European Union

Ukrainians in the UK are denied asylum, claiming it is safe to return home. According to The Guardian, this causes additional anxiety, despite the 18-month visa.

The Board of the International Monetary Fund will hold a meeting to make a decision on a new tranche for Ukraine amounting to $487 million. Customs reform is delayed for at least six months.

The European Commission confirmed its readiness to transfer 2 million artillery shells to Ukraine by 2025 and to provide the remaining 11 billion euros of G7 loans. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, also emphasized the continuation of financial, military, and political support for Ukraine.

Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, during an EU meeting in Brussels, stated the importance of not shifting focus from Ukraine. Latvia advocates for the adoption of the 18th package of sanctions against Russia and the blocking of its financial assets.

President of France Macron stated the effectiveness of American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities such as Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow. He also emphasized President Trump's active position on a ceasefire in Gaza.

The European Commission is ready to sign a trade agreement with the US but is considering the option of failure. Von der Leyen has received updated proposals on tariffs and promises to defend EU interests.

Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak reported an almost twofold drop in the activity of tankers transporting Russian oil due to sanctions. In June, the number of such vessels decreased to 343, which is a result of joint sanctions by the EU, USA, and Great Britain.

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna stated that Ukraine expects the opening of the first negotiation cluster after the EU summit. Partners highly appreciated the pace of Ukraine's reforms, confirming the readiness of the cluster for opening.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the European Union for more decisive resistance to Russian aggression and increased sanctions pressure. He emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine on its path to EU membership.

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin announced the West's preparation to seize the blocked gold and foreign exchange assets of the Russian Federation. He believes that this will accelerate the regionalization of payment systems, which he says will benefit the global economy.

On June 26, the European Council failed to unanimously approve a statement in support of Ukraine due to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's veto. This veto also prevents the start of association negotiations with the EU for Ukraine and Moldova.

European Union leaders have not reached an agreement on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. Slovakia opposed it, which led to the postponement of discussions.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposes using 150 billion euros from the SAFE program for Ukraine. EU member states can invest them in the Ukrainian defense industry.

An assistant to a Ukrainian Member of Parliament and the owner of a private company are suspected of embezzling 27 million hryvnias during the procurement of aircraft tires for the Logistics Forces. Thanks to this scheme, the Armed Forces overpaid for the products, and the defendants in the case legalized the funds.

EU leaders are discussing two options: concluding a quick trade agreement or a tough response to Trump's threats of 50% tariffs on all goods from the EU. A decision must be made by July 9, when the “grace” period expires.

Romanian President Nicușor Dan announced that the European Union will open the first cluster of accession talks with Moldova on July 4. This event will take place during the "EU – Moldova" summit in Chisinau, starting with the "Fundamental Values" cluster.

The French government plans to cut spending by nearly €5 billion this year to meet its budget deficit target. This decision was made due to high government spending, despite stable tax revenues.

Iran's stockpiles of highly enriched uranium remained undamaged after US strikes on nuclear facilities, as 408 kilograms of uranium were distributed elsewhere. This casts doubt on US President Donald Trump's claims of "destroying" Iran's nuclear program.

EU leaders have agreed on a statement on increasing spending on defense and security. This reflects a desire to help EU countries spend more on military equipment.

Leaders of 26 EU countries will note the success of Ukraine's reforms on the path to accession/ Hungary is against, citing its "referendum" and alleged integration of the war.

The EU is concerned that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán will veto the start of EU accession talks with Ukraine, citing the results of "consultations. " The European Commission is looking for ways to bypass unanimity to resolve this issue.

The Minister for European Affairs of Poland, Adam Szłapka, assessed the progress at the EU summit regarding the sanctions package against Russia and defense funding. Slovakia and Hungary oppose new sanctions, while Sweden hopes for agreements.

Slovakia will not support the new EU sanctions package against Russia due to unresolved gas supply issues after 2027. Prime Minister Robert Fico demands a postponement of the vote, which could lead to a deficit and losses of up to 20 billion euros.

Russia bypasses sanctions by obtaining Western aircraft spare parts through Turkey, China, and the UAE. One billion euros worth of parts entered the Russian Federation between February 2022 and September 2024 through a network of intermediaries.

The European Union summit starts today in Brussels, where key topics include the war in Ukraine, strengthening defense capabilities, and competitiveness. EU leaders will discuss further support for Ukraine, its path to EU membership, pressure on Russia, and efforts to achieve peace.

The Hungarian government held a consultative vote on Ukraine's accession to the EU, where 95% of participants allegedly opposed it. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry called it disinformation.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen faces a vote of no confidence over "Pfizergate" and other accusations. Far-right MEPs are trying to initiate a vote, but the chances of success are low due to the need for majority support.

The Kremlin continues to use Dmitry Medvedev's aggressive rhetoric to undermine Western support for Ukraine. Medvedev expresses threats regarding Ukraine's accession to the EU and accuses the European Union of "Russophobia" and militarization.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has stated that Canada has no intention of joining the European Union. The country is focused on close partnership and cooperation with the bloc, rather than membership.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for increased economic pressure on Moscow, including through sanctions, to force Russia back to the negotiating table. The EU will approve the 18th package of sanctions tomorrow, but Merz emphasizes the need for broader US participation, although US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that Washington is not planning new sanctions yet.