European Union

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that Russian President Putin is trying to buy time, and the Kremlin's intentions should be assessed by actions. The statements of the Russian Federation have not yet been supported by evidence.

The EU plans to cut about 10 foreign delegations and 100 local staff due to changing priorities and budget cuts. Priority will be given to countries important for enforcing sanctions against Russia.

According to the Estonian Foreign Minister, on May 20, the EU will approve the 17th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting the shadow fleet and energy revenues. The 18th package of restrictions is "already moving".

Ukraine is considering a meeting with the USA, Russia, Great Britain and the EU. The meeting may take place in Turkey, the Vatican or Switzerland.

Lithuania has filed a lawsuit with the International Court of Justice of the United Nations against Belarus, demanding compensation for organizing the illegal flow of migrants. Vilnius accuses the Lukashenko regime of using migrants as a political weapon.

Minister Elina Valtonen proposes to strengthen sanctions against Russia by lowering the price cap on oil and introducing duties on Russian exports to the EU. The US has an important role to play in strengthening sanctions.

The EU and Britain have signed an agreement on cooperation in security, fisheries and energy. The agreement provides for the extension of fishing rights for EU fleets in British waters until 2038.

EU countries have tentatively approved the creation of the SAFE fund with 150 billion euros for defense projects, including support for Ukraine. The fund should strengthen Europe's defense capabilities and the arms industry.

Polish customs seized 5 tons of tires for Boeing aircraft that were to transit to Russia bypassing EU sanctions. The sender was a company from Spain.

Britain and the EU have agreed to reset relations after Brexit. London will open fishing waters to EU vessels for 12 years, and British exports will benefit.

The National Electoral Commission of Poland announced the counting of 99. 99% of the votes in the elections. The leaders are Rafał Trzaskowski and Karol Nawrocki, the results vary by region.

Giorgia Meloni met with the US Vice President and the head of the European Commission against the background of trade tensions. Italy is acting as a mediator to restore Western unity.

The US, along with Europe, will strengthen sanctions against Russia if Putin does not conduct peace talks with Ukraine. According to US Treasury Secretary Bessent, Washington's previous sanctions against the Russian Federation have proven ineffective.

The Prime Minister of Hungary stated that Ukraine's accession to the EU poses a threat, as Kyiv needs money and could drag his country into the war. He also criticized anti-Russian sanctions.

Russia Detained the Greek Oil Tanker Green Admire, Which Was En Route from Estonia to Rotterdam. Estonia Has Warned NATO Allies About the Unpredictable Behavior of the Russian Federation.

russia intends to conduct a training and combat launch of the RS-24 intercontinental ballistic missile from the "Yars" complex on May 19. The launch will be carried out from the area near the settlement of Svobodny.

In Romania, the leader of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians, Simion, and Călin Georgescu were expelled from a polling station in Mogoșoaia. They tried to make statements to the press inside the station.

The first round of presidential elections started in Poland today. Poles are choosing from 13 candidates, and the second round will take place on June 1 if none of them scores more than 50%.

European countries are not planning to send peacekeepers to Ukraine, focusing on negotiations for a ceasefire with Russia. The format of peace talks and security guarantees for Ukraine are a priority.

Keir Starmer is planning a meeting with EU leaders to reset relations and reach an agreement that will make trade easier for British manufacturers and improve the situation with bills for families.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced the possibility of holding a referendum on the abolition of sanctions against Russia. He believes that the sanctions harm Europe, not Russia.

The EU and Britain have reacted to the Russian Federation's strike on a civilian bus in Sumy region, where 9 people died. Leaders call for an immediate ceasefire.

Radosław Sikorski stated that NATO was created to deter Russia, and by 2030 the allies will become stronger. He emphasized that Putin "woke up the giant".

The presidential elections in Poland may influence relations with Ukraine, especially regarding the Volhynia tragedy and support for EU accession. Various scenarios are being considered depending on the winner.

Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob has called for an expansion of the definition of defense spending in NATO. He believes that this will help meet US requirements to increase security spending.

An industrial hemp processing plant with a capacity of 14,000 tons per year has been opened in Zhytomyr region. The company will resume production of fiber for the textile industry.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiga informed Kaja Kallas about the results of diplomatic contacts in Turkey. The parties agreed to increase pressure on Moscow.

Syria plans to print its national currency in the UAE and Germany, refusing the services of Russia. This is happening against the background of the easing of EU and US sanctions and the conclusion of economic agreements with the UAE.

A meeting was held in The Hague regarding the establishment of a commission to review applications for Ukraine. Iryna Mudra emphasized that compensation should cover all damages from 2014.

European armed forces need urgent improvement to respond to future crises. Priorities are ammunition, air defense, mobility and intelligence.