German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that negotiations with Russia are largely ineffective, and therefore Europeans should focus on strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities. He emphasized that diplomatic efforts are not leading to a breakthrough, and the goal is for Ukraine to be strong to achieve lasting peace.
Iryna Vereshchuk met with Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, who has represented the Holy See in Kyiv since 2021. They discussed strengthening the Vatican's role in returning Ukrainians from captivity and supporting the families of prisoners of war.
Brussels welcomed the plan by European Council President António Costa, which involves bypassing Hungary's veto to advance Ukraine's and Moldova's applications for EU membership. The proposal would allow voting on the opening of negotiation clusters by a qualified majority of member states.
EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius stated that European countries had enough time to find alternative sources of energy supply. He also mentioned the "Russian shadow fleet" that creates many problems in the Baltic Sea.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced the strengthening of air defense on NATO's eastern flank. Germany will transfer two more Patriot systems to Ukraine by the end of the year and send units with anti-drone systems to Denmark.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson suggested that Russia might be involved in drone flights over Scandinavian airports.
EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius admitted the EU's limited capabilities in detecting drones, especially those flying low. He emphasized the need to implement a "drone wall" project with radars and sensors.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia seeks to divide allies, and a common position of the EU, NATO, and the US can deter aggression. He noted that risks remain for Moldova, Kazakhstan, and other states, despite the victory of pro-European forces in Moldova.
The financial consequences of extreme weather events in Europe increased 2. 5 times in 2020-2023 compared to the previous decade. More than 80% of protected habitats and almost 70% of soils are in poor condition.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that Russia is starting a new stage of escalation and hybrid warfare against the transatlantic community. He noted that the integration of the Ukrainian air defense system into a single European system should become a decisive step to strengthen security.
The European Union is planning new restrictions on the travel of Russian diplomats within EU countries to minimize the risks of subversive activities. Russian diplomats must now notify their travel plans in advance and provide route details.
President Zelenskyy proposed to Poland and its partners to create a joint shield against Russian air threats, citing Ukraine's experience. He also noted that Russia could have used tankers in the Baltic Sea to launch drones.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha met with the Marshal of the Polish Senate, Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska. They discussed Russian provocations against EU and NATO member states and ways to deter the Kremlin.
The European Union has reinstated restrictive measures against Iran's nuclear program, which were suspended in 2015. This decision was made after the UN sanctions were renewed, which include travel bans, asset freezes, as well as economic and financial restrictions.
The European Union must radically transform due to Putin's provocations and Trump's semi-detachment. EU countries are looking for ways to counter the Kremlin's aggressive rhetoric.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russian troops are using civilian tankers to launch drones that attack European countries. He emphasized that EU sanctions should be directed against Russia's energy trade and its tanker infrastructure.
Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko announced his intention to identify as many Russian soldiers as possible responsible for the killings in Bucha. He emphasized that war criminals will be held accountable with the support of international partners.
International sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine have significantly weakened Moscow's position in Latin America. Military-technical cooperation has sharply declined, while Iran and China have intensified their influence in the region.
The European Union has launched an official investigation into the supply of urea from Russia. Finland and Sweden are strengthening the defense of NATO's eastern flank, while Serbia and Kenya have detained suspects in pro-Russian activities.
Russia failed to return to the 36-member council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The European Union actively opposed Russia's return, citing the invasion of Ukraine and violations of international rules.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claims that there are political forces in Europe preparing for war against Russia, and reports of Ukraine's false-flag provocations have grounds. He also assured that Russia never attacks civilian targets, commenting on drone incidents.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated at the UN General Assembly that Russia has no intention of attacking NATO and EU countries, but NATO threatens all of Eurasia. He also spoke in favor of reforming the UN Security Council and condemned the Hamas attack on Israel.
Russia failed to get elected to the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal, falling short by six votes. The Ukrainian team held dozens of meetings, convincing them to support aviation safety, not the aggressor.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the elections in Moldova are not purely an internal matter, as Russia seeks to hinder the country's European choice. He emphasized that Russia wants to bring a government and president loyal to it to power, and then introduce troops.
NATO Chiefs of Staff discussed recent airspace violations by Russian forces. The President of Latvia called for strengthening air defense and transforming Baltic air policing into an air defense mission.
Moldovan police discovered a warehouse of pre-election materials containing offensive statements and calls for hatred in a church. Law enforcement officers seized 11 packages of leaflets that were intended to be distributed to parishioners.
UN sanctions against Iran are set to be reinstated on Saturday, after a resolution by Russia and China to postpone them failed. This decision by Western powers is likely to escalate tensions with Tehran.
Negotiation clusters for Ukraine's accession to the EU could start after the parliamentary elections in Hungary in April 2026. Hungary is blocking the opening of the first negotiation cluster, despite Ukraine fulfilling all preconditions.
The SBU prevented an FSB agent, who coordinated Russian attacks on Odesa and recruited Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel, from fleeing to the EU. The 52-year-old associate professor of a local university planned to go to Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expects the approval of the 19th EU sanctions package and steps from the US. He hopes that Hungary will hear a key NATO ally and respect US President Donald Trump, who criticizes buyers of Russian oil.
