Brussels
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has expressed hope for a ceasefire agreement in Ukraine in the coming weekend. He discussed this issue with allies and stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine.
European diplomats consider the agreement with the USA a priority and call for a pause in decisions regarding the USA. They propose waiting for the results of the NATO summit in The Hague.
Only 14 EU countries have formally requested increased defense spending, casting doubt on the European Commission's €800 billion ReArm Europe plan due to limited budgetary capacity.
On the eve of May 9, Russia is activating a network of agents of influence to conduct propaganda events in Europe and America. Car rallies, акции and other events are planned.
German military officials are concerned about the US Ambassador to NATO's demands to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP. He threatens that Trump will not attend the summit if the demands are not met.
The European Union intends to increase purchases of American goods by 50 billion euros to resolve trade differences. However, the EU will not agree to maintaining US tariffs as a fair solution.
Due to a nationwide strike by security and ground staff at the airport terminal, Brussels Airport is canceling all flights. Passengers are promised to rebook tickets.
EU member states are in no hurry to use the European Commission's proposal to increase defense spending. Many fear the risks to debt sustainability and market reaction.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán voted against Ukraine's accession to the EU, believing that it threatens the country's economy. Orbán's advisor stated that supporting Ukraine would cost $100 billion per year.
Britain is close to an agreement with the EU that will open access to the EU's €150 billion defense fund for British arms manufacturers. In exchange, Britain has made concessions on fishing rights.
Russia is lobbying for the restoration of direct flights to the US as part of a ceasefire agreement, linking this to the lifting of sanctions against "Aeroflot". The European Union is categorically against opening its skies due to sanctions, security issues, and "stolen" aircraft, which makes flights to the US without flying over the EU extremely difficult.
The head of EU diplomacy stated that the Georgian law on aligning grants with the authorities undermines the status of a candidate for the EU. It obliges the coordination of foreign donations for non-governmental organizations.
Péter Szijjártó stated that the EU is considering sending military advisors to Ukraine and allocating 40 billion euros for weapons. Hungary opposes these initiatives and a new package of sanctions against Russia.
The government of Ukraine has signed agreements with the European Investment Bank on the allocation of 300 million euros for the restoration of energy and critical infrastructure. The "transport visa-free regime" with the EU has also been extended.
The "Ramstein" meetings are working, but European leadership could delay the implementation of decisions. The participation of the United States is a signal to Putin, and the priorities at the meeting are air defense and artillery.
At the "Ramstein" meeting, Ukraine will insist on receiving new air defense systems. Zelenskyy called on partners to intensify the supply of Patriot to protect the Ukrainian sky.
Ukraine is ready to provide the EU with information on the involvement of sanctioned individuals in financing Russian aggression. This was stated by Stefanishyna during a meeting of the European Commission's Working Group.
Ukraine and Belgium will cooperate in the defense sector and increase joint production. The parties also discussed sanctions against Russia and Ukraine's European integration.
International project raised funds for the treatment of wounded Ukrainian soldiers.
The international coalition is ready to provide Ukraine with comprehensive support after the end of the war with Russia, including a safe sky, seas and support for peace on land.
The Minister of Defense of Ukraine announced that the key issue of the meeting in Brussels will be strengthening Ukraine's air defense. He expects a political decision to supply Patriot systems.
A meeting of around 30 countries will take place in Brussels to plan a "coalition of the willing" to support Ukraine's defense. The defense ministers of Great Britain and France will lead the meeting.
Ukraine is sending a working group to the US to negotiate a minerals agreement, seeking greater investment. Shmyhal emphasized that the agreement will not harm European integration.
The European Union is likely to terminate the anti-crisis measures for the Ukrainian economy on June 5. The reason was the protests of farmers and governments of a number of EU countries due to the influx of cheap Ukrainian products.
The European Investment Bank is providing Ukraine with 300 million euros to rebuild energy and critical infrastructure. The funds will go to centralized heating, water supply and modernization of social services.
The EU has transferred 1 billion euros to Ukraine under the ERA initiative, which is the third tranche from the revenues from frozen Russian assets. The funds will be used for priority expenditures of the state budget.
The tenth meeting of the EU-Ukraine Association Council will take place on April 9, 2025 in Brussels. The impact of the war, the reconstruction of Ukraine and financial assistance from the EU will be discussed.
Huawei has fired two employees and suspended a third for their involvement in a corruption scandal. They are suspected of bribing European politicians to lobby for the company's interests.
Anitta Hipper stated that Russia demonstrates disrespect for negotiations.
Putin demonstrates dual approaches by sending negotiators to the US while simultaneously building up military might. His strategy is aimed at prolonging negotiations and advancing on the battlefield.