# European Union
Zelensky discussed the consequences of Russia’s strike on Galați with the President of Romania
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, spoke with the President of Romania, Nicușor Dan, following a Russian drone strike on a residential building in Galați. The two leaders discussed the security situation and future cooperation between the two countries
The Czech Republic has stated that it is necessary to prepare for the threat posed by Russia
The Chief of the Czech General Staff, Karel Řehka, has stated that the country must step up the training of its armed forces due to the potential threat from Russia. According to him, Moscow remains the main challenge to European security, and there is less and less time for modernisation and rearmament
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.
The Czech Republic plans to tighten rules for Ukrainian refugees: what we know
The Czech Republic plans to update the rules for Ukrainians granted temporary protection. The government has approved amendments to the law that provide for stricter controls on refugees’ stay in the country and set out new conditions for receiving humanitarian benefits.
The Czech President calls on NATO to ‘show its teeth’ in response to Russia’s provocations
Czech President Petr Pavel has stated that NATO must respond more decisively to Russia’s provocations on the Alliance’s eastern flank. According to him, a weak response only encourages Moscow to take further action.
EU diplomats will continue their work in Kyiv despite Russia’s threats
The European Union’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova, has stated that EU diplomats will not leave Kyiv, despite Russia’s threats of new large-scale air strikes.
A blogger from Ukraine may be banned from entering Poland
A scandal has erupted in Poland over Ukrainian blogger Andriy Havryliv, who drove his car into the Morskie Oko area within the Tatra National Park. Following the publicity, Polish officials have taken an interest in the case, and the blogger could face a ban on entering the country
France has banned Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir from entering the country
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barro has stated that Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has been banned from entering France. Paris has also called on the European Union to impose sanctions against him
Sandu has set out the condition for ending the war in Ukraine
Moldovan President Maia Sandu has stated that Ukraine’s international partners must step up economic pressure on Russia to force the Kremlin into genuine negotiations to end the war
Okamura has called for the removal of protection for Ukrainians in the Czech Republic BrandVoice
Tomio Okamura, leader of the Czech SPD party, has claimed that the European Union is reportedly discussing the possibility of ending temporary protection for Ukrainian men of conscription age
The US Senate is calling for the release of aid to Ukraine
US senators from both parties have called on US Defence Secretary Pete Hagset to release $600 million in security aid to Ukraine and the Baltic states as soon as possible
Le Pen wants to withdraw France from NATO’s military structure
Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s far-right party, has stated that if she wins the 2027 presidential election, she will withdraw France from NATO’s integrated military command. Her stance has been criticised by the French government
