Brussels

According to EU diplomat Josep Borrell, in the coming days, concrete decisions are to be made on sending more air defense systems to Ukraine.

Germany has launched a global initiative called Immediate Action on Air Defense (IAAD) to address Ukraine's air defense gaps, calling on allies and partners to provide air defense systems to protect Ukrainian cities, troops and critical infrastructure.

Ukraine expects the European Union to approve a framework for negotiations on its accession to the EU in June, paving the way for the start of the negotiation process, according to Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishyna.

The Minister of Energy of Ukraine discussed with the EU Commissioner the consequences of Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy facilities, the need for equipment to restore and strengthen the resilience of the energy system, and the importance of Ukraine's underground gas storage facilities for European energy security.

Poland has received its first major disbursement of €6. 3 billion from an EU fund previously blocked due to a dispute over the rule of law, after the new coalition government began to resolve a dispute over strengthening the independence of the Polish judiciary.

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander de Kroo said that Belgium supports the training of Ukrainian pilots for F-16s and hopes that the first delivery will take place in May, but Belgium still needs the F-16s themselves until they are replaced by F-35s.

EU leaders will discuss the supply of air defense systems, including Patriot batteries, to Ukraine at the upcoming summit in Brussels on April 17-18.

The European Parliament voted against the appointment of Marcus Pieper as a special envoy of the European Commission due to suspicions of nepotism, which could damage the reputation of EU institutions.

Ukraine and the EU are working at all levels to strengthen Ukraine's air defense by seeking additional Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine.

The EU has temporarily agreed to duty-free trade for Ukraine until June 2025, but with the possibility of imposing restrictions on sensitive agricultural products such as poultry, eggs, sugar, oats, cereals, corn, and honey if imports exceed the average level from July 2021 to December 2023.

Lukashenko claims that the Western-backed opposition is seeking to seize part of Belarus in order to invite foreign troops and provoke an armed confrontation.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has established an Audit Committee composed of certified internal auditors from NATO and Ukraine to strengthen internal audit functions, maintain public trust and implement the highest international standards in the ministry.

Portugal's new government, led by Prime Minister Luiz Montenegro, supports Ukraine's accession to the European Union, having put aside previous hesitations.

New Zealand plans to strengthen cooperation with NATO, contribute to Ukraine's self-defense, and finalize a new partnership with NATO in the coming months.

Blinken insists that Ukraine urgently needs additional assistance, such as air defense, artillery, and ammunition, and calls on the allies to double or triple their resources, as Ukraine's security is a matter of global security.

NATO aims to create a bridge for Ukraine's future membership in the Alliance by offering additional support and enhanced cooperation as Ukraine undertakes the reforms necessary to join the Alliance.

NATO member states should provide immediate emergency support to Ukraine with air defense systems, missiles and ammunition, and create a long-term, predictable structure, backed by financial commitments, to ensure continued support for Ukraine against Russia's armed aggression.

At a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council in Brussels, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed increased military support for Ukraine from allies, including air defense, ammunition and training, but stressed the need for more and stronger assistance to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian invasion.

The NATO Secretary General's proposal to create a €100 billion fund for Ukraine has zero chance of being implemented under the current financial model, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba believes.

Germany, as the chair of the Ramstein Air Defense Coalition, is initiating an immediate analysis of all available Patriot and other air defense systems in the world to determine what can be provided to Ukraine.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba expects the blocked US military aid to arrive by November.

Kuleba urged Blinken to find ways to provide Ukraine with additional Patriot air defense systems as soon as possible to counter Russia's growing air terror.

The Romanian foreign minister emphasized the urgent need to maintain strong support for Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic path, saying that the Washington summit provides a crucial opportunity for ambitious action in this direction.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has called on NATO allies to immediately provide more air defense systems, including Patriot systems capable of intercepting ballistic missiles, and reportedly indicated that the allies have agreed to identify and send additional air defense systems to Ukraine to help protect its skies.

According to U. S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, Ukraine will eventually become a NATO member, and the Alliance's support is "firm.

According to British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps, NATO members must urgently increase their defense spending beyond the 2% of GDP target to strengthen defense in the current "pre-war world.

Hungary is the only NATO member that openly opposes direct military support and the Alliance's coordination role for Ukraine, refusing to provide financial assistance and participate in relevant planning.

Allies meet with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Brussels to discuss increased support for Ukraine's urgent practical needs.

Russia's barbaric attacks on Ukraine's critical energy infrastructure only strengthen the EU's resolve to increase its support for Ukraine and provide more aid more quickly, said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell.

After a lengthy meeting in Brussels, Kuleba and Szijjarto agreed to take steps to improve relations between Ukraine and Hungary in the coming days and weeks.