European Union

Zelenskyy held a conversation with the President of the European Council, António Costa, regarding sanctions against Russia and Ukraine's membership in the EU. Costa confirmed that if Russia refuses to cease fire, sanctions will be applied.

Prime Minister Tusk announced that Poland will not extend the duty-free import of goods from Ukraine after June 5, 2025. He stated the threat to the Polish market and the need to protect interests.

The President ratified the law for uninterrupted trade between Ukraine and the EU during the transition to new customs regulations from January 1, 2025. Until the end of 2025, parallel use of old and new rules of origin of goods is allowed.

Due to the April and May frosts in Ukraine, up to 55% of the cherry harvest and 35-50% of the cherry harvest were lost, the southern and northern regions were the most affected. Experts predict rising prices for berries and possible shortages.

Ukraine proposes that the EU confiscate Russian assets and impose sanctions on oil buyers, as the US hesitates to increase pressure on the Russian Federation. Kyiv calls on the EU to take the lead in sanctions policy.

The President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of Poland discussed further steps for a peaceful settlement. The topic of opening the first negotiation clusters regarding Ukraine's accession to the EU was also raised.

In Spain, near the American School, Andriy Portnov was killed. Unknown persons approached him and fired five shots, one of which was fatal.

The EU has created a SAFE instrument with borrowing of up to €150 billion for investments in defense. Ukraine will receive support through increased military assistance and integration of defense industries.

The EU is working on a new package of sanctions against the Russian Federation, but opportunities are limited due to the position of the US. Without their support, the sanctions may be ineffective, especially on energy resources.

The German Defense Minister stated that Trump mistakenly assessed his influence on Putin. Negotiations did not yield results, the EU is preparing new sanctions against the Russian Federation.

The European Union will allocate €5. 5 million to support "Radio Liberty" after funding cuts from the US. This decision was made after criticism from the Trump administration regarding the work of the media.

The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions against English accountant John Michael Ormerod for assisting Russia in expanding its "shadow fleet" of tankers. Ship captains and financial institutions were also sanctioned.

Donald Trump will not support the EU's sanctions pressure on Russia, seeking to deepen economic cooperation. This may create a split in NATO, as Europe will continue sanctions.

Kęstutis Budrys stated that the 18th package of EU sanctions should target the Russian energy sector, including gas, oil, nuclear fuel, as well as financial institutions. He called for breaking the "vicious circle" of Russia avoiding punishment.

The countries of the European Union have already provided Ukraine with two-thirds of the 2 million promised artillery shells. Work is currently underway to ensure the supply of the remaining ammunition.

According to the head of European diplomacy, the new EU sanctions package against Russia will focus on the energy sector, in particular the Nord Stream gas pipelines. The price cap on Russian oil may also be lowered.

According to Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the EU will abandon the ATM mechanism, which allowed duty-free imports of Ukrainian goods. Warsaw will return to the pre-war regime.

Donald Trump believes that new US sanctions may force Russia to withdraw from peace talks on Ukraine. The US is not stopping arms supplies, but there is no talk of new aid packages yet.

Great Britain is suspending trade negotiations with Israel and introducing sanctions. This is a reaction to Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip, which are deepening the humanitarian crisis.

Andriy Sybiha called for increased pressure on Russia to achieve peace and offered Hungary to resume consultations. He stressed the importance of defense support for Ukraine.

Hungarian special services reported the discovery of two more alleged "Ukrainian spies" who were allegedly collecting information to discredit Hungary and change its policy towards Ukraine.

The British Prime Minister announced the agreements concluded by Britain with the EU, India and the USA, which will save jobs and save money. He emphasized that Britain has restored its influence on the world stage.

Andriy Sybiga stated that Hungary is the only country blocking the opening of clusters for Ukraine's accession to the EU. He offered Hungary consultations and additional funding for the defense sector in the amount of 15 billion euros.

Ukraine is interested in a meeting between Zelensky and Putin to accelerate peace efforts. Sybiha said that Ukraine is ready for any format of meeting.

Solidarity Lanes have become a lifeline for the Ukrainian economy, providing exports of €61 billion and imports of €150 billion. Ukrainian scientists have resumed research for the development of the agricultural sector.

The European Union has imposed sanctions against 28 Russian citizens involved in human rights violations, repression against the opposition, and undermining the rule of law. Judges, prosecutors, and investigators are among those sanctioned.

Andriy Novak stated that there are no purely financial risks for the hryvnia. The exchange rate will be stable in the summer, strengthening is possible. Trump's customs policy will affect the dollar exchange rate.

The European Council has imposed sanctions against three Russian structures involved in the development and use of chemical weapons in Ukraine. The decision was made due to evidence of Russia's use of prohibited substances.

The EU has approved the 17th package of sanctions against Russia, including 75 individuals and legal entities, as well as companies involved in the military-industrial complex, "shadow fleet" vessels, and even Surgutneftegas.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed his conversation with Donald Trump and possible platforms for negotiations with Russia with Giorgia Meloni. It was also agreed to continue contacts for further steps.