EU declines to speculate on Ukraine's entry date amid reports of 2027 push
"It is clear that EU integration can contribute to our common objective: securing peace and prosperity for Ukraine," a European Commission spokesperson said.
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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
US boards another vessel from Russia's shadow fleet
The vessel is part of the "shadow fleet," a group of tankers used by Moscow to export oil in violation of international sanctions, according to Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR).
Germany indicts Ukrainian national over alleged Russian-backed sabotage plot
The suspect, identified as Yevhen B., was detained in Switzerland in May 2025 and extradited to Germany in December.
Newsmax, conservative US network, launching Ukraine news channel
Newsmax, founded by Chris Ruddy, a close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, will open a full-fledged editorial office in Ukraine to produce local and regional news content.
Budapest blasts conscription in Ukraine, backs Hungarian suspected of smuggling draft evaders
The Hungarian government said on Feb. 8 that it is providing consular protection to its citizen detained by Ukraine over allegedly trying to help five Ukrainian draft-age men illegally cross the border.
Drone crashes at Polish military base, operator detained
The drone, a small commercially available model, crashed at the 1st Air Cavalry Battalion's base in the Lodz province after snagging a tree. No damage was recorded, the Polish military police reported.
European officials warn Russian veterans could play a role in Moscow’s shadow war
Europe must ban entry to all Russian veterans of the war against Ukraine or face a surge in crime rates and hybrid attacks, Estonian officials have warned.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna warned that battle-hardened "ex-prisoners and rapists" could flood Europe after the war and carry out nefarious activities on behalf of Russian intelligence.
To boost common security, Tallinn proposed a blanket Schengen entry ban for Russian veterans during a meeting of European foreign ministers on
Kyiv groans a collective ‘WTF?’ to Trump’s latest Putin comments
U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that his Russian counterpart "kept his word" by not launching mass missile and drone strikes against Ukraine's energy infrastructure for a week has been met with bewilderment and dismay in Kyiv.
"I believe this is either a mockery of our misfortune, a lack of understanding of the situation, or wishful thinking," Volodymyr Ariev, a lawmaker from the opposition European Solidarity party, told the Kyiv Independent.
The confusing saga of a supposed truce on stri
Ukraine peace talks with Russia, US to continue in UAE Feb. 5, Zelensky says new POW exchange to come soon
The latest trilateral meeting in the United Arab Emirates took place a day after Russia launched its most massive strike against Ukraine this winter.
NATO chief confident allies will commit $15 billion in US arms for Ukraine in 2026
"I'm absolutely confident that the money will be there," Rutte said during a press conference alongside President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv when asked about the figure requested by Ukraine.
West agrees to respond militarily to Russia's ceasefire violations in Ukraine, FT reports
A more extensive Russian attack would trigger a coordinated Western-led military response backed by U.S. forces, initiated 72 hours after the initial breach, the Financial Times reported.
Trump's envoy Witkoff to reportedly join Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Abu Dhabi
Witkoff is then reportedly expected to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other officials in Istanbul on Feb. 6 to discuss details of a potential nuclear deal amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions.
Trump to reduce tariffs on India, says Modi agreed to stop buying Russian oil
"This will help END THE WAR in Ukraine," Trump said on Truth Social after holding a phone call with Modi, adding that the Indian leader agreed "to buy much more (oil) from the United States and, potentially, Venezuela."
Balloons from Belarus enter Poland's airspace for 3rd night in a row
After spotting "objects resembling balloons" on radar, Polish military and security forces quickly intercepted them and detained individuals suspected of involvement, the Polish military said.
Hungary takes EU to court over Russian energy ban
"Without Russian oil and gas, our energy security cannot be guaranteed, nor can low energy costs be maintained for Hungarian families," Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said.
