European Union

The EU is preparing the 18th package of sanctions against Russia, but its adoption will be difficult, the Presidential Office suggests. Some EU countries are defending the values of the "Russian world," which complicates consensus.

Kaja Kallas stated about the increase in Russian attacks on Ukraine, emphasizing the need to put pressure on the Russian Federation. The EU is ready to act and hopes for the support of international partners.

Ruslan Stefanchuk stated that Ukraine has high expectations regarding the opening of three clusters of negotiations with the EU already in June. The government has approved roadmaps and handed them over to European colleagues.

Oil prices rose after Trump extended trade talks with the EU. Also, limited progress in talks between the US and Iran reduced concerns about Iranian oil.

Christian Stocker believes that the current EU rules are outdated and contribute to radicalization. Austria is taking measures to limit the right of refugees to family reunification.

Johann Wadephul stated that the West should respond to the latest Russian attacks with additional sanctions. He hopes that this will force Putin to negotiate.

US President Trump has postponed the introduction of a 50% tariff on trade with the EU until July 9, 2025, at the request of Ursula von der Leyen. Negotiations between the EU and the US are to begin in the near future.

The President announced sanctions against individuals involved in financing Russian terrorism, propagandists, and mafia groups. Ukraine is synchronizing sanctions with the EU and other countries.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius allows the Bundeswehr to participate in peacekeeping forces in Ukraine if there is an international mandate and a ceasefire. The decision will be made on collective defense.

German Foreign Minister Baerbock stated that Putin is not interested in peace, therefore additional sanctions are needed. Ursula von der Leyen reported that new restrictions are already in development.

European countries are considering purchasing American weapons for Ukraine if Trump refuses to help. Europe does not have enough weapons and production capacity to meet Ukraine's needs.

According to European Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, the EU seeks to reach an agreement with the US, but on the basis of respect. European politicians have expressed disappointment over possible further tariffs from the US.

Trump changed his position on Ukraine to please Putin. The White House hopes that Putin will take steps towards an agreement, despite the reluctance of the Russian Federation to make concessions.

The Prime Minister of Hungary stated that the EU's plan to ban energy imports from Russia must be prevented. Hungary and Slovakia oppose a complete ban.

The Trump team's frustration is caused by the EU's unwillingness to impose tariffs on Chinese industry. The US wants trade partners to impose sanctions on China.

The European Union plans to disconnect more than 20 Russian banks from SWIFT. Lowering the oil price ceiling to $45 and banning the Nord Stream gas pipelines are also being considered.

When traveling in Europe, take care of your health insurance. Gather a first-aid kit with medicines and buy labeled products.

The European Union plans to impose sanctions against the "Nord Stream-2" gas pipeline to prevent the return of Russian gas. Germany supports this step to completely abandon gas imports from Russia by 2027.

U. S. President Donald Trump has stated that he has no intention of making deals with the EU. He noted that on June 1, a 50% tariff on goods from the European Union will come into effect.

Serhiy Yanyuk is on hunger strike, demanding a meeting with the President regarding the construction of the National Military Memorial Cemetery. He insists on an independent examination of the land.

The President of Ukraine has instructed to provide additional funding for the production of artillery shells and drones. Two-thirds of the funds for shells have already been secured.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine stated that Russia is trying to withdraw the United States from the negotiation process. He emphasized the importance of US participation in any security structure.

The Finnish Ministry of Defense has proposed a complete ban on the acquisition of real estate by citizens and legal entities from Russia and Belarus. Applications submitted before the date of the decree will be processed.

Donald Trump stated that negotiations with the EU are leading nowhere. He recommends introducing a 50% tariff on goods from the European Union starting June 1, 2025.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland stated that the EU must be prepared for the US to lose interest not only in Ukraine, but also in Europe. American leaders are openly declaring a change of priorities.

The introduction of EU duties on Ukrainian agricultural products may cause economic damage to Ukraine and undermine confidence in Europe. This will reduce Ukraine's export revenue to 3.5 billion euros.

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković will participate in the Ukraine – Southeast Europe summit. Zelenskyy also discussed with him the preparations for negotiations with the Russian Federation.

Russian "Gazprom Neft" suffered losses of 21. 3 billion rubles in the first quarter of 2025 due to sanctions, expensive services and logistical problems. Another giant, Gazprom, is also suffering losses and asking for help.

Leaders of nine EU countries have called for a revision of the European Convention on Human Rights. The reason is the difficulty in deporting migrants who have committed crimes.

German company Kontron, through its Slovenian subsidiary Iskra Technologies, exported telecom technologies to Russia, despite EU sanctions. The export lasted from July to November 2023.