Contents tagged with EU

  • Ukraine urges EU to reduce refugee aid as Kyiv pushes for return of citizens amid wartime challenges

    In a significant move by Ukrainian authorities, there is a call for European Union countries to cut back on aid to Ukrainian refugees, as Kyiv seeks to restrict consular services for Ukrainian men of conscription age living abroad. The strategy aims to encourage the return of citizens amid ongoing challenges domestically, as reported by Spanish newspaper El Pais. It's estimated that between 6 million and 10 million Ukrainians reside overseas, with Kyiv eager to see a fraction of them repatriate. …

  • Zelensky secures defense and diplomatic commitments for Ukraine in Brussels talks

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks with European counterparts on enhancing Ukraine's air defense systems to better protect cities and critical infrastructure.

    During discussions in Brussels, President Zelensky underscored Ukraine's determination to strengthen its defense capabilities and readiness for diplomacy next year. The meeting with European leaders and officials aimed at bolstering Ukraine's positions both on the battlefield and diplomatically, as highlighted by the press …

  • Ukraine offers gas transit to Slovakia in 2025, excluding Russian supplies

    Ukraine has reaffirmed its readiness to transit gas to Slovakia even in 2025, but with a stringent caveat: the gas must not be of Russian origin. In a development that follows Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's assertions about continued reliance on the Ukrainian pipeline in 2025, Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has been clear that Kyiv is prepared to supply EU countries with any gas that is not Russian. He emphasized the conclusion of the current transit agreement, stating, "From …

  • Germany raises alarm as Russian tank production surpasses combined European output

    In a stark assessment of European defense capabilities, Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told the Bundestag on Thursday, December 5, that Russia's production of tanks significantly surpasses that of Europe. Pistorius warned of the escalating military threat posed by Moscow, saying, "Russia has transitioned its economy entirely for military purposes, supplying its armed forces with 1,000 to 1,500 tanks annually. This is roughly twice the combined production of the five largest European …

  • European Council President António Costa: only Ukraine can define just peace in war with Russia

    António Costa, the newly appointed President of the European Council, has emphasized in an interview with Ukrinform that only Ukraine can decide when and how to end the Russo-Ukrainian war. He stressed that a ceasefire alone will not bring peace. Costa insists that the European Union must steadfastly support Kyiv financially, politically, diplomatically, and militarily.

    Costa pointed out that reaching a ceasefire agreement in Ukraine does not mean peace will automatically follow. He asserted …

  • EU to allocate €1 billion from frozen Russian assets to strengthen Ukraine's defense industry

    The European Union is channeling surplus revenues to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities. The European Commission has proposed directing €1 billion from the second batch of frozen Russian assets, directly towards boosting Ukraine's defense industry. This announcement was made by Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders during a plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, as reported by Ukrinform.

    "We have mobilized €1.5 billion from frozen Russian assets' surplus revenues. 90% of …

  • European Parliament President calls for swift delivery of German TAURUS missiles to Ukraine

    European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has voiced her support for the swift delivery of German TAURUS cruise missiles to Ukraine, amidst escalating Russian strikes on Ukrainian territory. In an interview with the Funke media group, Metsola responded affirmatively when asked if EU countries, similar to the U.S., support the use of long-range missiles against targets in Russia and whether Germany should provide Ukraine with TAURUS missiles

    "Yes, this is also the position of the European …

  • Russia's hybrid warfare tactics intensify: EU faces heightened threat from espionage and cyberattacks

    Amid ongoing war in Ukraine, Moscow continues to meddle in European Union affairs through hybrid warfare methods, which include espionage, cyberattacks, disinformation, and acts of sabotage.

    Russian leader Vladimir Putin remains proactive in influencing EU processes using these hybrid methods, compelling Western nations to take the threats from Russia more seriously, reports German newspaper Die Welt, citing anonymous sources within Western intelligence agencies.

    According to these sources, …

  • Polish Foreign Minister: EU to deliberate major aid for Ukraine

    In a significant development, the European Union is set to discuss major assistance measures for Ukraine at the upcoming EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting next week.

    The council sessions might prove to be dramatic, as the members will focus on critical support issues for Ukraine, said Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski during a TVN, stressing the need for "large-scale decisions" pertaining to Ukraine's aid.

    "There needs to be a decision made on whether we are prepared to allocate real …

  • Moldovan police uncover $24 million voter bribery scheme allegedly linked to Russia

    Viorel Černeuțanu, head of the General Inspectorate of the Moldovan Police, stated that over $24 million were allegedly transferred from Russia to Moldova via the "Promsvyazbank" app in October to bribe voters during elections and a referendum. Law enforcement points fingers at fugitive pro-Russian oligarch Ilan Shor for involvement in this scheme.

    Reports indicate that in September, the transfer amount was already significant, reaching $15 million. The app was used to facilitate the …