The EU has initiated the creation of a European Defense Union, which plans to involve Ukraine. The discussion is no longer only about unmanned systems, but also about countering ballistic missiles
June 20 marks World Refugee Day. As of the beginning of May 2026, nearly 4.37 million Ukrainians have received temporary protection in EU countries.
Net donors and beneficiaries criticized the initial EU budget proposal. Germany demands spending cuts, while Spain considers the budget insufficient.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Hungary's new Prime Minister Péter Magyar had contact on the sidelines of the EU summit in Brussels. Magyar called on European leaders to be honest and move away from double standards.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico shared details of negotiations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the EU summit, calling the development of the dialogue constructive and substantive. The parties discussed the current situation and EU enlargement, despite differing views.
President Zelenskyy stated that Putin does not seek peace because he fears the return of the army without victory. He emphasized that Ukraine needs air defense and funding to deter aggression.
The President of France and the Chancellor of Germany criticized the EU for opening communication with Putin, which caused a confrontation with other leaders. The leaders of Estonia, Denmark and the Netherlands supported their position.
EU leaders confirmed unwavering support for Ukraine and expect the first payment of 90 billion euros loan by the end of June. They are also determined to increase pressure on russia and welcome progress in establishing a Special Tribunal.
EU leaders at the summit in Brussels decided to extend economic sanctions against Russia for 12 months. The sanctions include restrictions on trade, finance, energy, and transport.
The clause on accelerating Ukraine's accession to the EU was removed from the EU summit declaration at the initiative of Hungary's new Prime Minister Péter Magyar. He announced this on June 19.
European Council President Costa explained contacts with Russia as preparation for the peace process. The EU does not have a unified position on dialogue with the Kremlin.
The President of Ukraine urged the EU to use the unblocked €6 billion as soon as possible for air defense and ammunition. He also asked to prepare a winter aid package with gas and missiles.
The head of the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Europe is using negotiations as a deceptive tactic and is preparing for war with Russia by 2030. He also accused the EU of intending to expand its influence over Ukraine, Moldova, and Armenia.
President Zelenskyy stated that the European Council meeting will discuss strengthening air defense and preparation for winter. The discussions will be based on the agreements of the G7 summit.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the provision of 90 billion euros in credit support to Ukraine for the next two years. She also emphasized the deteriorating situation in Russia.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated his expectation of further progress in negotiations after the opening of the first cluster. He thanked EU leaders for their unanimity and announced discussions on the next five clusters.
According to the head of the European Commission, a new situation is emerging that indicates changes in Ukraine's favor. She also emphasized the importance of cooperation between Ukraine and EU states in the field of security.
The President of the European Commission congratulated Ukraine on the opening of the first cluster of negotiations on EU accession. She hopes to open more clusters during the summer.
President of the European Council António Costa called the week historic due to the start of negotiations on the first cluster. This is an important step toward Ukraine's membership in the EU.
G7 leaders adopted a joint declaration on support for Ukraine. António Costa confirmed the unity of all 27 EU member states and key international partners.
Iryna Terekh called EU bureaucracy an obstacle for Ukrainian technologies. The Flamingo missile passed certification in Ukraine in just five weeks.
The Rada has unblocked the law on increasing defense expenditures by 1. 56 trillion hryvnias. The funds will be directed toward military salaries and equipment modernization.
Péter Magyar and Roberta Metsola discussed the conclusion of the EU procedure against Hungary. To unlock 16 billion euros, the country must implement reforms.
The coalition agreement provides for the long-term deployment of US units and defense spending at 5% of GDP. The government will also continue its support for Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Prime Minister of Belgium to discuss military support. The first F-16 fighter jets will arrive in Ukraine as early as this year.
Latvian Prime Minister proposes that the EU appoint a representative for negotiations with the Russian Federation. Europe wants to have its own mandate to participate in the process of ending the war.
Zelenskyy discusses the creation of a European anti-ballistic missile system in Brussels. The project will combine Ukrainian developments with technologies from EU partners.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the intention to open all six negotiation clusters regarding EU accession in the coming weeks. Currently, the first cluster is open.
EU leaders will discuss new tariffs to curb Chinese exports. Brussels aims to protect industry from economic pressure and dependency.
Rutte discussed with Zelenskyy the supply of air defense systems and Russian losses of 35,000 personnel monthly. The NATO Secretary General noted the importance of US assistance.
