European Union

Russia's sovereign wealth fund will be exhausted in early 2026 at current military spending levels. Russia is actively seeking support from the EU to resume energy purchases and ease sanctions.

European officials are discussing the possibility of resuming imports of Russian pipeline gas as part of a peace settlement. Germany and Hungary support the initiative to reduce energy prices.

The European Commission plans to cut administrative costs for companies by 25% and for small businesses by 35%. The plan is aimed at stimulating innovation and increasing competitiveness with China and the United States.

The Syrian government has asked Russia to extradite Bashar al-Assad, who fled to Moscow in December. Damascus is also demanding compensation for supporting the Assad regime and participating in the reconstruction of the country.

The EU Court of Justice has rejected an appeal by Oleksandr Vinokurov to lift sanctions imposed over the war in Ukraine. Lavrov's son-in-law, who is the president of Marathon Group and a shareholder in Magnit, remains under restrictive measures.

“Moldovagaz and Tiraspoltransgaz signed an agreement to supply 3 million cubic meters of gas on credit. Transnistria must repay the borrowed gas by March 2025.

The EU plans to add 35 individuals and 19 companies from Russia, the DPRK and China to the sanctions list. The new package will include prohibitive duties on fertilizers and certain agri-food products.

U. S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with EU representative Kaja Kallas about sanctions against Russia. The parties discussed strengthening transatlantic security and increasing European defense spending.

The 16th EU sanctions package against Russia will not include a complete ban on Russian LNG imports. The package will include restrictions on shadow fleet tankers, aluminum, and gaming equipment.

The EU plans a phased ban on imports of Russian aluminum and to disconnect 15 banks from SWIFT. The new package of sanctions will also include restrictions on 70 ships of the “shadow fleet”.

During his visit to Lviv, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares announced new humanitarian aid. Spain also confirmed military support and training for the Ukrainian military.

European countries are ready to join in establishing peace in Ukraine.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico threatens to block EU aid to Ukraine if Russian gas transit does not resume. He called President Zelenskyy an “enemy” and accused him of creating problems for Slovakia.

In 2024, about 70 second-level protective structures were built on Ukrenergo's powerful transformers. The structures effectively protect against drones and missiles, which helped to avoid power outages.

Denmark turned to France for help because of concerns about US territorial claims to Greenland. The French Foreign Minister confirmed his readiness to provide military support at Denmark's request.

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas commented on possible obstacles to Ukraine's accession to the EU from Hungary. She emphasized that despite the complexity of decision-making, the EU always reaches consensus.

The summer period on the European gas market is turning from a traditionally calm one to a high-risk season. Due to reduced supplies from Russia and geopolitical factors, summer gas prices are higher than winter prices.

The European Union is preparing new sanctions against Russia, which will include a ban on the sale of PlayStation and Xbox game consoles. The reason is that the consoles are used by the Russian military to control drones.

The US has introduced a 90-day pause on foreign aid and will audit its use. Scandals at the NBU and corruption cases may affect the trust of international partners and the amount of future assistance.

PACE adopted a resolution on reforming the UN Security Council with 109 votes. The document envisages expanding the membership, revising the veto and strengthening the role of the UN General Assembly.

European Commissioner for Enlargement Martha Kos has announced the possibility of opening the 'Fundamentals' and 'External Action' clusters for Ukraine in the framework of the EU accession negotiations in the first half of the year. Implementation depends on the support of member states and the procedure in the EU Council.

The European Union is working on a new package of sanctions against Russia, which is expected to be ready by February. Kaja Kallas emphasized the importance of continuing economic pressure and military support for Ukraine.

In 2025, Ukraine will receive more than $65 billion in international assistance from its partners. The funding will come from the EU, the IMF and the G7 countries' ERA initiative from frozen assets of the Russian Federation.

Tesla is challenging in court the EU's anti-subsidy duty of up to 7. 8% on imports of electric vehicles from China. The company joined BMW and Chinese manufacturers who have also filed lawsuits against the new tariffs.

The President of Ukraine met with the President of France to discuss further support and security cooperation. The parties discussed the format of security guarantees and support for Ukraine's accession to the EU.

Satellite imagery shows Russian military equipment being transported from the Syrian port of Tartus to the Sparta and Sparta II vessels. The equipment is being loaded onto the ships of the Oboronlogistika company, which operates under the direction of the Russian Defense Ministry.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry does not recognize the legitimacy of the elections in Belarus, where Lukashenko received 86. 82% of the vote. The Ministry joined the EU assessment, calling the elections a farce due to the lack of real competition and political repression.

EU foreign ministers agree on a plan to ease sanctions on Syria. Restrictions in the energy and transportation sectors may be lifted, but the decision could be reversed if the wrong steps are taken.

President Zelenskyy said that the war with Russia is a puzzle that Trump will have to solve. He called for tougher sanctions against Russia and increased aid to Ukraine.

The President of Ukraine met with the President of the European Council in Krakow to discuss the 16th package of sanctions against Russia. They discussed defense assistance and the development of weapons production in Ukraine.