Politics

Monday, April 14

Ukraine and the US have not made any progress in negotiations over a mineral deal, as Trump demands control of Russian gas transit.

Ukraine and the US have not made any progress in negotiations over a mineral deal, as Trump demands control of Russian gas transit. On April 11, US and Ukrainian officials held tense discussions regarding a mineral agreement between the countries. During the meeting, American representatives presented the Ukrainians with an update...

Record-breaking Ramstein: Ukraine will receive military support exceeding $21B.

Record-breaking Ramstein: Ukraine will receive military support exceeding $21B. Following the 27th meeting of the Contact Group on Defense Issues in Ukraine in the Ramstein format, held on April 11 with 51 states participating, Ukraine’s allies committed to a substantial in...

Germany has dismissed the notion of Ukraine joining the EU and NATO before the war ends.

Germany has dismissed the notion of Ukraine joining the EU and NATO before the war ends. Future German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that he supports Ukraine’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations, but its accession to the EU and NATO can only occur after peace is achieved. Mer...

Witkoff suggests that Trump acknowledge Russia’s control over four regions of Ukraine.

Witkoff suggests that Trump acknowledge Russia’s control over four regions of Ukraine. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff urged the White House to support a plan that would effectively recognize Russia’s authority over four Ukrainian regions – Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson...

Trump has extended the previously imposed US restrictions on Russia while Kyiv prepares new shadow fleet sanctions.

Trump has extended the previously imposed US restrictions on Russia while Kyiv prepares new shadow fleet sanctions. US President Donald Trump signed an executive order extending sanctions against the Russian Federation, which were initially imposed in April 2021 by former US President Biden, due to the Russian gove...

France and Britain will present Trump with a plan for a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine.

France and Britain will present Trump with a plan for a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. Britain and France are developing a joint initiative to create a “deterrence force” in Ukraine after the end of hostilities. The plan is expected to be presented to Donald Trump in the com...

Friday, April 11

Hungary has promised to support sanctions targeting Russia if Putin refuses a truce.

Hungary has promised to support sanctions targeting Russia if Putin refuses a truce. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó confirmed that Hungary may back Western sanctions against Russia if Donald Trump employs them to penalize Russian leader Vladimir Putin for the Kremlin’...

The coming German government will increase aid and support for Ukraine’s NATO accession.

The coming German government will increase aid and support for Ukraine’s NATO accession. The signed coalition agreement reached by the upcoming German government states: “Ukraine, as a strong, democratic, and sovereign state that independently determines its future with a Euro-Atlan...

The US has come up with a way to combat the Russian shadow fleet while also addressing its national debt through a single solution.

The US has come up with a way to combat the Russian shadow fleet while also addressing its national debt through a single solution. A new bill has been introduced in the US aimed at tackling Russia’s shadow fleet of tankers that that are employed to transport oil, circumventing Western sanctions related to the war in Ukraine...

This year, Ukraine anticipates receiving €18B from Russia’s frozen assets.

This year, Ukraine anticipates receiving €18B from Russia’s frozen assets. Since the start of the year, Ukraine has already received €5B from the EU that was sourced from these assets’ proceeds, and expects to collect another €13B from these profits by the year’s...

A dozen countries are ready to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine.

A dozen countries are ready to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine. Ukraine’s key allies are continuing discussions regarding a potential peacekeeping mission in the country if a peace deal is reached. The coalition includes European nations, Canada, and Austral...

The Mineral Deal: Ukraine will insist on parity between the parties in managing the investment fund.

The Mineral Deal: Ukraine will insist on parity between the parties in managing the investment fund. The technical round of negotiations between Ukraine and the US regarding the mineral agreement will take place on April 11-12 in Washington. Ukraine’s delegation will be led by Deputy Minister o...

Ukraine will lose its current preferential trade conditions with the EU in June.

Ukraine will lose its current preferential trade conditions with the EU in June. The European Commission will not initiate an extension of the autonomous trade measures introduced in 2022 to support Ukrainian exports, which expire on June 5, said EU Agriculture Commissioner Christ...

How will US tariffs affect Ukrainian exporters?

How will US tariffs affect Ukrainian exporters? Deputy Minister of Economy Taras Kachka said: “The US is projected to receive $870M in Ukrainian exports in 2024, which is an increase compared to 2023. About 41% of our exports to the US last y...

Thursday, April 10

To compensate for its shortage of US-made weapons, Ukraine is ready to purchase military equipment from the US.

To compensate for its shortage of US-made weapons, Ukraine is ready to purchase military equipment from the US. President Zelenskyy stated that the nation is willing to buy the next tranche of military assistance from the US. However, it still awaits a reply from the White House on the prospects of the US conti...

The US State Department has called China a key Russian ally in the war against Ukraine.

The US State Department has called China a key Russian ally in the war against Ukraine. This statement was made by State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, who commented on reports that the Ukrainian military had captured two Chinese citizens fighting alongside Russia. She also highlig...

Ukraine’s European partners are increasing their support for the reconstruction: How much money is being provided, and which projects are prioritized?

Ukraine’s European partners are increasing their support for the reconstruction: How much money is being provided, and which projects are prioritized? Ukraine and Switzerland have signed an agreement amending the memorandum between the Ministry of Economy and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), which calls for a 100% increase in...

Ukraine has received €1B in aid from Russia’s frozen assets, and the EU is sending another €2B.

Ukraine has received €1B in aid from Russia’s frozen assets, and the EU is sending another €2B. As part of the G7 initiative (ERA), the EU has transferred €1B to Ukraine, with the return of funds made possible through income from frozen Russian assets. This marks the third tranche from the EU un...

Trump’s tariffs could severely impact Russia’s oil revenue.

Trump’s tariffs could severely impact Russia’s oil revenue. While Moscow has managed to evade US President Trump’s tariffs, the Russian budget will still endure consequences from Washington’s trade war. The Telegraph reports that a threat to Russia has emerged...

The Czech Republic has transferred all its Soviet-style tanks to Ukraine.

The Czech Republic has transferred all its Soviet-style tanks to Ukraine. Recently, Czechia completed the transfer of all its Soviet-style T-72M1 tanks to Ukraine after decommissioning them. The Czech Republic once possessed 86 T-72M1 tanks, which it inherited from the Czec...

Wednesday, April 9

The EU has offered Trump a trade truce, but the White House demands financial “reparations” and $350B in energy purchases.

The EU has offered Trump a trade truce, but the White House demands financial “reparations” and $350B in energy purchases. On April 7, EU ministers agreed to prioritize negotiations over countermeasures in response to US President Donald Trump’s tariffs, which impact 70% (€380B) of total European exports. European C...

Goldman Sachs has estimated the probability of a peace agreement in Ukraine to be 70%, but the ZNPP may be a problem.

Goldman Sachs has estimated the probability of a peace agreement in Ukraine to be 70%, but the ZNPP may be a problem. American investment bank Goldman Sachs stated that bond prices suggest that the markets have assessed a 70% probability of a peace deal in Ukraine. This current estimate is notably higher than the fig...

Belgium will provide Ukraine with €1B in defense aid and two F-16s this year, while Norway is allocating over $332M for ammunition.

Belgium will provide Ukraine with €1B in defense aid and two F-16s this year, while Norway is allocating over $332M for ammunition. Belgium will contribute a €1B defense aid package to Ukraine. Prime Minister Bart de Wever specified that the funds will be utilized to purchase weapons and enhance the Ukrainian defense industry, par...

Despite the insignificant impact of Trump’s tariffs on Ukraine, it is ready to zero out tariffs on American products and negotiate with the US.

Despite the insignificant impact of Trump’s tariffs on Ukraine, it is ready to zero out tariffs on American products and negotiate with the US. For Ukraine, the predominant negative consequence of the global trade war may be lower volumes of macro-financial assistance from European partners economically weakened by tariffs. In addition, Ukrai...

Tuesday, April 8

Russia has shifted its stance: The Kremlin reevaluates its position in negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

Russia has shifted its stance: The Kremlin reevaluates its position in negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Significant progress has been made regarding a peace settlement in Ukraine, stated Kirill Dmitriev, the Russian president’s special representative, after a series of meetings in Washington with ...

NATO has voiced its position on key aspects of ending the Russian-Ukrainian war.

NATO has voiced its position on key aspects of ending the Russian-Ukrainian war. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that NATO is not engaged in the negotiations to end Russia’s war against Ukraine. “They are being led by the US along with Ukraine and Russia. We u...

Trump attempts to use the mineral deal with Ukraine as leverage to pressure Russia in negotiations.

Trump attempts to use the mineral deal with Ukraine as leverage to pressure Russia in negotiations. According to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, after signing the deal Trump intended to reach out to Russia with a message supporting Ukraine in the economic sphere, hoping that this would encourag...

Washington has not yet discussed with the EU easing Russian sanctions to facilitate a temporary ceasefire agreement in Ukraine.

Washington has not yet discussed with the EU easing Russian sanctions to facilitate a temporary ceasefire agreement in Ukraine. David O’Sullivan, the EU’s special representative for sanctions, stated that Washington has not yet contacted the EU to address Russia’s request for sanctions relief – one of the cou...

Europe is considering creating another defense fund: Britain, Ukraine, and Norway would be eligible to join the initiative.

Europe is considering creating another defense fund: Britain, Ukraine, and Norway would be eligible to join the initiative. EU finance ministers will discuss the creation of a joint intergovernmental defense fund on April 12, which would provide large-scale defense financing without increasing public debt levels, a growing...

Monday, April 7

Ukraine’s allies met in Kyiv to discuss the deployment of a foreign military contingent in Ukraine.

Ukraine’s allies met in Kyiv to discuss the deployment of a foreign military contingent in Ukraine. At a meeting of the French and British military chiefs in Kyiv, the parties addressed issues concerning a troop presence on land, in the air, and at sea, along with discussions concerning air defense....

Russia continues to terrorize Ukraine with air strikes, violating the energy truce.

Russia continues to terrorize Ukraine with air strikes, violating the energy truce. On the night of April 6, Russian troops carried out a combined strike on Ukraine. Ukraine’s air defense shot down 13 missiles and 40 UAVs. Two days earlier, Russian forces launched a ballistic missile...

The US has given Russia a few weeks to agree to a ceasefire before increasing its pressure.

The US has given Russia a few weeks to agree to a ceasefire before increasing its pressure. The US recognizes that Russia is violating the ceasefire that was reached in Saudi Arabia, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated. “If there are delaying tactics, we won’t be interested ...

Trump states that Zelenskyy and Putin are ready to negotiate.

Trump states that Zelenskyy and Putin are ready to negotiate. US President Donald Trump believes that Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin are ready to finalize a ceasefire agreement. According to Trump, significant progress h...

Russian occupation forces have slowed their advance in Ukraine but are preparing a new offensive in several directions.

Russian occupation forces have slowed their advance in Ukraine but are preparing a new offensive in several directions. The UK Ministry of Defense noted that the Russian occupation forces’ advance in Ukraine has decelerated since the beginning of 2025. In March, Russian troops captured 143 square kilometers of Uk...

The EU is preparing counter-tariffs targeting the US totaling $28B, and the UK has compiled a list of 8,000 US goods to mirror tariffs.

The EU is preparing counter-tariffs targeting the US totaling $28B, and the UK has compiled a list of 8,000 US goods to mirror tariffs. EU countries will aim to present a united front against Donald Trump’s tariffs in the coming days, likely by approving the initial set of targeted counter-measures on US imports. The 27 EU count...

Friday, April 4

NATO countries will provide Ukraine with at least €20B in military assistance this year.

NATO countries will provide Ukraine with at least €20B in military assistance this year. “In the first three months of the year, we have already announced the allocation of over €20B in assistance to Ukraine. Our command in Wiesbaden continues to coordinate the supply of security as...

Europe considers utilizing NATO assets for a peacekeeping force in Ukraine.

Europe considers utilizing NATO assets for a peacekeeping force in Ukraine. NATO could play a crucial role in facilitating a European military mission aimed at securing a peace deal in Ukraine, according to plans being developed by a coalition of Kyiv’s allies. NATO...

Britain proposes that Europe create a joint arms purchasing fund worth hundreds of billions of euros.

Britain proposes that Europe create a joint arms purchasing fund worth hundreds of billions of euros. Britain has proposed that European countries create a supranational fund for centralized purchases of military equipment, accumulation of weapons stocks, and financing the continent’s rearmament...

Denmark has announced a new Ukrainian military aid package valued at almost €900M.

Denmark has announced a new Ukrainian military aid package valued at almost €900M. This is Denmark’s 25th military aid package for Ukraine, which has allocated DKK 6.7B (€900M) for the period of 2025-2027. DKK 1.4B is set aside for the provision of artillery and ammunition dur...

Thursday, April 3

Russia has rejected Trump’s offer for peace in Ukraine. The White House now understands that there will be no quick deal.

Russia has rejected Trump’s offer for peace in Ukraine. The White House now understands that there will be no quick deal. Russia cannot accept the US’ proposal to end the war in their “current form” since they do not address the issues that Moscow considers the primary reasons for the invasion, stated R...

500% tariff: The US Senate proposes new sanctions against Russia in retaliation for the Kremlin’s refusal to sign a peace deal.

500% tariff: The US Senate proposes new sanctions against Russia in retaliation for the Kremlin’s refusal to sign a peace deal. Two US senators, Republican Lindsey Graham and Democrat Richard Blumenthal, have introduced a bill to impose new sanctions on Russia in response to the Kremlin’s refusal to sign a peace deal. &#...

The US wants the EU to continue purchasing American weapons and plans to simplify export processes.

The US wants the EU to continue purchasing American weapons and plans to simplify export processes. The US has expressed its desire for Europe to continue acquiring American military equipment following the EU’s restrictions on American manufacturers from participating in arms tenders. Specifi...

Ukraine and Russia both present evidence of energy truce violations to the US.

Ukraine and Russia both present evidence of energy truce violations to the US. Ukraine has provided the US with confirmation of Russian strikes on energy infrastructure, which breaches the ceasefire agreement. President Zelenskyy notes that Ukraine has documented every violation...

Latvia will send Ukraine 1,500 drones, and Germany will provide an additional €11.25B military assistance package.

Latvia will send Ukraine 1,500 drones, and Germany will provide an additional €11.25B military assistance package. As part of a Latvian support package, the Armed Forces of Ukraine will receive 1,500 new combat drones. In total, two Latvian companies will deliver 12,000 drones to Ukraine worth €17M in the first ha...

Ukraine expects Germany to assist in opening negotiation clusters with the EU.

Ukraine expects Germany to assist in opening negotiation clusters with the EU. “Our country anticipates this will occur now, during the Polish presidency of the Council of the EU, and will continue during the Danish presidency,” emphasized Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze,...

Wednesday, April 2

Trump threatens Russia with secondary sanctions if Putin does not agree to a ceasefire.

Trump threatens Russia with secondary sanctions if Putin does not agree to a ceasefire. During a meeting with reporters at the White House, US President Donald Trump stated that he does not rule out implementing secondary sanctions on countries that purchase Russian oil if Putin “d...

Ukraine has resumed mineral deal negotiations with the US.

Ukraine has resumed mineral deal negotiations with the US. Donald Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House, stated that Volodymyr Zelenskyy is attempting to renegotiate the rare earth metals agreement. “You know, we’ve done something becaus...

Europe has an opportunity to utilize Russian assets in support of Ukraine.

Europe has an opportunity to utilize Russian assets in support of Ukraine. Tom Keatinge, director of the RUSI Center for Finance and Security, pointed out that loans are being provided to Ukraine, secured by the proceeds from frozen Russian assets; however, the funds themsel...

Finland and Spain are set to increase their defense spending, with Lithuania prepares to join the coalition of the willing in support of Ukraine.

Finland and Spain are set to increase their defense spending, with Lithuania prepares to join the coalition of the willing in support of Ukraine. Finnish President Alexander Stubb announced that Finland will boost its defense spending to 3% of GDP by 2029 to prepare against potential Russian aggression. “This is part of Finland’s co...

Tuesday, April 1

The mineral deal between Ukraine and the US should be viewed within the context of negotiations for EU accession.

The mineral deal between Ukraine and the US should be viewed within the context of negotiations for EU accession. European Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho noted that Brussels maintains constant communication and if Kyiv requests an assessment of an upcoming draft of a mineral agreement, the EC is prepared to a...

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