Politics

Friday, August 30

The EU will promote a plan to help Ukraine with Russian assets regardless of the US’ position.

The EU will promote a plan to help Ukraine with Russian assets regardless of the US’ position. The EU will press forward with a commitment to secure aid for Ukraine from frozen Russian central bank assets regardless of issues raised by the US, said the head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell. ̶...

Ukrainian diplomacy calls on the country’s allies to provide weapons and opportunities to win the war.

Ukrainian diplomacy calls on the country’s allies to provide weapons and opportunities to win the war. Since the beginning of the war with Russia, Kyiv has been fighting the West’s reluctance to transfer new weapons to Ukraine, as it was feared that this would lead to an escalation of the conflic...

An American plant has increased its production of 155-mm shells for Ukraine by 50%.

An American plant has increased its production of 155-mm shells for Ukraine by 50%. The Scranton Army Ammunition Plant, located in Scranton Pennsylvania, has increased he production of artillery shells for transfer to Ukraine by 50% (from 24,000 to 36,000 shells per month) as part of...

Thursday, August 29

Ukraine is preparing a negotiation plan for joining the EU.

Ukraine is preparing a negotiation plan for joining the EU. The Cabinet of Ministers adopted a resolution that provides for the creation of an Interdepartmental Working Group to ensure a successful negotiation process for Ukraine’s accession to the EU an...

China has damaged Western manufacturing of microcircuits and military optics.

China has damaged Western manufacturing of microcircuits and military optics. The FT reports that Beijing’s restrictions on the supply of germanium and gallium led to an almost two-fold increase in prices for these minerals in Europe over the past year. Beijing imposed th...

Wednesday, August 28

Zelenskyy summarizes the results of the Kursk operation and announces the plan for victory.

Zelenskyy summarizes the results of the Kursk operation and announces the plan for victory. President Zelenskyy stated that the Kursk operation has achieved several things. First of all, the occupation of the Kharkiv Region was halted. Ukraine had information about the Russian FederationR...

American officials believe that Ukraine has partially achieved its operational goals in the Kursk region.

American officials believe that Ukraine has partially achieved its operational goals in the Kursk region. According to the WSJ, the main goal of the Kursk operation is to change the prevailing narrative that Ukraine is unable to stop the Russian Federation’s military power. According to American off...

Ukraine is a priority; the US is looking for more air defense systems to repel Russian attacks.

Ukraine is a priority; the US is looking for more air defense systems to repel Russian attacks. After the latest massive attack by the Russian Federation, Ukraine will become a priority export market for American air defense systems, US President Joe Biden said. According to him, the US will inc...

Ukraine seeks to receive a $50B loan from the G7 without any conditions and for any purpose.

Ukraine seeks to receive a $50B loan from the G7 without any conditions and for any purpose. Ukraine aims to get all $300B in frozen Russian assets, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal emphasized during the Ukraine 2024. Independence forum. He added that the first results of these efforts...

Ukraine will present the US with a list of desired targets in Russia; the OSCE gives Ukraine permission for long-range strikes.

Ukraine will present the US with a list of desired targets in Russia; the OSCE gives Ukraine permission for long-range strikes. The Ukrainian government is preparing to present to top US national security officials a list of targets in Russia that they believe could be the Ukrainian military can target if Washington lifts rest...

The EU begins preparing for a trade and agricultural policy change in the wake of Ukraine’s accession.

The EU begins preparing for a trade and agricultural policy change in the wake of Ukraine’s accession. Hungary will continue to maintain its ban on importing Ukrainian farm products but allow their transit and will lobby the EU to develop rules that consider Hungarian farmers’ interests. Deputy ...

Tuesday, August 27

The US does not want to allow Ukraine to strike with its weapons deep into the Russian Federation, hoping to restart relations with the Kremlin in the future.

The US does not want to allow Ukraine to strike with its weapons deep into the Russian Federation, hoping to restart relations with the Kremlin in the future. The administration of US President Joe Biden does not want to permit Ukraine to strike with its weapons deep into the Russian Federation because, in the future, Washington hopes to “reset”...

The US proposes adjusting military aid to Ukraine so that the Armed Forces of Ukraine can gain a better foothold in the Kursk region.

The US proposes adjusting military aid to Ukraine so that the Armed Forces of Ukraine can gain a better foothold in the Kursk region. The White House is considering revising the content of its military aid packages to Kyiv so that they best meet the needs of the military in the Kursk Region, the WP reports. Some officials anonymousl...

Ukraine is concerned about the delay in the provision of a $50B loan secured by Russian assets.

Ukraine is concerned about the delay in the provision of a $50B loan secured by Russian assets. As Bloomberg says, these funds should arrive in Kyiv by the end of the year, according to the June G7 “agreement”, which provides that the loan will be repaid using the profits from more t...

The Bundestag states that the $50B loan for Ukraine is a bonus, not a replacement for German aid.

The Bundestag states that the $50B loan for Ukraine is a bonus, not a replacement for German aid. The chairman of the Bundestag’s foreign affairs committee, Michael Roth from Olaf Scholz’s party, said that the $50B loan for Ukraine planned by international partners should go to Ukraine...

What are the risks of Scholz’s position regarding German aid to Ukraine?

What are the risks of Scholz’s position regarding German aid to Ukraine? Kyiv has become hostage to 2025’s budget agreement struggle between the three parties in Germany’s dysfunctional coalition government. As the FT writes, Germany will reduce aid to Ukraine ...

Monday, August 26

The Pentagon confirms that Ukraine’s military strike across the Russian border conforms to US policy; the US allocates a new $125M aid package.

The Pentagon confirms that Ukraine’s military strike across the Russian border conforms to US policy; the US allocates a new $125M aid package. Deputy Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh confirmed late last week that the US continues to support Ukraine and that US policy “allows Ukraine to fire back to defend against Russian attacks from...

Lithuania will provide Ukraine with short-range air defense and wants to transfer 5,000 drones by winter, while Latvia announced €20M for 2025’s drone coalition.

Lithuania will provide Ukraine with short-range air defense and wants to transfer 5,000 drones by winter, while Latvia announced €20M for 2025’s drone coalition. Prime Minister of Lithuania Ingrid Šimonite announced in Kyiv a new package of military aid with air defense systems, which should arrive by the beginning of September. “The support package will...

Ukraine is ready to hold the second Peace Summit in India.

Ukraine is ready to hold the second Peace Summit in India. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, announced that negotiations with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, and Switzerland regarding the second Peace Summit are ongoing. He also said he was open to ...

Friday, August 23

Borrell calls for Ukraine to be allowed to strike military targets in the Russian Federation.

Borrell calls for Ukraine to be allowed to strike military targets in the Russian Federation. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell supports the lifting of all restrictions on Ukrainian strikes on military facilities inside the Russian Federation, as this will help to incli...

The Russian war in Ukraine is driving development in the American military-industrial complex; cheap cruise missiles are on the horizon.

The Russian war in Ukraine is driving development in the American military-industrial complex; cheap cruise missiles are on the horizon. American startup Ares Industries is creating a new anti-ship cruise missile class that is “10 times smaller and with a 10 times cheaper form factor.” Ares Industries’ missiles will b...

Despite sanctions, Russia manages to purchase American microcircuits for its military needs.

Despite sanctions, Russia manages to purchase American microcircuits for its military needs. The Insider’s investigators claim Russia continues receiving “unique microcircuits indispensable for missile and drone navigation, internet content filtering, and facial recognition.”...

Moscow is trying to create a joint project with Azerbaijan to prevent the loss of the EU market.

Moscow is trying to create a joint project with Azerbaijan to prevent the loss of the EU market. The idea is that Azerbaijan, which needs more gas to supply to the EU, will receive gas from Russia to sell to the EU. “Of course, the Russians will not give their contracts to SOCAR, but acting...

Thursday, August 22

Western countries can easily increase their support for Ukraine.

Western countries can easily increase their support for Ukraine. Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine has been going on for two and a half years now, but the invasion of Russian territory shows that given sufficient resources, Ukraine can strengthen its positio...

The US is discussing with Ukraine the long-term goals of the Kursk offensive and believes that the war is reaching a stalemate.

The US is discussing with Ukraine the long-term goals of the Kursk offensive and believes that the war is reaching a stalemate. Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder reported on discussions regarding the offensive’s long-term goals. “The Kursk operation certainly demonstrated the creativity and fighting prowess of the U...

Democrats’ party platform promises further support for Ukraine.

Democrats’ party platform promises further support for Ukraine. The Democratic party platform mentions its foreign policy objectives, particularly efforts to support Ukraine. It is noted that the US presidential administration is pursuing three goals: protecting U...

Wednesday, August 21

The President of the Czech Republic believes that Ukraine can join NATO with temporarily occupied territories.

The President of the Czech Republic believes that Ukraine can join NATO with temporarily occupied territories. In an interview, the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, said: “I believe that full restoration of control over the entire territory is not necessary for Ukraine’s membership in N...

Azerbaijan expands its partnership with Russia and decides to join BRICS.

Azerbaijan expands its partnership with Russia and decides to join BRICS. Azerbaijan’s state oil company Socar and Russia’s Gazprom have agreed to expand their strategic partnership, the Russian gas monopolist said in a statement. In September, the parties will ...

Tuesday, August 20

A US congressman names three ways Biden can support the Ukrainian offensive.

A US congressman names three ways Biden can support the Ukrainian offensive. Ukraine has launched an outstanding offensive into the Kursk region of Russia. According to the US Representative and Democrat Jake Auchincloss, Joe Biden can do three things to maximize Ukraine’s suc...

Last year, foreign business giants paid billions in taxes to the Russian Federation’s budget.

Last year, foreign business giants paid billions in taxes to the Russian Federation’s budget. In 2023, the ten largest international corporations and banks still remaining in Russia paid approximately $1.78B in income tax to the Russian Federation. Among them are Raiffeisen Bank, Chery Automob...

Thursday, August 15

For the first time, Biden comments on the Kursk Operation; the EU declares its support.

For the first time, Biden comments on the Kursk Operation; the EU declares its support. US President Joe Biden said on August 13 that Ukraine’s sudden counter-invasion into Russia “creates a real dilemma” for Putin, and that the US government is in “constant conta...

A Harris presidency could be a reboot for Ukraine.

A Harris presidency could be a reboot for Ukraine. Former US President Donald Trump’s camp is increasingly dictating US policy regarding Ukraine. Political consulting firm Rasmussen Global (RG) believes that now that Kamala Harris has become a p...

What risks does the transit of Azerbaijani gas through Ukraine from the Russian Federation entail?

What risks does the transit of Azerbaijani gas through Ukraine from the Russian Federation entail? Mykhailo Gonchar, President of the Center for Global Studies Strategy XXI, warned that even after the contract for the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine expires in 2025, there is a risk of contin...

Wednesday, August 14

Putin’s war catastrophe: Ukraine controls twice as many settlements in the Kursk region as Putin was told.

Putin’s war catastrophe: Ukraine controls twice as many settlements in the Kursk region as Putin was told. The Armed Forces of Ukraine’s area of operation in Kursk Oblast covers the territories from which Moscow attacked Sumy Oblast. Therefore, the current operation is purely a security issue for Ukr...

During the Kursk operation, Ukraine again asked for permission to employ Western weapons, and American senators have promised to convince Biden.

During the Kursk operation, Ukraine again asked for permission to employ Western weapons, and American senators have promised to convince Biden. President Zelenskyy welcomed a delegation of US senators in Kyiv, with whom he discussed what Ukraine needs to do to “end the war fairly.” The discussions regarded the need to use long-ran...

The EU grants Ukraine €4.2B under the Ukraine Facility, and the budget will receive almost the same amount by the end of the year.

The EU grants Ukraine €4.2B under the Ukraine Facility, and the budget will receive almost the same amount by the end of the year. Ukraine received €4.2B for implementing nine indicators in the second quarter of 2024, which were provided by the Plan of Ukraine within the framework of the Ukraine Facility. The tranche consists of ...

Tuesday, August 13

European gas traders avoid Ukrainian storage facilities after Russian attacks; Naftogaz states it is operating as usual.

European gas traders avoid Ukrainian storage facilities after Russian attacks; Naftogaz states it is operating as usual. This summer, European traders have contracted only a small portion of Ukrainian gas storage capacity following Russian attacks. The FT notes that increased risk and a lack of price incentives have red...

Monday, August 12

The Pentagon is not worried about escalation due to the events in the Kursk region; Kyiv again asks Washington for permission to use ATACMS in Russian territory.

The Pentagon is not worried about escalation due to the events in the Kursk region; Kyiv again asks Washington for permission to use ATACMS in Russian territory. The Pentagon is not concerned with the possible increase in tensions with the Russian Federation after Ukraine’s incursion into the Kursk region, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh sa...

The Ministry of Finance links the multibillion-dollar hole in the budget to delayed aid from the US and calls on the G7 to provide Ukraine with a $50B loan.

The Ministry of Finance links the multibillion-dollar hole in the budget to delayed aid from the US and calls on the G7 to provide Ukraine with a $50B loan. Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko has called on Ukraine’s Western allies to accelerate the $50B loan to Ukraine, arguing that delays in arms deliveries have led to a growing budget deficit, forc...

US Treasury: Budgetary support for Ukraine depends on reforms.

US Treasury: Budgetary support for Ukraine depends on reforms. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen stated: “Our direct budget support for Ukraine continues to depend on reforms that will further strengthen the stability of Ukraine’s economy and improve...

Ukraine needs to reduce the size of its shadow economy to continue receiving help from Western partners.

Ukraine needs to reduce the size of its shadow economy to continue receiving help from Western partners. As FT writes, Ukrainian authorities are trying to improve the country’s financial condition by implementing several scenarios simultaneously, which can be called a mixture of debt restructuring,...

Ukrainian small and medium-sized businesses will receive €7B in international aid.

Ukrainian small and medium-sized businesses will receive €7B in international aid. Last week, the first meeting of the Small and Medium Business (SME) Sustainability Alliance, created in June during URC-2024 with the participation of Ukraine, 12 other countries and 17 development in...

Friday, August 9

The US and Australia condemn the Russian war against Ukraine and agree to increase weapons production.

The US and Australia condemn the Russian war against Ukraine and agree to increase weapons production. In the final statement regarding the results of ministerial consultations, the countries call on the Russian Federation to “immediately, completely and unconditionally” withdraw its troops...

Russian Gazprom can use the fighting near Sudzha as a reason to stop gas transit; what consequences will this have for the EU and Ukrainian markets?

Russian Gazprom can use the fighting near Sudzha as a reason to stop gas transit; what consequences will this have for the EU and Ukrainian markets? According to Reuters, there is a risk that Gazprom could use the fighting near the Sudzha gas station, through which Russian gas transits through Ukraine to EU countries, as a reason to stop gas suppl...

Because of sanctions, Russia and China are returning to barter exchange of goods for the first time in 30 years.

Because of sanctions, Russia and China are returning to barter exchange of goods for the first time in 30 years. Russia and China are discussing barter trade agreements that will help bypass the US-controlled SWIFT international banking system and limit currency risks; the first such transaction could take place...

Thursday, August 8

What do the US vice-presidential candidates – Trump’s Vance and Harris’ Walz – say about Ukraine?

What do the US vice-presidential candidates – Trump’s Vance and Harris’ Walz – say about Ukraine? Vice-presidential candidate and US Senator JD Vance commented on the war in Ukraine, saying, “We need to believe in peace and bring peace to this region.” Vance also said Ukraine seems ...

Wednesday, August 7

The Council of the EU approved almost €4.2B through the Ukraine Facility for Ukraine.

The Council of the EU approved almost €4.2B through the Ukraine Facility for Ukraine. The EU Council concluded that Ukraine had fulfilled the necessary conditions and implemented the required reforms that were established in the plan as prerequisites in order to receive the first regul...

The ban on the use of Western weapons in Russian territory prevented Ukraine from destroying the Russian air fleet.

The ban on the use of Western weapons in Russian territory prevented Ukraine from destroying the Russian air fleet. At the beginning of this summer, Ukraine lost the opportunity to destroy dozens of Russian Su-34 fighter-bombers because of the ban on strikes using Western long-range weapons inside Russia. The Russi...

Tuesday, August 6

What threats does the reduction of international financial aid to $21.1B in 2026 pose to Ukraine?

What threats does the reduction of international financial aid to $21.1B in 2026 pose to Ukraine? The NBU’s basic scenario envisages the preservation of significant volumes of external financing for Ukraine, which, however, will slowly decrease as Ukraine’s ability to fund its budget e...

Ukraine may not be able to find an additional ₴500B for defense needs.

Ukraine may not be able to find an additional ₴500B for defense needs. Even with a proposed radical tax increase, Ukraine may not fully overcome the fiscal gap that must be closed for effective and timely financing of its military needs. Analysts from RRR4U think tanks h...

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