Politics

Monday, February 12

Scholz and Biden call on the US Congress to approve aid to Ukraine.

Scholz and Biden call on the US Congress to approve aid to Ukraine. During a visit to the White House on February 9, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz discussed further assistance to Ukraine with US President Joe Biden, and both leaders called on the US Congress to approv...

The EU and the US have given their assurance that their support for Ukraine will not change after Ukraine’s change in military leadership.

The EU and the US have given their assurance that their support for Ukraine will not change after Ukraine’s change in military leadership. The European Commission states that the European Union’s support for Ukraine will remain unchanged after the resignation of the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Valery Zaluzhny,...

Friday, February 9

Ukraine calls on its partners to create new international cyber deterrence tools: What was discussed at the first annual international forum on cyber security in Kyiv?

Ukraine calls on its partners to create new international cyber deterrence tools: What was discussed at the first annual international forum on cyber security in Kyiv? Only new international cyber deterrence solutions will strengthen threat resistance: Results from the Kyiv International Cyber Resilience Forum 2024. For two days, February 7-8, representatives of the...

Washington is considering alternative methods to buy arms for Ukraine.

Washington is considering alternative methods to buy arms for Ukraine. The issue of aid to Ukraine is pending in the US Senate. Even if military assistance can be advanced, there are many reasons to doubt that the money will come, given the deep opposition from Republica...

Britain extends duty-free trade with Ukraine for five years, and trade has increased by 20% to $1.4B.

Britain extends duty-free trade with Ukraine for five years, and trade has increased by 20% to $1.4B. The UK Department for Business and Trade announced that duty-free trade will be extended for all goods for five years, except for eggs and poultry, for which the regime will be extended only for two y...

Brussels demands that the EU member states work urgently to stop the illegal flow of goods to Russia.

Brussels demands that the EU member states work urgently to stop the illegal flow of goods to Russia. In a letter sent to the EU’s capitals, the EC warned there was a need for “immediate, concerted, and decisive action from all of us.” Although the sanctions are agreed upon at the EU level...

Thursday, February 8

Rheinmetall has a two-year plan for the supply of weapons to Ukraine.

Rheinmetall has a two-year plan for the supply of weapons to Ukraine. Rheinmetall emphasizes that it is the only defense contractor capable of supplying the Ukrainian military with many new medium and large-caliber ammunition, including supplies for the Marder infantry ...

Congress did not approve aid to Israel without Ukraine, and Biden accuses Republicans of playing along with Putin.

Congress did not approve aid to Israel without Ukraine, and Biden accuses Republicans of playing along with Putin. On February 6, the House of Representatives of the US Congress did not support Speaker Mike Johnson’s bill to provide military aid to Israel without assistance to Ukraine. Notably, 250 congressm...

The Senate is preparing for plan B regarding aid to Ukraine.

The Senate is preparing for plan B regarding aid to Ukraine. US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer plans to remove the bipartisan agreement on border security from the emergency defense spending bill and submit to the Senate on February 7 only consideration o...

Wednesday, February 7

The Kremlin threatens the West with years of trials and cyberattacks for trying to use its assets for Ukraine.

The Kremlin threatens the West with years of trials and cyberattacks for trying to use its assets for Ukraine. Russia is threatening to initiate lengthy legal disputes in international courts if the G7 countries and the EU decide to use the frozen assets of the Russian Central Bank to restore Ukraine, said the...

The European Parliament and the Council of the EU agree on a €50B Ukrainian fund.

The European Parliament and the Council of the EU agree on a €50B Ukrainian fund. The new fund will combine EU budget support into a single instrument, providing Ukraine with broad, predictable, and flexible assistance for 2024-2027. The fund will consist of three components. The f...

US aid to Ukraine is on the verge of collapse.

US aid to Ukraine is on the verge of collapse. The US border security agreement, which also includes assistance to Ukraine, is close to collapsing due to doubts in the Senate. Republican support has collapsed in the face of opposition from the lea...

Ukraine will help the EU develop a strategy for the European defense-industrial complex.

Ukraine will help the EU develop a strategy for the European defense-industrial complex. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, reminded listeners that the EU countries have collectively transferred over €28B in military aid to Ukraine and helped train more than 4...

The G7 is going to tighten controls on the export of Russian hydrocarbons.

The G7 is going to tighten controls on the export of Russian hydrocarbons. The G7 countries are planning to strengthen their rules for limiting prices for importers of Russian oil starting February 20.Currently, carriers and insurance companies must provide a declaration con...

Tuesday, February 6

The US Senate has been presented with a bill containing $60.1B in aid for Ukraine.

The US Senate has been presented with a bill containing $60.1B in aid for Ukraine. The US Senate released a $118B bipartisan proposal for aid to Israel, Ukraine, and enhanced border security. The document provides the following: $60.1B —aid to Ukraine $14.1B — aid to Israel $22.2B —...

German opposition to the €5B reform of Ukraine’s military support fund risks delaying the supply of arms.

German opposition to the €5B reform of Ukraine’s military support fund risks delaying the supply of arms. As the FT writes, the European Peace Fund (EPF) needs additional funding so that countries can receive partial compensation for the costs of supplying weapons. However, the proposed €5B financing has ...

Brussels is softening the restrictions in the next Russian sanctions package to ensure faster implementation.

Brussels is softening the restrictions in the next Russian sanctions package to ensure faster implementation. The EC will not add any new import bans to the 13th package of sanctions against Russia, which is planned to be adopted by the second anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. As Reut...

Monday, February 5

The US Senate plans to vote on aid to Ukraine this week.

The US Senate plans to vote on aid to Ukraine this week. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, said the Senate will vote this week on a supplemental national security bill that includes a bipartisan deal on border security and aid for Ukraine an...

Ukraine’s allies plan to direct frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine without their immediate confiscation.

Ukraine’s allies plan to direct frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine without their immediate confiscation. According to a plan proposed by Belgium, the allies could issue debt obligations to finance Ukraine’s needs, using the assets of the Russian Federation as collateral to guarantee repayment of the debt...

Military aid continues to flow to Ukraine: Javelins, anti-tank ammunition, training, and new commitments.

Military aid continues to flow to Ukraine: Javelins, anti-tank ammunition, training, and new commitments. Lithuania handed over to Ukraine detonation systems and thousands of rounds of ammunition for anti-tank grenade launchers. Estonia has followed suit, and is transferring Javelin anti-tank missiles, ma...

The Restoration of Ukraine conference in Tokyo on February 19-20 will involve about 200 Japanese and Ukrainian companies.

The Restoration of Ukraine conference in Tokyo on February 19-20 will involve about 200 Japanese and Ukrainian companies. Ahead of the conference, Tokyo is working on incentives for Japanese companies to open businesses in Ukraine to help with its recovery. The Japanese government plans to ease travel restrictions and al...

The EU will create a military aid fund for Ukraine in a few days, and Hungary has agreed to finance non-lethal defense aid.

The EU will create a military aid fund for Ukraine in a few days, and Hungary has agreed to finance non-lethal defense aid. The EU plans to form a €5B military aid fund for Ukraine in 2024 as part of the European Peace Fund, EU High Representative Josep Borrell said. “We discussed the situation on the battlefield, th...

Friday, February 2

EU leaders have supported €50B in Ukrainian aid over four years.

EU leaders have supported €50B in Ukrainian aid over four years. On February 1, all 27 leaders of the EU member states politically endorsed the launch of the €50B Ukraine Facility for 2024-2027. Most of these funds will ensure Ukraine’s social and humanitaria...

Ukraine expects the first €4.5B from the new EU package in March; here is what the program provides.

Ukraine expects the first €4.5B from the new EU package in March; here is what the program provides. The European Parliament must approve the €50B Ukraine Facility program, previously approved by the European Council, during the plenary session scheduled for February 26-29, 2024. The first payment of...

The White House is not considering putting aid to Ukraine in a separate bill, and the Republicans are working on a backup plan.

The White House is not considering putting aid to Ukraine in a separate bill, and the Republicans are working on a backup plan. The White House is not discussing the possibility of creating a separate bill on aid to Ukraine and Israel, spokeswoman Karin Jean-Pierre said. At the same time, the Pentagon believes in bipartisan su...

Thursday, February 1

GLSDBs from the US, 100 Soviet tanks, and Skynex from Germany: defensive support from Ukraine’s partners is gaining momentum.

GLSDBs from the US, 100 Soviet tanks, and Skynex from Germany: defensive support from Ukraine’s partners is gaining momentum. The Pentagon will transfer American high-precision ground-launched small-diameter bombs (GLSDB) to Ukraine, but the terms are not specified. The GLSDB will allow the Ukrainian military to hit targets ...

The US has started talking about dividing the aid package for Ukraine and the security of the American border.

The US has started talking about dividing the aid package for Ukraine and the security of the American border. The national security package that has been proposed for consideration by the US Congress, which combines aid to Ukraine with border policy reforms, will most likely be divided, said House Speaker Mik...

Ukraine will receive €21B in military assistance from the EU this year.

Ukraine will receive €21B in military assistance from the EU this year. According to FT, European institutions and EU member states have pledged to provide at least €21B in military aid to Ukraine in 2024, said High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs...

The EU has a compromise solution to allocate €50B for Ukraine.

The EU has a compromise solution to allocate €50B for Ukraine. EU leaders will agree to the terms of Hungarian Prime Minister Orban, who insists on an annual review of financial assistance to Ukraine as part of a four-year, €50B package. Budapest wants not only a...

The EC extended preferential import status for Ukraine, but the most profitable categories will be limited.

The EC extended preferential import status for Ukraine, but the most profitable categories will be limited. The updated rules for Ukrainian agricultural imports to the EU, which will be in effect until June 6, 2025, restrict the import of Ukrainian sugar, poultry meat, and eggs, some of the most profitable ...

Ukraine Reconstruction Forum in Istanbul brings its first results.

Ukraine Reconstruction Forum in Istanbul brings its first results. On January 31, the Forum on the Reconstruction of Ukraine brought increases to the trade potential between Turkey and Ukraine, said Minister of Infrastructure Oleksandr Kubrakov. He added that “We hav...

Germany provides new military aid, and the EU promises to provide Ukraine with shells.

Germany provides new military aid, and the EU promises to provide Ukraine with shells. A new support package from Germany includes 24 armored personnel carriers, three minesweeping tanks, and more than 1,000 155mm artillery pieces. Moreover, four Bandvagn 206 (BV206) vehicles and a BIBE...

The heads of five EU states call on the allies to increase military support for Ukraine.

The heads of five EU states call on the allies to increase military support for Ukraine. The leaders of Germany, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Estonia, and the Netherlands wrote a joint letter of appeal to Ukraine’s allies and partners, urging them to strengthen their support for Kyi...

The US and Germany do not want to rush Ukraine’s accession to NATO.

The US and Germany do not want to rush Ukraine’s accession to NATO. Ukraine and its Eastern European allies want a NATO invitation as soon as possible, but Washington and Berlin are more cautious. In addition to the US and Germany, other Western NATO representatives a...

Wednesday, January 31

The EU supports the transfer of profits from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, but there is a lack of economic power for confiscation.

The EU supports the transfer of profits from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine, but there is a lack of economic power for confiscation. On January 29, the ambassadors of the EU gave their support to a proposal to use the profits from the frozen assets of the Russian Federation to help Ukraine. The EU must approve the first step, separ...

The lack of EU and US financial aid puts Ukraine’s economy at risk.

The lack of EU and US financial aid puts Ukraine’s economy at risk. Without €50B in aid from the EU and additional funding from the US, Ukraine will not be able to keep fighting against Russia or sustain its damaged economy for long. “This is critical for us bec...

The Netherlands has allocated €122M for defense, and Belgium will jointly produce weapons with Ukraine.

The Netherlands has allocated €122M for defense, and Belgium will jointly produce weapons with Ukraine. Despite the delay in aid from the EU and the US, other partners will continue to support Ukraine’s military potential. Here are the latest commitments: The Netherlands provides €122M. €87M will ...

Here are the restrictions for Ukraine in the new trade agreement with the EU.

Here are the restrictions for Ukraine in the new trade agreement with the EU. The latest draft agreement on trade preferences between Ukraine and the EU, which the European Commission plans to extend until June 6, 2025, provides restrictions on exporting Ukrainian sugar, poultr...

Allies promise to support Ukraine and are convinced that the country should become a NATO member for global security.

Allies promise to support Ukraine and are convinced that the country should become a NATO member for global security. A joint statement of the Ukraine-NATO Interparliamentary Council was adopted in Brussels, which confirms the NATO allies’ readiness to support Ukraine to victory in the war against the aggressor count...

Tuesday, January 30

Zelenskyy proposes non-standard solutions to fill the state budget.

Zelenskyy proposes non-standard solutions to fill the state budget. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that Ukrainian men who have gone abroad should pay taxes in Ukraine. According to him, some citizens left Ukraine and did not return to their former places of em...

The EU might hinder Hungary’s economy if it blocks aid to Ukraine.

The EU might hinder Hungary’s economy if it blocks aid to Ukraine. According to an internal EU document, Brussels will collapse the exchange rate of the Hungarian forint and reduce Hungary’s investment attractiveness, harming the “jobs and growth” o...

The EU has extended sanctions against Russia for another six months.

The EU has extended sanctions against Russia for another six months. The EU Council extended the economic sanctions imposed on the Russian Federation due to its invasion of Ukraine until July 31, 2024. The sanctions cover a wide range of sectoral measures, including re...

Monday, January 29

All EU members have already agreed on the provision of €50B to Ukraine.

All EU members have already agreed on the provision of €50B to Ukraine. Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said that all 27 EU member states agreed to support the four-year €50B Ukraine Facility program and will approve it on February 1. If nothing changes, this year...

Germany is preparing a new support package, and the EU is getting closer to providing €5B in military aid to Ukraine.

Germany is preparing a new support package, and the EU is getting closer to providing €5B in military aid to Ukraine. Ukraine’s partners continue to support its defense capability. Recent developments include: Within a few days, the EU may allocate an additional €5B from the European Peace Fund. Germany is prep...

The US will provide Greece with $200M in aid in exchange for weapons for Ukraine.

The US will provide Greece with $200M in aid in exchange for weapons for Ukraine. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken sent a letter to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis with a proposal that Greece hands over or sells weapons to Ukraine in exchange for $200M in aid from Wash...

Friday, January 26

The US Senate support the confiscation of Russian assets in favor of Ukraine.

The US Senate support the confiscation of Russian assets in favor of Ukraine. The US Senate Foreign Affairs Committee approved a bill that would help Washington confiscate Russian assets and hand them over to Ukraine in compensation for the devastation caused by the Russian war...

Western analysts consider the confiscation of Russian assets a short-sighted decision and offer an alternative option.

Western analysts consider the confiscation of Russian assets a short-sighted decision and offer an alternative option. As The Hill explains, confiscation makes little sense because, First, confiscation of assets reverts government bonds to the issuers, which would automatically void the West’s obligation to redeem sov...

Berlin and Kyiv are close to agreeing on security guarantees, and London has offered to exchange Storm Shadows for German Taurus cruise missiles.

Berlin and Kyiv are close to agreeing on security guarantees, and London has offered to exchange Storm Shadows for German Taurus cruise missiles. Germany and Ukraine are close to agreeing on security guarantees, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said at a joint press conference with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico in Berlin. Meanwhile, the UK off...

Fico wants Russian gas to flow through Ukraine after 2024, but Ukraine dashed these hopes.

Fico wants Russian gas to flow through Ukraine after 2024, but Ukraine dashed these hopes. Slovakia is discussing with Ukraine the continuation of Russian gas transit after the end of the current contract, which expires at the end of 2024, the country’s Prime Minister Robert Fico said...

Thursday, January 25

The US will provide Ukraine with about $12B in budget support.

The US will provide Ukraine with about $12B in budget support. On January 23, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen assured Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal that the Biden administration plans to provide Ukraine with $11.8B in budgetary support for $11.8B as p...

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