Politics & Economics

The UN Secretary-General wants all parties to the Russo-Ukrainian war to take urgent steps toward de-escalation since everything is developing “in the wrong direction”. This was stated by UN Secretary-General's spokesman Stephane Dujarric, who commented at journalists’ request on Russia using a new ballistic missile in the war against Ukraine, an Ukrinform's own correspondent in New York reports. This is yet another disturbing development, he said, adding that everything is developing in the wrong direction. The UN wants all parties to take urgent steps to de-escalate the situation, to ensure the protection of the civilian population, and not to launch…

On November 21, 2024, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on Ukrainian oligarch Dmitry Firtash and individuals associated with him, including his wife, over corruption. The relevant press release was published on the website of the UK Government, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. According to the UK Government, this designation was made under the Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions Regulations 2021. The reason for imposing restrictions, such as asset freezes and travel bans, is that Dmitry Firtash “is or has been involved in being responsible for or engaging in serious corruption.” “Specifically, Firtash has been involved in the bribing of public officials to obtain…

Ukraine calls for more drastic measures to be taken against the aggressor state of Russia over its attempts to provoke a radiation accident by attacking the substations that are critical to the operation of nuclear power plants (NPPs). The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko at a meeting with EU ambassadors in Vienna, Austria, an Ukrinform correspondent reports, referring to the Ukrainian Energy Ministry. “It is critical to take more drastic measures against Russia. Otherwise, it looks like a waste of time. After the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) highlighted the importance of these plants, the…

Ukraine and Italy are expanding cooperation in the supply of critical raw materials. The relevant statement was made by Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister, Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko during the Italy-Ukraine Business Forum in Rome, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. [embedded content] “Our countries will work together to develop value chains for critical raw materials. Attracting investment and innovative development in this area is one of Ukraine’s priorities. Cooperation with Italy will help us achieve our goals,” Svyrydenko noted. Primarily, the above refers to promoting safe and sustainable practices within the value chains of critical raw materials, as well as expanding commercial…

On Thursday, Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram announced that Norway will provide Ukraine with NOK 500 million (almost EUR 43 million) to develop its defense industry. This is stated in a press release published on the Norwegian government's website, Ukrinform reports. “This funding will be directed to Ukraine’s defense industry to enable quicker production of weapons and military equipment,” Gram said at a Nordic Defense Ministers’ meeting in Copenhagen, which was focused on the war in Ukraine and its need for support. The head of the Norwegian Defense Ministry noted that Norway has been contributing from own stockpiles and…

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal of Ukraine had a meeting with the ambassadors of EU member states to discuss continued support for Ukraine next year. The head of government announced this on Telegram, Ukrinform reports. "The focus of talks is the passing of this year and continuation of comprehensive support next year. An important and urgent issue is going through winter. Thanks to all the states for their help with restoration and power equipment. Russia is again trying to plunge Ukrainians into darkness and cold, so we count on coordinated support. We also discussed long-term plans for the development of our…

The U.S. Senate did not support the initiative put forward by Senator Rand Paul, who tried to block President Biden's decision to write off half of Ukraine's debt for a loan provided as economic aid. The voting took place overnight Thursday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. The Republican senator's resolution saw support from only 37 legislators, all Republican senators. Sixty-one senators spoke against it, and two did not vote. As Ukrinform reported earlier, on Wednesday the U.S. Department of State confirmed that the Biden administration had taken the first step to cancel neatly $4.6 billion in Ukraine’s debt. Read also: IMF…

President Volodymyr Zelenskyi met with the delegation from the UK, who arrived in Ukraine on a visit, led by the Chief of the UK Defense Staff, Admiral Sir Antony Radakin. That's according to the President's Office, Ukrinform reports. The meeting was also attended by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, and Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Anatoliy Barhylevych. "We are grateful to your people and government for long-term support from the United Kingdom. Our countries have good contacts and strong cooperation," the head of state noted. Read also: UK says to…

Since the beginning of the war in neighboring Ukraine, Hungary has insisted on finding a peaceful solution at the negotiating table, and continues to believe that arms supplies to Ukraine only increases the death toll and destruction. This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the EU-presiding Hungary, Peter Szijjarto, who spoke at a press conference following the meeting of the EU Council of Ministers on Foreign Relations (trade) in Brussels on Thursday, reports an Ukrinform correspondent. Hungarian authorities are convinced, the minister said, the 1,000 days of war prove that supplying weapons only helps to kill more…

The IMF Executive Board will meet to hear the results of the sixth review of the Extended Fund Facility for Ukraine and to make a decision on the allocation of the next tranche in the coming weeks. Julia Kozack, chief of the IMF Communications Department, said this on Thursday during a briefing in Washington in response to Ukrinform's questions. Regarding the time when the IMF Executive Board will hold a meeting, it is expected to take place in the coming weeks, the Fund’s spokesperson said. She clarified that the management will make a decision regarding the allocation of another tranche…