Politics

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko is being called upon to deliver a public report to the city’s residents. This refers to the regular report that the mayor is required to deliver at least twice a year — publicly, transparently and with an opportunity for questions.

Portugal has become the 15th country to accede to the Expanded Partial Agreement on the Special Tribunal, which will investigate Russia’s crime of aggression against Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a decree imposing sanctions on five Russian cultural figures linked to Russia’s participation in the 61st Venice Biennale. All of them justify the aggression and spread Russian propaganda at international events.

Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Beijing with Chen Li-wen, leader of Taiwan’s largest opposition party, the Kuomintang. During the talks, he stated that Beijing would not allow Taiwan to become independent, whilst Chen Li-wen emphasised the importance of peace and her party’s readiness to restore relations with China should it return to power.

Following the announcement of a ceasefire in the Middle East, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has once again turned his attention to the war in Ukraine. Against this backdrop, concerns are growing in Europe regarding the US’s role in any potential peace agreements.

Tehran has stated that it has not sent a delegation to Pakistan for talks with the US. Meanwhile, Islamabad is preparing for the meetings, which is heightening the uncertainty surrounding any potential dialogue.

US Vice-President J.D. Vance will lead the negotiations with Iran in Pakistan. The ceasefire between the parties remains fragile, and differences over its terms persist.

Ukraine is transitioning to a new model of energy security, based on a combination of large-scale generation, flexible capacity and local community autonomy. First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Denys Shmyhal has stated that in 2026 the state plans to launch a tender for the construction of up to 1.3 GW of new generation capacity, and this year it aims to commission 1.5 GW of distributed gas-fired generation.

The government has appointed Orest Mandziya as head of the State Customs Service. This was announced by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, who noted that the nomination had been put forward by Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko following an open competition. The Cabinet expects the new head to continue customs reforms and build a more transparent and efficient system.

Against the backdrop of the conflict surrounding Iran and sharp fluctuations in oil prices, attention has been drawn to major stock market deals concluded shortly before US President Donald Trump’s statements. Some experts suggest there may be signs of insider trading, whilst the White House rejects such allegations.

Against the backdrop of the war with Iran, prices for private flights have risen by up to 15%, but this is not deterring wealthy clients. In Thailand, operator MJets says that demand for business jets is not just holding up, but is becoming the new norm: planes are full, the number of new clients is growing, and some flights now cost over $20,000 for just over an hour in the air.

The US President has stated that Iran is failing to comply with the agreements on ensuring the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran had previously accused the US of breaching the terms of the agreement.