The new tranche brings total recent EU defense support for Ukraine to 3.3 billion euros ($3.6 billion), marking a significant expansion of European efforts to boost Kyiv's defense industry.
"Russia is ready for negotiations without any preconditions," Putin claimed in an address marking the end of the three-day Victory Day ceasefire. He invited Ukraine to begin talks in Istanbul on May 15.
Both men face charges related to terrorism and espionage. Daniil B. was detained in Lithuania, where he is in temporary custody, while Oleksandr V. remains at large in Russia.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Ukraine and its allies discussed tougher sanctions against Russia's banking sector, central bank, and energy industry.
"We are ready for all options. But of course, we are separately waiting for a response on the ceasefire," a source close to President Volodymyr Zelensky told the Kyiv Independent.
The EU plans to unveil on May 14 its next package of sanctions imposed against Russia over its aggression against Ukraine, an EU official told the Kyiv Independent on condition of anonymity.
Polish truckers plan to restrict freight traffic at the Yahodyn-Dorohusk checkpoint on the Ukrainian border, Ukraine's State Border Guard said on May 12.
"If the Russians are using this level of specialists in urban combat, they are probably facing some difficulties," Ivan Petrychak, spokesperson for the 24th Separate Mechanized Brigade, said.
Previously, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk accused the Russian intelligence services of orchestrating a May 2024 arson attack on the Marywilska shopping centre in Warsaw.
"Perhaps in some areas, the intensity decreased slightly to create an image of compliance with their own announcement. But in reality, (Russia) continued attacks every day, using all available weapons — including aircraft to drop guided bombs on Ukraine," Andrii Demchenko, spokesperson for Ukraine’s State Border Guard Service, said.
Beijing supports all efforts toward achieving peace in Ukraine, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on May 12 when asked about Kyiv and Europe's proposal for a 30-day truce.
"I invited His Holiness to make an apostolic visit to Ukraine. Such a visit would bring real hope to all believers and to all our people," Zelensky said.
Presidential Office chief Andriy Yermak voiced doubt about leading negotiations with anyone from Russia except President Vladimir Putin, implying only the Russian leader can make real decisions.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk speaks during a press conference after a government meeting in Warsaw, Poland, on Jan. 3, 2024. (Foto Olimpik/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The European Union will find a way to pass a proposed 50 billion euro ($54 billion) aid package for Ukraine "with or without" the support of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk concluded at a press conference on Jan. 30.
Tusk's comments come ahead of the Feb. 1 special summit of the European Council, where EU leaders will resume talks about aid for Ukraine. The Hungarian prime minister, broadly seen as the most pro-Russian in the EU, blocked the decision on the EU’s financial assistance for Kyiv last December.
"Viktor Orban was left alone on the battlefield, he is the only politician who is so clearly anti-Ukrainian," Tusk said on Tuesday, adding that Orban faces a stark decision in the coming days as to whether or not to support funding.
Tusk, the former president of the European Council and a staunch supporter of Ukraine, also expressed optimism in eventually reaching an agreement on funding.
"Everything indicates that one way or another, we will find some solution to support Ukraine – with or without Orban."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said earlier in January that the EU will pass the package with 26 members, implying it was possible to do so without Hungary's consent. She added that she "strongly preferred" having the aid pass with the approval of all 27 member states.
It is unclear how such a move to bypass the need for unanimous support would occur.
Earlier on Tuesday, Orban begrudgingly signaled his willingness to drop his opposition to the aid package, reaffirming a proposed compromise offer that would require the aid package to be reviewed on a yearly basis. Some EU countries have expressed skepticism at the proposal, insisting Hungary would block the funding year-over-year while seeking further concessions.
Calling for consensus among European allies, Tusk added that "it would be better, and we would all feel better in this situation, if the unity of Europe on this issue was preserved. And we are working on it."
In recent days, Hungary and Ukraine have seemingly taken steps to improve bilateral relations ahead of the pivotal EU funding summit. During a meeting on Jan. 30 with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba stated that he considers Orban to be pro-Hungarian, not pro-Russian.
Despite some progress, Szijjarto noted that it may be a long time before a meeting between Orban and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky can take place.
The EU has considered using the "nuclear option" of revoking Hungary's voting rights if it again vetoes the $54 billion aid package - a move Hungary amounts to EU "blackmail."
A leaked document revealed by the Financial Times also notes that the EU has an alleged plan in place to shut off EU funding for Hungary in case the aid package was vetoed.
Senior EU leaders later denied that such a plan was in the works.
Nate Ostiller
