European Union

The Security Service of Ukraine exposed a Russian agent, a contractor of one of the combat brigades in Donetsk region, who, through his father in Russia, passed coordinates of firing positions and military fortifications to the Russian Federal Security Service, which allowed for targeted air strikes on Ukrainian troops.

The government is preparing the SME Recovery Strategy until 2027, taking into account proposals from business and experts, to address the pressing problems of SMEs in Ukraine and promote their growth, digital transformation, integration into the European market, and increase their competitiveness and innovation potential in line with EU standards.

Russia's barbaric attacks on Ukraine's critical energy infrastructure only strengthen the EU's resolve to increase its support for Ukraine and provide more aid more quickly, said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell.

At least two companies from Germany - Knauf and WKB Systems - are supplying construction materials for use in Mariupol, according to an investigation by the Monitor program of the German TV channel ARD.

Eurostat reported that inflation in the Eurozone fell to 2. 4% in March, with the lowest rates in Lithuania and Finland and the highest in Croatia and Estonia.

Estonia has finalized the development of a compensation mechanism that provides for the use of frozen Russian funds for the needs of Ukraine.

According to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, NATO allies agree that Ukraine should become a member of the Alliance, but this will only be possible after the war is over and with guarantees that Russia will not attack again.

This year, Ukraine expects significant progress in the confiscation of frozen Russian assets with the support of the United Kingdom, as well as coordinated steps to obtain additional air defense systems from partners.

Kuleba discussed with Borrell the intensification of efforts to find additional Patriot systems for Ukraine, the current state of artillery ammunition supplies, and the next package of EU sanctions against Russia.

Estonia has finalized the development of a mechanism for using frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine, as discussed by the Prime Ministers of Ukraine and Estonia during their meeting.

In 2023, guests spent 678. 6 million nights in short-term rentals in the EU booked through online platforms such as Airbnb, Booking, Expedia Group, or TripAdvisor, an increase of 13.8% compared to 2022.

Finland does not plan to send troops to Ukraine, but supports Ukraine through military aid packages, including air defense systems and ammunition, and supports Ukraine's membership in the EU and NATO.

The Czech initiative to purchase ammunition for Ukraine outside the EU needs more funding, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said, calling on allies to provide more money to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression.

European Council President Charles Michel arrived in Romania for the first time since the country partially joined the Schengen area, a step toward free movement of goods and people.

Ukraine signed a 10-year agreement on security cooperation and long-term support with Finland, which contains powerful provisions on sanctions, compensation and bringing the aggressor to justice, and Finland announced an aid package of €188 million, bringing its total military support to almost €2 billion.

Shmyhal and the Estonian President discussed the possibility of establishing joint defense enterprises, as well as Ukraine's European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

In 2023, more than 7,000 departure orders were issued to Russian citizens, 34% more than in 2022, with Germany expelling the most Russians - 2,000.

Latvia has approved a package of assistance to Ukraine in 2024, including €5. 3 million for reconstruction and €4.3 million to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine through the European Peace Fund.

In Prykarpattia region, Ukrainian law enforcement officers neutralized an organized criminal group that manufactured and distributed large batches of amphetamine and other psychotropic substances, seizing 5 kg of drugs, cash, premium cars, and arresting the group's organizer and key members.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has proposed a 5-year, €100 billion ($107 billion) military aid package for Ukraine to give NATO a more direct role in supporting Kyiv.

U. S. Special Representative for Ukraine's Economic Recovery Penny Pritzker is planning a visit to Romania to discuss with officials and business representatives the country's contribution to regional cooperation, emergency assistance to Ukraine in the energy sector, and long-term investments in infrastructure in Romania and Ukraine.

Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin discussed current priorities and identified steps needed to support Ukraine in its fight for justice with EU representatives at the conference "Restoring Justice for Ukraine" in The Hague.

A former NATO commander warns that russia may be stirring up tensions in the Balkans to distract Western attention from its invasion of Ukraine.

A Russian ship carrying sanctioned goods bound for the United States was detained in the German port of Rostock.

The Belarusian army has a serious potential with destructive capabilities, such as the Polonez MLRS, which can threaten NATO, the Baltic states and Poland, but it lacks recent combat experience, a military expert believes.

At the end of the winter gas withdrawal season, European gas storage facilities were 59% full, a record high for this time of year, allowing the EU to have enough gas for the next winter and reduce its dependence on Russian gas imports.

Russia's massive missile and drone strikes on civilian targets and critical energy infrastructure in Ukraine are Putin's response to those who believe that peace with him is possible, the European Commission says.

The Cabinet of Ministers has adopted a resolution to open a new international border crossing point between Bila Tserkva (Ukraine) and Sighetu Marmatiei (Romania) to strengthen Ukraine's economy, expand logistics and export potential, and deepen partnership with Romania.

According to MP Mykhailo Tsymbalyuk, the blocking of tax invoices has become a serious problem that threatens Ukraine's national security, as it halts the activities of enterprises and disrupts economic operations.

Moldova and the U. S. discussed Moldova's role in contributing to Ukraine's economic recovery through infrastructure development, including roads and railways, hosting companies involved in Ukraine's recovery, and attracting investment to develop Moldova's economy.