Ukraine
Russian struggling with import substitution, study finds
Import substitution has become a matter of survival for Russia after extreme sanctions cut off supplies of many products, especially in electronics.
Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil refineries have done little damage to Russia’s economy so far
Ukraine continues to attack Russian refineries with drones but as drones only carry a 5-50kg explosive payload, rather than the 500kg carried by bombers, they can’t destroy a refinery, only damage it.
First shipment of ammunition from Czech-led initiative arrives in Ukraine
The Czech government has said that the first 50,000 to 100,000 artillery shells would reach Ukraine in June, and half a million by the end of the year.
Ukraine and Moldova commence EU accession talks in Luxembourg
Ukraine and Moldova have officially begun their long-anticipated negotiations for accession to the European Union, marking a significant step towards integration with the bloc.
COMMENT: Why China sat out on the Ukraine's Swiss peace summit
China’s failure to show up for Ukraine’s Swiss peace summit in mid-June was a major setback in Kyiv’s attempts to set a new benchmark for the international support of its military struggle with Russia and an attempt to rally the Global South.
Slovak Ministry of Defence files lawsuit against previous cabinet over donation of fighter jets to Ukraine
Ministry says decision against constitution and contractual obligations and left skies unprotected.
Kyiv shooting of Kazakh opposition activist a “professional” hit, says wife
Attack came hours after couple released video critical of Kazakhstan’s leader Kassym Jomart-Tokayev. Responding to the “crime”, Tokayev offers to help Ukraine solve the case.
78 countries sign limited communique at Ukraine summit in Switzerland
Over 100 countries attend summit but major emerging markets refuse to sign even watered-down version of communique.
Putin offers Ukraine ceasefire, freezing current frontline
Russian President Vladimir Putin called for a ceasefire in the Ukrainian war, freezing the current frontline, if Ukraine is willing to withdraw from the four regions annexed by Russia last year and agrees to give up its Nato membership ambitions.
Far-right gains in Europe pose challenge for EU enlargement
Analysts warn growing influence of far-right and Eurosceptic parties at EU and national level could complicate efforts to integrate new member states.
_1718368522.jpg)
STOLYPIN: West needs to talk seriously about Ukraine
We do not have any kind of a common sense of quite what ‘victory’ or ‘defeat’ really mean.
Russian cyberwar against Ukraine and the West
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 its cyberattacks have stepped up, hitting targets in Ukraine, as well as its Western allies.
Russian warships dock in Cuba for Caribbean drills amid Ukraine tensions
A fleet of Russian warships has entered Cuban waters, setting the stage for upcoming military exercises in the Caribbean amidst heightened international tensions linked to the war in Ukraine. The ships were greeted in Havana with 21 cannon salutes.
Russia's central bank suspends trading in dollars and euros after US issues new bank sanctions
Long lines formed outside exchange kiosks in Moscow as the Central Bank of Russia suspended trading in dollars and euros as a result of new US sanctions targeting banks facilitating sanctions-busting trade with Russia on June 12.
Orban and Stoltenberg reach agreement on Hungarian opt-out on Nato support for Ukraine
Hungary will not have to provide funding for Ukraine or send personnel there, but it will also not obstruct other Nato members from doing so.
Women steering Ukraine’s businesses through war and hardship
Furniture company Tivoli managed to double its exports since the Russian invasion thanks to the tireless efforts of commercial director Julia Lisovska and her colleagues.
CENUSA: Differentiated EU accession – the imminent decoupling of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia
The only Eastern Partnership countries with Association Agreements (Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia) entered the EU enlargement package in the period 2022-2023. This separated them from the rest of the EU's eastern neighbouring states.
KSE: Damages to Ukraine’s energy sector exceeded $56bn
As a result of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine, the energy sector suffered direct damages and indirect financial losses in the amount of $56.2bn.
US, Germany to transfer additional 100 Patriot air defence interceptor missiles to Ukraine
The US and Germany agreed to transfer 100 desperately needed Patriot air defence interceptor missiles to Ukraine to shore up its air defences in the face of a devastating Russian barrage on its energy sector.
A downbeat Berlin Recovery Conference highlights that Ukraine is increasingly in survival mode
It is time for Ukraine’s partners and allies to provide Ukraine with “all the weapons necessary for the Ukrainian defence forces to carry out the full de-occupation of the country's territory", says President Zelinskiy.