Sanctions
In January-October 2025, Ukraine increased its imports of tomatoes to 81. 8 thousand tons and cucumbers to 109.6 thousand tons. Turkey traditionally remains the largest supplier of both crops.
Rheinmetall AG CEO Armin Papperger said that a peace agreement in Ukraine will not change future demand for weapons, as Europe enters a prolonged period of rearmament. The company expects European and German defense spending to grow, aiming for 50 billion euros in sales by 2030.
The US is trying to block EU plans to use frozen assets of the Russian central bank to support a loan to Ukraine. Washington believes that these assets are necessary to secure a peace agreement between Kyiv and Moscow.
European leaders are warning Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy not to succumb to Russia's demands without ironclad security commitments from the United States. They advise clearly defining America's role in security guarantees for Kyiv before agreeing to Russia's demands.
The IMF welcomes discussions in Europe on the use of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. The Fund emphasizes compliance with international law and non-disruption of the functioning of the global monetary system.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kremlin head Vladimir Putin met in New Delhi, discussing peace efforts regarding Russia's war against Ukraine and expanding economic cooperation. Agreements on mobility, supplies of Indian products, and the leasing of a submarine are expected.
Weeks after Iraq recognized Yemen's Houthis and Hezbollah as terrorists, the authorities revoked the decision, citing a mistake.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that sanctions against the GRU underscore the need for vigilance against the constant threat from Russia. He emphasized that the moral responsibility for the GRU's actions lies with Putin.
Envoys of US President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian negotiators for the third time in two weeks to discuss a peace plan, while the Trump administration eased economic pressure on Russia. The US Treasury Department partially suspended sanctions against Lukoil gas stations outside Russia until April 29.
EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius stated that the European Union must develop its own peace plan for Ukraine, without relying on US initiatives. This is due to the fact that Europe was "caught off guard" by a 28-point peace plan developed by American Trump negotiators together with the Russians without the participation of the EU.
A Belarusian factory that produces tableware has been supplying drones to Russia for several years, bypassing European sanctions.
Spain, the largest pork exporter in the EU, has deployed soldiers and drones to contain swine fever near Barcelona. Due to the outbreak, Mexico and Japan have suspended purchases of Spanish pork, and 91 cities have been locked down.
The UK government announced the full implementation of sanctions against the GRU, and the Russian ambassador was summoned to the Foreign Office after the report was released.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine reported that Russia and 11 other countries opposed the return of Ukrainian children, despite the adoption of a UN resolution. Only 1,850 children have been returned home after forced deportation.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz canceled a trip to Oslo to persuade Belgium to support a €165 billion "reparation loan" to Ukraine. The loan is proposed to be secured by frozen Russian state assets located in Belgium.
The British government said the GRU was fully sanctioned for “reckless” actions, including the attack in Salisbury targeting Sergei Skripal, a former GRU officer who was imprisoned in Russia in 2006 for spying for the UK. He was released as part of a spy swap in 2010 and settled in the UK.
European diving champion Sofiia Lyskun was expelled from the national team and stripped of all titles and awards. This happened after she announced her move to Russia and obtaining citizenship there.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy believes that Cyprus' presidency of the EU Council in 2026 could be historic for Ukraine regarding the opening of negotiation clusters. He also thanked Cyprus for its support and emphasized the need for a new package of sanctions against Russia.
The Helsinki Commission called on the US and its partners to investigate the use of chemical weapons against protesters in Georgia. Reports indicate the use of bromobenzyl cyanide, which caused burns and long-term health problems.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever blocked an EU plan to provide Ukraine with a 140 billion euro loan. He fears legal and financial retaliation from Russia.
India will pay about $2 billion to lease a nuclear submarine from Russia, concluding a decade of negotiations. The deal provides for the delivery of the vessel within two years, although the contract was signed in March 2019.
Spiegel reported that the Élysée Palace, in a statement to the German publication, denied that Macron had spoken of any betrayal.
Political scientist Oleh Posternak in an op-ed for UNN on the possible consequences of Andriy Yermak's resignation for NBU Governor Andriy Pyshnyi and Investment Capital Ukraine.
The NOC of Ukraine, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Skating Federation appealed to the IOC and ISU. They demand a review of the decision to allow Russian figure skaters to participate in the 2026 Winter Olympics due to their support for the war.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reaffirmed the country's unchanged position on respecting China's view on Taiwan, which sparked discussions among Chinese social media users. Her statement refers to the 1972 joint communiqué, despite previous statements about a possible threat to Japan in the event of a Chinese attack on Taiwan.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham announced the identification of 210 facilities in Russia where Ukrainian children from the occupied territories may be held. He emphasized that this is happening in 2025, not 1945, and called for it to be stopped.
President Zelenskyy announced preparations for meetings with the US after the American team's negotiations in Moscow and Washington. Rustem Umerov, Andriy Hnatov, and others will continue negotiations to advance Ukraine's peace plan.
Sanctions reportedly forced Lukoil to announce the sale of its foreign assets, and several buyers have approached US authorities for permission to negotiate with Lukoil, including oil giants Exxon Mobil and Chevron.
The European Union has added Russia to its list of high-risk countries for money laundering and as a sponsor of terrorism.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha announced significant progress on the issue of using frozen Russian assets. Ukraine hopes for a relevant decision to be adopted by the end of this year.