billions in aid from the EU, and the IMF will decide on a new tranche in the coming weeks.

Ukraine risks losing out on billions in aid from the EU, and the IMF will decide on a new tranche in the coming weeks. Ukraine may not receive up to €1.5B in aid from the EU due to its failure to achieve reforms envisaged in the Ukraine Facility program, say CES experts. The government has not fulfilled three structur...

Friday, June 13

In Kyiv, Pistorius announced the provision of €9B in military aid to Ukraine, though without Taurus missiles.

In Kyiv, Pistorius announced the provision of €9B in military aid to Ukraine, though without Taurus missiles. “Germany will participate in the financing of long-range weapons (drones and missiles). We must provide the finances for this so that the Armed Forces of Ukraine can purchase materials. We plann...

Peace talks with Russia have reached a dead end; a solution is possible only on the battlefield.

Peace talks with Russia have reached a dead end; a solution is possible only on the battlefield. In May 2025, Russian troops captured the largest number of Ukrainian territories since the end of 2022. This is part of the large-scale summer offensive that has been undertaken by the Russian Federat...

Zelenskyy: Russia plans to seize Odesa and reach the borders with Moldova and Romania.

Zelenskyy: Russia plans to seize Odesa and reach the borders with Moldova and Romania. Considering this, Ukraine needs protection and long-term guarantees, said President Zelenskyy at the Ukraine-Southeast Europe summit in Odesa. “I ask you all to consider security guarantees afte...

Kremlin: Ukraine must accept Russia’s conditions and renounce integration with the West to end the war.

Kremlin: Ukraine must accept Russia’s conditions and renounce integration with the West to end the war. The head of the Russian negotiation delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, said that if Kyiv does not agree to “compromises”, it will face new territorial losses. “We want peace. But if Ukra...

The G7 summit’s participants will discuss lowering the Russian oil price cap to $30.

The G7 summit’s participants will discuss lowering the Russian oil price cap to $30. Among the topics on the table at the G7 summit, which will take place from June 15 to 17 in Canada, is a proposed price ceiling for Russian oil at $30 per barrel, according to Olexander Khara, an expe...

The US Secretary of Defense recognizes Russia as the aggressor, but does not support Ukraine’s victory.

The US Secretary of Defense recognizes Russia as the aggressor, but does not support Ukraine’s victory. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, speaking in front of a Senate committee, stated that Russia is the aggressor in the war against Ukraine. However, he refused to directly support Ukraine’s victory, n...

Thursday, June 12

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic traveled to Odesa for a regional summit on Wednesday.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic traveled to Odesa for a regional summit on Wednesday. This is the first time the Moscow-friendly leader has visited Ukraine during his 12 years in office. Senior officials from 12 Southeastern European nations joined the summit, hosted by President Zelen...

The EC has officially introduced its 18th sanctions package targeting Russia.

The EC has officially introduced its 18th sanctions package targeting Russia. This set of EU sanctions includes proposals to impose restrictions on nine individuals and 33 legal entities, focusing on Russian and foreign firms that assist the military-industrial complex, includi...

Sanctions have caused Russian oil and gas companies’ profits to drop by 50% in the past year, with refinery profitability approaching zero.

Sanctions have caused Russian oil and gas companies’ profits to drop by 50% in the past year, with refinery profitability approaching zero. Rosstat reports that in the first quarter of 2025, net profit for these companies fell by nearly half. Within three months, Russian oil and gas firms, which account for 33% of the budget, generated ₽7...

The final communiqué from the upcoming NATO summit does not address Ukraine’s potential membership or military support.

The final communiqué from the upcoming NATO summit does not address Ukraine’s potential membership or military support. The draft communiqué for the NATO summit set for June 24-25 in The Hague is notably concise and largely avoids mentioning Ukraine, concentrating instead on boosting defense spending. This document sta...

Wednesday, June 11

Kyiv voices its expectations to the G7 regarding Russian sanctions.

Kyiv voices its expectations to the G7 regarding Russian sanctions. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha highlighted that Russia has responded to global peace efforts and US proposals with heightened terror and escalation; therefore, strengthening sanctions should...

Tuesday, June 10

Europe can compensate for the loss of American aid to Ukraine, and looks to deepen its ties with the G7.

Europe can compensate for the loss of American aid to Ukraine, and looks to deepen its ties with the G7. Europe is capable of supporting Ukraine’s resistance even if military aid from the US completely stops, believes Major General Christian Freuding, who coordinates weapon supplies from Germany. H...

Lithuania urges the disconnection of all Russian banks from the SWIFT network and the imposition of sanctions on the entire fleet of over 1,100 Russian shadow vessels.

Lithuania urges the disconnection of all Russian banks from the SWIFT network and the imposition of sanctions on the entire fleet of over 1,100 Russian shadow vessels. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda emphasized that any Russian banks not currently under sanctions must be removed from the SWIFT international payment system. Additionally, he called for broader re...

Monday, June 9

Trump warns Russia of severe sanctions “if necessary,” but Ukraine could also be impacted.

Trump warns Russia of severe sanctions “if necessary,” but Ukraine could also be impacted. US President Donald Trump expressed his willingness to endorse the Senate’s sanctions bill against Russia “if necessary.” He stated, “If I believe that Russia will not make a d...

Merz failed to convince Trump to pressure Moscow and provide aid to Kyiv.

Merz failed to convince Trump to pressure Moscow and provide aid to Kyiv. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had one main request for US President Trump during his visit to the Oval Office late last week: That the American leader support Europe in pressuring Moscow to cease i...

Ukraine will receive an additional €20B in aid from NATO this year.

Ukraine will receive an additional €20B in aid from NATO this year. During a meeting in Brussels, NATO defense ministers confirmed this decision, according to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. “Alliance members have already pledged over €20B in extra security a...

Russia is ahead of NATO in arms production. Rutte wants the Alliance to spend 5% of GDP on defense spending and related investments.

Russia is ahead of NATO in arms production. Rutte wants the Alliance to spend 5% of GDP on defense spending and related investments. Mark Rutte stressed his serious concerns regarding the abilities of the Russian defense industry, noting that Russia currently produces the amount of ammunition in three months that the North Atlantic...

France is uniting its automotive and defense industries to produce drones for Ukraine.

France is uniting its automotive and defense industries to produce drones for Ukraine. French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu stated: “We are going to start an absolutely unprecedented partnership in which a large company that produces French cars will join forces with French s...

Friday, June 6

After Putin declined to engage in talks with Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian leader finds no merit in further delegation meetings in Istanbul.

After Putin declined to engage in talks with Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian leader finds no merit in further delegation meetings in Istanbul. For the first time, Vladimir Putin has publicly addressed the destruction of bridges in Russia, attributing responsibility to Ukraine. He stated that negotiations are unfeasible in this context, claim...

The EU supports the notion of synchronizing sanctions with the US.

The EU supports the notion of synchronizing sanctions with the US. The EU is prepared to collaborate with the US to simultaneously impose sanctions on Russia to compel Russian dictator Putin to agree to peace talks, stated European Commission President Ursula von der...

Thursday, June 5

The first results from Ramstein: Record package from Britain and €400M in aid from the Netherlands.

The first results from Ramstein: Record package from Britain and €400M in aid from the Netherlands. The UK has announced a new large aid package for Ukraine, which includes 100,000 drones to be provided throughout the year. This represents 10 times more than last year, and the total is a record, amo...

Trump has increased tariffs on steel and aluminum to 50%: How will this affect Ukrainian exports?

Trump has increased tariffs on steel and aluminum to 50%: How will this affect Ukrainian exports? US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that will raise tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from 25% to 50% effective June 4. As evidenced by the executive order, Trump has concluded...

Wednesday, June 4

The EU and the US are preparing to ratchet up sanctions pressure against Russia.

The EU and the US are preparing to ratchet up sanctions pressure against Russia. Head of the EC Ursula von der Leyen discussed coordinating sanctions against Russia with US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham in an effort to end the war. The US senator proposes introducing 500% duti...

Tuesday, June 3

The second round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul yielded no significant outcome.

The second round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul yielded no significant outcome. Ukrainian Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov reported that the one-hour discussion led to an agreement for new POW exchanges. The two parties agreed to exchange “all for all” seriously ill ...

France and Germany advocate for heightened sanctions on Russia while the US Senate looks to implement new restrictions ahead of the G7 summit.

France and Germany advocate for heightened sanctions on Russia while the US Senate looks to implement new restrictions ahead of the G7 summit. French President Emmanuel Macron has called on the US to enact sanctions targeting Russia if Moscow remain unwilling to cease hostilities in Ukraine. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has also p...

Karol Nawrocki has become Poland’s president. Will Warsaw continue to provide support to Kyiv?

Karol Nawrocki has become Poland’s president. Will Warsaw continue to provide support to Kyiv? On June 1, the second round of presidential elections was held in Poland, in which the candidate from the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party, Karol Nawrocki, won the elections with 50.89% of voter...

Monday, June 2

Britain and France prepare to provide long-term defense for Ukraine without US support, rather than sending peacekeepers.

Britain and France prepare to provide long-term defense for Ukraine without US support, rather than sending peacekeepers. British and French officials working on plans to deploy peacekeepers in Ukraine have discussed the necessity of providing long-term defense for Ukraine without US involvement. In particular, the offic...

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