European Council
Zelenskyy and António Costa discussed Europe's role in peace negotiations and the schedule for opening clusters. Europe must have a strong voice in the process.
Margus Tsahkna warned Europe against negotiations with the Russian Federation due to its vulnerable state and economic problems. The Minister calls for increased pressure and sanctions on the Kremlin.
The President of the European Council declared readiness for dialogue with the Russian Federation in the future for the sake of European security. Currently, the EU supports peace initiatives under U.S. leadership.
The European Union hopes for a rapprochement with Hungary as Péter Magyar was sworn in as the country's Prime Minister, ending the 16-year rule of Viktor Orbán.
Zelenskyy discussed Ukraine's EU accession and preparations for opening clusters with António Costa. A prisoner exchange in a 1000-for-1000 format was also announced.
Zelenskyy called Ukraine an integral part of the European family on Europe Day. The state protects the entire continent from tyranny and chooses its own future.
António Costa is preparing the EU for negotiations with the RF due to frustration with Donald Trump's actions. Zelenskyy supports coordination to increase pressure on Moscow.
Zelenskyy and Costa discussed opening six negotiation clusters with the EU. Ukraine expects the unblocking of 90 billion euros in financial aid.
Péter Magyar demands the expansion of rights for the Hungarian minority to approve Ukraine's EU accession negotiations. His demands concern education and language.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that Ukraine's immediate accession to the EU is impossible, but called for closer integration into institutions without voting rights. He proposed interim steps for gradual rapprochement with the bloc after the summit in Nicosia.
Cyprus, presiding in the Council of the EU, plans to present a negotiating document with parameters of the new long-term EU budget at the June summit. President Christodoulides stated this after the EU leaders' meeting.
President of the European Council António Costa stated that after support and sanctions, the EU should open the first cluster of negotiations on Ukraine's accession. Brussels insists on full membership despite discussions about alternatives.
EU leaders at the summit in Cyprus did not support the idea of associate membership for Ukraine. António Costa emphasized the opening of the first cluster of negotiations for full accession.
António Costa urged EU leaders to be autonomous due to diverging interests with the US. The bloc fears an energy crisis and pressure from Washington.
Zelenskyy announced negotiations with countries in the Caucasus and the Middle East. Ukraine offers integrated defense systems against drones and maritime threats.
The European Union is allocating a loan of €90 billion, two-thirds of which will go to defense. The first tranche will include the purchase of Ukrainian drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The President thanked the EU for the 90 billion euro aid package and new sanctions. The funds will be used to strengthen the army, air defense, and protect the energy system in winter.
The President will take part in a special meeting of EU leaders and hold talks with Nausėda and Frederiksen. A meeting with Costa and von der Leyen is planned.
EU ambassadors expect approval of a €90 billion loan after oil supplies resume. Two-thirds of the funds will go to defense and financial assistance to Kyiv.
The President announced changes in tax strategy and measures to de-shadow the economy. The government is preparing a systemic approach to support businesses and citizens.
Ukraine has fulfilled all EU requirements to receive the financial support package. The parties also discussed the implementation of the unique Drone Deal protection system.
Specialists have completed repairs to the damaged section of the oil pipeline to restore its operation. Zelenskyy expects the EU support package to be unblocked.
The Freedom Party is moving into opposition due to the lack of a coalition majority. The leader of the right-wing populist forces, Janez Janša, has been given a chance to form a government.
The Head of the European Council stated that civilians in Kyiv, Dnipro, Odesa, and Kharkiv are being deliberately terrorized. The EU promises to increase pressure on Russia and support for Ukraine.
The next informal meeting of EU heads of state will take place on April 23-24 in Cyprus. A meeting of EU heads of state and government is scheduled for June 18 - Viktor Orbán may be invited there before his resignation.
The President of the European Council and the Prime Ministers of Spain and Poland congratulated the leader of the Tisza party. António Costa noted the record turnout and expressed readiness for cooperation with Hungary.
The President is confident in receiving aid despite Hungary's blocking. Part of the funds will be directed to record domestic defense production.
Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa confirmed the decision to allocate 90 billion euros. The European Union will fulfill its obligations even if one leader resists.
The Slovak Prime Minister declared a state of emergency in oil supply. He accused Zelenskyy of interfering in the Hungarian election campaign.
The President urged not to allow Russia's positions to strengthen due to delays in aid and sanctions. Ukraine expects the unblocking of 90 billion euros from the EU.