European Union

China has stopped selling drones to Ukraine, but continues to supply them to Russia. Ukraine has found alternative reconnaissance drones, including FPV, and strike drones.

The Ministry of Economy is developing a new export strategy until 2030 with a focus on the production of high value-added products and the "Made in Ukraine" policy. Key goals include increasing exports to $77 billion.

Programs for teaching Ukrainian as a second foreign language are being developed in Poland. The possibility of including it in the list of languages for the eighth-grader exam is also being considered.

The launch of the Special Tribunal over the Russian Federation and other aggressors is already close, implementation can be done this year. The sentences will concern not only Putin, but also others who contribute to aggression.

The Public Health Center is implementing the MISUPH project to create a modern epidemiological surveillance system. The project is being implemented in 2024–2027 with a budget of over EUR 3 million.

2 million border crossings have been recorded through the eQueue system, with the largest number being in the direction of Poland (1. 1 million). The system covers all checkpoints for trucks and buses.

Gold prices fell to a one-week low after Trump's tariff blocking. The court's decision reduced demand for gold as a safe haven, and a strong dollar put pressure on prices.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Julia Klöckner to discuss military support for Ukraine to be provided by Germany, and the possibility of direct investments in the Ukrainian defense industry.

Ukraine and Finland have signed a joint statement on the establishment of the Shelter Coalition. This will attract about 14 billion euros for the construction and modernization of existing facilities.

The EU Council has decided to lift economic sanctions against Syria, with the exception of security-related restrictions. This decision aims to support the Syrian people in rebuilding the country.

Experts discuss the possible end of the "trade visa-free regime" with the EU, which may complicate Ukrainian exports. Negotiations are underway on a transition period and new measures.

The Slovak government has allowed the sale of brown bear meat to the population to prevent waste. Previously, a plan to shoot a quarter of the population was approved due to an increase in the number of attacks.

A citizen of a West Asian country was on the international wanted list and tried to hide in Ukraine. He was detained and extradited.

Russian oil exports have fallen to a two-year low due to falling prices. EU and British sanctions have almost no effect, and US measures are beginning to be ignored.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the preparation of the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. He noted close coordination with the US government and Congress.

The European Union plans to create a maritime security center in the Black Sea to monitor threats and protect infrastructure. The information will be transferred to Ukraine and other countries in the region.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Friedrich Merz are discussing defense support for Ukraine, weapons production, and sanctions against the Russian Federation. Negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the EU and economic recovery are also planned.

Marta Kos stated that all clusters in the negotiations regarding Ukraine's accession to the EU could be opened this year. She is optimistic that Cluster 1 will be opened as early as June.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Turkey for its mediation and identified three realistic locations for negotiations with the Russian Federation. He rejected Russia's proposal regarding Belarus and awaits sanctions from the United States.

Due to the reduction in US aid, millions of people in the EU may be left without support. The funding deficit has reached $60 billion, which threatens global humanitarian activities.

In Lithuania, over a million euros from the EU, intended for Ukrainian refugees, were mistakenly received by citizens of 43 other countries, including Russians and Belarusians. An investigation into the incident has been launched.

Sergei Lavrov announced preparations for a new round of negotiations with Ukraine. Turkey has confirmed its readiness to organize a meeting between the delegations.

Ukraine has preliminarily approved draft negotiating positions for clusters 2 and 6 for negotiations on joining the EU. The position on cluster 1 has already been submitted to the European Commission.

Russian billionaire Vladimir Potanin, who is under sanctions, has acquired 9. 95% of Yandex's shares. The deal was carried out through companies belonging to his holding company "Interros".

Oleksiy Chernyshov stated that Ukraine defends the rights of its citizens who were forced to leave due to the aggression of the Russian Federation. He noted that together with partners they will work on extending the temporary protection status for Ukrainians in the EU.

The issue of Taurus supplies will not be resolved during Zelensky's visit. Merz will discuss further negotiations between Ukraine and Russia and plans for a new package of EU sanctions with Zelensky.

Despite sanctions, in 2025 Russia may receive more than 20 billion euros from the EU for the export of raw materials, which is more than military aid to Ukraine. The largest importers of Russian raw materials are China, India and Turkey.

The EU supported the reduction of the border carbon tariff, which will apply to only 10% of companies. From 2027, companies will purchase permits to cover emissions upon import.

Ukraine is reviewing its mineral sector, hoping to attract investment from a deal with the United States. The war has caused $1.7 trillion in damage to the sector.

The European Commission has launched an investigation into Pornhub and other platforms over possible violations of the DSA in the field of child protection. The investigations will focus on the platforms' age verification measures.