European Union

Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak discussed with advisors from partner countries the results of the NATO summit and the prospects for Ukraine's European integration. The discussion focused on increasing pressure on Russia and the importance of Zelenskyy's meeting with Trump.

European NATO countries are increasing defense spending but refusing American weapons. This is due to concerns about the policy of Trump, who has already threatened to annex the territory of a European country.

The EU is preparing to adopt the 18th package of sanctions against the Russian Federation, focused on energy and the shadow fleet. The restrictions will include a ban on European companies participating in Russian projects and personal sanctions against captains and ship owners.

US President Donald Trump said that he could introduce increased tariffs on European exports before or after July 9, the previously set target date. He noted that the date is not fixed and can be changed depending on the achievement of an agreement.

Donald Trump announced the suspension of negotiations with Ottawa on tariffs in response to Canada's introduction of a digital services tax on American tech companies. The U.S. will impose tariffs on Canada within seven days.

Fragments of downed Russian drones were displayed at an exhibition in Kyiv, including the "Oreshnik" ballistic missile and an updated "Shahed" with artificial intelligence and a camera. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha noted the presence of foreign components in Russian missiles and drones.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that Russia produces more ammunition than all EU countries combined. He emphasized that sanctions against Russia are vital for stopping the Russian war machine for the sake of security not only of Ukraine but also of EU and NATO countries.

Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that Senator Lindsey Graham's bill on sanctions against Russia can play a decisive role in achieving a truce. This bill is supported by 82 US senators.

Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated the need to strengthen sanctions against Russia, as Moscow rejects US peace efforts and a ceasefire, demonstrating a lack of pressure. He emphasized that devastating sanctions are a key tool to force Russia to a peaceful settlement.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated that his country stopped Ukraine's accession to the European Union. According to him, Ukraine's membership in the EU would drag Hungary into war and destroy it.

The introduction of the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia is delayed due to disagreements among allies. Hungary and Slovakia are blocking the restrictions, demanding guarantees of gas supplies, while the US is not rushing to lower the price cap on Russian oil.

Ukraine is preparing to launch the Defence City joint arms production program with international partners by September. The program includes 21 initiatives for localizing production in Ukraine and up to 10 projects abroad, particularly in Denmark and the United Kingdom.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree that activates the National Security and Defense Council's decision on synchronizing sanctions against the Russian Federation. The goal is to increase pressure on the aggressor and limit its military-industrial potential.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the NSDC decision sets tasks for state institutions, against the background of the need to synchronize sanctions of Ukraine and partners against the Russian Federation.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will undertake a European tour from June 30 to July 6, visiting the EU headquarters, Germany, and France. The purpose of the visit is the final согласоvание of details for the China-EU summit in Beijing on July 24-25.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the results of the European Council meeting "important. " He noted the decisions regarding security support, pressure on Russia, and a high evaluation of Ukraine's transformation on the path to the EU.

Ukrainians in the UK are denied asylum, claiming it is safe to return home. According to The Guardian, this causes additional anxiety, despite the 18-month visa.

The Board of the International Monetary Fund will hold a meeting to make a decision on a new tranche for Ukraine amounting to $487 million. Customs reform is delayed for at least six months.

The European Commission confirmed its readiness to transfer 2 million artillery shells to Ukraine by 2025 and to provide the remaining 11 billion euros of G7 loans. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, also emphasized the continuation of financial, military, and political support for Ukraine.

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, during an EU meeting in Brussels, stated the importance of not shifting focus from Ukraine. Latvia advocates for the adoption of the 18th package of sanctions against Russia and the blocking of its financial assets.

President of France Macron stated the effectiveness of American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities such as Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow. He also emphasized President Trump's active position on a ceasefire in Gaza.

The European Commission is ready to sign a trade agreement with the US but is considering the option of failure. Von der Leyen has received updated proposals on tariffs and promises to defend EU interests.

Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak reported an almost twofold drop in the activity of tankers transporting Russian oil due to sanctions. In June, the number of such vessels decreased to 343, which is a result of joint sanctions by the EU, USA, and Great Britain.

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna stated that Ukraine expects the opening of the first negotiation cluster after the EU summit. Partners highly appreciated the pace of Ukraine's reforms, confirming the readiness of the cluster for opening.

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.

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin announced the West's preparation to seize the blocked gold and foreign exchange assets of the Russian Federation. He believes that this will accelerate the regionalization of payment systems, which he says will benefit the global economy.

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.

European Union leaders have not reached an agreement on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. Slovakia opposed it, which led to the postponement of discussions.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposes using 150 billion euros from the SAFE program for Ukraine. EU member states can invest them in the Ukrainian defense industry.

An assistant to a Ukrainian Member of Parliament and the owner of a private company are suspected of embezzling 27 million hryvnias during the procurement of aircraft tires for the Logistics Forces. Thanks to this scheme, the Armed Forces overpaid for the products, and the defendants in the case legalized the funds.