Politics
NATO is preparing to strengthen the Baltic states' defences in the event of a war with Russia
NATO plans to strengthen the defences of its eastern flank and establish a new structure for the rapid deployment of troops in Latvia and Estonia in the event of a war with Russia. To this end, the Alliance is set to deploy an additional army corps.
Russia has accused the US of refusing to grant a visa to a diplomat so that he could attend a UN Security Council meeting
Russia has stated that the US did not issue a visa to Alexander Alimov, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, to attend a meeting of the UN Security Council in New York.
In Poland, it is believed that Russia is not currently prepared for a major offensive against NATO
Міністр закордонних справ Польщі Радослав Сікорський заявив, що росія поки що не здатна провести великий наступ проти країн НАТО, проте Альянс має бути готовим до диверсій і провокацій.
An IMF mission has arrived in Kyiv to review Ukraine’s financing programme
On Wednesday, 27 May, a mission from the International Monetary Fund arrived in Kyiv for the first review of the four-year $8.1 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme.
The EU has extended sanctions against Russia for another year over human rights violations
The Council of the European Union has decided to extend the sanctions against those responsible for human rights violations and repression in Russia for a further year, until 28 May 2027.
Umerov is holding talks in Berlin with representatives from Germany, France and the UK
Rustem Umerov, Chair of the Ukrainian National Security and Defence Committee and chief negotiator, has arrived in Berlin for talks with national security advisers from Germany, France and the UK. The meeting is taking place against the backdrop of fresh Russian threats of strikes on Kyiv and discussions regarding Ukraine’s prospects for EU membership.
The EU has expanded the list of candidates for the role of representative in negotiations with Russia
The European Union is discussing new candidates for the role of representative in potential negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. The list includes the President of the European Council, António Costa, the former President of Finland, Sauli Niinistö, and the former President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker.
J.D. Vance found himself politically isolated following the resignation of Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard
Following the resignation of Tulsi Gabbard, US Vice-President J.D. Vance has been left without key allies on Donald Trump’s foreign policy team. According to the Daily Mail, there is also talk in the White House that Vance might decide not to stand in the 2028 presidential election.
Russia has threatened Armenia with the loss of cheap gas prices due to its growing ties with the EU
The Kremlin has stated that Armenia could lose its preferential price for Russian gas if it refuses to integrate with Russia and moves closer to the European Union.
A Russian frigate has been escorting tankers off the coast of the UK for almost two months
The Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich has been patrolling the waters off the coast of England for almost two months and escorting tankers from Russia’s so-called shadow fleet across the English Channel. The UK has stated that the Royal Navy is monitoring the movements of Russian ships, but has not carried out any interceptions.
The Netherlands has donated over 60 pick-up trucks and unmanned aerial vehicles to Ukraine
The Netherlands has delivered a new consignment of military aid to Ukraine, comprising over 60 Toyota Hilux vehicles and state-of-the-art unmanned aerial systems. The equipment is being prepared for dispatch to the Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces.
Poland has warned Russia of consequences should it attack diplomatic missions in Kyiv
Poland has emphasised that attacks on diplomatic missions would constitute yet another act of aggression by the Russian Federation. The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that any Russian strikes on diplomatic premises in Kyiv would be regarded as deliberate and intentional acts.
