Politics

Thursday, May 22

The US is waiting for Russia to announce acceptable terms for a ceasefire; the Kremlin has officially rejected a temporary truce.

The US is waiting for Russia to announce acceptable terms for a ceasefire; the Kremlin has officially rejected a temporary truce. Moscow has committed to sending Washington the terms that “they need to achieve a ceasefire” with Ukraine. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that these terms are expected in the com...

Romania and Poland will not send their troops to Ukraine as part of the coalition of the willing’s initiative.

Romania and Poland will not send their troops to Ukraine as part of the coalition of the willing’s initiative. Romanian President Nicusor Dan does not support deploying troops to Ukraine for a potential peacekeeping mission. “I think it would not be very appropriate because of the tension that already ex...

Opening the first cluster of Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations will help Hungary address the issue of national minorities.

Opening the first cluster of Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations will help Hungary address the issue of national minorities. Before the EU Council on Foreign Affairs meeting, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos commented on Ukraine’s path to joining the EU, noting: “Ukraine has done its homework, the...

Wednesday, May 21

President Zelenskyy has announced plans to arrange continued peace negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia, and the US and states his readinesss to sign a ceasefire agreement.

President Zelenskyy has announced plans to arrange continued peace negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia, and the US and states his readinesss to sign a ceasefire agreement. President Zelenskyy indicated that Ukraine is exploring the option of an international meeting that would include high-level delegations from Russia, the US, and potentially representatives from the E...

The war in Ukraine is preventing Russia from moving all of its troops to the NATO borders, though the aggressor is building up its military presence near Finland.

The war in Ukraine is preventing Russia from moving all of its troops to the NATO borders, though the aggressor is building up its military presence near Finland. Western intelligence suggests that once the fighting in Ukraine concludes and a lasting ceasefire is established, Moscow could swiftly reposition troops to the borders of Finland, Norway, the Baltic s...

The EU and Britain have imposed new sanctions on Russia, as the US refrains.

The EU and Britain have imposed new sanctions on Russia, as the US refrains. The EU Council has approved its 17th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting nearly 200 ships in the shadow fleet. As a result, the total number of sanctioned vessels transporting Russian oil, ...

Zelenskyy will offer Trump a free trade agreement between Ukraine and the US,

Zelenskyy will offer Trump a free trade agreement between Ukraine and the US, said Ukrainian Trade Representative Taras Kachka. He indicated that this topic will be discussed in the next stage of bilateral talks. Kachka noted that the Ukrainian side is interested in such an agr...

Tuesday, May 20

Trump’s conversation with Putin has raised hopes for renewed peace negotiations.

Trump’s conversation with Putin has raised hopes for renewed peace negotiations. Following a two-hour discussion with the Russian president on Monday, US President Donald Trump announced that negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv would commence “immediately” to end the ...

Putin is not interested in peace yet because he wants to seize four regions of Ukraine by the end of the year.

Putin is not interested in peace yet because he wants to seize four regions of Ukraine by the end of the year. Russian dictator Putin is convinced that his troops will break through Ukrainian defenses and take full control of four Ukrainian regions by the year’s end. According to Bloomberg, his confidenc...

The EU has approved a €150B rearmament fund aimed at enhancing support for Ukraine.

The EU has approved a €150B rearmament fund aimed at enhancing support for Ukraine. As reported by Reuters, the EU nations have come to a preliminary agreement on establishing a new credit mechanism for rearmament purposes entitled the Security Action For Europe (SAFE), which is valu...

The EU plans to propose reducing the price cap on Russian oil to the G7 nations as part of its 18th sanctions package.

The EU plans to propose reducing the price cap on Russian oil to the G7 nations as part of its 18th sanctions package. European Commissioner for Economic Affairs Valdis Dombrovskis did not specify the proposed reduction, but may suggest lowering the cap from the current $60 to $50 per barrel. Dombrovskis intends to fo...

Finland will provide Ukraine with ammunition sourced from frozen Russian assets, following a €90M agreement.

Finland will provide Ukraine with ammunition sourced from frozen Russian assets, following a €90M agreement. Finland has been selected as one of the implementing nations in an initiative in which the EU will aid Ukraine with defense resources derived from these frozen assets. Helsinki plans to acquire heavy ...

Monday, May 19

Ukraine and Russia negotiated in Istanbul, during which Moscow made unreasonable demands.

Ukraine and Russia negotiated in Istanbul, during which Moscow made unreasonable demands. The talks lasted around two hours, with Russia presenting expectations that were excessively ambitious compared to earlier discussions. Additionally, Russia threatened to “fight forever” a...

Today, Trump will engage in discussions with Putin as the US aims for peace.

Today, Trump will engage in discussions with Putin as the US aims for peace. On May 17, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a “strong message” from Donald Trump to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, emphasizing the White House’s commitment to a l...

The US will enact a legal ban on recognizing Ukrainian territory as part of the Russian Federation and assert new sanctions.

The US will enact a legal ban on recognizing Ukrainian territory as part of the Russian Federation and assert new sanctions. Senators-democrats Michael Bennet, Dick Durbin, and Jeff Merkley have introduced a bill aimed at officially prohibiting US recognition of the occupied Ukrainian regions as Russian territory. US Secret...

Friday, May 16

President Zelenskyy expressed disappointment with Putin’s absence and the low-ranking Russian delegation in Turkey.

President Zelenskyy expressed disappointment with Putin’s absence and the low-ranking Russian delegation in Turkey. After arriving in Ankara on May 15, Zelenskyy described the Russian contingent as “fake,” contrasting it with the high-ranking officials in the Ukrainian delegation. The Russian delegation...

Zelenskyy and Erdogan met in Ankara; the Kremlin sabotaged the talks and is now preparing a new offensive.

Zelenskyy and Erdogan met in Ankara; the Kremlin sabotaged the talks and is now preparing a new offensive. On May 15, a three-hour meeting between President Zelenskyy and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took place in Ankara. It was planned that high-level talks between Russia and Ukraine would follo...

Thursday, May 15

Zelenskyy will speak with Putin in Istanbul about a complete ceasefire and the exchange of all Ukrainian prisoners.

Zelenskyy will speak with Putin in Istanbul about a complete ceasefire and the exchange of all Ukrainian prisoners. President Zelenskyy said that if negotiations do occur, these conditions are required above all else. However, he noted that only external mediators can ensure compliance with any agreement, particula...

Merz believes that Ukraine should not make any concessions.

Merz believes that Ukraine should not make any concessions. During a joint press conference in Berlin with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz addressed the Ukraine issue and commended Ukrainian President Zelenskyy for hi...

Russia is preparing for a large-scale offensive; the US recognizes that Putin is the main obstacle to ending the war in Ukraine.

Russia is preparing for a large-scale offensive; the US recognizes that Putin is the main obstacle to ending the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian intelligence reports suggest that Russian troops are likely preparing for a larger offensive in Ukraine. Russia is moving troops to key hotspots on the battlefield, rather than demonstrating...

EU ambassadors have approved a new sanctions package targeting Russia.

EU ambassadors have approved a new sanctions package targeting Russia. In response to Russia’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire, Europeans are set to impose a tough 17th package of EU sanctions. However, it may be weaker than expected. The package has already receiv...

Wednesday, May 14

The Minerals Deal: A Critical Step in Ukraine’s Path Towards Independence

The Minerals Deal: A Critical Step in Ukraine’s Path Towards Independence In his infamous 2021 essay, “On the Historical Unity of Russians and Ukrainians”, published just 7 months before the full-scale invasion, President Putin insisted that the “true sovereignty of Ukraine...

Zelenskyy wants to conduct discussions solely with Putin in Istanbul, but Russia has not confirmed its delegation.

Zelenskyy wants to conduct discussions solely with Putin in Istanbul, but Russia has not confirmed its delegation. According to the President’s Office, on May 15 in Istanbul President Zelenskyy will only meet with Vladimir Putin and not anyone else from the Russian side. “Only Putin can make a decision...

Trump has thwarted the EU’s plan for sanctions against Russia, so now Ukraine’s allies are waiting for the results of the Istanbul meeting.

Trump has thwarted the EU’s plan for sanctions against Russia, so now Ukraine’s allies are waiting for the results of the Istanbul meeting. European leaders’ attempts to compel the US to impose new sanctions on Russia were thwarted by US President Donald Trump’s intervention, as he publicly called on Ukraine to “immediately” s...

The US is discussing the deployment of British, French, German, and Polish forces west of the Dnipro River in Ukraine.

The US is discussing the deployment of British, French, German, and Polish forces west of the Dnipro River in Ukraine. Trump’s special envoy, Keith Kellogg, stated that the US is in talks with European countries about sending troops to Ukraine, west of the Dnipro River, as a condition for resolving the conflict ...

The EU plans to utilize a portion of the €800B designated for its rearmament to acquire weapons for Ukraine.

The EU plans to utilize a portion of the €800B designated for its rearmament to acquire weapons for Ukraine. European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius indicated that part of funds designated for the ReArm Europe initiative will be allocated to providing military assistance to Ukraine. The ReArm Euro...

The EU is seeking a way to resolve Hungary’s obstruction of Ukraine’s accession to the bloc.

The EU is seeking a way to resolve Hungary’s obstruction of Ukraine’s accession to the bloc. The EU is exploring methods to prevent Hungary from disrupting the initiation of EU accession discussions with Ukraine, Bloomberg reports. While unanimity is necessary to commence and conclude EU acce...

Tuesday, May 13

Zelenskyy will go to Turkey for talks with Putin in person on May 15.

Zelenskyy will go to Turkey for talks with Putin in person on May 15. President Zelenskyy stated that he is ready to personally meet with Vladimir Putin in Turkey. He anticipates a ceasefire from Russia and will personally wait for Putin in Istanbul on May 15. According...

The EU’s top diplomat and Western analysts believe Putin is “playing games” regarding the peace talks.

The EU’s top diplomat and Western analysts believe Putin is “playing games” regarding the peace talks. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas accused Russia of “playing games” related to peace negotiations and called for increased pressure on Moscow, which attacked Ukraine again on the night o...

The EU and Ukraine have established a new working group to enhance defense cooperation.

The EU and Ukraine have established a new working group to enhance defense cooperation. Deputy Secretary-General of the EU External Action Service Charles Fries stated that this initiative aims to develop practical solutions for defense-industrial collaboration. He emphasized that the EU...

The EU is considering the introduction of three sanction packages targeting Russia.

The EU is considering the introduction of three sanction packages targeting Russia. The first package, labeled the 17th, will target tankers, nations aiding Russia in bypassing restrictions, and firms in the Russian military-industrial sector. The second package focuses on combating ...

Monday, May 12

Macron, Merz, Starmer, and Tusk arrived in Kyiv on May 10; together with Trump, they have called for Russia to agree to a complete ceasefire.

Macron, Merz, Starmer, and Tusk arrived in Kyiv on May 10; together with Trump, they have called for Russia to agree to a complete ceasefire. On Saturday May 10, in preparation for a meeting of the coalition of the willing, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and German C...

New German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has promised to continue military support for Ukraine,

New German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has promised to continue military support for Ukraine, coordinating Germany’s efforts with European partners and the US. “We are doing this in order to put an end to this war,” he said, adding that discussions on specific arms supplies w...

Western partners consider a new system of security guarantees for Ukraine.

Western partners consider a new system of security guarantees for Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron outlined two main methods for deterring Russia following the commencement of a ceasefire in Ukraine. The first echelon of defense will be the Ukrainian military itself...

The US, Europe, and Ukraine have developed a list of 22 conditions for ending the war to submit to Putin.

The US, Europe, and Ukraine have developed a list of 22 conditions for ending the war to submit to Putin. The document includes a 30-day ceasefire and takes into account the Kremlin’s demand that the US bar Ukraine’s accession to NATO. The proposals are to be submitted to Putin by the US Presi...

Russia has agreed to direct talks in Istanbul to end the war but has conditions.

Russia has agreed to direct talks in Istanbul to end the war but has conditions. On May 11, Vladimir Putin proposed holding direct peace talks with Ukraine on May 15 in Istanbul. According to him, the talks should take place without preconditions and will be aimed at “achiev...

Ukraine’s path to NATO and the EU: What obstacles exist and how will they be overcome?

Ukraine’s path to NATO and the EU: What obstacles exist and how will they be overcome? The decision on the irreversibility of Ukraine’s path to NATO was made by the allies; the question is when the discussion will resume, said Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic I...

The European Union allocates €1.9B for Ukrainian military support.

The European Union allocates €1.9B for Ukrainian military support. During their visit to Lviv, top European diplomats promised to provide Ukraine with additional military support totaling nearly €1.9B, with €1B being allocated to purchase weapons directly from Ukrain...

The West is preparing sanctions for a new blow against the Russian economy.

The West is preparing sanctions for a new blow against the Russian economy. Finland has proposed imposing duties on all imports from Russia to the EU, which will operate simultaneously with existing sanctions. This step will not require unanimity from all member states. The p...

Friday, May 9

The US and Russia discuss options for restoring Russian gas supplies to Europe.

The US and Russia discuss options for restoring Russian gas supplies to Europe. According to Reuters, restoring Russia’s role in the European gas market is viewed as a potential component of a peace deal with Putin, and US involvement in this process could alleviate politic...

The EC plans to open all clusters in Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations.

The EC plans to open all clusters in Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations. The European Commission is optimistic about the future of membership negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and hopes to open all six negotiation clusters this year, said Gert Jan Koopman, Head of the ...

Thursday, May 8

Russia and Ukraine exchanged airstrikes against each other ahead of the anniversary of victory day in World War II.

Russia and Ukraine exchanged airstrikes against each other ahead of the anniversary of victory day in World War II. On May 7, Russia launched four ballistic missiles and 142 drones targeting Kyiv and other regional centers overnight, President Zelenskyy said on Wednesday. As a result of the attack, two people were ...

Kellogg has stated that Ukraine has agreed to freeze the war.

Kellogg has stated that Ukraine has agreed to freeze the war. The US President’s Special Envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, has proposed the establishment of a demilitarized zone under joint Ukrainian-Russian control. He believes that a ceasefire “in ...

Despite official statements, the EU’s complete elimination of Russian gas is problematic.

Despite official statements, the EU’s complete elimination of Russian gas is problematic. In the absence of sanctions, it will be difficult for European buyers to terminate gas contracts under force majeure conditions. While a possible peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine may ease sa...

The EC has proposed its 17th package of Russian sanctions: Where will the blow land?

The EC has proposed its 17th package of Russian sanctions: Where will the blow land? The European Commission has finalized the preparation of the 17th package of sanctions targeting Russia, proposing restrictions on more than 150 vessels associated with the Russian shadow fleet that i...

Wednesday, May 7

Trump plans to use oil prices and the Ukrainian mineral deal to pressure Putin into accepting peace.

Trump plans to use oil prices and the Ukrainian mineral deal to pressure Putin into accepting peace. US President Donald Trump stated that falling oil prices are increasing pressure on Russia and raising the likelihood of a peace deal being reached that will end the war in Ukraine. “Now that oi...

A blow to the Russian energy sector: The EU has presented a plan for a complete phaseout of Russian energy carriers.

A blow to the Russian energy sector: The EU has presented a plan for a complete phaseout of Russian energy carriers. The European Commission published a plan for EU countries to entirely eliminate Russian energy carriers, through which negotiations on new contracts with suppliers of Russian gas (pipeline and LNG) wi...

Tuesday, May 6

Trump is considering the introduction of new sanctions against Russia.

Trump is considering the introduction of new sanctions against Russia. US President Donald Trump said that he does not rule out the possibility of signing a bill proposed by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, which aims to strengthen sanctions against Russia. “It w...

Security guarantees for Ukraine: Allies discuss US participation in repelling attacks under NATO Article 5 within coalition forces.

Security guarantees for Ukraine: Allies discuss US participation in repelling attacks under NATO Article 5 within coalition forces. One option for security guarantees being discussed is a format similar to Article 5 of the NATO Charter, which states that in the event of an attack on one country, other members of the Alliance must ...

Germany has signed a coalition agreement: What does this mean for Ukraine?

Germany has signed a coalition agreement: What does this mean for Ukraine? The leaders of Germany’s Social Democratic Party have signed a coalition agreement with the conservative blocs Christian Democrats and Christian Social Union. This has opened the way for the app...

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