Politics

Thursday, March 27

Southern European countries do not support the EC’s rearmament plan for Europe.

Southern European countries do not support the EC’s rearmament plan for Europe. Several European countries have resisted the European Commission’s initiative to boost defense spending through low-interest loans, fearing it would exacerbate their already significant debt burden. I...

Wednesday, March 26

The US has reached an agreement with Ukraine and Russia on a “maritime truce” and is developing a plan to prohibit attacks on energy facilities.

The US has reached an agreement with Ukraine and Russia on a “maritime truce” and is developing a plan to prohibit attacks on energy facilities. During talks in Riyadh, the US delegation collaborated with representatives from Ukraine and Russia to prevent assaults on commercial vessels in the Black Sea. “The US and Ukraine have committed...

US senators are urging the Trump administration to utilize frozen Russian assets to exert pressure on Moscow.

US senators are urging the Trump administration to utilize frozen Russian assets to exert pressure on Moscow. In the US, a bipartisan group of senators has called on President Donald Trump’s administration to convince the US’ European allies to confiscate over $300B in frozen Russian assets to ass...

Ukraine is prepared for a full ceasefire, although Romania and Bulgaria are concerned about a naval ceasefire.

Ukraine is prepared for a full ceasefire, although Romania and Bulgaria are concerned about a naval ceasefire. Ukraine unconditionally backs the notion of a complete ceasefire with Russia, which would extend beyond the month-long truce currently being negotiated in the energy infrastructure sector, stated Ukra...

Putin intends to prolong the current peace talks to acquire more Ukrainian territory.

Putin intends to prolong the current peace talks to acquire more Ukrainian territory. The Kremlin is deliberately extending peace discussions to acquire additional territory and bolster its position in dealings with the US, sources familiar with Russian leadership’s thought proce...

Tuesday, March 25

Russia strikes the center of Sumy, injuring 100 people; Trump is outraged by the intense shelling.

Russia strikes the center of Sumy, injuring 100 people; Trump is outraged by the intense shelling. On Monday March 24, while negotiations between Russian and American delegations were ongoing in Riyadh, Russia launched a missile strike on the center of Sumy. A residential area, a school, and a chil...

In Riyadh, Ukraine and the US discussed key issues in the energy sector, shipping safety, and preventing attacks on Ukrainian ports.

In Riyadh, Ukraine and the US discussed key issues in the energy sector, shipping safety, and preventing attacks on Ukrainian ports. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov emphasized that the conversation was constructive and meaningful. President Zelenskyy’s primary objective is to achieve lasting and sustainable peace in Ukraine. &...

Trump’s national security adviser outlined the stages of the ceasefire.

Trump’s national security adviser outlined the stages of the ceasefire. A ceasefire on the front line will be the final step before signing a peace agreement in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with intermediate stages to occur beforehand, stated US President Dona...

Czechia believes the mineral deal with the US will be part of Ukraine’s security guarantees.

Czechia believes the mineral deal with the US will be part of Ukraine’s security guarantees. Czech President Petr Pavel thinks that Ukraine’s security guarantees will consist of two components: a mineral agreement with the US and guarantees from European countries. “If American bu...

Trump and Ukrainian nuclear power plants: What is the problem with the initiative?

Trump and Ukrainian nuclear power plants: What is the problem with the initiative? US President Donald Trump has set his sights on the Zaporizhzhia NPP, but there is a nuance to this concept, given that it may take years before there is any hope of a return on investment. This is be...

Kallas remains hopeful about receiving support from EU members for a €40B aid package for Ukraine.

Kallas remains hopeful about receiving support from EU members for a €40B aid package for Ukraine. The head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, continues to collaborate with EU member states on her €40B military assistance initiative for Ukraine. “The EU High Representative has proposed a pla...

Kyiv has urged the EU to extend the duty-free trade regime to avoid devastating Ukraine’s economy.

Kyiv has urged the EU to extend the duty-free trade regime to avoid devastating Ukraine’s economy. Ukraine has warned that the expiration of duty-free trade with the EU on June 5 could result in ”serious damage” to its economy. Kyiv hopes the EU will extend the duty-free trade regime, especially gi...

Monday, March 24

Trump states that the framework for a peace agreement has already been established and that the US aims to finalize an agreement by April 20.

Trump states that the framework for a peace agreement has already been established and that the US aims to finalize an agreement by April 20. US President Donald Trump noted that the US, Ukraine, and Russia have seemingly outlined the preliminary conditions for an agreement to end the war. He also emphasized the importance of ongoing suppor...

In Riyadh, Ukraine and the US discuss the protection of energy facilities and critical infrastructure; indirect talks between Ukraine and Russia are planned.

In Riyadh, Ukraine and the US discuss the protection of energy facilities and critical infrastructure; indirect talks between Ukraine and Russia are planned. According to Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, proposals regarding the protection of energy facilities and critical infrastructure were on the agenda in Saudi Arabia on March 23. On March 24, Ukraine an...

Witkoff: The status of the occupied territories is the primary issue in resolving the war in Ukraine.

Witkoff: The status of the occupied territories is the primary issue in resolving the war in Ukraine. The US President’s Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steven Witkoff, referred to Ukraine’s occupied territories as Russian-speaking regions and proposed conducting a so-called referendum. ...

France and Italy have blocked EU approval of €5B in aid for Ukraine.

France and Italy have blocked EU approval of €5B in aid for Ukraine. During a Brussels summit, the EU was not able to reach an agreement on the allocation of €5B for Ukraine’s ammunition supplies this year, as EU members, including France and Italy, were hesitant...

The EU discusses the deployment of two peacekeeping missions in Ukraine following the war.

The EU discusses the deployment of two peacekeeping missions in Ukraine following the war. One of these missions could operate under the auspices of the UN and involve soldiers from India, Brazil, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia, who would be stationed along the Russian-Ukrainian border. The se...

The EU is still contemplating the confiscation of frozen Russian assets.

The EU is still contemplating the confiscation of frozen Russian assets. EU leaders have not dismissed the potential confiscation of these assets. As noted by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, a declaration regarding Ukraine states that “Russian assets should remain f...

How is the Kremlin trying to drive Kyiv and Washington apart and disrupt peace talks?

How is the Kremlin trying to drive Kyiv and Washington apart and disrupt peace talks? The Kremlin is ramping up its campaign to discredit Ukraine. As reported by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Russia shelled the Sudzha gas metering station in the Kursk region and bla...

The US intends to include control over nuclear power plants in its mineral agreement with Ukraine.

The US intends to include control over nuclear power plants in its mineral agreement with Ukraine. The Trump administration is seeking to modify the terms of its subsoil agreement with Ukraine. Washington is looking for Kyiv to agree to eliminate rules governing the ownership and management of a jo...

A new €150B EU security loan program presents significant opportunities for the Ukrainian defense industry.

A new €150B EU security loan program presents significant opportunities for the Ukrainian defense industry. According to Andrius Kubilius, the European Commissioner for Defense, this new EU loan program, part of the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) initiative, allows member states to utilize €150B in loans...

Friday, March 21

Zelenskyy and Trump have discussed the fate of the Zaporizhzhia NPP.

Zelenskyy and Trump have discussed the fate of the Zaporizhzhia NPP. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reported that US President Donald Trump, during a phone conversation with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, proposed transferring Ukrainian nuclear power plants to US o...

Zelenskyy after conversation with Trump: Currently, only the possibility of a partial ceasefire is under discussion. Ukraine will prepare a list of prohibited targets for attacks.

Zelenskyy after conversation with Trump: Currently, only the possibility of a partial ceasefire is under discussion. Ukraine will prepare a list of prohibited targets for attacks. After the phone call between the American and Ukrainian presidents, Volodymyr Zelenskyy was asked if it’s realistic to achieve a complete ceasefire in a few weeks, as stated by Trump’s special e...

The US, Ukraine, and Russia will hold parallel talks in Riyadh on March 24.

The US, Ukraine, and Russia will hold parallel talks in Riyadh on March 24. Russia aims to revive the Black Sea Grain Initiative. The next round of talks between the US and Russia regarding a ceasefire and ending the war in Ukraine will not involve senior US officials. The me...

Britain and the EU are in discussions to accelerate arms deliveries to Ukraine,

Britain and the EU are in discussions to accelerate arms deliveries to Ukraine, according to British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. He mentioned that he had talked about increasing military support for Ukraine prior to a potential full ceasefire in a meeting in London with the EU...

The EU aims to secure €5B for Ukrainian munitions.

The EU aims to secure €5B for Ukrainian munitions. EU officials are developing a strategy to allocate €5B for ammunition, as an agreement on the €40B Ukrainian military aid package remains pending, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Securi...

Thursday, March 20

Trump: Efforts to end the war in Ukraine are progressing; Moscow, Washington, and Kyiv are arranging new talks.

Trump: Efforts to end the war in Ukraine are progressing; Moscow, Washington, and Kyiv are arranging new talks. Commenting on his discussion with the Russian leader, US President Donald Trump noted that both the Kremlin chief and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wish for the war to conclude. “This p...

As Russia prepares to confront Europe, the Trump administration is considering relinquishing command of NATO military operations in Europe.

As Russia prepares to confront Europe, the Trump administration is considering relinquishing command of NATO military operations in Europe. Russia is boosting its defense investments and readying for conflict with Europe, said EC President Ursula von der Leyen. “And at a time when these threats are increasing, we see our long time p...

Ukraine is still committed to a mutual agreement to cease attacks on energy infrastructure despite Moscow’s massive air attack immediately after talks with Washington.

Ukraine is still committed to a mutual agreement to cease attacks on energy infrastructure despite Moscow’s massive air attack immediately after talks with Washington. “We are ready for such a step if it is carried out by both sides. That is, when we agree on this with mediation from the American side and on the condition that the US is the guarantor of this a...

The Trump-Putin call fails to meet expectations as the Kremlin continues to evade a ceasefire in order to gain additional concessions from the US.

The Trump-Putin call fails to meet expectations as the Kremlin continues to evade a ceasefire in order to gain additional concessions from the US. The outcome of the telephone conversation with Putin was far from what the US president had hoped for. The NYT highlights that Putin agreed only to a limited ceasefire but refused a complete end to ho...

British special forces are ready to be deployed to Ukraine as peacekeepers.

British special forces are ready to be deployed to Ukraine as peacekeepers. British special forces have been put on standby to deploy to Ukraine as part of the UK peacekeeping mission as a ceasefire agreement “closes in.” Last week, Prime Minister Keir Starmer sai...

The EC presents a White Paper for defense; Ukraine will receive two million rounds of ammunition per year.

The EC presents a White Paper for defense; Ukraine will receive two million rounds of ammunition per year. The European Commission and the EU High Representative have introduced the White Paper on European Defense – Readiness 2030. As part of the ReArm Europe plan, an ambitious defense package has al...

The EC will open European integration negotiation clusters with Ukraine this year, despite Hungary’s obstruction.

The EC will open European integration negotiation clusters with Ukraine this year, despite Hungary’s obstruction. The European Commission plans to begin the first cluster of negotiations regarding Ukraine’s EU accession this year but acknowledges that it will require the unanimity of all member states. EC r...

Russia’s European neighbors oppose resuming purchases of Russian energy.

Russia’s European neighbors oppose resuming purchases of Russian energy. Any talk of a return to Russian oil and gas is premature and threatens Europe’s security interests, warn EU countries bordering Russia, amid growing speculation that a US-brokered peace deal cou...

The EU has limited access for US, UK, and Turkey companies to a €150B rearmament fund aimed at supporting the European defense industry.

The EU has limited access for US, UK, and Turkey companies to a €150B rearmament fund aimed at supporting the European defense industry. Companies based in the US, UK, and Turkey will not be allowed to participate in the €150B EU defense fund proposed by the European Commission unless their respective countries sign defense and securit...

Wednesday, March 19

Russia agrees to limit its attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure and energy sector for 30 days but will not commit to a truce.

Russia agrees to limit its attacks on Ukraine’s infrastructure and energy sector for 30 days but will not commit to a truce. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, following a conversation between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, noted that the presidents agreed to continue “technical negotiations” on a c...

Experts criticize Trump’s disappointing “peace plan” for Ukraine.

Experts criticize Trump’s disappointing “peace plan” for Ukraine. According to former US Army Commander in Europe Ben Hodges, US President Donald Trump’s Ukrainian peace plan involves Kyiv’s “capitulation” to Moscow. “This is not a peac...

The UK and the EU discuss the confiscation of frozen Russian assets to increase pressure on Putin during potential peace talks.

The UK and the EU discuss the confiscation of frozen Russian assets to increase pressure on Putin during potential peace talks. Ukraine’s allies are intensifying discussions to determine how to seize Russia’s assets in an effort to increase pressure on the Kremlin ahead of possible peace negotiations. Foreign Secre...

The Bundestag approves reform to Germany’s debt brake mechanism in order to increase defense spending and aid to Ukraine.

The Bundestag approves reform to Germany’s debt brake mechanism in order to increase defense spending and aid to Ukraine. The German government backed a €1T plan to invest in the country’s defense and infrastructure. During an emergency meeting on March 18, the German parliament approved a debt package – amendments...

What will Ukraine receive as part of Germany’s €3B military aid package?

What will Ukraine receive as part of Germany’s €3B military aid package? The €3B military aid package to Ukraine, which was approved by the Bundestag, provides for the supply of equipment and materials in both the short and long term, said Steffen Hebestreit, spokesperson ...

Ukraine and Sweden will become partners in the energy field and the green transition.

Ukraine and Sweden will become partners in the energy field and the green transition. Ukraine and Sweden signed a memorandum of understanding on the establishment of a partnership on energy issues and the green transition in the field of nuclear energy. The memorandum’s purpose i...

Tuesday, March 18

The US has outlined two stages for ending the war in Ukraine and the terms of a peace agreement.

The US has outlined two stages for ending the war in Ukraine and the terms of a peace agreement. According to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, this involves a ceasefire followed by a transition to negotiations. “Nobody is saying that the second part will be easy, but we can’t even b...

Starmer presents a plan to deploy over 10,000 Western peacekeepers in Ukraine indefinitely.

Starmer presents a plan to deploy over 10,000 Western peacekeepers in Ukraine indefinitely. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during a virtual meeting of the coalition of the willing, detailed plans for deploying Western peacekeeping forces to Ukraine that would be primarily sourced from ...

Europe has made progress on €40B in military aid for Ukraine.

Europe has made progress on €40B in military aid for Ukraine. EU member states have made strides toward a new military aid package for Ukraine worth up to €40B, just days before a leaders’ summit later this week. Following a meeting of foreign ministers from the...

The EC has prepared a defense strategy to rearm the bloc and bolster support for Ukraine.

The EC has prepared a defense strategy to rearm the bloc and bolster support for Ukraine. The EU intends to launch a large-scale initiative to develop its defense industry, aimed at deterring Russia and supporting Ukraine amid a reduction in the US military presence in Europe. A draft of t...

Lithuania has outlined five key elements for Ukraine’s security guarantees.

Lithuania has outlined five key elements for Ukraine’s security guarantees. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budris stated that security guarantees must include at least five components to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. The first element is long-term EU mili...

Germany transfers a new defense aid package to Ukraine with air defense ammunition, tanks, and artillery.

Germany transfers a new defense aid package to Ukraine with air defense ammunition, tanks, and artillery. Germany has announced a new military aid package for Ukraine. The Armed Forces of Ukraine will soon receive: 24 mine-resistant armored vehicles (MRAP), ammunition for Leopard 1 tanks, three Gepard sel...

Monday, March 17

Russia supports a ceasefire, but there are nuances: Putin mentions a temporary ceasefire.

Russia supports a ceasefire, but there are nuances: Putin mentions a temporary ceasefire. According to the Russian dictator, “this cessation must be one that leads to long-term peace and addresses the root causes of this crisis.” Putin wants Ukraine to refrain from receiving mi...

The US continued negotiations with Russia over the weekend and announced new details for Monday.

The US continued negotiations with Russia over the weekend and announced new details for Monday. On a March 15 phone conversation, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov the US’ military operations against the Houthis and ongoing peace talks ...

The G7 and Ukraine’s other allies vow to intensify sanctions pressure on Russia if it refuses to agree to a ceasefire.

The G7 and Ukraine’s other allies vow to intensify sanctions pressure on Russia if it refuses to agree to a ceasefire. The G7 countries have warned Russia of new sanctions if it does not halt hostilities with Ukraine. The G7 is preparing a statement that will stress the importance of reliable “security measures&...

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