European Union

Euroclear promises a first installment of €1. 5 billion from frozen Russian assets for Ukraine in July. The funds will be used for weapons, air defense, ammunition, and the development of the defense industry.

The Deputy Minister of Energy refuted the myth about Ukraine's electricity exports. Due to the destruction of 9 GW of generating capacities, the country imports electricity to cover domestic needs.

Ukraine fulfilled the conditions for receiving a tranche from the EU in September. The government is also attracting a grant from the US for salaries and social programs through the World Bank.

Ukraine's agricultural exports increased by 5% to $12. 45 billion in the first half of 2024. The EU remains the main importer, and exports to Africa increased 1.7 times.

Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Ihor Zhovkva emphasized the importance of using the next 5 years effectively in negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU. Bilateral screening, which is a more technical stage of the process, has begun.

Borrell supports Zelenskyy's intention to hold a second peace summit, but Russia's participation should not be on Putin's terms. The EU and Ukraine discussed the next steps after the Peace Summit in Switzerland and cooperation with global partners.

Radoslaw Sikorski called on the EU to allow Ukraine to use long-range weapons for self-defense. He also suggested holding an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Lviv as a sign of solidarity.

Robert Fico said that the sanctions against lukoil hurt some EU countries, not russia. He says that this could lead to a reduction in oil supplies to the Slovnaft refinery and affect supplies to Ukraine.

Poland will not be involved in recruitment to the Ukrainian Legion, the process will be carried out through Ukrainian consulates. Instead, the Polish army will conduct basic training for volunteers on its territory.

The President of Ukraine called for preserving unity in Europe despite Putin's attempts to create a split. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of joint actions and determination of European countries to ensure peace.

President Zelenskyy signed a decree on a new maritime security strategy for Ukraine. It provides for the creation of an international platform 'Safe Black Sea' and the conclusion of agreements on security guarantees in the Azov-Black Sea basin.

Estonia joined the ban on the entry of cars with Belarusian license plates imposed by Latvia and Lithuania. The ban is related to the tightening of EU sanctions against Belarus for supporting Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Georgian NGOs and media organizations, along with the president, have filed a lawsuit with the Constitutional Court against the controversial Law on Foreign Agents, which requires NGOs and media outlets receiving foreign grants to register as foreign agents, citing violations of citizens' rights and Georgia's integration into the EU and NATO.

The European Commission has agreed to provide Ukraine with about EUR 4. 2 billion, which will strengthen Ukraine's macro-financial stability in the face of the ongoing war.

The Ministry of Economy discussed expanding cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to attract additional resources for Ukraine, in particular for projects in the energy sector, strengthening war risk insurance, increasing financial instruments, and supporting demining and investment initiatives.

Japan plans to provide Ukraine with a $3. 3 billion loan as part of a $50 billion financial support package from the Group of Seven countries, which will be repaid from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets.

Lithuania will ban the entry of cars with Belarusian license plates into the country from July 18, with the exception of diplomatic vehicles and personal use until August 16, 2024.

Chinese company ByteDance, which owns TikTok, has lost its appeal against the European Union's decision to recognize the digital company as a “gatekeeper” - a platform with special influence - under the EU's new law on digital markets.

Trump has hinted at a willingness to ease or lift sanctions against Russia as part of his "deal" to end the war in Ukraine, saying he does not like sanctions and considers them useful only in certain cases, such as with Iran.

On the 10th anniversary of the MH17 crash, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia's responsibility is inevitable and all those responsible for this and other Russian war crimes will be punished as 298 people, including 80 children, died when Russian killers shot down the passenger plane.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is planning a surprise visit to Belgrade on Friday to attend the signing of a cooperation agreement between the EU and Serbia on lithium imports, essential for the EU's digital and green transition.

The National Bank of Ukraine has set the official hryvnia exchange rate at 41. 2575 UAH/USD, devaluing the currency by 24 kopecks.

Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Ihor Zhovkva met with Vice Prime Minister for European Integration of Moldova Cristina Gerasimova to discuss priorities, tasks and plans for Ukraine and Moldova's accession to the European Union, strengthening of dialogue and cooperation between the three countries, as well as reaffirm unity in countering Russian aggression.

Ukraine has fulfilled all 9 indicators for the second quarter of 2024 under the EU's Ukraine Fund program, allowing it to request EUR 4. 1 billion from the European Commission, including EUR 1.5 billion in grant funding.

Hungary cannot be stripped of its EU Council presidency, despite Orban's controversial visits to China and Russia, but EU countries can publicly boycott his policies.

Thousands of Ukrainian refugees in the UK are at risk of homelessness and exploitation due to shortcomings in security and support procedures, according to a report by the British Red Cross.

Some European countries are considering reopening their embassies in Afghanistan, which would mean diplomatic recognition of the Taliban almost three years after the fall of the previous government.

The Czech Republic is ready to join the European initiative Ukraine Facility and cooperate with Ukraine in such important areas as rail transport, energy and construction by involving Czech companies in specific projects.

A judge of the Brovary City District Court was served a notice of suspicion for forging documents for a cruise to the Caribbean during martial law.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal met in Prague with his Czech counterpart Petr Fiala to discuss economic and defense cooperation, energy challenges, and the implementation of the Peace Formula.