Netherlands' incoming coalition government reaffirms support for Ukraine
Under outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte, the Netherlands has been a staunch ally of Ukraine, being one of the few partners to pledge F-16 fighter jets.
European Union
Media: EU ambassadors agree on 'broadcast ban' of key Russian propaganda outlets
The move would reportedly impact Rossiyskaya Gazeta, Voice of Europe, RIA Novosti, and Izvestiya, said RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak.
Reuters: France, Netherlands want EU to sanction financial institutions that help Russian army
The proposed sanctions would prohibit anyone in the EU from doing business with any financial institution that helps the Russian military purchase dual-use goods and technologies.
Estonian defense minister: No new development on idea to send troops to Ukraine
The Estonian government has held no specific discussions on sending the country's troops to Ukraine, Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said on May 14, according to public broadcaster ERR.
EU Council approves Ukraine Plan needed for $54 billion support program
The approval of the plan will allow the European Commission to disburse up to 1.89 billion euros ($2 billion) in an additional pre-financing tranche until the start of regular payments tied to the implementation of the reforms.
FT: Moldova, EU to sign security pact
Moldova and the EU intend to sign a security agreement in the next week, increasing cooperation in the spheres of defense, cyber threats, and foreign interference to "unprecedented levels," the Financial Times reported on May 14.
EU Council extends export tariffs suspension for Ukraine for another year
The extension of the free-trade regime also included two new "safeguard mechanisms to protect the EU market."
Tusk: Poland to fortify border with Belarus due to 'hybrid war'
Warsaw has also, for several years, accused Belarus of deliberately pushing migrants into Poland in order to pressure the EU over sanctions, a charge Belarus has denied.
Czechia provides Ukraine over $800,000 for forestry development
The funds are part of a broader initiative known as "Strengthening Ukraine's Forest Monitoring Capacity to Align with EU Standards." The goal is to improve Ukraine's ability to monitor forests and collect accurate data.
Minister: 3 billion euros of Russian assets revenue 'almost nothing' in war's context
"If we are talking about the needs of Ukraine and the needs of the war, military and non-military, 3 billion euros is actually almost nothing— we need hundreds of billions in order to win the war," Justice Minister Denys Maliuska told Politico at the G7 justice ministers' meeting in Venice on May 9.
Zelensky meets Slovak President Caputova in Kyiv
Zelensky thanked Caputova "for her determination and moral leadership shown in the face of the full-scale Russian invasion, as well as for supporting the Ukrainian Peace Formula," the presidential office said.
Zelensky: Ukraine expects EU accession negotiations to begin in June
Ukraine expects to begin accession negotiation to join the European Union in June, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 9.
Zelensky, von der Leyen discuss EU accession and peace summit
In a tweet on X, Ursula von der Leyen also confirmed she would be attending the upcoming peace summit to be held on June 15-16 in Switzerland.
EU Ambassador to Ukraine: Ukraine could join EU in 2030
2030 is a very real date for Ukraine to join the European Union, Katarina Mathernova, the EU ambassador to Ukraine, said in an interview on May 9.
EU ambassadors agree on using Russian assets revenue to fund Ukraine
EU ambassadors agreed in principle on a measure using profits from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's recovery and military needs, the Belgian Presidency of the EU said on May 8.
Bloomberg: EU planning restrictions on 11 vessels of Russia's shadow fleet
The shadow fleet refers to aging and largely uninsured oil tankers that Russia uses to transport oil above the $60 per barrel price cap that the EU, the U.S., and the Group of Seven (G7) countries imposed in December 2022 as part of the effort to cut Moscow's fossil fuels revenue.
Putin inaugurated for 5th term in office in ceremony largely boycotted by West
The inauguration was attended by representatives from six EU countries: France, Hungary, Slovakia, Greece, Malta, and Cyprus.
Bugging devices found in room where Polish government was scheduled to meet
Jacek Dobrzynski, a spokesperson for the Polish security service, said that the devices had been found and dismantled in a meeting room in Katowice.
Reuters: US, most EU nations abstain from attending Putin's inauguration
The United States and the majority of European Union nations will not attend the Kremlin ceremony for Vladimir Putin's inauguration for another six-year presidential term on May 7.
EU Commission to end years-long rule-of-law procedure against Poland
The EU's executive arm launched the sanctions procedure, which can lead to the suspension of certain rights, in 2017 against the Polish government at the time led by the conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party.
Bloomberg: EU plans to ban Russian funding for political parties, think tanks
According to Bloomberg, the ban on Russian funding could impact far-right parties in Europe such as Germany's AfD and France's National Rally, both of which have previously been accused of links to Russia.
Commissioner: EU's next package of Russia sanctions to target LNG imports
Kadri Simson also said the EU is preparing for a sudden end to the Russian gas supply when the transit contract between Ukraine and Moscow expires at the end of this year.
Reuters: France to send ambassador to Putin's inauguration
Many European countries, such as the U.K., Estonia, Czechia, and others, have said they will boycott the inauguration ceremony.
EU Commissioner: EU begins work on new Defense Innovation office in Kyiv
The European Union has started work on establishing the new Defense Innovation office in Kyiv, EU Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton said on May 6 at the EU-Ukraine Defense Industries Forum.
European Commission looks to sanction Voice of Europe media outlet
The EU executive body is proposing that the Voice of Europe media outlet be added to the upcoming 14th round of EU sanctions against Russia, the Vice-President of the European Commission, Vera Jourova, said on May 5, as reported by European Pravda.
EU, NATO denounce Russia's cyberattacks on Germany, Czechia
"This type of behavior is contrary to the UN norms of responsible state behavior in cyberspace, such as impairing the use and operation of critical infrastructure," the European Council said.
US, EU, UN criticize Georgia's foreign agents bill
"We are deeply concerned about this legislation - what it could do in terms of stifling dissent and free speech," U.S. national security spokesperson John Kirby said during a press briefing.
Gazprom reports nearly $6.9 billion in net losses in 2023
The state-owned Russian energy giant Gazprom reported a net loss of 629 billion rubles (nearly $6.9 billion) in 2023, the company's largest profit downturn in decades amidst falling gas prices and a limited European market.
Duda: Polish EU presidency to focus on Ukraine's integration as one of key priorities
One of the main priorities of Poland's EU presidency next year will be the accession efforts of Ukraine, Moldova, and Western Balkan countries, Polish President Andrzej Duda said on May 1, RMF 24 reported.
Media: Slovakia grants temporary protection to man accused of running pro-Russian propaganda network
Ukrainian-Israeli citizen Artem Marchevskyi, accused by Czech authorities of running a pro-Russian propaganda network from Prague, has been granted temporary protection in neighboring Slovakia, the Czech news outlet Denik N reported on April 30, citing its undisclosed sources.
Polish government backs law amendments on Ukrainian refugees, extending protection status
"We will support Ukrainian citizens who had to flee the war and took refuge in Poland, but we also expect clear and explicit rules. This is all in the act that the government adopted," Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said.
Stoltenberg: Ukraine's trust in NATO 'dented' by aid delays
Speaking to Reuters, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said an overhaul of how international military aid was coordinated was required.
Three years of reporting, funded by our readers.
Millions read the Kyiv Independent, but only one in 10,000 readers makes a financial contribution. For our third birthday this November, we're looking for 1,000 new members to fund our mission and to help us prepare for what 2025 might bring. We’re relying on you.
Help us get 1,000 new members!
(Updated: )
Most popular
Editors' Picks
Kremlin finds new enemies to target — Russians without kids
With Scholz's government in shambles, conservative rival touts more decisive Ukraine strategy
Ukraine reacts warily to Trump appointments as Russia’s war rages on
