European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer supported US President Donald Trump's decision to impose sanctions against Russian oil companies. These sanctions were imposed by the US Treasury Department against Rosneft and Lukoil due to Russia's lack of commitment to the peace process.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders, including Merz, Macron, and Starmer, advocated for an immediate ceasefire. They propose considering the current line of contact as a starting point for negotiations, supporting Trump's position.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Ukraine has Europe's full support on its path to peace. He emphasized the importance of creating a realistic peace plan after the meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone conversation with a group of European leaders and representatives of the "Coalition of the Willing" after a meeting with Donald Trump. Among the participants were Ursula von der Leyen, António Costa, Alexander Stubb, the Prime Minister of Norway, Keir Starmer, Meloni, NATO Secretary General Rutte, and Tusk.
The European Commission has presented the "Preserving Peace - Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030" to strengthen European defense capabilities. It includes four flagship areas and sets goals for achieving full defense readiness by 2030.
The European Union is considering a ban on filtered cigarettes and electronic tobacco products. This initiative aims to reduce tobacco consumption and protect the environment.
The European Commission aims to launch a "drone wall" by the end of 2026, with full functionality expected by the end of 2027. This initiative is part of a roadmap aimed at preparing the bloc for a potential attack from Moscow.
The European Commission will propose rules for short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb to counter the social crisis of affordable housing. The EU's first housing commissioner, Dan Jørgensen, noted that this issue is within the EU's competence.
The European Commission intends to expand the "drone wall" initiative – a defense project initially aimed at protecting the EU's eastern border – to cover the whole of Europe.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to ask European allies for help in raising salaries for Ukrainian military personnel. This comes against the backdrop of reduced spending on military salaries in the draft State Budget for 2026.
Europe's first rare-earth magnet factory, owned by Neo Performance Materials, has opened in Estonia. The enterprise is capable of annually producing magnets for 1 million electric vehicles and 1,000 wind turbines, reducing dependence on China.
A European defense roadmap will be presented this week, outlining goals and development stages for capabilities in key areas. It will include counter-drone systems, as stated by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that incidents involving MiGs and drones in EU airspace are part of a hybrid war. She presented the "Preserving Peace - Readiness Roadmap 2030" with three main points to counter threats.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof has expressed support for using frozen Russian assets to provide a loan to Ukraine, despite financial and legal risks. He emphasized the need for risk sharing to enable swift action.
The European Union is developing a new "AI Application" strategy to promote its own artificial intelligence tools. This will reduce dependence on China and improve the use of AI in healthcare, defense, and manufacturing.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU will increase pressure on Russia after the attack on the railway station in Shostka. Russia attacked the station, hitting the Shostka-Kyiv passenger train, which resulted in about 30 casualties.
EU Special Representative for Sanctions David O'Sullivan stated that Europe is on the verge of a potential major conflict and does not have the resources to resolve it. Threats are escalating due to the war in Ukraine and drone flights over EU countries.
The NBU Board discussed with the heads of Ukraine's 30 largest banks expectations regarding a new program with the IMF. NBU Governor Andriy Pyshnyy emphasized the need to develop a new program design to ensure regular inflows of external financing and to take into account Ukraine's European integration movement.
Munich International Airport has resumed operations after an overnight closure caused by the appearance of unknown drones in its airspace. The incident led to the cancellation and diversion of dozens of flights, affecting approximately 3,000 passengers.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the President of the European Commission, the President of the European Council, and the Prime Minister of Denmark. They discussed European integration, the "Drone Wall" initiative, and the 19th package of EU sanctions against Russia.
The EU is considering lending Ukraine the monetary value of Russian assets immobilized in Euroclear, but some EU countries are expressing concerns about the legal implications. The European Commission needs to further investigate the legal and fiscal consequences.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever is once again raising the issue of using frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine. He is demanding firm guarantees from EU and NATO leaders regarding risk sharing.
The European Union is changing its strategy of sanctions against Russia, preparing tougher restrictions instead of a gradual increase in pressure. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced significantly stricter measures in energy, financial services, and trade, which will be included in the 19th package of sanctions, agreed with the United States.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for concerted European action against Russia's hybrid attacks, which escalate into greater threats. He called for the creation of a "Drone Wall" and the intensification of defense production, as Ukraine has significant experience in defending against drones and missiles.
EU leaders at an informal summit discussed common defense, frozen Russian assets, and Ukraine's accession to the EU. Meetings of defense ministers and EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas will become more frequent.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko urged the European Commission to accelerate the preparation of technical documents for Ukraine's accession to the EU. She emphasized the completion of the legislative screening and the receipt of €16.5 billion from the EU in 2025.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that European taxpayers should not pay for Russia's war. She proposed seizing 140 billion euros of frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine's war efforts.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa held a trilateral discussion. Ukraine and pan-European defense capabilities were discussed.
The European Commission has proposed four key defense projects, including a drone wall to block Russian air aggression. These proposals will be discussed at an informal meeting of EU leaders in Copenhagen.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that NATO is strengthening coordination and support for Ukraine after drone incidents in Poland and Estonia. Aid to Kyiv is a strategic defense of Europe's security and stability.
