Politics

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...

Russia has not yet submitted its memorandum outlining its ceasefire terms and has declared its readiness to continue the war.

Russia has not yet submitted its memorandum outlining its ceasefire terms and has declared its readiness to continue the war. The Ukrainian peace memorandum includes provisions for a ceasefire on land, in the air, and at sea. Monitoring compliance with these conditions should involve international partners. After reviewing t...

Friday, May 30

IRIS-T long-range weapons and air defense: How Ukraine will spend €5B in aid from Germany?

IRIS-T long-range weapons and air defense: How Ukraine will spend €5B in aid from Germany? According to Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, this is how these funds will be allocated: A portion will be used to purchase Ukrainian-made long-range weapons. This year, the plans is to produce a signi...

Russia proposes holding a new round of talks with Ukraine on June 2 in Istanbul, where it will present a memorandum outlining the terms of the war settlement.

Russia proposes holding a new round of talks with Ukraine on June 2 in Istanbul, where it will present a memorandum outlining the terms of the war settlement. According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the document details Moscow’s position “on all aspects of reliably overcoming the root causes of the crisis.” “Our delegati...

Thursday, May 29

Pressure on Moscow and €5B in aid for Kyiv: Five key agreements between Merz and Zelenskyy.

Pressure on Moscow and €5B in aid for Kyiv: Five key agreements between Merz and Zelenskyy. On May 28, President Zelenskyy met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin where Germany agreed to provide Ukraine with €5B in military aid to assist Kyiv in developing long-range weapons to t...

Merz tells Europeans they should be prepared for a prolonged Russian-Ukrainian war and calls for increased support for Ukraine.

Merz tells Europeans they should be prepared for a prolonged Russian-Ukrainian war and calls for increased support for Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz does not expect Russia’s war against Ukraine to end anytime soon. “Usually, wars end due to economic or military exhaustion of one or both sides, but in th...

Putin has outlined his conditions for ending the war; a new round of negotiations will be announced soon.

Putin has outlined his conditions for ending the war; a new round of negotiations will be announced soon. Russian sources have disclosed Vladimir Putin’s prerequisites for ending the conflict in Ukraine, which include: A written commitment from Western leaders to halt NATO’s expansion eastward...

This year, the drone coalition is allocating €2.75B to support Ukraine.

This year, the drone coalition is allocating €2.75B to support Ukraine. Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds announced during the international drone coalition summit in Riga that Turkey and Belgium want to join this coalition, increasing the total to 20 countries. The ...

Wednesday, May 28

Trump is considering lifting all restrictions on Western weapons for Ukraine. Merz states that the restrictions were lifted months ago.

Trump is considering lifting all restrictions on Western weapons for Ukraine. Merz states that the restrictions were lifted months ago. “All previously imposed restrictions – whether they have already been removed or not – are currently being reviewed because President Trump believes that the current status quo is not in our sha...

Trump might impose new sanctions on Russia this week amid frustration with Putin.

Trump might impose new sanctions on Russia this week amid frustration with Putin. US President Donald Trump is considering these sanctions due to his frustration with Putin’s continued aggressive actions toward Ukraine and the slow progress in peace talks. The restrictions ar...

Germany and Ukraine are discussing the production of long-range weapons in Ukraine.

Germany and Ukraine are discussing the production of long-range weapons in Ukraine. While the German government no longer plans to publicly announce specifics of defense assistance, relevant decisions are already being prepared behind the scenes. In particular, discussions are ongoin...

Ukraine has run out of SAMP/T air defense missiles and the allies are looking for air defense systems for Kyiv.

Ukraine has run out of SAMP/T air defense missiles and the allies are looking for air defense systems for Kyiv. Ukraine is facing challenges with sourcing air defense missiles; in particular, it has exhausted its supply of charges for SAMP/T systems. Additionally, it has not received a single missile for the Cr...

The US is waiting for Russia to provide a list of conditions for a peace agreement; a meeting of the three leaders is planned.

The US is waiting for Russia to provide a list of conditions for a peace agreement; a meeting of the three leaders is planned. The US has already received a list of conditions for achieving an end to the war from Ukraine and now expects a corresponding memorandum from Russia to compare them, said the US President’s spec...

The EU has proposed lowering the Russian oil price cap by another $15, but the US is blocking the initiative.

The EU has proposed lowering the Russian oil price cap by another $15, but the US is blocking the initiative. The European Commission and leading EU countries support lowering the price ceiling for Russian oil from $60 to $45 per barrel as part of a new sanctions package against Russia. Sources familiar with ...

The EU will spend more to purchase Russian raw materials and energy resources than on military aid to Ukraine.

The EU will spend more to purchase Russian raw materials and energy resources than on military aid to Ukraine. Despite the current 17 EU sanctions packages, in 2025 Russia is projected to receive about $233B from the export of raw materials and energy resources and more than $20B from EU countries alone. ̶...

Sweden provides €417M to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Sweden provides €417M to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Sweden has announced the allocation of SEK 4.8B (€417M) to assist the Ukrainian military and defense industry. These funds are part of the country’s 19th aid package and include financial contri...

The UK will allocate $3B of the profits from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.

The UK will allocate $3B of the profits from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. Ukraine and the United Kingdom have signed a project agreement regarding the use of excess profits from frozen Russian assets as part of the ERA initiative for the armament and repair of military equi...

Tuesday, May 27

After the recent massive attacks on Ukraine, Trump criticized Putin’s actions and warned of Russia’s “fall.”

After the recent massive attacks on Ukraine, Trump criticized Putin’s actions and warned of Russia’s “fall.” US President Donald Trump has finally criticized the Russian president, labeling him as “absolutely crazy” and cautioning that an attempt to take all of Ukraine would result in the “...

Britain, France, Germany, and the US have removed all restrictions on the use of long-range weapons.

Britain, France, Germany, and the US have removed all restrictions on the use of long-range weapons. During the WDR Europaforum, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated: “There are no longer any restrictions on the use of long-range weapons supplied to Ukraine – neither by the British, nor by t...

Ukraine faces the risk of losing a portion of its EU funding.

Ukraine faces the risk of losing a portion of its EU funding. Analysts report that in the first quarter, Ukraine failed to meet four indicators required under the Ukraine Facility program on time. This situation may not only postpone the disbursement of the prog...

The EU is set to review extending protection for Ukrainian refugees.

The EU is set to review extending protection for Ukrainian refugees. Brussels is considering how to proceed with the legal framework that is providing these refugees protection. Euractiv recalls that when the EU introduced the Temporary Protection Directive in March 20...

Monday, May 26

Russia is preparing a ceasefire memorandum but has refused to hold talks in the Vatican.

Russia is preparing a ceasefire memorandum but has refused to hold talks in the Vatican. Russia is set to deliver a memorandum to Ukraine outlining its proposals for settling the war. President Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine is open to any form of diplomacy that can yield real results ...

The EC has approved transitional trade arrangements with Ukraine following the end of visa-free trade.

The EC has approved transitional trade arrangements with Ukraine following the end of visa-free trade. The European Commission has adopted a list of transitional measures for Ukrainian exports to the EU, which will take effect after June 5 when autonomous trade preferences for Ukraine will no longer be...

The EU plans to impose sanctions on Nord Stream and lower the Russian oil price cap.

The EU plans to impose sanctions on Nord Stream and lower the Russian oil price cap. The European Commission is already preparing its 18th package of sanctions against Russia, which will disconnect about 20 banks from the SWIFT payment system and impose trade bans exceeding €2.5B in v...

Friday, May 23

The US Senate threatens Russia with “tough” sanctions for delaying the peace process, bypassing Trump.

The US Senate threatens Russia with “tough” sanctions for delaying the peace process, bypassing Trump. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham stated that support for a bill imposing “tough sanctions” against Russia has grown in the US Congress to 81 senators out of the 100 total. To override a p...

Trump admits that Putin does not plan to end the war.

Trump admits that Putin does not plan to end the war. US President Donald Trump, during a conversation with European leaders on May 19, said that the Russian president is not prepared to end the war against Ukraine because he believes he is winning. Howe...

Britain asks the G7 to cut the price cap on Russian oil.

Britain asks the G7 to cut the price cap on Russian oil. The UK has urged its G7 allies to lower the price ceiling for Russian oil to further pressure Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine. This issue was a priority for discussion at the G7 finance minis...

The G7 finance ministers have agreed to continue supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia,

The G7 finance ministers have agreed to continue supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia, stated German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil on the sidelines of the G7 meeting in Canada. It was previously reported that the US opposes including “further support” for Ukraine in the G7...

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...

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