The number of asylum applications from Ukrainians in the EU and Switzerland increased by 29% in the first half of 2025, reaching 16,000. France leads in the number of applications, as asylum seeker status allows for a long stay in the country.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha called Putin's proposal for a meeting in Moscow deliberately unacceptable. Ukraine is ready for a meeting at any time, but only on serious terms.
In October 2025, the EU will introduce the EES system to control the entry and exit of third-country nationals. It will replace passport stamps, collecting biometric data to combat illegal migration.
Jamala, winner of Eurovision 2016, has been appointed music producer of the National Selection for Eurovision 2026. Previously, she served seven times as a member of the National Selection jury.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine delegated its representatives to the governing council of the American-Ukrainian Investment Fund for Reconstruction. The first meeting of the Council is scheduled for September 3 to determine the principles for project selection.
President Zelenskyy announced that Turkey, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Switzerland are ready to be a platform for negotiations on ending the war. He thanked these countries for their readiness.
Ukraine and Switzerland are starting the implementation of 12 infrastructure, social, and humanitarian projects. Funding totaling over 93 million Swiss francs is provided within the framework of an intergovernmental agreement.
Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak and Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov will hold talks with Donald Trump's team on August 29. Military, political, and economic components of security guarantees for Ukraine will be discussed.
A painting by an Italian master, stolen by the Nazis over 80 years ago, was accidentally discovered on a realtor's website in Argentina. "Portrait of a Lady" by Giuseppe Ghislandi belonged to the Jewish art dealer Jacques Goudstikker.
Dozens of heads of state and government, including the US and China, sent congratulations to Ukraine on the occasion of the 34th anniversary of Independence. President Zelenskyy thanked for the support in the fight against Russian aggression.
President Zelenskyy confirmed consultations with the US and Europe regarding a meeting with the Russian Federation. Kyiv insists on neutral European territory, rejecting Moscow and Budapest.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin could meet by the end of the month. Five possible locations are being considered, with Geneva deemed the best.
A number of countries, including Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Hungary, have expressed readiness to organize a meeting between the presidents of Ukraine and Russia. The White House is considering Budapest as the main venue for trilateral negotiations.
The White House is planning a possible trilateral meeting of the US, Russian, and Ukrainian presidents in Budapest. The US Secret Service is preparing for the summit, although the final location may change.
Donald Trump postponed his vacation due to preparations for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Switzerland promises security to the Russian dictator for the meeting.
Switzerland offers Putin immunity to participate in a peace conference to avoid arrest under an ICC warrant. France supports a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin in Geneva.
French President Emmanuel Macron proposes Geneva as a neutral country for a Ukraine-Russia summit. He emphasizes the importance of security guarantees for Ukraine and warns against a hasty peace.
European diplomats are discussing a possible venue for a trilateral Trump-Zelenskyy-Putin summit. Rome and Geneva are the main options, but the parties have different preferences.
Swiss pilot Raphael Domjan raised a solar-powered electric aircraft to a record altitude of 9,521 meters. This achievement demonstrates the potential of emission-free aviation and opens new perspectives for "green" technologies.
Switzerland joined the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia with a number of reservations, which will come into force on August 12. The country added 14 individuals and 41 organizations to the sanctions lists, as well as 105 vessels of Russia's "shadow fleet".
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy introduced new sanctions against 18 individuals and 17 legal entities associated with the activities of "Rosatom". The restrictions apply to those involved in the integration of the ZNPP into the Russian energy system and the capture of the ChNPP.
A summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is scheduled for the end of next week. The venue for the meeting, with possible options including the UAE, Hungary, Switzerland, and Rome, is still being discussed.
UEFA paid almost 11 million euros to Russian football clubs after the full-scale invasion, despite their exclusion from European competitions. Ukrainian clubs did not receive similar funds due to the "military action zone."
US gold futures hit a record high, exceeding $3534. 10, due to the imposition of tariffs on bullion imports. This caused a widening spread between futures and spot prices.
Swiss politicians are considering canceling the order for F-35A fighter jets from Lockheed Martin Corp after the US introduced 39% tariffs. The deal, worth up to $9.1 billion, became controversial due to "misunderstandings" regarding the price and the tariff shock.
New tariffs introduced by US President Donald Trump have come into force, raising the average US tariff rate to 15. 2%. This is the highest figure since World War II, posing a new challenge for the global economy.
Ukraine's partners have pledged over UAH 3 billion for the purchase of household fuel for vulnerable households for the 2025-2026 heating season. Each household can receive UAH 19,400.
An international coalition, led by Canada and Ukraine, called on Russia to unconditionally return abducted Ukrainian children. 38 countries, the Council of Europe, and the EU signed a joint statement, emphasizing the violation of international law.
FC Kryvbas goalkeeper Ihor Omelchenko arbitrarily left the team's training camp in Slovenia and did not return to Ukraine. The club urges him to return to fulfilling his contractual obligations and has informed the UPL about the situation.
Hailey Bieber shared a rare photo of her son and spoke about the complex emotions she experienced during an unexpected pregnancy. She called this experience an important lesson that strengthened her as a person.
