International Relations
Ukraine has lodged a note of protest with Israel over the stolen grain
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has handed a note of protest to the Israeli Ambassador, Michael Brodsky, over the arrival in Israeli ports of grain that Russia has illegally exported from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Kyiv is demanding that Israel immediately halt imports of such produce and prevent it from being unloaded.
The EU has imposed its 20th round of sanctions against Russia: what does this mean?
The European Union has adopted its 20th package of sanctions against Russia, which is the largest in terms of the number of individuals and companies targeted in the last two years. The new restrictions are aimed at the Russian defence industry, drone manufacturers, the oil sector, banks, cryptocurrency instruments and schemes designed to circumvent sanctions.
Ukraine and the EBRD have launched a fundraising campaign to restore the arch at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant
On the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, Ukraine signed an agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for the allocation of €30 million for the first phase of repairs to the plant’s new safe confinement (protective arch).
Training of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Poland: from repairing VAB armoured personnel carriers to storming buildings
Intensive training for Ukrainian military personnel is currently underway in Poland as part of the EU Mission (EUMAM Ukraine). The programme focuses on practical skills that are essential on the modern battlefield
Zelenskyy and Aliyev have agreed on a security partnership
Ukraine and Azerbaijan are strengthening their strategic partnership in the defence and energy sectors. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Ilham Aliyev to discuss key security challenges and joint humanitarian projects
New sanctions against Russia and record-breaking aid for Ukraine
On the eve of the summit in Cyprus, the European Union officially approved a major aid package for Ukraine and imposed further sanctions on Russia’s energy sector. The key measures included a €90 billion loan and a ban on imports of Russian gas condensate
‘This is not peace, but a lull before the storm’: Ahmed Zakayev on Trump’s initiatives regarding Ukraine
Any agreements with the Russian Federation that do not include firm security guarantees for Ukraine will merely postpone the start of a new phase of the war. This was stated by Ahmed Zakayev, the head of the government of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria in exile
Duda in Kyiv: Russia must be permanently stripped of its energy influence over Europe
During the Kyiv Security Forum, held on 23–24 April, Andrzej Duda called for a radical tightening of sanctions against Russia. In his view, the world must establish a mechanism that would prevent the financing of the war through energy resources and the procurement of missile technology
Belarus as a ‘second front’: Kuleba on Putin’s plans
Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba believes that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is doing everything in his power to draw the Belarusian army into direct involvement in the war
The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs extends its condolences to Kyiv following the tragic shooting
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna has expressed his deepest condolences to the Ukrainian people following the tragic incident in Kyiv, which claimed the lives of at least six people
‘The Wall’ against drones: Estonia is building a unique defence system on its border with Russia
Estonia is embarking on a major reinforcement of the north-eastern section of its border with Russia. The main element of the defence will be a state-of-the-art radar system, which will close gaps in the monitoring of the Narva River — from the Gulf of Finland to Lake Peipus
Morning provocation: North Korea has fired ballistic missiles towards the East Sea
On Sunday, 19 April, Pyongyang carried out another launch of several short-range ballistic missiles. This came amid a series of tests of new weapons systems, with which Kim Jong-un is attempting to intimidate neighbouring countries and the US
