December 5, 08:25 AM • 11891 viewsDecember 4, 02:10 PM • 25355 viewsJim O'Brien, head of the US State Department's Office of Sanctions Coordination, will visit Georgia in the coming days to meet with the opposition amid ongoing protests against the controversial law on foreign influence transparency.
Georgia's foreign minister criticized the resignation of the country's ambassador to France over the controversial law on "foreign agents," calling it an insult to Georgia and its diplomats.
Georgian parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili refused to meet with the EU delegation, which arrived amid protests against the controversial law on "foreign agents," saying their visit could encourage radical opposition actions.
Violent attacks and intimidation tactics were used against opposition activists and NGOs protesting Georgia's controversial law on "foreign agents.
Georgia's Ambassador to France, Gocha Javakhishvili, resigned over a controversial law on foreign agents that has strained Georgia's relations with its European partners and made his mission extremely difficult.
The EU is still discussing possible measures against Tbilisi for adopting the law on "foreign agents. " The European Union is currently considering canceling the visa-free regime with Georgia if the country adopts this controversial law.
The head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell, indicated what the proceeds from frozen Russian assets are proposed to be used for in Ukraine.
The participation of several EU diplomats in Putin's inauguration in Moscow does not contradict the EU's agreed position on continuing to support Ukraine against Russia's illegal aggression, an EU spokesman said.
Russia launched another massive attack on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, prompting the EU to urgently call for the strengthening of Ukraine's air defense systems.
EU ambassadors expressed concern over Georgia's law on "foreign agents" and its potential impact on the country's European integration process.
According to members of the European Parliament, Georgia's status as an EU candidate is under threat because of the ruling party's ties to the Kremlin and the suppression of protests.
The EU will discuss a recovery plan for Ukraine, mobilizing 50 billion euros to support reforms and help Ukraine.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz supports the use of up to 90% of frozen russian assets to finance arms purchases for Ukraine.
The European Union is hesitant to attend Vladimir Putin's inauguration ceremony, but EU High Representative Josep Borrell opposes the EU's participation in the event.
During the Ukrainian Defense Industry Forum in Brussels, Ukraine discussed the creation of joint ventures with European defense companies and financing the production of priority weapons for the Armed Forces at Ukrainian defense companies.
Ukraine is ready to strengthen cooperation with the EU in countering cyber threats from Russia, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said.
On May 6, the EU-Ukraine Defense Industry Forum will take place in Brussels to strengthen cooperation between the European and Ukrainian defense industries and help Ukraine build capacity in priority sectors such as air defense, ammunition, missiles and drones.
On the 20th anniversary of the largest wave of accession to the EU, EU diplomat Jose Borrell said that the work of reuniting the continent is not yet complete, and the Western Balkans, Turkey, Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia have a historic opportunity to firmly link their future to the EU, strengthening security, justice, democracy and living standards.
EU Chief Diplomat Josep Borrell strongly condemned the violence against peaceful demonstrators in Georgia, who were brutally dispersed by riot police during a protest against the law on “foreign agents”.
EU Diplomacy Chief Josep Borrell expects the EU Council to finalize the discussion on the use of funds from seized Russian assets for military support to Ukraine through the European Peace Fund, as the bloc believes it is legally justified.
EU ministers discussed but failed to approve a €500 million tranche of military aid to Ukraine due to the ongoing blockade, despite changing circumstances.
EU allies insist on maintaining strong support for Ukraine after the US approves a $61 billion aid package.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell hopes that today's meeting of EU foreign ministers will lead to concrete steps to support Ukraine, as the bloc is working daily to analyze the situation and prepare solutions to help Kyiv.
German defense companies are becoming more attractive amid increased orders due to the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the automotive industry: companies such as Hensoldt, Rheinmetall, and Renk are actively hiring and expecting to increase sales.
President Zelenskyy criticized Western allies for demonstrating double standards by helping Israel shoot down Iranian missiles and drones but not providing the same level of support to Ukraine against Russian air attacks.
Kuleba and the French Foreign Minister discussed steps to accelerate the provision of additional air defense systems and missiles to Ukraine, as well as measures to counter Russian disinformation and strengthen cybersecurity.
Minister Kuleba thanked EU Representative Borrell for his efforts to provide Ukraine with Patriot and SAMP/T air defense systems, emphasizing their critical importance in the joint message "Air Defense for Ukraine Now".
Zelenskyy met with representatives of the Jewish community in Kyiv on the eve of Passover, thanking them for their support of Ukraine's struggle for freedom and emphasizing the importance of the struggle for freedom symbolized by the Passover holiday.
Germany and its NATO partners may provide Ukraine with seven additional Patriot air defense systems to strengthen its ability to counter Russian attacks.
Shmyhal met with French Minister Le Maire to discuss Ukraine's military needs, restoration of the energy system, and confiscation of frozen Russian assets.
