Politics

Monday, January 13

The White House says that Ukraine and Russia are not ready for negotiations.

The White House says that Ukraine and Russia are not ready for negotiations. The current US presidential administration does not currently see that Ukraine or Russia are ready for peace talks, said White House strategic communications coordinator John Kirby. The FT, citing sou...

The US has approximately $4B in unused military assistance that could have been sent to Ukraine; Norway allocates the most significant aid amount in its history.

The US has approximately $4B in unused military assistance that could have been sent to Ukraine; Norway allocates the most significant aid amount in its history. The Biden administration failed to use about $4B in aid for Ukraine that has been provided within various support packages. The next US president, Donald Trump, and his team will further manage these ...

The EU is confident that Trump will continue to support Ukraine but is wary of easing sanctions against Russia.

The EU is confident that Trump will continue to support Ukraine but is wary of easing sanctions against Russia. US President-elect Donald Trump has extended the timeline for the implementation of his campaign promise to end the war in Ukraine in a day to several months. According to EU allies, this is a signal ...

Ukraine received $41.7B in external financing last year; the government has voiced its expectations for 2025.

Ukraine received $41.7B in external financing last year; the government has voiced its expectations for 2025. “In total, $115B has been attracted from partners since the beginning of the war,” said Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. The EU, the US, Japan, the IMF, Canada, and the World Bank provided th...

Germany is preparing new large aid packages for Ukraine that will include air defense and tanks.

Germany is preparing new large aid packages for Ukraine that will include air defense and tanks. The German government plans to transfer new significant packages of military equipment to the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the first half of the year. The list of weapons that are planned to be provided...

NATO will not support Trump’s calls to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP and seeks compromise.

NATO will not support Trump’s calls to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP and seeks compromise. Trump recently said that NATO countries should spend 5% of their GDP on defense. No NATO country, including the US, has reached the 5% spending target. NATO officials agree with the need for further i...

Ukraine receives the first tranche of EU funds from frozen Russian assets.

Ukraine receives the first tranche of EU funds from frozen Russian assets. Ukraine received €3B from the EU as part of the ERA initiative, the first tranche of EU funds provided by revenue from frozen Russian assets. Ukraine will direct this to priority budget expenditures. ...

Friday, January 10

The Ramstein allies have approved eight Ukrainian roadmaps to provide support until 2027.

The Ramstein allies have approved eight Ukrainian roadmaps to provide support until 2027. During a Ramstein meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Germany with the participation of President Zelenskyy, leaders of the capability coalitions approved eight roadmaps of support for Ukr...

Ukraine and Denmark summed up the results of their cooperation under the Danish model: Ukraine’s Armed Forces have already received weapons worth €538M.

Ukraine and Denmark summed up the results of their cooperation under the Danish model: Ukraine’s Armed Forces have already received weapons worth €538M. In 2024, Ukraine and Denmark successfully implemented cooperation under the Danish model of financing in the Ukrainian defense industry. The primary sources of financing include: €125M from Denmark th...

If Ukraine loses the war, it will cost the US dearly.

If Ukraine loses the war, it will cost the US dearly. A Russian victory in the war would require a surge in Pentagon spending of more than $800B through 2029, the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) reported. The ultimate success of President Putin’s war...

The US calls the suspension of Russian gas transit through Ukraine one of Moscow’s biggest and most expensive defeats.

The US calls the suspension of Russian gas transit through Ukraine one of Moscow’s biggest and most expensive defeats. Ukraine’s decision to stop transporting Russian gas through its territory was one of Moscow’s largest and costliest defeats, White House adviser John Kirby believes. According to him, Russ...

Thursday, January 9

Ramstein coalition leaders will approve reliable military support for Ukraine through 2027.

Ramstein coalition leaders will approve reliable military support for Ukraine through 2027. The 25th Ramstein-based Ukraine Defense Contact Group Summit on January 9 will focus primarily on supporting Ukraine’s defense capabilities to ensure “credible deterrence forces” through 2...

China has banned Russia’s shadow fleet from entering major oil ports.

China has banned Russia’s shadow fleet from entering major oil ports. China’s largest port operator, Shandong Port Group, has banned tankers under US sanctions from entering ports in Shandong province, home to many independent refineries that are the largest oil i...

Wednesday, January 8

The Biden administration is preparing its final military aid package for Ukraine.

The Biden administration is preparing its final military aid package for Ukraine. The Biden administration will announce a massive, final weapons package for Ukraine on Thursday as part of Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s visit to Germany to meet with representatives from about 50 ...

British MPs call for frozen Russian assets to be sent to Ukraine.

British MPs call for frozen Russian assets to be sent to Ukraine. The UK should transfer all frozen Russian assets to Ukraine. This would send a clear signal to Moscow that “aggressors must and will pay.” In a joint letter, a group of British MPs and pol...

Tuesday, January 7

Zelenskyy is considering whether Ukraine should join NATO without the temporarily occupied territories.

Zelenskyy is considering whether Ukraine should join NATO without the temporarily occupied territories. President Zelenskyy does not reject the idea of accepting NATO membership without the territories temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation. “The legislative invitation to NATO is extended ...

Ukraine will attract $1B this year through the Danish model of arms procurement.

Ukraine will attract $1B this year through the Danish model of arms procurement. Ukraine will develop the Danish model, according to which partners purchase weapons from the Ukrainian defense industry for the needs of the Ukrainian military, and this program is expected to attract...

The US is preparing new sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet.

The US is preparing new sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet. The administration of US President Joe Biden plans to impose additional sanctions on tankers carrying Russian oil, Reuters writes. According to sources in the publication, the Biden administration pla...

Monday, January 6

The Trump administration may soon try to convene negotiations on Ukraine.

The Trump administration may soon try to convene negotiations on Ukraine. According to The Telegraph, the next US presidential administration may try to convene negotiations on Ukraine in the near future. When exactly will depend on the willingness of Putin and President Ze...

How does the end of Russian gas transit through Ukraine affect the European market?

How does the end of Russian gas transit through Ukraine affect the European market? European natural gas prices rose for the third week as the market grapples with dwindling inventories and supply constraints after the loss of Russian gas flows through Ukraine on January 1, 2025. ...

To end the Russian war sooner, the West must tighten oil sanctions against Moscow.

To end the Russian war sooner, the West must tighten oil sanctions against Moscow. The administration of US President Joe Biden is considering tightening sanctions against Russia, in an attempt to reduce Russia’s ability to finance its military aggression, and creating the pre...

The Ukrainian government announced a new operation model for the Ukrainian gas transport system after ceasing Russian gas transit.

The Ukrainian government announced a new operation model for the Ukrainian gas transport system after ceasing Russian gas transit. Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal stated: “The Ukrainian gas transportation system now operates without the transit of Russian gas and will implement a new operational model this year. We ...

The Ukraine Facility provided 40% of Ukraine’s external financing for 2024’s state budget.

The Ukraine Facility provided 40% of Ukraine’s external financing for 2024’s state budget. The Ukraine Facility program provided the largest amount of external financing for the state budget in 2024 (over 40%). The total amount of funds provided by the EU amounted to €16.2B. This was made p...

Tuesday, December 24

Where is Ukraine’s Economic Security Lacking, and How Can It Be Fixed?

Where is Ukraine’s Economic Security Lacking, and How Can It Be Fixed? Vadym Melnyk has extensive experience in the field of economic security, having worked in various state institutions, including the State Fiscal Service, before establishing the Economic Security Bure...

Monday, December 23

Ukraine is facing a fundamental decision: continue fighting or negotiate?

Ukraine is facing a fundamental decision: continue fighting or negotiate? Ukrainians are currently pondering a crucial decision – to continue the fight or negotiate for peace, and the Biden administration is committed to providing Ukraine with the strongest possible positio...

The US will provide Ukraine with a $1.2B military aid package; Trump plans to continue arms deliveries.

The US will provide Ukraine with a $1.2B military aid package; Trump plans to continue arms deliveries. The Biden administration will announce its final Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI) package in the coming days, using the remaining funds that have been reserved to purchase new weapons for...

Ukraine will cease the transit of Russian gas on January 1, but pro-Russian EU leaders have not given up hope for its continuation.

Ukraine will cease the transit of Russian gas on January 1, but pro-Russian EU leaders have not given up hope for its continuation. Beginning January 1 2025, the Ukrainian GTS will be able to transport gas of Russian origin only at the request of the European Commission, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said. At the same time, accordi...

The EC is again considering the full confiscation of frozen Russian assets.

The EC is again considering the full confiscation of frozen Russian assets. The EU should consider taking bolder measures, such as confiscating the Russian Central Bank’s foreign assets as compensation for Ukraine, said Valdis Dombrovskis, the European Commissioner for ...

Under what conditions are European countries prepared to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine?

Under what conditions are European countries prepared to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine? European countries would consider sending military personnel to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire, but they will not unite peacekeeping forces under the NATO flag, as a NATO mission requires unanimo...

The EU and the US are channeling billions from Russian asset proceeds to help Ukraine.

The EU and the US are channeling billions from Russian asset proceeds to help Ukraine. The European Commission has announced macro-financial assistance to Ukraine through a loan of €18.1B, which will be paid in equal installments throughout 2025 with the first tranche expected in Januar...

Money above all: Russian sanctions are being weakened through exceptions.

Money above all: Russian sanctions are being weakened through exceptions. The US has made an exception to the sanctions imposed on Gazprombank to allow payment for Russian gas by Hungary and Turkey. The Hungarian Foreign Ministry believes the latest sanctions against Russia...

What further defensive support have Ukraine’s partners promised?

What further defensive support have Ukraine’s partners promised? In January next year, the UK and its partners will supply Ukraine with thousands of combat drones as part of the Maritime and Drone Capability Coalitions. Britain will also continue training Ukrainian...

Friday, December 20

Zelensky met in Brussels with Rutte and Macron: What was discussed?

Zelensky met in Brussels with Rutte and Macron: What was discussed? President Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met in Brussels to discuss achieving a unified European position on the issue of Ukraine’s support. The parties discussed the provision ...

Ukraine’s accelerated integration into the EU should become a central foreign policy element for the EU, the US, and Britain.

Ukraine’s accelerated integration into the EU should become a central foreign policy element for the EU, the US, and Britain. According to Mykhailo Bno-Airiyan, Eurofasttrack is not just a political choice but a strategic necessity. “For Europe and the US, this is a unique chance to consolidate Ukraine in the Western d...

What is Europe afraid of in the negotiations over Ukraine’s future?

What is Europe afraid of in the negotiations over Ukraine’s future? Donald Trump’s return to the White House is now the primary issue for senior officials in European capitals. Their biggest concern is what will happen to Ukraine, Eurasia Group noted. The EU has...

Von der Leyen in the European Parliament: Supporting Ukraine is a strategic goal for the EU.

Von der Leyen in the European Parliament: Supporting Ukraine is a strategic goal for the EU. Continuing and strengthening support for Ukraine while Putin makes every effort to break Ukrainian resistance is a strategic imperative for the EU, said EC President Ursula von der Leyen in the Europe...

Kallas urges the West to stop pressuring Ukraine into talks because Russia doesn’t want peace. But Kellogg believes both countries are ready for talks.

Kallas urges the West to stop pressuring Ukraine into talks because Russia doesn’t want peace. But Kellogg believes both countries are ready for talks. Western capitals need to stop pushing President Zelenskyy into peace talks and instead fulfill their promises of security guarantees for Ukraine, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas said. “There&...

European Council in Brussels: What message did Zelenskyy sent to EU leaders?

European Council in Brussels: What message did Zelenskyy sent to EU leaders? President Zelenskyy called on the EU to unite and actively participate in future negotiations to establish peace in Ukraine. He stressed that future talks should be based on strong positions for both ...

Britain will provide Ukraine with a new $286M military aid package; Belgium will not be able to deliver its promised F-16s.

Britain will provide Ukraine with a new $286M military aid package; Belgium will not be able to deliver its promised F-16s. Britain will allocate additional military equipment to Ukraine worth £225M ($286M) to support it in the war against Russia. The new package includes: £92M to support the navy £68M for air defense equi...

Thursday, December 19

Piraeus Bank sponsored the War & Politics Live event in Kyiv: What the Future Holds for Ukraine in 2025.

Piraeus Bank sponsored the War & Politics Live event in Kyiv: What the Future Holds for Ukraine in 2025. On December 13, the UBN Network hosted an event titled “WAR & POLITICS: POST US ELECTIONS – WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR UKRAINE.” As the general sponsor of UBN’s series of ev...

Trump’s special envoy for the Russia-Ukraine war is planning a visit to Kyiv and is ready to visit Moscow if invited.

Trump’s special envoy for the Russia-Ukraine war is planning a visit to Kyiv and is ready to visit Moscow if invited. According to Reuters, President-Elect Donald Trump’s envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, will travel to Kyiv in early January 2025. Kellogg plans to meet with Ukrainian leaders in Kyiv, and his te...

Zelenskyy to Trump: Freezing the war is dangerous, and negotiations with Putin will take place only on Ukraine’s terms.

Zelenskyy to Trump: Freezing the war is dangerous, and negotiations with Putin will take place only on Ukraine’s terms. Newly elected US President Donald Trump knows that Ukraine does not want to surrender and freeze the war, President Zelenskyy said, commenting on the negotiations with Trump in Paris. “We are no...

NATO will coordinate military assistance to Ukraine instead of the US.

NATO will coordinate military assistance to Ukraine instead of the US. From now on, NATO will play a direct role in Ukraine’s war against Russia, although the involvement of Alliance troops is not envisaged. At the same time, the transfer of control to NATO coordin...

The US announced a $177B aid package for Ukraine, but only some funds and weapons have arrived.

The US announced a $177B aid package for Ukraine, but only some funds and weapons have arrived. President Zelenskyy stated during a meeting of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities that the US has allocated $177B to support Ukraine, but not all the money and aid deliveries have arrived....

Europe could deploy up to 100,000 troops as peacekeepers to ensure security in Ukraine.

Europe could deploy up to 100,000 troops as peacekeepers to ensure security in Ukraine. European countries could form a deterrent force that would be deployed in Ukraine, with about 40,000 European peacekeepers likely to participate in the mission, but the number could increase to 100,00...

Analysts suggest that the war in Ukraine is nearing its end.

Analysts suggest that the war in Ukraine is nearing its end. Rajan Menon, a scholar at the Saltzman Institute for the Study of War and Peace at Columbia University, believes that the prospects for a peace agreement are now becoming more realistic and that the r...

Poland will provide Ukraine with a new military aid package worth €100M and supports Ukraine’s simulataneous accession to the EU and NATO.

Poland will provide Ukraine with a new military aid package worth €100M and supports Ukraine’s simulataneous accession to the EU and NATO. The Polish government plans to transfer a new aid package to Ukraine in January, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said in Lviv. He said the 46th support package will include weapons and equipment wor...

Wednesday, December 18

Russia plans to continue the war until it fully occupies four Ukrainian regions in 2025.

Russia plans to continue the war until it fully occupies four Ukrainian regions in 2025. Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov said that Moscow intends to fully seize the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions of Ukraine in 2025. At a Defense Ministry meeting, he confirmed...

Trump said there was “some progress” in ending the Russian-Ukrainian war and warned to revoke permission for strikes deep into Russia.

Trump said there was “some progress” in ending the Russian-Ukrainian war and warned to revoke permission for strikes deep into Russia. US President-Elect Donald Trump noted that his team is currently working to end the Russian war against Ukraine, and there is already “some progress.” Trump stressed that “We have ma...

The UK, EU, and US will work to strengthen Ukraine’s position in peace talks with Russia.

The UK, EU, and US will work to strengthen Ukraine’s position in peace talks with Russia. The UK is focused on ensuring Ukraine is in the strongest possible position in 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said. To do this, the UK plans to use a range of mechanisms, including economic ...

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