European Union
Minister of Finance of Ukraine Serhiy Marchenko stated that the expenses for the Ukrainian army for the EU are a small percentage of GDP. He emphasized that this will help to strengthen Europe's defense faster.
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha held negotiations with the head of the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand. They discussed peace for Ukraine and sanctions against the Russian Federation.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with the Prime Minister of Slovenia, Robert Golob, and invited him to the Ukraine - Southeast Europe summit. Slovenia will be represented at the summit.
Governments are forced to cut spending due to the high cost of long-term borrowing. Also, rising rates affect lending to businesses and households. Their opportunities are limited.
EU Foreign Minister Kaya Kallas stated that Serbia must implement real reforms, including in the fight against corruption, in order to move towards the EU. In addition, the European Union criticizes the country's authorities for strengthening ties with Russia.
Finland is closely monitoring Russia's troop buildup on the border. The Finnish military is preparing for the worst-case scenario, fearing an expansion of the Kremlin's aggression.
Over three years, Ukraine has received over $133 billion in international aid. Germany has provided €17.3 billion, and Canada – €10.3 billion.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy coordinated steps towards EU membership with Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova. The parties also discussed preparations for the summit of leaders of Southeast European countries.
Poland has strengthened border protection due to the threat of a breakthrough by illegal migrants, and not for provocations against joint exercises of the Russian Federation and Belarus. Kremlin fakes are aimed at elections in Poland.
The European Parliament approved an increase in duties on Russian and Belarusian fertilizers, as well as agricultural goods. This decision aims to reduce the EU's dependence on imports from these countries.
The finance ministers of the G7 countries agreed to continue supporting Ukraine. Despite uncertainty about the US position, the group of countries is determined to show solidarity.
The President of Ukraine announced the Ukraine - Southeastern Europe summit, where he invited the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis. They discussed increasing pressure on Russia and supporting Ukraine.
The EU is investing €40 million in the European Defence Fund for the first time to boost military capabilities. This comes amid growing security threats due to the war in Ukraine.
Russian military intelligence hacked security cameras on EU borders, stole passwords and conducted cyberattacks to disrupt the supply of Western aid to Ukraine, British intelligence reports.
26 MEPs called on Brussels to freeze funding for Hungary due to restrictions on freedoms, undermining democracy and ignoring EU values. The letter was signed by representatives of several factions of the European Parliament.
Zelenskyy held a conversation with the President of the European Council, António Costa, regarding sanctions against Russia and Ukraine's membership in the EU. Costa confirmed that if Russia refuses to cease fire, sanctions will be applied.
Prime Minister Tusk announced that Poland will not extend the duty-free import of goods from Ukraine after June 5, 2025. He stated the threat to the Polish market and the need to protect interests.
The President ratified the law for uninterrupted trade between Ukraine and the EU during the transition to new customs regulations from January 1, 2025. Until the end of 2025, parallel use of old and new rules of origin of goods is allowed.
Due to the April and May frosts in Ukraine, up to 55% of the cherry harvest and 35-50% of the cherry harvest were lost, the southern and northern regions were the most affected. Experts predict rising prices for berries and possible shortages.
Ukraine proposes that the EU confiscate Russian assets and impose sanctions on oil buyers, as the US hesitates to increase pressure on the Russian Federation. Kyiv calls on the EU to take the lead in sanctions policy.
The President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Poland discussed further steps for a peaceful settlement. The topic of opening the first negotiation clusters regarding Ukraine's accession to the EU was also raised.
In Spain, near the American School, Andriy Portnov was killed. Unknown persons approached him and fired five shots, one of which was fatal.
The EU has created a SAFE instrument with borrowing of up to €150 billion for investments in defense. Ukraine will receive support through increased military assistance and integration of defense industries.
The EU is working on a new package of sanctions against the Russian Federation, but opportunities are limited due to the position of the US. Without their support, the sanctions may be ineffective, especially on energy resources.
The German Defense Minister stated that Trump mistakenly assessed his influence on Putin. Negotiations did not yield results, the EU is preparing new sanctions against the Russian Federation.
The European Union will allocate €5. 5 million to support "Radio Liberty" after funding cuts from the US. This decision was made after criticism from the Trump administration regarding the work of the media.
The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions against English accountant John Michael Ormerod for assisting Russia in expanding its "shadow fleet" of tankers. Ship captains and financial institutions were also sanctioned.
Donald Trump will not support the EU's sanctions pressure on Russia, seeking to deepen economic cooperation. This may create a split in NATO, as Europe will continue sanctions.
Kęstutis Budrys stated that the 18th package of EU sanctions should target the Russian energy sector, including gas, oil, nuclear fuel, as well as financial institutions. He called for breaking the "vicious circle" of Russia avoiding punishment.
The countries of the European Union have already provided Ukraine with two-thirds of the 2 million promised artillery shells. Work is currently underway to ensure the supply of the remaining ammunition.