Belarus reported a phone conversation between Macron and Lukashenko at France's initiative. The parties discussed regional issues and relations with the EU.
Kaja Kallas Stated Russia Is at a Deadlock on the Battlefield and Condemned the Use of 'Oreshnik' Missiles. The EU Will Discuss Increasing Pressure on Russia Next Week.
Russia attacked Ukraine with hundreds of drones and missiles; there are fatalities and dozens of wounded. Sybiha called this Putin's weakness and urged for increased support.
The Russian Federation has intensified pressure on Armenia due to its course toward the EU and the summit involving Zelenskyy. Moscow has banned flower imports and is threatening the country's withdrawal from the EAEU.
Magyar reported budget distortions and questionable contracts under the Orbán government. The Prime Minister plans to cut spending and unlock 10 billion euros from the EU.
Lithuania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on the EU to use frozen Russian assets to aid Ukraine. The previous 50-billion-euro loan was described as only a temporary solution.
The IMF forecasts EU public debt to rise to 130% of GDP due to defense and energy spending. Governments are urged to implement urgent reforms and fiscal consolidation.
Over 34,000 people protested in Belgrade against the government and corruption. Amidst the rallies, President Vučić announced early elections for this fall.
The US initially canceled the deployment of 4,000 troops to Poland, but Trump later promised 5,000 personnel. This caused a political shock and a sense of betrayal in Warsaw.
Pål Jonson stated that Ukraine will strengthen NATO thanks to its 110 brigades and innovative industry. Sweden supports the country's accession to the Alliance and the EU.
Zelenskyy stated the necessity of Ukraine's full membership in the EU and the opening of negotiating clusters. The European project is impossible without Ukraine and its voice.
Zelenskyy announced new sanctions against the Russian Federation and work on EU accession. Ukraine's proposals will be taken into account in future restrictions against the aggressor.
Zelenskyy called Friedrich Merz's proposal regarding Ukraine's EU membership without voting rights unfair. The President demands equal rights for the state.
The Irish Foreign Ministry warns that associate member status would block Ukraine's full accession to the EU. This could create a two-tier approach to the bloc's expansion.
The EU has rejected Belarus's role as a mediator due to its support for Russian aggression. There is zero trust in the Lukashenko regime, and new restrictions are being prepared.
Sybiha announced the removal of obstacles from Hungary regarding European integration. Ukraine expects the formal opening of six negotiation clusters in June.
Ukraine plans to produce 150 million cubic meters of biomethane by the end of 2026. The main market driver will be the export of fuel to the European Union.
Péter Magyar demands rights for the Hungarian minority for the sake of new relations. This is a mandatory condition for the start of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU.
Sybiha and Anita Orbán discussed the issue of national minorities and Ukraine's accession to the EU. The second round of expert consultations will be held as early as next week.
Robert Fico rejected the idea of German Chancellor candidate Merz regarding associated EU membership for Ukraine without voting rights. The Slovak Prime Minister advocates for either full accession or rejection.
Kremlin spokesperson Peskov stated Russia's readiness for dialogue with Europe, provided it changes its position. The EU is preparing its own initiative for negotiations with Putin.
London has allowed the import of fuel derived from Russian oil via third countries without coordination with the G7. The EU and Ukraine condemned this move for supporting the aggressor's economy.
The Russian Federation has directed 1. 5 billion euros toward disinformation aimed at splitting Ukrainian society. The EU is learning from Ukraine's experience and increasing sanctions pressure.
Andrius Kubilius has accused the Russian Federation of conducting hybrid attacks on the Baltic states to undermine support for Ukraine. He called for the strengthening of air defense and drone detection systems.
The EU plans to temporarily lift sanctions on a Chinese chip supplier. Automakers have warned of the risk of production shutdowns due to parts shortages.
A court in Kazakhstan has authorized the recovery of $1. 4 billion from Gazprom. Ukraine is working on the seizure of Russian assets in ten jurisdictions and is cooperating with the EU.
Stoltenberg stated that NATO will not survive without the US, and the EU will not be able to replace the alliance. He emphasized the importance of unity for protection against threats from Moscow.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposes granting Ukraine the status of an associate member of the EU. This would allow officials to attend summits without the right to vote.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin has called Armenia's course toward joining the European Union instead of the EAEU unacceptable. Earlier, Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan stated that Yerevan is not Russia's ally "on the issue of Ukraine."
Sybiha discussed Gripen fighter jets and EU accession in Sweden. Stockholm will support the opening of all negotiation clusters for Ukraine by the end of June.