European Union

The foreign ministers of Ukraine, Poland, and Lithuania met in Lublin, reaffirming their support for Ukraine on its path to the EU and NATO. They called for increased sanctions pressure on Russia and an immediate ceasefire.

Hungary has initiated the inclusion of three Ukrainian military commanders in the EU sanctions list. This is related to the alleged violent death of a Hungarian in Zakarpattia due to the actions of the TCC.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha confirmed Ukraine's readiness for peace talks in any format and geographical zone. He refuted Russia's statements about delaying negotiations, calling them manipulation.

The State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection identified 1. 8 million units of dangerous products from January to June 2025. The service conducted 827 inspections, imposed fines totaling 30 million hryvnias, and adopted restrictive decisions.

The Verkhovna Rada adopted a draft law on housing policy, which launches a large-scale reform. This will allow Ukraine to receive 300 million euros within the framework of the Ukraine Facility program.

The European Commission plans to increase the EU budget to €1. 717 trillion for the next 7 years, of which €88 billion could be allocated to support Ukraine. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will present this budget plan for 2028-2035.

US President Donald Trump agreed to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's proposal regarding aid to Ukraine, offering to sell five Patriot systems instead of two. This change of position was the result of efforts by EU and NATO leaders, including the President of Finland and the NATO Secretary General.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has resigned and is being considered for the post of Minister of Defense. Yulia Svyrydenko is to head the government, and Mykhailo Fedorov will become the first vice-prime minister.

Oil prices rose on Wednesday on expectations of sustained summer demand in the US and China. Brent and WTI futures rose, reversing a two-day decline.

US President Donald Trump said that the first Patriot air defense systems are already being shipped to European allies. According to him, the US will receive full reimbursement for the cost of weapons from the EU or NATO countries.

EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas stated that Russia is intensifying the use of chemical weapons against Ukraine to force its surrender. At least 9,000 cases of chemical weapon use have been recorded since the start of the full-scale invasion.

Tomorrow, a meeting of the Lublin Triangle will take place in Lublin with the participation of the foreign ministers of Ukraine, Lithuania, and Poland. The parties will discuss the security situation, Euro-Atlantic integration, and countering Russian threats.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Latvia Evika Siliņa in Kyiv. Latvia has already begun supplying 42 Patria armored vehicles.

The 2025-2026 hunting season has begun in Zakarpattia with the aim of preventing an increase in the number of predatory animals and the spread of infectious diseases. Hunters must obtain a permit and hunting licenses, and hunting is allowed only within established limits.

EU member states have extended protection for refugees from Ukraine until March 2027, ensuring access to the labor market, social benefits, and healthcare. A return strategy and transition to other forms of residence are being discussed.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced his intention to postpone the vote on the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia. Slovakia seeks an exemption that would allow it to fulfill its contract with Gazprom until 2034, rejecting the EC's proposal to stop Russian gas supplies from 2028.

The European Commission is working with Slovakia to address its concerns about the EU's plan to phase out Russian gas imports by 2028. Bratislava is blocking a sanctions package, fearing shortages and rising prices.

EU Commissioner Andrius Kubilius calls on Lithuania and the Baltic states to create a drone shield and establish mass production of drones after a Russian "Gerbera" drone flew into Lithuanian territory. He emphasizes the need to train specialists for rapid drone production.

France considers Russia the biggest threat to its national interests and the stability of the Euro-Atlantic space. France's National Strategic Review of July 14 states that Europe must prepare for a possible open, high-intensity war by 2030.

Law enforcement officers exposed 8 criminal groups that produced over 400 tons of counterfeit pesticides in 12 regions of Ukraine. The products were sold in Ukraine and the EU under the guise of international brands, and over 175 tons of counterfeit goods were seized.

The end of the duty-free trade agreement with the EU will cost Ukraine about 1 billion euros in losses. Denys Marchuk noted that the statements of some EU countries about the harm of Ukrainian agricultural products are often based on myths.

The Verkhovna Rada unblocked the signing of the law on reforming the Asset Recovery and Management Agency by rejecting the blocking resolution. This bill is a key requirement for receiving financial assistance from the EU.

Food inflation in Ukraine reached 23%, significantly exceeding overall consumer inflation. This leads to an increase in prices for meat and bread, while dairy producers suffer losses due to falling purchase prices and reduced exports to the EU.

During a meeting of the EU Council, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha reported on Russian strikes and emphasized the need to strengthen Ukraine's airspace. He called for increased sanctions against Russia, increased investment in Ukraine's defense industry, and the advancement of its accession to the EU.

Malta and Slovakia did not support the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia. A decision is expected after the meeting of EU ambassadors.

Three European Union countries oppose lowering prices for Russian oil as part of the 18th package of sanctions. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stated the lack of consensus, without naming specific countries.

The European Union is introducing a unified border crossing control system that will enhance security and apply to citizens of third countries, including Ukrainians. The new system will collect passport and biometric data, but will not require additional documents for entry.

EU foreign ministers approved a new package of sanctions against pro-Kremlin individuals and organizations accused of destabilizing Moldova. This happened after statements by the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service about Moldova allegedly preparing for a conflict with Russia.

EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas expressed hope for the adoption of the bloc's 18th package of sanctions against Russia "today or tomorrow. " She also emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine and pressuring Russia.

Oil prices fell after Donald Trump's 50-day deadline for Russia to end the war in Ukraine eased supply concerns. Brent and WTI futures fell 0.2% as Trump's softening stance on sanctions and his tariff plan impacted the market.