Politics

Monday, August 5

How is Brussels preparing for the possibility of a Trump victory in the US presidential elections?

How is Brussels preparing for the possibility of a Trump victory in the US presidential elections? The European Commission has formed a dedicated group of officials to develop a strategy to respond to the consequences of the US presidential election, writes the FT. The EC is preparing for Donald Tr...

A British oil giant declares the end of Europe’s energy crisis; Azerbaijan is gradually replacing Russia in the gas market.

A British oil giant declares the end of Europe’s energy crisis; Azerbaijan is gradually replacing Russia in the gas market. Shell CEO Wael Sawan believes that the energy crisis in Europe is finally over. Savan says that this quarter market prices and volatility are returning to the levels seen before the full-scale Russian...

The US and its partners continue to support the reconstruction of the Ukrainian energy industry as winter looms; the import of electricity will cost Ukraine more than $1B.

The US and its partners continue to support the reconstruction of the Ukrainian energy industry as winter looms; the import of electricity will cost Ukraine more than $1B. US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink said that USAID purchased 18 autotransformers for the Ukrainian power grid. The US is also supporting Ukraine’s intention to resume the construction of add...

Ukraine is discussing a security agreement with Ireland, and Romania plans to join the development of the Ukrainian Neptune missile.

Ukraine is discussing a security agreement with Ireland, and Romania plans to join the development of the Ukrainian Neptune missile. Representatives from Ukraine and Ireland held negotiations to conclude a bilateral security agreement and develop bilateral cooperation. Ukraine has already signed 25 such bilateral documents, as well...

Ukraine will soon receive the first tranche of direct budget support from the US; another $3.9B will arrive by the end of the year.

Ukraine will soon receive the first tranche of direct budget support from the US; another $3.9B will arrive by the end of the year. The State Budget of Ukraine will receive a grant from the US totaling almost $3.9B after representatives from the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine and the World Bank signed a corresponding agreement. Th...

Friday, August 2

The Pentagon is concerned about recent Russian troop advances in Ukraine.

The Pentagon is concerned about recent Russian troop advances in Ukraine. The head of the Pentagon, Lloyd Austin, said that the US is worried about Russian forces’ progress in Ukraine. Observations reveal that in July the Russian Federation expanded its occupied terri...

The Cabinet of Ministers introduces a payment moratorium for Ukraine’s Eurobonds.

The Cabinet of Ministers introduces a payment moratorium for Ukraine’s Eurobonds. The Cabinet of Ministers exercised the right granted to it by the Ukrainian Parliament and introduced a temporary moratorium on Ukraine’s Eurobond payments. “In connection with the impleme...

Thursday, August 1

After almost a year of negotiations, Ukraine has received its first F-16 fighter jets.

After almost a year of negotiations, Ukraine has received its first F-16 fighter jets. Bloomberg reported that the first small batch of F-16 fighter jets from NATO allies has arrived in Ukraine in a long-awaited move that may boost the war-torn nation’s ability to repel Russian attacks....

The parliament prepared customs reform at the IMF’s request.

The parliament prepared customs reform at the IMF’s request. Restarting the State Customs Service is one of the IMF’s beacons and a priority for Ukrainian businesses and international partners. It is proposed that customs be reformed by restarting the Bur...

Ukraine has a plan to resolve the oil transit issue with Slovakia.

Ukraine has a plan to resolve the oil transit issue with Slovakia. Ukraine will guarantee the transit of oil from companies that are not subject to sanctions and is ready to settle the transit issue with Slovakia in accordance with the Association Agreement with the ...

Wednesday, July 31

The Ministry of Finance is ready for a compromise with the parliament regarding tax increases.

The Ministry of Finance is ready for a compromise with the parliament regarding tax increases. According to Minister of Finance Serhii Marchenko, this strictly depends on the how the parliament plans to secure an additional ₴120B in revenue by the end of 2024. The Ministry of Finance has propos...

Hungary and Slovakia’s position regarding Russian oil transit through Ukraine irritates the EU.

Hungary and Slovakia’s position regarding Russian oil transit through Ukraine irritates the EU. In private conversations, EU diplomats have expressed irritation at Hungary and Slovakia’s intentions to use EU procedures to maintain their access to cheap Russian oil, contrary to the blocR...

Ukraine will receive $3.9B in direct budget support from the US,

Ukraine will receive $3.9B in direct budget support from the US, said Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal. He expressed hope that Ukraine will be able to receive $50B in 2025 through the G7 initiative to use the profits from frozen Russian assets. In addition, ...

Tuesday, July 30

The US will allocate a new $1.7B military aid package to Ukraine.

The US will allocate a new $1.7B military aid package to Ukraine. Washington will send $1.7B in military aid to Ukraine, including munitions for air defense systems, artillery, mortars, as well as anti-tank and anti-ship missiles. The package includes $1.5B in fundi...

Ukraine will prepare a peace plan by the end of November.

Ukraine will prepare a peace plan by the end of November. Ukraine is already working on developing its peace plan, said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “Patience, support, and diplomatic pressure are the three factors for a fair end to the war. If the U...

German opposition demands the cancellation of social benefits for unemployed Ukrainian refugees, as Poland expands aid to Ukrainians.

German opposition demands the cancellation of social benefits for unemployed Ukrainian refugees, as Poland expands aid to Ukrainians. Carsten Linnemann, the general secretary of the opposition German party, the Christian Democratic Union, advocates the need to cancel financial support for Ukrainian refugees who do not work officiall...

Monday, July 29

The US and EU are pressuring Asia’s largest economies to abandon their support of Russia’s war effort.

The US and EU are pressuring Asia’s largest economies to abandon their support of Russia’s war effort. The US Treasury has warned that Indian banks will be subject to sanctions and will lose access to the US financial system if they cooperate with the Russian defense and industrial complex. “We k...

The AmCham condemns the government’s initiatives to increase corporate income taxes.

The AmCham condemns the government’s initiatives to increase corporate income taxes. The American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine (AmCham) called on Ukrainian authorities to strengthen their fight against Ukraine’s shadow economy before increasing the tax burden on honest taxpaye...

Billions in aid arrives as the EU transfers the first €1.5B, and the US unexpectedly finds another $2B for military support.

Billions in aid arrives as the EU transfers the first €1.5B, and the US unexpectedly finds another $2B for military support. The EU announced the transfer of the first €1.5B tranche of frozen Russian asset profits to Ukraine. The money will be directed through the European Peace Fund to support Ukraine’s military and ...

Lukoil is increasing its oil exports by sea due to the ceasing of transit through Ukrainian territory, and Hungary accuses Ukraine of blackmail.

Lukoil is increasing its oil exports by sea due to the ceasing of transit through Ukrainian territory, and Hungary accuses Ukraine of blackmail. The largest Russian private oil company, Lukoil, has increased oil exports through the country’s seaports, as supplies through the Druzhba pipeline to Slovakia and Hungary are currently suspende...

Friday, July 26

Sanctions are slowly destroying Russian businesses with payment issues.

Sanctions are slowly destroying Russian businesses with payment issues. New US restrictions imposed in June have put local banks in countries that trade with Russia at a higher risk of so-called secondary penalties, which is delaying or disrupting payments to and from cou...

Tanks, ammunition, missiles, and air defense: Ukraine’s allies continue to provide support.

Tanks, ammunition, missiles, and air defense: Ukraine’s allies continue to provide support. The Ministry of Defense of the Netherlands noted that they are preparing with Denmark to send 14 Leopard 2A4 tanks, which were repaired by the German company Rheinmetall, to Ukraine by the end of the ...

The EC has restricted companies and private investors from exchanging assets with Russians.

The EC has restricted companies and private investors from exchanging assets with Russians. The European Commission has prohibited individuals and legal entities from EU countries from participating in an asset exchange scheme proposed by Russia. This is in response to the participation of t...

Thursday, July 25

In China, Kuleba explains the conditions for negotiations with the Russian Federation.

In China, Kuleba explains the conditions for negotiations with the Russian Federation. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi to discuss ways to end Russian aggression and China’s possible role in achieving a just peace. Kuleba restated U...

Kyiv should be the one who decides on peace talks, and a Trump presidency will not change military support for Ukraine.

Kyiv should be the one who decides on peace talks, and a Trump presidency will not change military support for Ukraine. Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel said the EU must remain committed to its policy, and Kyiv should lead any talks about ending the war in Ukraine. “It will be Ukraine who decides how a peace pr...

The EU is preparing indefinite sanctions to be placed on Russian assets to enable Ukraine’s $50B loan as part of the G7 initiative.

The EU is preparing indefinite sanctions to be placed on Russian assets to enable Ukraine’s $50B loan as part of the G7 initiative. EU countries are discussing options for extending the period between reviews of the sanctions on the Russian central bank’s assets to ensure the operation of the G7 plan to provide Ukraine with ...

The US is preparing to confiscate Russian money: Financial institutions are required to report any Russian assets.

The US is preparing to confiscate Russian money: Financial institutions are required to report any Russian assets. The US Treasury Department has required institutions that own Russian state assets to inform about them as part of implementing the Law on Restoring Economic Prosperity and Opportunities for Ukrainian...

Japan has already provided Ukraine with $6.3B since the beginning of the invasion: The Ministry of Finance anticipates continued support.

Japan has already provided Ukraine with $6.3B since the beginning of the invasion: The Ministry of Finance anticipates continued support. The Minister of Finance of Ukraine, Serhii Marchenko, stated: “Ukraine is systematically strengthening its financial capacity, increasing the internal revenues of the state budget. At the same t...

Hungary is blackmailing Ukraine by blocking €6.5B in military aid due to the cessation of Russian oil transit to the EU.

Hungary is blackmailing Ukraine by blocking €6.5B in military aid due to the cessation of Russian oil transit to the EU. Hungary will block the €6.5B military aid financing program for Ukraine under the European Peace Fund until Ukraine resumes supplies of Russian oil to Hungary, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjár...

Wednesday, July 24

Dmytro Kuleba has arrived in China to discuss Beijing’s possible role in ending the war in Ukraine.

Dmytro Kuleba has arrived in China to discuss Beijing’s possible role in ending the war in Ukraine. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has embarked on his first trip to China since the Russian invasion in 2022. China has served as an economic lifeline for the Kremlin since its invasion b...

The EU will adjust sanctions to ensure the earnings from frozen Russian assets are not interrupted.

The EU will adjust sanctions to ensure the earnings from frozen Russian assets are not interrupted. The EU has presented member states with two options to freeze Russian Central Bank assets for extended periods. It seeks to assuage US concerns over a G7 plan to leverage the profits from these assets...

Ukraine will present a list of investment projects for 2025 and expects to receive €4.1B from the EU.

Ukraine will present a list of investment projects for 2025 and expects to receive €4.1B from the EU. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that the Cabinet of Ministers plans to present a prepared list of public investment projects for 2025 to its partners in September. “Thus, in conditions of...

Tuesday, July 23

Ukraine agreed to a debt restructuring with its Eurobond holders.

Ukraine agreed to a debt restructuring with its Eurobond holders. As Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal reported, Ukraine has reached fundamental agreements with a committee of Eurobond owners. This is a crucial stage in Ukraine’s debt restructuring, saving $11.4B i...

Kuleba tells the EU ministers the five steps for urgent assistance to Ukraine’s energy sector.

Kuleba tells the EU ministers the five steps for urgent assistance to Ukraine’s energy sector. During a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the EU, Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba called on Ukraine’s partners to intensify the protection and restoration of the country&...

Europe will increase pressure on the Russian shadow fleet, but Moscow is preparing for restrictions on LNG.

Europe will increase pressure on the Russian shadow fleet, but Moscow is preparing for restrictions on LNG. 44 European countries have agreed on the introduction of measures against the Russian Federation’s so-called shadow fleet, which is used to circumvent international restrictions. The joint ̶...

The Ministry of Finance has updated the Reform Matrix; Ukraine has already fulfilled 108 indicators in the year’s first half.

The Ministry of Finance has updated the Reform Matrix; Ukraine has already fulfilled 108 indicators in the year’s first half. The Ministry of Finance has updated the Reform Matrix, an analytical tool used to monitor the fulfillment of the requirements of international partners in real-time. In the updated Reform Matrix, ther...

Slovakia maintains a stance against providing military aid to Ukraine, but its shells still end up on the frontlines.

Slovakia maintains a stance against providing military aid to Ukraine, but its shells still end up on the frontlines. Slovakia’s defense minister is pushing for a major increase in ammunition production to boost the country’s economic growth. According to Bloomberg, while Fico’s government steadfastly ref...

Monday, July 22

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom promises to increase efforts to support Ukraine; Zelenskyy asks permission for strikes in Russian territory to protect civilians.

The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom promises to increase efforts to support Ukraine; Zelenskyy asks permission for strikes in Russian territory to protect civilians. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged that his country will “double down” on its backing of Ukraine. He stated that Ukraine has the “unwavering support of the United Kingdom” and that...

The UK will provide credit support for the Ukrainian military industry worth £2B.

The UK will provide credit support for the Ukrainian military industry worth £2B. The United Kingdom and Ukraine have signed an intergovernmental agreement on official credit support for developing Ukrainian defense capabilities. The agreement will allow the start of Ukrainian-UK p...

Slovakia threatens to suspend the supply of petroleum products to Ukraine over sanctions against Russian Lukoil.

Slovakia threatens to suspend the supply of petroleum products to Ukraine over sanctions against Russian Lukoil. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico spoke over the telephone with his Ukrainian counterpart Denys Shmyhal, during which he criticized the inclusion of the Russian company Lukoil, whose oil is also used ...

The EU will provide Ukrenergo a €100M grant for the energy system’s restoration and protection.

The EU will provide Ukrenergo a €100M grant for the energy system’s restoration and protection. State energy company Ukrenergo and the German State Development Bank KfW in Ukraine signed a €100M grant agreement. It is noted that the EC authorized KfW to direct the funds from the special EU budge...

Ukraine has fulfilled more than 50% of the IMF’s requirements and received $10.2B from the IMF since the beginning of the war.

Ukraine has fulfilled more than 50% of the IMF’s requirements and received $10.2B from the IMF since the beginning of the war. As Minister of Finance, Serhiy Marchenko noted: “The Government of Ukraine, the National Bank of Ukraine, and other authorities have so far implemented 23 structural beacons out of 37 stipulated...

The German government has confirmed that it has earmarked half the amount for military aid to Ukraine in the 2025 budget, counting on income from the Russian assets.

The German government has confirmed that it has earmarked half the amount for military aid to Ukraine in the 2025 budget, counting on income from the Russian assets. In its draft budget for 2025, Germany will provide €4B for military aid to Ukraine, calculating that Kyiv’s needs for military support will be covered mainly by interest from the frozen assets o...

Friday, July 19

Russia categorically rejects the Ukrainian Peace Formula and welcomes the position of the US Republican vice-presidential candidate on Ukraine.

Russia categorically rejects the Ukrainian Peace Formula and welcomes the position of the US Republican vice-presidential candidate on Ukraine. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Serhiy Lavrov, said at a press conference at the United Nations that the discussions regarding the second Peace Summit and the Ukrainian Peac...

The Kremlin is preparing the Russians for another decade of war.

The Kremlin is preparing the Russians for another decade of war. The ISW emphasized that negotiations with Russia are impossible as long as its terms include the destruction of Ukraine. Russian state news agencies published comments by the Deputy Chairman of the Ru...

Ursula von der Leyen has retained her position as head of the EC, and she promises to create a European Defense Union and support Ukraine on its way to joining the EU.

Ursula von der Leyen has retained her position as head of the EC, and she promises to create a European Defense Union and support Ukraine on its way to joining the EU. The European Parliament re-elected Ursula von der Leyen as the head of the European Commission for another five years. While campaigning, she promised to do much more in the field of defense if she re...

Ukraine is trying for the second time to restructure more than $20B in Eurobonds.

Ukraine is trying for the second time to restructure more than $20B in Eurobonds. A group of Ukrainian bondholders has signed non-disclosure agreements to begin a second round of formal talks with the Ukrainian government to restructure more than $20B in debt. Negotiations started ...

While its partners are providing promised military aid, Ukraine is expanding its drone use.

While its partners are providing promised military aid, Ukraine is expanding its drone use. Ukraine’s allies plan to provide Kyiv with nearly 500,000 artillery shells by the end of the year through the Czech artillery initiative. Other munitions are available and could be supplied to U...

Ratification of the free trade agreement will quickly increase trade between Ukraine and Turkey by $2.5B per year.

Ratification of the free trade agreement will quickly increase trade between Ukraine and Turkey by $2.5B per year. Ambassador of Ukraine to Turkey, Vasyl Bodnar, noted: “Turkey traditionally plays an important role in Ukraine’s foreign trade. In 2023, the total trade volume was approximately $7.5B. Aft...

Thursday, July 18

Trump plans to ease sanctions against Russia, and Orban calls on the EU to restore relations with Russia and to prepare for the suspension of US aid to Ukraine.

Trump plans to ease sanctions against Russia, and Orban calls on the EU to restore relations with Russia and to prepare for the suspension of US aid to Ukraine. US presidential candidate Donald Trump considers easing sanctions against Russia as one of the components of his plan to end the war in Ukraine. “With sanctions, we push everyone away from us. T...

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