Politics
The EU may provide Ukraine with the first tranche of the loan as early as this quarter
The first tranche of financial aid from the European Union could reach Ukraine as early as this quarter. This refers to funds under the approved €90 billion loan programme.
China is hacking into home routers and webcams around the world for spying purposes – media reports
The UK’s cyber police, in collaboration with authorities from nine other countries, have issued a warning about a large-scale espionage campaign being carried out by Chinese-linked hacking groups, who are hacking into common household devices – routers, printers and webcams – and turning them into surveillance tools.
The EU has finally approved a €90 billion support package for Ukraine
The European Union has officially approved a €90 billion loan for Kyiv and a 20th package of sanctions against Russia. The first tranche could be disbursed in May or June.
Hungary’s future prime minister aims to strengthen Central Europe’s role through an alliance with Austria
Hungary’s Prime Minister-elect, Péter Magyar, has stated his intention to deepen cooperation with Austria and other countries in the region in order to strengthen Central Europe’s influence within the European Union.
Germany has unveiled a new military strategy, with Russia identified as the main threat
On 22 April, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius presented the country’s first military strategy in modern history in Berlin. The document provides for an increase in the size of the Bundeswehr and identifies Russia as the main threat to security in Europe.
A new low in the Verkhovna Rada: the number of MPs has fallen to a critical level
There are now only 391 MPs left in the Verkhovna Rada. This is a record low, as the constitutional composition of parliament calls for 450 MPs. However, as early as next week, the Servant of the People faction could gain one more MP.
The unrestricted sale of weapons abroad is impossible during the active phase of the war — Budanov
Kirill Budanov, Head of the President’s Office, believes that Ukraine should only sell those types of weaponry that it has in surplus, including naval drones and drone models that are obsolete for modern warfare.
The Russian Foreign Ministry says the country has been invited to the G20 summit
Russia claims that it has been invited to attend the G20 summit in the US at the highest level. However, it is not yet known whether Russia will attend the summit or who will represent it.
The court has divided the assets of Petro and Maryna Poroshenko after a fourth attempt
The Vinnytsia Court of Appeal upheld Marina Poroshenko’s appeal in the case concerning the division of the couple’s joint property. The court recognised each spouse’s right to personal ownership of certain assets.
Ukraine is ready to deploy British ships to the mission to restore navigation in the Strait of Hormuz
The Ukrainian military has stated its readiness to deploy ships currently stationed in Portsmouth to a potential British-French mission in the Strait of Hormuz once tensions surrounding Iran have eased. This concerns four minesweepers which are currently unable to reach the Black Sea.
The Chief of the US Navy, John Fallon, has unexpectedly stepped down
On 23 April, the Pentagon announced the immediate departure of US Navy Secretary John Fallon. He became the first head of a branch of the armed forces to step down during Donald Trump’s second term in office.
The EU plans to restrict entry for Russians who took part in the war against Ukraine
The European Union is preparing a proposal to ban entry for Russian citizens who have fought against Ukraine. The document is due to be presented at the European Council meeting in June.
