Politics

Tuesday, September 17

Ukraine seeks to have its EU membership be included in the bloc’s budget for 2028-2034.

Ukraine seeks to have its EU membership be included in the bloc’s budget for 2028-2034. The EU’s long-term budget programs should consider Ukraine’s future membership in the EU, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, at the 20th meeting of Yalta Europ...

Monday, September 16

The Republican candidate for US vice president, J.D. Vance, explains what Trump’s “peace plan” for Ukraine entails.

The Republican candidate for US vice president, J.D. Vance, explains what Trump’s “peace plan” for Ukraine entails. The US vice-presidential candidate from the Republican Party, JD Vance, said that Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Ukraine, among other things, could include the creation of a special demil...

The US might allow Ukraine to hit Russian territory with French and British missiles; this will avoid escalation, as France and Britain will bear the risk.

The US might allow Ukraine to hit Russian territory with French and British missiles; this will avoid escalation, as France and Britain will bear the risk. According to The Times, the White House plans to allow Ukraine to use Storm Shadow and SCALP missiles for strikes on Russian Federation territory but still refuses to permit the use of its ATACMS miss...

President Biden asks Congress to extend the $5.8B drawdown for Ukraine into the next fiscal year.

President Biden asks Congress to extend the $5.8B drawdown for Ukraine into the next fiscal year. The Biden administration has sent a request to Congress to extend the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) mechanism for providing weapons to Ukraine until 2025 so that the remaining $5.8B will be av...

The IMF will decide on the next tranche for Ukraine in the coming weeks but keeps insisting on mobilizing domestic revenues for critical expenses.

The IMF will decide on the next tranche for Ukraine in the coming weeks but keeps insisting on mobilizing domestic revenues for critical expenses. The IMF Executive Board plans to consider the issue of approving the results of the EFF program’s fifth revision and the allocation of the next tranche to Ukraine within a few weeks, IMF spokesw...

Putin warns that permitting Ukraine to carry out long-range attacks on Russian territory with Western weapons would mean war with NATO. How are the US, the EU, and Britain reacting?

Putin warns that permitting Ukraine to carry out long-range attacks on Russian territory with Western weapons would mean war with NATO. How are the US, the EU, and Britain reacting? Allowing Ukraine to strike with long-range Western weapons on the Russian territory will mean that the US and NATO countries are directly participating in the war with the Russian Federation, said Rus...

The prime minister of Britain hinted at a decision to authorize strikes deep into the Russian Federation at the UN General Assembly.

The prime minister of Britain hinted at a decision to authorize strikes deep into the Russian Federation at the UN General Assembly. During a meeting in Washington, US and Britain leaders confirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine and also condemned the cooperation of Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China. Starmer said after the...

Friday, September 13

The US demands Ukraine provide a detailed plan for strikes against the Russian Federation before granting its permission; Britain has already made a positive decision.

The US demands Ukraine provide a detailed plan for strikes against the Russian Federation before granting its permission; Britain has already made a positive decision. The US and the UK have made it clear that they are ready to agree to Ukraine’s request to use Western-provided weapons for deeper strikes into Russia, but they require a clear list of objects th...

The head of the British Foreign Ministry in Kyiv announces an aid package worth £600M.

The head of the British Foreign Ministry in Kyiv announces an aid package worth £600M. In particular, the UK will provide £242M in 2024-2025 for urgent humanitarian, energy, and stabilization needs and support for reforms, recovery, and reconstruction. This year’s funding includes...

The US will provide Ukraine with a non-military aid package worth more than $700M and promises an “irreversible path” to NATO.

The US will provide Ukraine with a non-military aid package worth more than $700M and promises an “irreversible path” to NATO. The United States is providing Ukraine with $325M to repair its electricity networks, and $290M in humanitarian aid for citizens suffering from Russian aggression, and $102M for demining, US Secretary...

Ukraine and the EBRD plan to increase investment in energy and infrastructure by €325M.

Ukraine and the EBRD plan to increase investment in energy and infrastructure by €325M. Ukraine and the EBRD discussed the possibilities of expanding investment in energy and infrastructure projects. “With the help of the EBRD, we hope to unblock private investments in renewable en...

Spain prevents Hungary from buying a railway company because of its importance to Ukraine.

Spain prevents Hungary from buying a railway company because of its importance to Ukraine. Spain has blocked the purchase by a Hungarian company of a Madrid-based train manufacturer. As the FT writes, Madrid vetoed the €619M purchase of Talgo because of the company’s ability to help r...

Thursday, September 12

The West is urging Ukraine to set “more realistic” goals in the war.

The West is urging Ukraine to set “more realistic” goals in the war. Against Russia’s slow advance on the battlefield and the exhaustion of their capabilities to help Ukraine, the Western allies believe that the Ukrainian authorities need to develop a “more...

What did US presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump say about Ukraine in the first debate?

What did US presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump say about Ukraine in the first debate? Donald Trump and Kamala Harris held their first, and probably last, debate in the 2024 presidential race on September 10. Harris accused Trump of being willing to abandon US support for Ukraine in ord...

Healey: The longer Ukraine holds the Kursk territories, the weaker Putin becomes.

Healey: The longer Ukraine holds the Kursk territories, the weaker Putin becomes. UK Secretary of State for Defense, John Healey, said, “Ukrainians need to strengthen their front line in the east, and they will look to hold the territory in Kursk. The longer they hold Kursk, ...

The IMF agrees to provide Ukraine with another $1.1B, but there are conditions.

The IMF agrees to provide Ukraine with another $1.1B, but there are conditions. After the IMF’s Executive Board approves this agreement, Ukraine will receive another $1.1B tranche. As of the end of June, Ukraine has fulfilled all quantitative criteria and structural beacons...

Russia lost its case to unblock €70B in the EU, so the funds can now be used to help Ukraine.

Russia lost its case to unblock €70B in the EU, so the funds can now be used to help Ukraine. The Russian National Settlement Depository has lost its case to remove EU sanctions imposed in connection with its role in financing the war. The depository came under EU sanctions in 2022 when the bl...

Ukraine’s allies introduce new sanctions in response to Russia’s acquisition of Iranian missiles.

Ukraine’s allies introduce new sanctions in response to Russia’s acquisition of Iranian missiles. Iran’s military support for Russia, including the recent delivery of Fath-360 ballistic missiles, has led the US to impose sanctions on ten individuals and six entities, located in Iran and Russ...

The free trade agreement between Ukraine and Turkey will contribute to attracting investment and reconstruction.

The free trade agreement between Ukraine and Turkey will contribute to attracting investment and reconstruction. The Ukrainian Ambassador to Turkey, Vasyl Bodnar, said that because of the free trade agreement with Turkey, Ukrainian manufacturers will have access to the Turkish market, which tends to be more clos...

Wednesday, September 11

Scholz plans to pressure Ukraine to sacrifice some of its territory to Russia.

Scholz plans to pressure Ukraine to sacrifice some of its territory to Russia. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is preparing a plan to end the war in Ukraine which does not exclude the transfer of a part of the currently occupied Ukrainian territories to Russia. “The leader o...

Ukraine will not lose the remaining $6B in aid from the US, as it is a funding mechanism, not a source of funds.

Ukraine will not lose the remaining $6B in aid from the US, as it is a funding mechanism, not a source of funds. With the end of the US fiscal year on September 30 approaching, Ukraine will not lose the opportunity to receive aid supplied through the Presidential Drawdown Authority mechanism, as in practice, the...

External aid to Ukraine in August exceeded the monthly state budget expenditure by 100% but only partially covered for previous financing shortfalls.

External aid to Ukraine in August exceeded the monthly state budget expenditure by 100% but only partially covered for previous financing shortfalls. According to the Center for Economic Strategy, aid from international partners amounted to $8.5B in August. In particular, $4.5B was provided by the European Union ($1.6B in grants, the rest soft loan...

The prime minister held a press conference regarding Ukraine’s work with the IMF and the upcoming winter.

The prime minister held a press conference regarding Ukraine’s work with the IMF and the upcoming winter. Here are the most interesting items from the head of the Ukrainian government, Denys Shmyhal. The IMF’s fifth mission emphasizes the 2025 budget. As the PM noted, this was the first time the IMF missi...

Tuesday, September 10

The world searches for ways to end the Russian war in Ukraine; here is what the US, India, Germany, and Hungary are saying:

The world searches for ways to end the Russian war in Ukraine; here is what the US, India, Germany, and Hungary are saying: US presidential candidate Donald Trump said that if he wins the election, he will end the war in Ukraine by the new year. He plans to cut energy prices by half or more within 12 months of taking offic...

The effectiveness of the Ukrainian counteroffensive hinges on long-range strikes deep into Russia.

The effectiveness of the Ukrainian counteroffensive hinges on long-range strikes deep into Russia. Therefore, US President Joe Biden should stop wavering and allow US weapons to be used on targets in Russia, US analysts believe. “A detailed analysis of Biden’s policy shows that it makes...

Sweden allocates a new military aid package to Ukraine worth €113M that emphasizes production.

Sweden allocates a new military aid package to Ukraine worth €113M that emphasizes production. The Swedish government is entering a new stage of military support for Ukraine with greater attention paid to production, rather than donations. The new package includes the provision of arms, direct ...

Despite circumventing sanctions and increasing its oil sales, Russia has failed to increase profits.

Despite circumventing sanctions and increasing its oil sales, Russia has failed to increase profits. Russia, due to the introduction of a complex of sanctions targeting trading companies and the shadow tanker fleet, and despite an increase in sales by 15-20%, cannot increase the profits generated fro...

Monday, September 9

The 24th Ramstein brings $250M in aid from the US, missiles for air defense, and much more from other allies.

The 24th Ramstein brings $250M in aid from the US, missiles for air defense, and much more from other allies. The Pentagon announced a new aid package to Ukraine worth $250M, which includes RIM-7 missiles and air defense support, Stinger missile, TOW missiles, HIMARS ammunition, 155 mm and 105 mm caliber ammu...

The White House is working with Congress to save $6B in aid for Ukraine, and NATO will provide €40B in 2025.

The White House is working with Congress to save $6B in aid for Ukraine, and NATO will provide €40B in 2025. The administration of the US president is conducting urgent negotiations with Congress to obtain permission to use $6B earmarked for Ukrainian military aid by the September 30 deadline, Reuters notes....

The EU will spend €300M of revenues from frozen Russian assets to purchase weapons for Ukraine from French manufacturers.

The EU will spend €300M of revenues from frozen Russian assets to purchase weapons for Ukraine from French manufacturers. As reported by the French Ministry of Defense, France has joined Ukraine’s new defense support program, established within the framework of the European Peace Fund. The program will allocate €1.4B in ...

Aliyev: Negotiations on the continuation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine continue.

Aliyev: Negotiations on the continuation of Russian gas transit through Ukraine continue. The President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, expressed confidence in the effectiveness of negotiations with Russia and Ukraine to ensure the continuation of gas supplies through Ukraine to several Europ...

Friday, September 6

The US State Department makes an urgent plea for the billions allocated to Ukraine to be used before they “burn up” at the end of September.

The US State Department makes an urgent plea for the billions allocated to Ukraine to be used before they “burn up” at the end of September. Several US public organizations have appealed to the State Department to use the remaining $6.2B set aside for aid to Ukraine that is still available within the limits of the president’s authori...

Kamala Harris’ potential victory has slowed the issuance of a $50B loan to Ukraine.

Kamala Harris’ potential victory has slowed the issuance of a $50B loan to Ukraine. The rapid popularity of US presidential candidate Kamala Harris worsened the prospects for a quick agreement on the terms of a $50B loan to Ukraine. As Politico explains, before President Joe Biden dr...

While Novorossiysk was fighting off Ukrainian drones, the Kremlin complained that Ukraine is using US weapons to strike the Russian rear.

While Novorossiysk was fighting off Ukrainian drones, the Kremlin complained that Ukraine is using US weapons to strike the Russian rear. On the night of September 5, an attack by Ukrainian naval drones was repelled in Novorossiysk. The Russian Federation’s Ministry of Defense announced that two Ukrainian naval drones were destroyed in ...

At the request of the World Bank, Ukraine changed the conditions for the sale of state-owned banks: The state’s share in the sector must decrease.

At the request of the World Bank, Ukraine changed the conditions for the sale of state-owned banks: The state’s share in the sector must decrease. The Parliament of Ukraine adopted a draft law on the peculiarities of the sale of state-owned shares in the authorized capital of banks. The draft law modifies the rules for the sale of state banks, a...

Ukraine seeks to force Russia to accept the UN charter, and Putin has declared readiness for negotiations based on the Istanbul agreement.

Ukraine seeks to force Russia to accept the UN charter, and Putin has declared readiness for negotiations based on the Istanbul agreement. Ukraine’s victory plan envisages the intention to force Russia to adopt the UN charter, and Kyiv plans to prepare a more detailed strategy together with its partners for the Peace Summit, which ...

Ukraine has issued a purchase tender for 10,000 FPV drones with artificial intelligence and has ordered Himera communication systems for the military.

Ukraine has issued a purchase tender for 10,000 FPV drones with artificial intelligence and has ordered Himera communication systems for the military. Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov announced that Ukraine has announced a tender on the Prozzoro platform to purchase the first 10,000 FPV drones equipped with artificial intelligence...

Thursday, September 5

Kyiv will keep the part of Kursk that is has captured indefinitely; Moscow transfers troops from Donetsk to the Kursk region.

Kyiv will keep the part of Kursk that is has captured indefinitely; Moscow transfers troops from Donetsk to the Kursk region. Ukraine will keep the occupied territories of the Kursk region indefinitely in order to force Putin to sit down at the negotiating table sooner, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. According to him, o...

The second Russian attack on a civilian city in as many days has killed seven people: Biden condemns the raid but still does not want Ukraine to strike Russian territories.

The second Russian attack on a civilian city in as many days has killed seven people: Biden condemns the raid but still does not want Ukraine to strike Russian territories. After the missile attack on Poltava on September 3, Russia carried out an air raid on Lviv the next day. As a result of this attack, seven people died, including three children, and another 53 were in...

Britain is buying tens of thousands of shells for Ukraine, and Germany will deliver the promised IRIS-T air defense systems on time.

Britain is buying tens of thousands of shells for Ukraine, and Germany will deliver the promised IRIS-T air defense systems on time. The British Ministry of Defense announced the signing of a £300M contract to purchase 152-mm shells for Ukraine. London plans to deliver 120,000 shells over the next 18 months, stimulating the develop...

The EU is not in a rush to provide Ukraine with the $50B loan secured by Russian assets, though Kyiv desperately needs it.

The EU is not in a rush to provide Ukraine with the $50B loan secured by Russian assets, though Kyiv desperately needs it. The EU has still not taken the necessary steps to fulfill the agreement with the G7 and provide Ukraine with about $50B, secured by revenues from the Russian Federation’s assets, by the end of the yea...

The IMF pushes Ukraine to raise taxes and depreciate the hryvnia, with $1.1B in new financial aid at stake.

The IMF pushes Ukraine to raise taxes and depreciate the hryvnia, with $1.1B in new financial aid at stake. Ukrainian officials expect the IMF this week to push the country toward faster currency devaluation, lower interest rates, and to increase tax collection efforts to close the country’s budget de...

Ukrainian agricultural producers will have access to the financial resources of the IFAD.

Ukrainian agricultural producers will have access to the financial resources of the IFAD. The Ukrainian Parliament adopted a decision on Ukraine’s accession to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). This will give Ukrainian agricultural producers access to new financia...

Wednesday, September 4

A separate European Commissioner will handle EU enlargement; Stefanishyna presents Ukraine’s negotiation plan for next year.

A separate European Commissioner will handle EU enlargement; Stefanishyna presents Ukraine’s negotiation plan for next year. In the renewed geostrategic conditions, EU enlargement has become a way to strengthen its international positions, so in the new composition of the EC, a separate European Commissioner will take care ...

Ukraine will seek an invitation to NATO even before the Alliance’s next summit.

Ukraine will seek an invitation to NATO even before the Alliance’s next summit. Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna said that Ukraine will seek an invitation to join NATO even before the Alliance summit, which will be held in The Hag...

An artillery agreement with Norway will help Ukraine reduce its dependence on Western supplies of weapons and ammunition.

An artillery agreement with Norway will help Ukraine reduce its dependence on Western supplies of weapons and ammunition. The Norwegian government has signed an agreement to transfer artillery production to Ukraine. If Ukraine produces Western-style howitzers and projectiles domestically, it will free itself from complet...

Tuesday, September 3

Russia has overtaken the US in supplying gas to the EU; Turkey will help Russia to regain the European gas market.

Russia has overtaken the US in supplying gas to the EU; Turkey will help Russia to regain the European gas market. As Die Welt reports, based on data from Brussels consulting company Bruegel, for the first time in almost two years EU countries imported more gas from Russia than from the US in a quarter. From April...

Monday, September 2

Ukraine will continue to transit Russian oil to the EU until the end of 2029, helping to fund the Kremlin’s war machine.

Ukraine will continue to transit Russian oil to the EU until the end of 2029, helping to fund the Kremlin’s war machine. Ukraine will fulfill its obligations regarding the transit of Russian oil to Europe until the current contracts expire at the end of 2029 because this concerns bilateral relations with European countr...

Borrell: Ukraine’s permission to use European weapons against targets in Russia does not equate to the EU’s participation in the war.

Borrell: Ukraine’s permission to use European weapons against targets in Russia does not equate to the EU’s participation in the war. Before the start of an informal meeting of the EU Council of Defense Ministers, High Representative Josep Borrell emphasized: “I think it is absurd to say that the permission to hit targets on R...

Kyiv gave the US a list of targets in the Russian Federation for ATACMS strikes; the West should move to “supporting the victory of Ukraine.”

Kyiv gave the US a list of targets in the Russian Federation for ATACMS strikes; the West should move to “supporting the victory of Ukraine.” Defense Minister of Ukraine Rustem Umerov confirmed that, during a meeting with high-ranking US officials, he handed over a list of objectives that Kyiv wants to target with American long-range ATACMS...

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