European Union
Great Britain called on Russia to commit to a full ceasefire, not just a one-day pause. Complete silence would allow for negotiations on a just and lasting peace, the British Foreign Office said.
The EU skeptically assessed Putin's statement about the "Easter truce". The European Union stated that Russia must prove its intentions to stop aggression with real actions, as words do not correspond to reality.
How RSE became a symbol of energy independence during the war.
Russia is lobbying for the restoration of direct flights to the US as part of a ceasefire agreement, linking this to the lifting of sanctions against "Aeroflot". The European Union is categorically against opening its skies due to sanctions, security issues, and "stolen" aircraft, which makes flights to the US without flying over the EU extremely difficult.
Due to outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and bluetongue in the EU, the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection has established "hotlines" in the regions of Ukraine. Animal owners are asked to immediately report any suspicions at these numbers.
Lithuania is modernising the Vilnius-Augustów road in the Suwałki Corridor for civilian and military needs. These works, planned to be completed by 2028, will improve logistics and mobility.
During the meeting between Donald Trump and Giorgia Meloni at the White House, tension arose over the issue of responsibility for the war in Ukraine. When Meloni was asked about Trump's attitude towards Zelenskyy, he himself intervened and expressed criticism of the Ukrainian president, although he did not blame him for the invasion.
Dmytro Medvedev stated on April 18 that the EU should stop participating in the conflict in Ukraine, following the example of the US. In his opinion, this will allow Russia to "deal with the situation faster".
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine held telephone talks with the head of European diplomacy. The discussion focused on the next steps to restore a just peace and strengthen air defense.
The United States has presented allies with proposals for a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia. The plan envisions a ceasefire and a possible easing of sanctions against Moscow in the event of a lasting truce.
Foreign ministers of European countries will meet in Kyiv on May 9, 2025, which will coincide with Europe Day and Russian celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the victory. This will be an act of solidarity with Ukraine.
The Austrian Finance Minister stated that the country will support the use of frozen assets of the Russian Central Bank to help Ukraine. But Austria will not be the first to take the initiative on this issue.
The Moldovan Parliament has decided to hold early elections on September 28. A tense struggle for influence is expected between the pro-Western PAS and the coalition led by Stoianoglo.
Manfred Weber spoke out against a complete ban on internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, offering an alternative: CO₂ emissions compensation. He proposed hybrids and range extenders as transitional options.
In Ukraine, the collection of applications to the Register of Damages Caused by the Aggression of the Russian Federation continues. They can be submitted through the "Diia" portal in 9 categories, and all 45 are planned to be opened by the end of the year.
Trump's global trade war is leading to a fall in stocks, especially for technology companies. Nvidia expects losses of $5.5 billion, and airlines are preparing for an uncertain summer season.
The EU will not impose sanctions against Russian LNG in the new package due to internal disputes and lack of alternatives. A gradual abandonment of energy from the Russian Federation is planned by 2027.
A briefing for diplomats on sanctions against Russia was held in the OP. The impact of restrictions, foreign components in weapons and the confiscation of Russian assets were discussed.
The Georgian government has approved a plan to celebrate Independence Day on May 26 in Tbilisi and other cities, while the opposition is preparing large-scale protests.
The head of EU diplomacy stated that the Georgian law on aligning grants with the authorities undermines the status of a candidate for the EU. It obliges the coordination of foreign donations for non-governmental organizations.
The European Union is discussing the possibility of sending military advisers to Ukraine to organize training for Ukrainian soldiers. The issue was discussed at the EU Council meeting in Luxembourg.
Donald Trump rejected Ukraine's proposal to buy Patriot with EU funds and frozen assets of the Russian Federation. He accused Zelensky of starting a war that cannot be won.
The Russian group Cozy Bear sent European diplomats invitations to fake wine tastings on behalf of the European Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The letters contained malware.
A petition demanding to raise the salaries of Ukrainian teachers to $1000–1500 has gained the required number of votes. Now the Cabinet of Ministers must consider the appeal within ten days.
Giorgia Meloni is meeting with Trump in Washington, seeking tariff relief and strengthened defense. The Italian Prime Minister hopes to become a mediator between the US and Europe, but the risks are high.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania believes that Russia may commit a brutal attack on Easter. Such actions by the Kremlin may mobilize Western pressure on the Russian Federation.
The State Property Fund is initiating the transfer of NAAS lands to the state enterprise "Reserve", which threatens scientific research. This may lead to the loss of Ukraine's agricultural independence.
Negotiations between the EU and the USA did not bring significant progress. Most of the American duties introduced by the Trump administration on European goods worth $431 billion will remain in effect.
EU leaders have warned Serbian President Vucic that his visit to the May 9 parade in Moscow could harm Serbia's accession to the European Union.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico plans to attend the parade in Moscow on May 9, despite calls from the EU to refrain from doing so. He emphasized that he will honor the memory of the Red Army soldiers who liberated Slovakia.