European Council

The European Commission has dismissed a freelance translator over security concerns. The translator took notes during a meeting between European leaders and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, which is prohibited by the EU code of conduct.

Vice Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna stated that the start of Ukraine's EU accession talks does not require unanimous support from all 27 member states. Hungary's blocking has pushed the EU to seek legal solutions for continuing European integration.

The number of Ukrainians who applied for refugee status in France sharply increased in 2025, reaching over 7,000 applications from January to May. This is due to reduced resources for Ukrainians and problems with housing and employment, despite the extension of temporary protection until 2027.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu stated that the country's future in the EU depends on Moldovans ahead of the September parliamentary elections. The EU has allocated the first tranche of 270 million euros for Moldova.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with EU and Danish leaders, discussing Ukraine's accession to the EU, strengthening sanctions against Russia, and military aid. The parties emphasized the importance of pressure on the Russian Federation and the use of frozen Russian assets.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the "Future of Ukraine" award to 11-year-old Danish volunteer Jens Fogh Thomsen for raising funds to help Ukrainian children. The boy collected over 34,000 Danish kroner by selling blue and yellow beaded chickens, which he used to purchase school backpacks and supplies.

During his visit to Denmark, President Zelenskyy stated that he is counting on Denmark's financial contribution to the production of drones for Ukraine. He will also discuss the missile program with the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission.

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons confirmed Russia's use of banned chemical compounds, such as irritating tear gas, in grenades. This is the third OPCW report confirming Russia's systematic violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, with 888 cases of use in May 2025.

The European Council on June 26 approved the extension of sanctions against Russia despite threats from Hungary and Slovakia. Negotiations are currently underway on the 18th package of sanctions, which includes restrictions on pipelines and imports of Russian fuel.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the European Union for more decisive resistance to Russian aggression and increased sanctions pressure. He emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine on its path to EU membership.

On June 26, the European Council failed to unanimously approve a statement in support of Ukraine due to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's veto. This veto also prevents the start of association negotiations with the EU for Ukraine and Moldova.

Romanian President Nicușor Dan announced that the European Union will open the first cluster of accession talks with Moldova on July 4. This event will take place during the "EU – Moldova" summit in Chisinau, starting with the "Fundamental Values" cluster.

The European Union summit starts today in Brussels, where key topics include the war in Ukraine, strengthening defense capabilities, and competitiveness. EU leaders will discuss further support for Ukraine, its path to EU membership, pressure on Russia, and efforts to achieve peace.

The EU Council has approved new duties on imports from Russia and Belarus to reduce dependence on their agricultural products. Fertilizers and 15% of agricultural exports will be subject to restrictions.

Andriy Yermak had a conversation with advisors to the leaders of the Nordic countries regarding support for Ukraine and strengthening sanctions against Russia. They discussed preparations for the G7, NATO and EU summits.

Russia is not giving signals about a ceasefire and is not ready to end the war, Zelenskyy said. He emphasized the need to put pressure on the Russian Federation with sanctions, on the battlefield and attracting investments.

Zelenskyy held a conversation with the President of the European Council, António Costa, regarding sanctions against Russia and Ukraine's membership in the EU. Costa confirmed that if Russia refuses to cease fire, sanctions will be applied.

The European Council has imposed sanctions against three Russian structures involved in the development and use of chemical weapons in Ukraine. The decision was made due to evidence of Russia's use of prohibited substances.

The President of Ukraine met with EU leaders, thanking them for the preparation of the 17th sanctions package. They discussed increasing pressure on Russia and supporting Ukraine on its path to the EU.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated the need to prepare for a ceasefire in Ukraine. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and support for Ukraine.

António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen assured of their support for Ukraine and emphasized the strengthening of sanctions against Russia. This is being done to force Putin to negotiate for peace.

The President of the European Council, António Costa, announced the relaunch of the EU enlargement process in the Western Balkans. He confirmed the requirement for candidate countries to implement reforms to meet EU standards.

George Simion stated that Ukraine should compensate Romania for the assistance provided, including the Patriot system. If he wins, he will demand compensation for participating in military actions.

Belgian government officials, led by the Prime Minister, have arrived in Kyiv to demonstrate support for Ukraine and discuss cooperation in the defense sector. They are accompanied by the heads of Belgian defense companies.

In Paris, leaders discussed support for Ukraine, sanctions against Russia, and the creation of "deterrent forces. " Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of maintaining sanctions and the role of the United States in stopping the war.

European Council President Costa stressed the importance of pressure on Russia through sanctions. He plans to discuss this at a meeting of leaders in Paris.

A meeting of leaders of the "coalition of the willing" countries is taking place in Paris to discuss support for Ukraine and strengthening the army. Negotiations on peace, ceasefire and guarantee forces are also being discussed.

António Costa stated that joining the European Union is the best security guarantee for Ukraine. He added that Ukraine is making progress towards EU membership.

The European Commission stressed that the EU's position is clear: Ukraine decides on the terms of peace. Any negotiations about Ukraine must take place only with its participation.

Keir Starmer announces meetings to plan the military aspects of a peacekeeping contingent in Ukraine. Land, sea, air and reconstruction issues will be discussed.