European Union

Moldova partially closed part of its airspace and restricted public access during US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken's visit to Chisinau on May 29.

In Brussels, investigators raided the home and office of an assistant to a member of the European Parliament suspected of playing a significant role in spreading Russian propaganda before the European Parliament elections.

Only a few countries have sent money to the Czech Republic to purchase artillery ammunition for Ukraine, despite the fact that 18 countries have joined the initiative. Prague called on its partners to meet their financial obligations.

Ukraine signed three security agreements with Spain, Belgium and Portugal during Zelensky's European Tour.

Poland will re-introduce the 200-meter buffer zone on the border with Belarus early next week.

NATO and EU officials discussed the possibility of allowing Ukrainian armed forces to use Western weapons to target military installations in Russia, for self-defense, which EU diplomacy president Josep Borrel considers a legitimate action under international law when used proportionally.

Permanent representatives of the EU member states are discussing the negotiation framework on the accession of Ukraine and Moldova today with the aim of starting accession negotiations at the end of June, but Hungary is blocking the issue of Ukraine.

Ukraine is expected to receive 500,000 artillery shells by the end of 2024 as part of the Czech Republic's ammunition initiative, according to a joint statement following a meeting between Prime Minister Shmyhal and EU allies in Prague.

Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal met with the leaders of the Czech Republic, Latvia, Denmark, the Netherlands and Poland in Prague to discuss key issues of support for Ukraine's struggle for independence, including the supply of artillery ammunition, air defense systems, increasing Ukrainian defense production and preparations for the Global Peace Summit.

Poland calls for allowing Ukraine to use Western weapons to hit targets in russia without restrictions.

Georgia's president called on citizens to collect signatures in a referendum against a controversial law on "foreign agents" after parliament overrode her veto, promising to prepare a response on October 26.

EU defense ministers will discuss lifting restrictions on Ukraine's ability to strike targets in Russia with weapons transferred to it, as some member states have already begun to address this issue.

The European Commission reiterated the EU's position that the law adopted in Georgia "contradicts the basic principles and values of the European Union.

Oksana Marchenko, the wife of pro-Russian politician Viktor Medvedchuk, faces up to 8 years in prison for financing the Russian occupation forces in Crimea since 2014, including payments to the Russian Guard and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Georgia's parliament overrode a presidential veto and passed a controversial law on "foreign agents" that critics say is inspired by Russia and could hinder the country's European aspirations.

Telegram's lack of accountability and lax content moderation policies make it a popular platform for pro-Kremlin accounts to spread disinformation, which poses a challenge for European officials fighting fake news, as it remains outside the scope of the EU's Digital Services Act due to the size of its user base.

Ukraine urgently needs more air defense systems, and NATO is working with Allies to increase supplies of ammunition, air defense systems, including advanced Patriot systems.

The EU intends to sign security commitments with Ukraine by the end of June to ensure long-term support for Ukraine's defense capabilities and deterrence against future aggression.

Latvia expects that a consensus will eventually be reached on the use of Russian assets for military aid to Ukraine through the European Peace Fund, despite Hungary's current opposition.

Estonia's defense minister calls for increasing the training of Ukrainian troops to 100,000 and sending more ammunition to Ukraine amid escalating pressure from Russia.

Dutch Defense Minister Kees Ollongren said that the Netherlands does not rule out the use of weapons outside Ukraine, hoping that other countries will change their position as Ukraine fights for self-defense and territorial integrity.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal will meet with EU leaders in Prague to discuss military aid to Ukraine.

Hungary has been blocking EU defense initiatives related to Ukraine over non-defense issues, such as problems with Hungarian firms in Ukraine and the treatment of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine, despite the importance of a balanced approach between protecting national interests and the consequences of blocking decisions.

Ukraine and Belgium signed a bilateral agreement on security cooperation and long-term support, under which Belgium pledged to provide Ukraine with at least €977 million in military aid and 30 F-16 fighter jets by 2028.

Ukraine needs weapons now, because delay costs lives, emphasized EU diplomat Josep Borrell, calling for a quick decision on a new European Peace Fund for Ukraine.

EU defense ministers will discuss military aid to Ukraine and strengthening the European defense industry, but Hungary delays payments from the European Peace Fund.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has proposed that the EU set an age limit for social media use to protect young users from harmful content and screen addiction.

The European Union has introduced new rules for imposing sanctions on those involved in human rights violations in Russia, including restrictions on the export of equipment used for repression and monitoring, and added 19 people to the sanctions list in connection with the death of Alexei Navalny in a Russian prison.

Poland criticizes Hungary primarily for not agreeing to increase the European Peace Fund, from which EU countries receive reimbursement for the cost of arming Ukraine.

Recently, Birkadze has been appearing in the media as a political expert. He even appeared on the air of a telethon, where, however, he attracted attention not for his in-depth analysis, but for a very characteristic remark.