Politics

Friday, May 31

The artillery initiative for Ukraine: How many countries have provided funds, when will deliveries begin, and why are they delayed?

The artillery initiative for Ukraine: How many countries have provided funds, when will deliveries begin, and why are they delayed? So far, only four countries have contributed funds: Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Portugal. Luxembourg promised to contribute €5M yesterday. The Czech Republic is now calling on the allies who...

The US will supply Ukraine with more large-caliber ammunition: a new plant with a capacity of 30,000 shells per month was opened in Texas.

The US will supply Ukraine with more large-caliber ammunition: a new plant with a capacity of 30,000 shells per month was opened in Texas. Texas has opened a new factory to produce 155 mm artillery shells, reports the NYT. As noted, the enterprise will produce about 30,000 shells every month. The opening of the new General Dynamics plant...

Ukraine and the US have agreed on financial assistance in the form of a loan.

Ukraine and the US have agreed on financial assistance in the form of a loan. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved an agreement between Ukraine and the US on attracting financial aid for the Ukrainian budget within a support package totaling more than $60B. Economic ass...

The easing of EU sanctions on Russian metal will provide Putin with €1.5B for weapons.

The easing of EU sanctions on Russian metal will provide Putin with €1.5B for weapons. Despite numerous sanctions, the Russian economy is developing and growing (2.2% last year), and the country continues earning billions in the European market. Therefore, said Aaron Pluto, a strategic ...

The EU will punish Hungary to help Ukraine’s accession to the bloc.

The EU will punish Hungary to help Ukraine’s accession to the bloc. Hungary will not retain its current position as an enlargement commissioner in the new European Commission. As diplomats told Politico, the EC is tired of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s...

Germany and the Czech Republic have led the energy revolution in the EU and want to eliminate the remaining 20% of imports from Russia.

Germany and the Czech Republic have led the energy revolution in the EU and want to eliminate the remaining 20% of imports from Russia. Germany and the Czech Republic are calling on the EU to do more to cut the last 20% of Russian energy imports. The countries are asking for the creation of a working group to determine ways to gradual...

Thursday, May 30

So far, 11 countries have given Ukraine permission to use their weapons to strike targets in Russia, and Putin spouts threats.

So far, 11 countries have given Ukraine permission to use their weapons to strike targets in Russia, and Putin spouts threats. Poland’s Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk said that his country has no objections to Ukraine using Polish weapons to hit targets in Russian territory. Similar permission was also granted b...

The EU wants to start negotiations on Ukraine’s accession before Hungary’s presidency begins in July.

The EU wants to start negotiations on Ukraine’s accession before Hungary’s presidency begins in July. On May 29, representatives from 27 European governments discussed the draft framework for negotiations on the accession of Ukraine and Moldova to the EU. As Politico writes, time is of the essence bec...

A British economist and expert on Ukraine is convinced that the West still does not finance and arm our country sufficiently for a real victory.

A British economist and expert on Ukraine is convinced that the West still does not finance and arm our country sufficiently for a real victory. In his blog, Timothy Ash drew attention to the numbers: the West spent $100B a year for the past two years to support Ukraine in its fight. However, Russia is increasing its defense spending to $140B ...

Sweden has provided Ukraine with a record $1.26B military aid package with radar reconnaissance aircraft: What does it change?

Sweden has provided Ukraine with a record $1.26B military aid package with radar reconnaissance aircraft: What does it change? The Ministry of Defense of Sweden, in addition to supplying the ASC 890 aircraft, has provided its entire stock of Pansarbandvagn 302 (PBV 302) armored personnel carriers. The package also includes, R...

Portugal will provide Ukraine with €126M in aid under a new security agreement, and the EU will deliver 500,000 artillery shells.

Portugal will provide Ukraine with €126M in aid under a new security agreement, and the EU will deliver 500,000 artillery shells. On May 28, Ukraine signed a security agreement with Portugal, which includes the provision of €126M in military aid by the end of the year and support in defense sector reforms, demining, and reconstr...

Wednesday, May 29

The EU can use another €7B to arm Ukraine.

The EU can use another €7B to arm Ukraine. The EU can mobilize another €6.7-6.9B to purchase weapons for Ukraine through the European Peace Fund (EPF), though more work remains to be done before these funds can be used, said the High Represent...

The EU has identified aid to Ukraine as a key security priority: The bloc will supply weapons and sign a security agreement.

The EU has identified aid to Ukraine as a key security priority: The bloc will supply weapons and sign a security agreement. The EU Council approved five main EU security and defense priorities in the context of a combination of challenges, such as Russia’s war against Ukraine and increasing tensions in the Middle Eas...

The EU is considering holding the next peace summit with the participation of the Russian Federation.

The EU is considering holding the next peace summit with the participation of the Russian Federation. The EU is discussing the transition from the Ukrainian peace summit next month to a possible meeting in Saudi Arabia in the fall with the Russian Federation’s participation, writes Bloomberg. China an...

The NATO allies ask Stoltenberg to detail the €100B Ukrainian aid initiative.

The NATO allies ask Stoltenberg to detail the €100B Ukrainian aid initiative. NATO countries are demanding Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg provide more details about his proposed €100B aid fund for Ukraine. The Secretary General’s idea is part of a plan if Donald Trump...

A security agreement and F-16s pledged by Belgium; allies will provide drones, a Patriot system, and protection in the sky over western Ukraine.

A security agreement and F-16s pledged by Belgium; allies will provide drones, a Patriot system, and protection in the sky over western Ukraine. Belgium has signed a bilateral security agreement with Ukraine to provide support over 10 years. This year, the document states that the country will provide €977M in military support. In addition, as...

Tuesday, May 28

Ukraine’s allies are working on another option for financing aid – a “reparation loan.”

Ukraine’s allies are working on another option for financing aid – a “reparation loan.” In addition to confiscating Russian assets or lending money to Kyiv using these assets, there is a third option – a so-called reparation loan. Under this approach, Ukraine could borrow money fro...

Ukraine and the EU will start accession negotiations despite Hungary’s opposition.

Ukraine and the EU will start accession negotiations despite Hungary’s opposition. Ukraine is making every effort to ensure that the intergovernmental conference on negotiations on our country’s accession to the EU takes place in June, said Deputy Prime Minister for European I...

Sweden will allow Ukraine to strike Russian territory with the weapons it provides.

Sweden will allow Ukraine to strike Russian territory with the weapons it provides. “According to international law, Ukraine has the right to defend itself through military actions directed against the invader’s territory if these actions comply with the laws and customs of war...

Zelenskyy signs a €1B military aid deal in Spain, a €1.1M arms package, and a security agreement.

Zelenskyy signs a €1B military aid deal in Spain, a €1.1M arms package, and a security agreement. During a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, an agreement was concluded that will supply military equipment, ranging from Patriot missiles to ...

Monday, May 27

NATO is insisting on Ukraine being allowed to strike inside Russia with Western weapons.

NATO is insisting on Ukraine being allowed to strike inside Russia with Western weapons. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg believes that the time has come for certain allies to review their restrictions on the use of weapons they have provided to Ukraine against targets in Russian t...

Germany sends Leopard tanks and an IRIS-T air defense system to Ukraine, and the US officially announces the next military aid package.

Germany sends Leopard tanks and an IRIS-T air defense system to Ukraine, and the US officially announces the next military aid package. Germany handed over a new batch of military aid to Ukraine, which includes artillery shells, Leopard 1 AP tanks, machine guns, drones, rifles, and ammunition. Ukraine received: 10 Leopard 1 A5 tanks, ...

Ukraine agrees on the next steps with the IMF mission and expects three more tranches totaling $4.5B this year.

Ukraine agrees on the next steps with the IMF mission and expects three more tranches totaling $4.5B this year. The Ukrainian government has synchronized with the mission of the IMF in further joint steps to restore economic growth and carry out reforms. The key areas are the restoration and decentralization of...

The G7 supports the plan to use Russian assets for Ukraine’s future security, and the World Bank is ready to manage the loan.

The G7 supports the plan to use Russian assets for Ukraine’s future security, and the World Bank is ready to manage the loan. The G7 finance ministers at a meeting in Italy supported the US’ idea to provide Ukraine with a loan secured by profits from frozen Russian assets. The $50B loan will be repaid through the profits fro...

The NBU explains what the confiscation of Russian assets depends on and how much can be obtained from their profits in 10 years.

The NBU explains what the confiscation of Russian assets depends on and how much can be obtained from their profits in 10 years. The European Central Bank (ECB) cannot confiscate frozen Russian assets, said NBU head Andriy Pyshnyi. As he explained, confiscation requires a consolidated decision and a legal basis. “It is ab...

Ukraine announces its expectations for international financial assistance for this year.

Ukraine announces its expectations for international financial assistance for this year. Since the beginning of the full-scale war, Ukraine has attracted more than $85B in external financing, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said. “Over ₴1T was attracted to the budget thanks to military...

Friday, May 24

The US is readying a $275M defense package, and the Netherlands and its partners will purchase weapons worth €175M.

The US is readying a $275M defense package, and the Netherlands and its partners will purchase weapons worth €175M. The US is preparing another $275M military aid package for Ukraine, which will probably be announced on May 24. It is noted that this will be the fourth tranche of military aid to Ukraine since Congre...

France supports the US proposal for a $50B loan to Ukraine, and Germany is ready to transfer profits to Ukraine.

France supports the US proposal for a $50B loan to Ukraine, and Germany is ready to transfer profits to Ukraine. The French government has given its support to the US government’s proposal to use frozen Russian assets, which increases the chances of reaching a preliminary agreement at the meeting of G7 finance m...

The G7 agrees on the details of providing Ukraine with a $50B loan secured by Russian assets.

The G7 agrees on the details of providing Ukraine with a $50B loan secured by Russian assets. The G7 countries agree with the US’ plan to use frozen Russian assets. The move would provide Ukraine with up to $50B in financing and help protect it from political shifts on both sides of the Atlant...

Ukraine is waiting for positive news from the US regarding attacks inside Russia.

Ukraine is waiting for positive news from the US regarding attacks inside Russia. The Chairman of the Ukrainian Parliament, Ruslan Stefanchuk, believes that American authorities will permit Ukraine to use US weapons in strikes on targets in Russian territory. “The other day, ...

Thursday, May 23

Sweden will provide Ukraine with $7B in military support over three years.

Sweden will provide Ukraine with $7B in military support over three years. The government of Sweden has reached an agreement with the pro-government party, Sweden Democrats on a program that will provide a total of SEK 75B ($7.01B) in additional military support to Ukraine o...

Problems in Ukraine and uncertainty about future financial support from the US are pushing allies to squeeze the maximum out of Russian assets.

Problems in Ukraine and uncertainty about future financial support from the US are pushing allies to squeeze the maximum out of Russian assets. The EU has taken a small step towards fulfilling its pledge to “make Russia pay” for the war in Ukraine, agreeing to use the proceeds from frozen Russian assets to provide Kyiv with about ...

Wednesday, May 22

Germany believes in Ukraine’s victory and has already collected almost €1B to strengthen its air defense.

Germany believes in Ukraine’s victory and has already collected almost €1B to strengthen its air defense. During a visit to Kyiv on May 21, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said: “Our support is based on a deep belief that Ukraine will win this war. Germany, along with many other countries ...

Germany will support the US plan to provide Ukraine with $50B in aid secured by revenue from frozen Russian assets.

Germany will support the US plan to provide Ukraine with $50B in aid secured by revenue from frozen Russian assets. Germany’s agreement could be a crucial step that moves Washington and its allies closer to receiving a major new aid package for Kyiv and secures US support regardless of the outcome of November...

The EU is determined to start accession negotiations with Ukraine at the end of June.

The EU is determined to start accession negotiations with Ukraine at the end of June. EU Officials in Brussels are planning to begin negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union in June. Even though EU leaders expressed their desire for Ukraine and Moldova to join th...

Experts outline the EU’s fears: Ukraine can potentially turn the agricultural market in European countries upside down.

Experts outline the EU’s fears: Ukraine can potentially turn the agricultural market in European countries upside down. Agricultural expert and a founder of Zeminvest Oleksandr Chornyi emphasized that Ukraine has extraordinary agrarian assets that places it among global leaders. “Ukraine ranks sixth in the world ...

Allies at Ramstein pledged to provide Ukraine with additional Leopard tanks, IFVs, Patriot missiles, and ammunition.

Allies at Ramstein pledged to provide Ukraine with additional Leopard tanks, IFVs, Patriot missiles, and ammunition. Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles said during a meeting of the Contact Group on Aid to Ukraine that Madrid will hand over another batch of Leopard tanks to Kyiv in June. She also promised to s...

The EU approves the transfer of revenues from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, 90% of which will go to the military.

The EU approves the transfer of revenues from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, 90% of which will go to the military. On May 21, the Council of the EU agreed on a conservative plan for the use of Russian assets for the benefit of Ukraine. It will allow Ukraine to receive €3B this year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs...

The US Treasury requires European banks to strengthen monitoring of compliance with sanctions against the Russian Federation.

The US Treasury requires European banks to strengthen monitoring of compliance with sanctions against the Russian Federation. Heads of European banks should intensify their efforts to implement measures that are designed to stop Russia’s attempts to circumvent sanctions, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said. She not...

Tuesday, May 21

During the Ramstein meeting, Lloyd Austin announced the crucial months for Ukraine and announced more aid.

During the Ramstein meeting, Lloyd Austin announced the crucial months for Ukraine and announced more aid. The coming months and weeks will be decisive in determining the course of Russia’s war against Ukraine, according to the head of the US Pentagon, Lloyd Austin. At the opening of the 22nd Ukraine...

Kyiv is hoping to receive Patriot air defense systems and permission to strike targets in Russia using US weapons.

Kyiv is hoping to receive Patriot air defense systems and permission to strike targets in Russia using US weapons. Ukraine’s ambassador to the US, Oksana Markarova, hopes for “bold decisions” from the US in anticipation of receiving the much-needed Patriot air defense system to protect Ukraine fr...

The G7 will grant Ukraine a €30B loan secured by Russian assets.

The G7 will grant Ukraine a €30B loan secured by Russian assets. This week, the finance ministers of the G7 countries will discuss the legality of using €270B in frozen assets belonging to the Russian Federation as collateral to provide Ukraine with a €30B loan. Wa...

Monday, May 20

The US has not changed its position on Ukraine using American weapons to strike Russian territory, but support among senators to remove this restriction is growing.

The US has not changed its position on Ukraine using American weapons to strike Russian territory, but support among senators to remove this restriction is growing. The Pentagon said that it has not changed its position regarding Ukraine’s use of US-supplied weapons against targets in Russian territory. US Department of Defense Deputy Pentagon Press Secreta...

The restrictions on the use of Western weapons prevents Ukraine from defending the Kharkiv region.

The restrictions on the use of Western weapons prevents Ukraine from defending the Kharkiv region. Bans on targets in Russia from the US and other Western countries on the use of the weapons they have supplied Ukraine significantly undermines Kyiv’s ability to defend itself against the curren...

The G7 will support the EU’s use of profits from frozen Russian assets but still refuses their confiscation.

The G7 will support the EU’s use of profits from frozen Russian assets but still refuses their confiscation. G7 finance ministers will back an EU plan next week to use proceeds from frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine’s military efforts. The US proposed the outright confiscation of Russian assets, bu...

The EU plans to begin negotiations on Ukraine’s accession in June and is counting on effective anti-corruption efforts.

The EU plans to begin negotiations on Ukraine’s accession in June and is counting on effective anti-corruption efforts. The head of the EU Consultative Mission in Ukraine, Rolf M. Hay Pereira Holmboe, said that negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU can begin in June. He emphasized that the most difficult ...

Britain will provide Ukraine with 100 missiles for air defense during May, and Germany will increase its military aid funding by €3.8B.

Britain will provide Ukraine with 100 missiles for air defense during May, and Germany will increase its military aid funding by €3.8B. British Defense Minister Grant Shapps said that Ukraine will receive 100 missiles from Britain for air defense in May. “Warm words are not enough. Every state that values its freedom should in...

MEP: Ukraine needs another €200B in financial aid from the EU to cover all necessary expenditures.

MEP: Ukraine needs another €200B in financial aid from the EU to cover all necessary expenditures. The EU should find an additional €200B to help Ukraine, as the €50B Ukraine Facility program does not solve all financing problems, said Viola von Cramon-Taubadel, a European Parliament member, during...

Friday, May 17

Denmark provides Ukraine with €750M in military aid for air defense, artillery, investments in military defense, and the transfer of F16s.

Denmark provides Ukraine with €750M in military aid for air defense, artillery, investments in military defense, and the transfer of F16s. The Danish government provided Ukraine with a DKK 5.6B (€750M) military aid package, with half of this amount used to strengthen Ukrainian air defense. This support from Denmark also includes maintena...

The Czech Republic is working on a pilot project for the voluntary return of Ukrainian refugees, and Poland is planning to deprive refugees of benefits.

The Czech Republic is working on a pilot project for the voluntary return of Ukrainian refugees, and Poland is planning to deprive refugees of benefits. The Czech Republic will launch a pilot project that is scheduled to operate from June to November that will facilitate the voluntary return of Ukrainians to their homeland. It is emphasized that the p...

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