Contents tagged with EU
-
EU approves 16th sanctions package against Russia: targeting banks, media, and 'shadow fleet'
EU nations have greenlit a new wave of sanctions against Russia amid its ongoing military invasion of Ukraine. This marks the 16th sanctions package, set to take effect on February 24, 2025, coinciding with the third anniversary of Russia’s all-out war against Ukraine, according to Poland, the current holder of the EU Council presidency.
This latest round introduces more stringent measures: 13 additional Russian banks are set to be cut off from the SWIFT system. Furthermore, eight Russian …
-
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov dismisses European role in Ukraine peace talks
In a recent statement, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov remarked that European countries have "no business" being involved in peace negotiations regarding Ukraine, as their aim might be to freeze the conflict to rearm Kyiv.
Lavrov recalled the words of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who reportedly stated that the 2014 Minsk agreements were an attempt to grant Ukraine time to strengthen itself. "Today, Ukraine is not the Ukraine of 2014/15," Merkel had said in December 2022. …
-
EU plans new sanctions targeting key sectors of Russian economy
As the EU ramps up for its 16th sanctions package against Russia, officials are eyeing restrictions on 50 categories of Russian goods, aligning with the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, said EU Special Representative for Sanctions David O'Sullivan during an interview with Kazakh media, Kazinform.
O'Sullivan noted that these additional trade restrictions would affect 50 product codes previously highlighted for Kazakhstan's attention. Currently, about 60% of past …
-
EU's top diplomat warns of potential Russian aggression by 2028, urges increased defense spending
In a stark warning, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, cautioned that Russia might launch military aggression against an EU country as early as 2028. Speaking at the European Defence Agency’s (EDA) annual conference in Brussels on January 22, Kallas stated, "Many of our national intelligence services report that Russia may test our defense readiness in 3-5 years."
While she did not disclose specific details of the Kremlin's potential aggression plans, …
-
Ukraine urges EU to reduce refugee aid as Kyiv pushes for return of citizens amid wartime challenges
In a significant move by Ukrainian authorities, there is a call for European Union countries to cut back on aid to Ukrainian refugees, as Kyiv seeks to restrict consular services for Ukrainian men of conscription age living abroad. The strategy aims to encourage the return of citizens amid ongoing challenges domestically, as reported by Spanish newspaper El Pais. It's estimated that between 6 million and 10 million Ukrainians reside overseas, with Kyiv eager to see a fraction of them repatriate. …
-
Zelensky secures defense and diplomatic commitments for Ukraine in Brussels talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks with European counterparts on enhancing Ukraine's air defense systems to better protect cities and critical infrastructure.
During discussions in Brussels, President Zelensky underscored Ukraine's determination to strengthen its defense capabilities and readiness for diplomacy next year. The meeting with European leaders and officials aimed at bolstering Ukraine's positions both on the battlefield and diplomatically, as highlighted by the press …
-
Ukraine offers gas transit to Slovakia in 2025, excluding Russian supplies
Ukraine has reaffirmed its readiness to transit gas to Slovakia even in 2025, but with a stringent caveat: the gas must not be of Russian origin. In a development that follows Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's assertions about continued reliance on the Ukrainian pipeline in 2025, Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has been clear that Kyiv is prepared to supply EU countries with any gas that is not Russian. He emphasized the conclusion of the current transit agreement, stating, "From …
-
Germany raises alarm as Russian tank production surpasses combined European output
In a stark assessment of European defense capabilities, Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told the Bundestag on Thursday, December 5, that Russia's production of tanks significantly surpasses that of Europe. Pistorius warned of the escalating military threat posed by Moscow, saying, "Russia has transitioned its economy entirely for military purposes, supplying its armed forces with 1,000 to 1,500 tanks annually. This is roughly twice the combined production of the five largest European …
-
European Council President António Costa: only Ukraine can define just peace in war with Russia
António Costa, the newly appointed President of the European Council, has emphasized in an interview with Ukrinform that only Ukraine can decide when and how to end the Russo-Ukrainian war. He stressed that a ceasefire alone will not bring peace. Costa insists that the European Union must steadfastly support Kyiv financially, politically, diplomatically, and militarily.
Costa pointed out that reaching a ceasefire agreement in Ukraine does not mean peace will automatically follow. He asserted …
-
EU to allocate €1 billion from frozen Russian assets to strengthen Ukraine's defense industry
The European Union is channeling surplus revenues to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities. The European Commission has proposed directing €1 billion from the second batch of frozen Russian assets, directly towards boosting Ukraine's defense industry. This announcement was made by Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders during a plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, as reported by Ukrinform.
"We have mobilized €1.5 billion from frozen Russian assets' surplus revenues. 90% of …