Von der Leyen, other European leaders arrive in Kyiv on Ukraine Statehood Day
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she would announce new initiatives to integrate the Ukrainian and European defense industries.
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Martin Fornusek
ReporterMartin Fornusek is a reporter for the Kyiv Independent, specializing in international and regional politics, history, and disinformation. Based in Lviv, Martin often reports on international politics, with a focus on analyzing developments related to Ukraine and Russia. His career in journalism began in 2021 after graduating from Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia, earning a Master's degree in Conflict and Democracy Studies. Martin has been invited to speak on Times Radio, France 24, Czech Television, and Radio Free Europe. He speaks English, Czech, and Ukrainian.
Articles
Updated US Russia sanctions bill eases tariffs on Russian oil, gas buyers
The bill would impose tariffs of up to 100% on the top five buyers of Russian oil or natural gas, while granting the U.S. president authority to waive the sanctions "upon a justification and certification to Congress."
'Bulgaria doesn't belong there' — Ukraine-skeptic PM Radev quits the Coalition of the Willing
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev said his country does not provide defense assistance to Ukraine because such support only "prolongs the conflict" and urged a diplomatic solution instead.
Head of Ukraine's state-run defense giant steps down week after deadly Vyshneve depot blast
The news follows a major controversy at Ukroboronprom, centered around a deadly explosion at one of its ammunition depots during a Russian attack on the Kyiv suburb of Vyshneve on July 6.
As sports bodies reopens door to Russia, 9 EU countries back cutting funding to IOC
The call was backed by Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and Sweden.
Poland to host joint Coalition of the Willing drills this fall
"These drills will prepare the entire coalition gathered here today in Paris to provide genuine security guarantees for Ukraine, but also for the broader region," Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said.
Ukrainians injured in Iranian strikes on tankers in Strait of Hormuz
Iranian cruise missiles struck two Emirati tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, killing one crew member and injuring eight, including two Ukrainians, the Emirati Defense Ministry reported.
Ukraine, 9 European partners launch anti-ballistic missile coalition to support Freya air defense project
Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the U.K. are joining Kyiv in an effort to "build a shared anti-ballistic missile capacity for Europe," the French presidency said.
Zelensky meeting European leaders in France to discuss Ukraine's anti-ballistic defenses
At least 25 leaders are expected to attend today's summit, which is set to focus on addressing Ukraine's critical air defense shortages amid escalating Russian ballistic missile attacks.
EU ramps up Russia's Yamal LNG purchases as import ban nears
Between January and June, EU countries paid an estimated 5.96 billion euros ($6.82 billion) for Yamal LNG cargoes, the NGO Urgewald reported.
US Senator Graham claims White House backing for Russia sanctions bill
The sanctions package " would give tools to President Trump to help end this war," U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said on July 10.
Zelensky invited to Coalition of the Willing meeting in France on July 13
The meeting will bring together at least 25 heads of state and government to renew the push for a ceasefire and peace talks, according to the Elysee Palace
Russia issues veiled threats over Dutch PM's Kyiv Independent interview
"Such statements... are not only taken note of, but also factored into military and political planning," the Russian embassy in the Netherlands said after Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten voiced support for Ukrainian strikes into Russian territory.
Polish defense minister fends off criticism over sending Patriot missiles to Ukraine
"I'd rather those missiles intercept projectiles over Ukraine than have Russian missiles ever reach Poland," Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said.
Russia restates its maximalist war goals, despite Trump's renewed peace push
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow would pursue the goals laid out in June 2024, which included Ukraine's full withdrawal from the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.
