European Union
Ukraine and Germany held the second round of negotiations on a bilateral agreement on security commitments. The parties discussed terminology and legal formalities, and agreed to continue communication to finalize the agreement.
Italy has unveiled a €5. 5 billion investment plan to strengthen relations with Africa, seeking to boost energy ties and address migration flows.
EU ambassadors have agreed to use the proceeds of frozen Russian assets to help rebuild Ukraine. This was reported by Belgium, which holds the presidency of the EU Council.
The European Commission may approve the extension of preferential trade with Ukraine until 2025, taking into account Poland's proposals to restrict imports of certain Ukrainian goods.
Ukraine will sign bilateral agreements to regulate many citizenship issues rather than create a unified formula, according to MP Maria Mezentseva. She said that Ukraine will take into account the experience of other countries, but will bring some aspects closer to itself even before joining the EU.
Ukraine and Hungary have agreed to set up a commission to finally resolve issues related to national minority rights. The commission will have 10 days to present an understanding of how to resolve the issues raised by Hungary regarding the protection of minority rights.
The European Council has extended economic sanctions against Russia for another 6 months until July 31, 2024 in response to Russia's actions to destabilize the situation in Ukraine. The sanctions, first introduced in 2014, have been significantly expanded since February 2022 and include restrictions on trade, finance, technology, industry, transportation and luxury goods.
The EU denies reports that it plans to impose financial sanctions on Hungary to force it to agree to fund aid to Ukraine.
The Hungarian and Romanian politicians who have made statements about the annexation of parts of Ukraine are not representatives of the official authorities of their countries. Both governments support the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis preparations for the second Ukraine-Balkans summit, invited Greece to organize the Global Peace Summit, and informed him of Ukraine's defense needs, particularly in air defense and artillery. They also discussed unblocking €50 billion in EU aid to Ukraine.
The Security Service of Ukraine dismantled 5 schemes that helped evaders to illegally evade mobilization or leave Ukraine, including through forged medical documents and illegal transportation abroad. More than 50 potential conscripts were prevented from leaving the country.
The EU is considering plans to financially punish Hungary if it continues to block a €50 billion aid package to Ukraine. Possible measures include weakening the Hungarian currency and undermining investor confidence to hurt its economy.
Zelenskiy announced new defense assistance agreements with partners to strengthen the Ukrainian army. He said Ukraine would receive more weapons, ammunition, and equipment from defense coalitions every week.
In 2024, Germany will spend more than 7 billion euros ($7. 6 billion) to help Ukraine. European allies should step up their support for Kyiv.
The French Prime Minister has promised additional measures to protect French farmers from unfair competition. This comes after farmers complained about income problems, regulation and environmental standards that put them at a disadvantage compared to foreign competitors.
Ukraine and its Western partners have made progress in working on a decision to confiscate frozen russian assets. These assets can be used to finance Ukraine's defense against russian aggression. Further EU sanctions against russia are also being prepared.
Ukraine and Lithuania are identifying joint steps to increase the production of drones for the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The two countries plan to combine Lithuanian drone production technologies with Ukraine's ability to scale up production.
russian oligarchs tried to fraudulently obtain Moldovan citizenship in 2022-2023, according to the head of the Public Services Agency of Moldova.
The EU condemned the US for the execution of Kenneth Eugene Smith in Alabama using nitrogen gas. The EU opposes the death penalty in all cases as a violation of the right to life and human dignity.
Denmark will allocate $8. 75 million to support Ukraine's anti-corruption efforts as part of the EU's Anti-Corruption Initiative in Ukraine. This was announced by the Danish Foreign Minister during his visit to Ukraine.
Since the invasion, Taiwan has become the largest supplier of metalworking machines to Russia, delivering $29 million worth of equipment through Turkey, despite Taiwan's pro-Ukrainian stance. These machines are vital to Russia's military industry for the production of precision weapons, but sanctions do not restrict the export of most Taiwanese machines.
Olga Stefanishyna, Ukraine's deputy prime minister, warns that one country vetoing Ukraine's aspirations will be seen as irresponsible of the others, amid fears that Hungary will block Ukraine's EU accession talks.