European Union

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Creus will visit Kyiv on Saturday to demonstrate the EU's continued support for Ukraine on the anniversary of the Russian invasion.

Ukraine offers Poland a five-step plan to unblock the border, including a ban on russian agricultural exports to the EU and the creation of a trilateral headquarters with the European Commission.

Next week, the European Commission will allocate up to 137 billion euros from frozen EU funds to Poland, its President Ursula von der Leyen said.

The National Bank of Ukraine puts into circulation a new commemorative 50-hryvnia banknote "Unity Saves the World" in honor of Ukraine's fight for freedom and unity against Russian aggression.

The EU plans to lift sanctions against a Slovak citizen and two Russian businessmen.

Prime Minister Shmyhal met with his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen to discuss further support for Ukraine, reforms and EU integration, as well as a business conference between the two countries.

The Polish government is ready to take further decisions on effective control of products imported to Poland and the EU at the border.

Polish police are investigating reports of spilled rapeseed from Ukrainian grain trucks on railroad tracks in Poland.

In response to the 13th package of EU sanctions, Russia expanded the list of citizens banned from entering the country to include representatives of the Council of Europe and members of the OSCE PA and PACE.

The UAE is likely to be removed from the FATF's "gray list" of jurisdictions with strategic anti-money laundering deficiencies after a visiting team confirmed that measures to investigate and prosecute high-risk cases are sustainable.

The Parliament took a step toward unifying roaming with the EU by passing a law on a unified system in the first reading.

Hungary blocks a joint EU statement on the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Denmark and Ukraine sign an agreement that confirms Denmark's long-term military and financial support for Ukraine, including at least €1. 8 billion in aid and Danish support for Ukraine's air force as part of an aviation coalition.

Blocking the Polish-Ukrainian border is not an economic issue, but rather the interests of certain groups. The Ukrainian side is ready for a dialogue with the Polish side, as the long-term blocking of the border "means losses for both countries.

The Ukrainian parliament passed in the second reading a draft law on fair lobbying, which is necessary to start negotiations on joining the European Union.

According to Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, in January 2024, 88% of Ukraine's wheat exports went to the EU via the Black Sea.

The United States extends sanctions against Russia by another 500 points, targeting individuals associated with Navalny's imprisonment, as well as Russia's financial sector, military-industrial base, and procurement networks.

Ursula von der Leyen and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Crewe will visit Poland on February 23 to discuss farmers' protests, aid to Ukraine, and Poland's use of reconstruction funds.

EU foreign ministers condemned russia's war against Ukraine and called for russia and its leadership to be held accountable for waging an aggressive war and serious crimes under international law.

EU countries are trying to raise $1. 5 billion to buy artillery shells from abroad to strengthen Ukraine's defense against Russia.

On the second anniversary of russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, America plans to announce new sanctions against more than 500 russian companies to further limit russia's ability to produce weapons and generate the revenue that supports its economy.

Zelenskyy called for further increasing sanctions pressure on Russia to force it to become more rational and lose the war, while announcing new defense support packages from Denmark, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.

British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps responded to a Sky News investigation into how British companies are circumventing sanctions against Russia by exporting equipment that may be strengthening the Russian army, saying that the UK will look into the issue closely.

Zelenskyy and Michel discussed sanctions against Russia, the situation on the Ukrainian-Polish border, and preparations for the 25th anniversary Ukraine-EU summit.

Zelenskyy outlined Ukraine's three main tasks for 2024: protecting Ukrainians from Russian terror, implementing his proposed Peace Formula to restore international law and returning Ukrainian prisoners, and establishing defense cooperation and sanctions against Russia.

A cargo ship was fired upon by missiles off the coast of Yemen, causing a fire on board.

The CEO of Mercedes warned EU politicians against protectionism in response to China's actions, saying that any move by the EU to strengthen protectionist policies would be devastating for the European economy.

Latvia became the first EU country to impose restrictions on agricultural products from Russia and Belarus, banning their imports until July 2025.

A spokesperson for the European Commission refused to comment on former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's statements about Kyiv and Odesa, instead recommending that those who are desperate for attention seek counseling and psychological help.

The UK has extended sanctions on more than 50 individuals and legal entities.