European Union

The US has imposed 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, affecting allies and economic rivals. Alcoa Corp warns of threats to jobs and rising prices.

The European Union plans to create common rules for the deportation of migrants and "return centers" in third countries. This should increase the number of deportations and change the rules for sending asylum seekers.

The European Union supported the joint statement of Ukraine and the United States on peace after negotiations in Saudi Arabia. Now Russia must demonstrate its readiness for peace, the EU said.

Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the American-Ukrainian talks on a 30-day ceasefire and the restoration of aid. The EU is ready to participate in future peace negotiations.

The European Union intends to allocate €1. 6 billion to support Ukrainian SMEs through partner banks under the UIF. The program prioritizes funding for businesses in affected regions and demining enterprises.

The Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak stated that security guarantees, increased sanctions, and control over frozen assets of the Russian Federation are necessary to achieve peace.

The Cabinet of Ministers is making a decision regarding roaming "visa-free" travel with the European Union. Prime Minister Shmyhal stated that this will strengthen the connection of Ukrainians abroad with their homeland and promote the unity of the nation.

As of January 2025, 4. 3 million Ukrainians have received temporary protection in EU countries. The most refugees were accepted by Germany (27.3%), Poland (23.2%), and the Czech Republic (9.2%).

Ukraine is actively striving to integrate cryptocurrencies into its financial system, but the lack of legislative regulation hinders the full entry into force of the law "On Virtual Assets. " Fintech expert Olena Sosedka believes that the legalization of cryptocurrencies will attract investments, increase the country's competitiveness, create mechanisms for user protection, and additionally replenish the budget by billions of hryvnias.

Health ministers from 11 EU member states propose including the purchase of essential medicines in the scope of defense funds. The initiative may gain access to a portion of the funds from the €800 billion "Re-arm Europe" plan.

The European Commission will present a new law on the repatriation of illegal migrants from the territory of the EU. Ursula von der Leyen announced the introduction of the "European Return Order" and a ban on entry for deported individuals.

The EU plans to allocate 150 billion euros for the development of the defense industry. France insists on using the funds only within the EU, while Germany wants to involve partner countries.

European Commissioner Andrius Kubilius announced the EU's plans to increase shell production to 2 million units this year. The Ukrainian defense industry has increased production 35 times during this period - to 35 billion euros per year.

The head of EU diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, reacted to the massive attacks by the Russian Federation on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.

Advisors to the US president are exploring the possibility of lifting some sanctions against Russia, including the oil price cap. Such changes could occur if there is progress in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

The President of Turkey called for an end to air and sea attacks between Ukraine and the Russian Federation as a confidence-building measure. Erdogan also reaffirmed Turkey's aspiration for full membership in the EU and participation in defense programs.

Ukraine will receive over 30 billion euros from the EU in 2024 regardless of the latest decisions in Brussels. 26 EU countries supported the statement regarding the impossibility of negotiating about the war without Ukraine's participation.

The President of the European Council commented on the issue of Hungary possibly blocking sanctions. He emphasized that over the past two years, the EU has adopted 16 packages of sanctions, the latest one being two weeks ago.

EU leaders agreed to invest 800 billion euros in defense and provide more weapons to Ukraine to attract Trump's attention. Zelensky resumed negotiations with Trump's team, a meeting may take place in Saudi Arabia.

Kostya commented on Hungary's opposition to supporting the statement on Ukraine at the EU summit. According to him, Hungary has a different approach and has remained isolated among the 27 member states.

The European Council approved a statement with 5 principles regarding peace negotiations for Ukraine, which was supported by 26 EU countries. Hungary refused to support the document, while Slovakia agreed after amendments were made.

The European Council has made a decision regarding the strengthening of European defense and security.

26 EU member countries agreed on the text of the final communiqué regarding further support for Ukraine, with only Hungary not supporting the document. In the case of a Hungarian veto, two alternative courses of action were considered.

The President of Ukraine spoke at the meeting of the Euro Council, where he called for the implementation of the 17th package of sanctions against the Russian Federation. Zelensky also emphasized the need to unblock work on the clusters regarding Ukraine's membership in the EU.

The President of Ukraine stated that the format of the European armed forces will be based on national armies and the experience of partner contingents in Ukraine. Zelensky also supported the ReArm Europe plan for €800 billion and called for allocating part of the funds for the production of weapons in Ukraine.

Kaja Kallas expects a political agreement to be reached on providing Ukraine with 1. 5 million shells and other military equipment. The support plan could be implemented even without Hungary's consent.

The Chancellor of Germany stated the need to ensure conditions for a just peace in Ukraine. Scholz emphasized the importance of preserving Ukraine's sovereignty and rejecting a dictatorial peace.

Today, a special meeting of the European Council will take place regarding further support for Ukraine and European security. A speech by President Zelensky is expected, along with discussions on security guarantees for Ukraine.

The head of the British defense department, John Healey, will discuss a peace plan for Ukraine with his American counterpart, Pete Hegseth, in Washington. In Britain, there was a "sigh of relief" that President Donald Trump's address to Congress on Tuesday had a "more conciliatory tone regarding Ukraine."

Minister Sybiha stated that the EU's new steps and increased pressure on the Russian Federation will strengthen Ukraine's positions. At the summit on March 6, EU leaders will discuss military support and the use of frozen Russian assets.