European Union

The National Bank of Ukraine plans to simplify the procedure for exchanging damaged hryvnia banknotes and coins, including those damaged during emergencies or natural disasters, and to clarify the requirements for handling such banknotes.

The US Congress is discussing various mechanisms to provide additional assistance to Ukraine, including the use of seized assets of Russian oligarchs, the provision of weapons and humanitarian aid separately or as a package, and the possibility of loans, although the details are still being discussed.

The Verkhovna Rada is preparing a draft law to regulate the social network Telegram in Ukraine by introducing measures similar to those applied to platforms such as YouTube, including disclosure of ownership, restrictions on prohibited content, and restrictions on use by government agencies if the owners are not transparent.

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine passed a law introducing administrative liability for illegal lobbying, which is an important step for the country's European integration.

Kosovo will provide Ukraine with two packages of military aid consisting of mortar shells, trucks, armored vehicles, and ammunition.

Ukraine proposes to impose additional special taxation on Russian oil, gas, diamonds, and other raw materials exports after the victory to cover the damage caused by Russian aggression, and insists on confiscating about $300 billion of Russia's frozen sovereign assets to rebuild Ukraine.

The EU emphasized its commitment to continue supporting Ukraine's energy sector by providing essential energy goods and equipment, promoting energy efficiency and accelerating the deployment of renewable energy sources.

The EU-Ukraine Association Council emphasized strengthening "solidarity roads" for import/export of Ukrainian goods and improving communication between Ukraine and the EU.

Ukraine aims to start EU accession talks by the end of June, first by agreeing to open three chapters related to agriculture, according to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

During a meeting with the President of the European Council, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasized the importance of adopting the draft negotiation framework for Ukraine's accession to the EU as soon as possible.

Ukraine has unveiled a plan of 69 reforms, including in the economic, judicial, and financial sectors, to implement the EU's Ukraine Fund program, which aims to accelerate Ukraine's integration into the European Union.

The EU recalled that Ukraine's progress towards EU membership will depend on its own merits and the EU's ability to accept new members, while recognizing Ukraine's commitment and progress despite the war with Russia.

The EU reaffirmed its readiness to meet Ukraine's urgent military needs, including providing one million pieces of artillery ammunition and strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities through a €5 billion assistance fund.

The EU-Ukraine Association Council strongly condemned Russia's "presidential elections" in the occupied Ukrainian territories and reaffirmed its support for the Ukrainian Peace Formula.

Ukraine expressed interest in intensifying its integration into EU space activities by joining the EU Space Program and deepening cooperation with the European Space Agency.

EU ambassadors failed to approve the extension of trade liberalization measures for Ukraine on the eve of the summit of the bloc's leaders, due to concerns of some countries about the impact on their agricultural markets, and will discuss the issue at their next meeting next week.

Lithuania allocates 35 million euros for the purchase of ammunition for Ukraine as part of the EU's ammunition initiative.

Ukraine expects increased sanctions pressure on Russia and quick decisions on the confiscation of Russian assets, as well as continued military support from the EU.

For more than two years of full-scale war with Russia, Ukraine has received 88 billion euros in aid from the EU and its member states.

Ukraine is actively working to unblock the blockade of the Ukrainian-Polish border by Polish farmers, and the government is confident that good results will soon be achieved.

Ukraine expects rapid progress in defense relations with the EU, including long-term military assistance and the potential use of frozen russian assets to arm Ukraine in its fight against russian invasion.

Ukraine has submitted to the European Commission a government-approved plan for a 4-year, €50 billion EU support program, awaiting approval and full launch, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said during his visit to Brussels.

Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall, believes that Europe should create its own version of the Israeli Iron Dome air defense system.

EU Diplomacy Chief Josep Borrell says that tomorrow the Council of Europe will discuss how to speed up Ukraine's accession to the EU.

Ukraine received €4. 5 billion in transitional funding from the EU's Ukraine Fund, which strengthened its economic and financial stability.

The EU proposes to use the proceeds from frozen russian assets in Europe, estimated at about 3 billion euros a year, to support Ukraine's fight against russia through the European Peace Fund and the EU budget.

A meeting of the EU-Ukraine Association Council will be held in Brussels on March 20 to discuss Russia's war against Ukraine, its consequences, Ukraine's integration into the EU, and bilateral relations.

Tbilisi has condemned russia for illegally holding presidential elections in the occupied Georgian regions and opening polling stations there, which violates Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

EU foreign ministers agree on sanctions against Russia over the death of imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

During her visit to Ukraine, U. S. Senator Lindsey Graham met with Ukrainian parliamentarians to discuss Ukraine's efforts toward European integration.