Munich, Germany, Feb 14 (EFE). – Russia poisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny with a lethal toxin extracted from a South American frog, according to the results of an investigation presented on Saturday by the governments of Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Sweden, and the Netherlands. “Collaborative work has confirmed through laboratory testing that the deadly toxin … Read more
Davos, Switzerland (EFE).- United States President Donald Trump presented his Peace Board on Thursday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, announced further negotiations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and revealed his administration’s plans for what he calls “the new Gaza.” Initially, Zelenskyy stated that he would not travel to Switzerland unless required to sign … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv, Jan 10 (EFE).- Ukrainians expect foreign partners to remain committed to the planned security guarantees despite Russia’s demonstrative launch of an intermediate-range “Oreshnik” missile against the Lviv region, which borders EU and NATO territory. Details of the impact remained limited on Saturday, yet Ukrainian experts suggest that the missile caused only … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv (EFE).- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is carrying out a major reshuffle of the government and defense structures, including the proposed appointments of Mykhailo Fedorov as defense minister and Denys Shmyhal as energy minister, as he prepares for the potential failure of the peace effort. “If our partners do not force Russia … Read more
Moscow (EFE).- President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, warned his United States counterpart, Donald Trump, of his intention to revise his stance and some agreements reached in the previous stage of negotiations on Ukraine following an attack by Kyiv on one of Putin’s residences, the Kremlin reported on Monday, something Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denied. Russian … Read more
Kabul (EFE).- The Taliban government on Thursday expressed support for Russia’s interest in building a railway line through Afghanistan, saying improved security conditions make the country suitable for major regional connectivity projects. Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesperson for the Taliban-run Islamic Emirate, said Kabul welcomes recent remarks by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk that Moscow … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv, Ukraine (EFE). — Millions of Ukrainians spent Christmas Eve without electricity in freezing temperatures after a large-scale Russian attack on the country’s energy infrastructure on Wednesday, officials and residents said. Power outages were reported across several regions after Russia fired about 650 long-range drones and 38 missiles targeting electricity generation facilities … Read more
Washington, Dec 21 (EFE).- Representatives from the United States and Ukraine met in Miami to discuss security guarantees for Kyiv and the country’s economic recovery after the end of the conflict as part of a peace plan with Russia promoted by Washington “Over the last three days in Florida, the Ukrainian delegation held a series … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv (EFE).- Advances in Kupyansk, which Russia claimed to have captured in November, mark one of Ukraine’s major successes on the battlefield over the last two years, as Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy relies on the resilience of his army to strengthen the country’s negotiating position ahead of the key meeting with United … Read more
Brussels, Dec 12 (EFE).- The European Union countries approved on Friday the indefinite freezing of some 210 billion euros in Russian assets, allowing them to eventually be used to finance the reconstruction of the country if the 27 member states reach a consensus. The ambassadors of the EU member states agreed on Friday to indefinitely … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv (EFE).- Fastiv, a key logistical hub near Kyiv, Ukraine, has suffered massive strikes for three nights in a row as Russia attempts to paralyze the country’s railways, which are vital for civilian travel, grain exports, and military logistics. The railway station was destroyed in the attack on Dec. 6 against the … Read more
By Juan Verano New Delhi (EFE).- Russia and India agreed on an economic alliance for the next five years during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to New Delhi, where he met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Negotiations over Ukraine marked the visit. As of Friday, the second and final day of Putin’s visit to … Read more
Brussels (EFE).- NATO foreign ministers continued to support Ukraine by contributing 1 billion euros to the initiative to purchase American weapons for Kyiv on Wednesday, while maintaining their confidence that the United States’ diplomatic efforts for peace will have results. “It is in total six countries, maybe even seven, depending on some final decisions in … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv (EFE).- Ukraine has opened another chapter in its fight to hinder the opponent’s war effort by attacking two sanctioned oil tankers with maritime drones while they were en route to Russian ports in the Black Sea. Ukraine is also urging its foreign partners to ensure that sanctions against oil exports are … Read more
Moscow (EFE).- The President of Russia Vladimir Putin confirmed Friday that he received the peace plan for Ukraine elaborated by the United States and stated that the document could serve as the basis for a definitive peace settlement. “We have this text. We received it through existing communication channels with the American administration,” Putin said … Read more
Moscow (EFE).- Russia criticized the resolution on Friday, and Tehran reacted by canceling a cooperation agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). “We consider this provocative initiative by the Western bloc to be a serious blow to international trust in the IAEA’s safeguards system and the global nuclear non-proliferation regime,” said Russian Foreign Ministry … Read more
Moscow (EFE).– Russia has expressed willingness to resume direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul, where the last round of talks took place in July last year. “At present, the negotiations are stalled by Kyiv. Turkish representatives have repeatedly called for their resumption,” Alexei Polischuk, head of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s department for post-Soviet countries, told … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv (EFE).- While the defending army continues a heated resistance in Pokrovsk, having exposed Russia’s claims of its capture as premature, Russia’s drones keep disrupting vital supply lines, and its infantry accumulates in the city, prompting calls in Ukraine about the need to exit Pokrovsk. Ukraine has been sending additional assault units … Read more
Moscow, (EFE).- Russian President Vladimir Putin called the sanctions adopted by the United States against Rosneft and Lukoil “unfriendly” on Thursday and warned that they would affect bilateral relations. “Of course, it is an unfriendly act against Russia. That is obvious. And this does not strengthen Russian-American relations, which were just beginning to be reestablished,” … Read more
Brussels (EFE).- The European Union on Thursday approved the 19th package of sanctions against Russia for its war in Ukraine, which pushes forward the ban on the transport of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to 2027, a year earlier than planned, and sanctions the Russian shadow fleet of oil tankers. The new sanctions, which the EU … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv (EFE).- Lviv, a western Ukrainian city that has welcomed hundreds of thousands of displaced Ukrainians and their cultural institutions, is competing against Nikšić, Montenegro, to become the European Capital of Culture in 2030 -joining Leuven in Belgium and either Larnaca or Limassol in Cyprus- aiming to showcase its vibrant cultural scene … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv, Ukraine (EFE).- Russia’s latest attacks on Ukraine’s gas infrastructure risk leaving millions without heating this winter, leading authorities to import more gas and urge citizens to prepare for shortages. Gas heats most Ukrainian homes, particularly in large cities, via boilers or centralized systems. Before the latest attacks, Ukraine was on track … Read more
Seoul (EFE).- Pyongyang appears to have received “various technologies” from Moscow for the development of submarines, amid the strengthening of their alliance and Pyongyang’s intentions to acquire submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), South Korea said Monday. South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back made these remarks at an audit of the ministry before the Parliament’s Defense Committee … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv (EFE).- The Zaporizhia nuclear power plant, occupied by Russia, has been without an external power supply for two weeks now, amid warnings by Kyiv and energy experts that Russian plans to connect the station to its grid and restart at least one reactor pose a significant threat to nuclear safety. Ukraine’s … Read more
Moscow, Oct 2 (EFE). – Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday the Tomahawk missiles Washington plans to deliver to Kyiv are a “powerful” weapon and warned that their use will cause tensions between Moscow and Washington to escalate. “As for the Tomahawk, it’s a powerful weapon. True, it’s not exactly modern anymore, but it’s powerful … Read more
Copenhagen (EFE).- Leaders from 47 European countries voiced strong unity with Ukraine on Thursday, branding Moscow a “common enemy” during a summit in Copenhagen, even as Hungary continued to block Kyiv’s bid to join the European Union. The Community of Political Europe, a forum of EU members plus countries like the UK and Western Balkan … Read more
Moscow (EFE).- Authorities in the Crimean Peninsula, annexed by Russia in 2014, on Monday started to ration fuel at local gas stations in view of the fuel deficit caused by the Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries. Crimea’s chief Sergey Aksyonov posted on his Telegram channel that only up to 30 liters per car will be … Read more
United Nations (EFE).- Russia sees no willingness from Kyiv or European countries to negotiate what it calls a “just peace deal” to end the war in Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told the UN General Assembly on Saturday. “So far, neither Kyiv nor its European sponsors seems to understand the urgency of the situation, … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv (EFE).- Ukraine faces a challenge in securing funds for its basic defense and social expenses in 2026 as reliance on international aid remains critical and the government looks for ways to increase soldiers’ salaries and expand domestic military production. The draft budget, considered currently by Ukraine’s parliament, allocates 52% of state … Read more
International Desk (EFE).- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday appealed to the United States and China to use their influence to pressure Russia into a ceasefire, as the war enters its fourth year. His call came during a heated week at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where US President Donald Trump signaled … Read more
Brussels (EFE).- NATO stated Friday it “responded immediately and intercepted” three Russian fighter jets that violated Estonian airspace for 12 minutes. “Earlier today, Russian jets violated Estonian airspace. NATO responded immediately and intercepted the Russian aircraft,” said the Alliance spokesperson Allison Hart, adding that “this is yet another example of reckless Russian behaviour and NATO’s … Read more
Moscow (EFE).- Russian troops who took part in the Zapad-2025 strategic exercises with Belarus, which triggered NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) alerts on its eastern flank, have returned to their permanent bases, the Russian Defense Ministry announced Wednesday. “In these moments, the units of the Russian Armed Forces and the coalition grouping are proceeding back … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv (EFE).- Ukraine is urging its European partners to extend air-defense systems over its territory following recent Russian drone incursions into NATO airspace, even though Western caution in confronting Russia makes such a move unlikely. Creating a joint defense against Russia’s aerial attacks would benefit both Ukraine and its foreign partners, according … Read more
United Nations (EFE).- The United States told Russia on Friday that it will “defend every inch of NATO territory” after Polish authorities reported that at least 19 Russian drones entered its airspace earlier this week, making the first direct act of aggression against a NATO member since the war in Ukraine. Poland called an emergency … Read more
Brussels, Sep 12 (EFE) – NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte announced Friday a new mission to bolster the defense of NATO’s eastern flank in response to Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace earlier this week. “It’s reckless and unacceptable. We can’t have Russian drones entering allied airspace,” Rutte said, as he announced operation “Eastern Sentry.” Rutte … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv (EFE).- Russia’s first-ever strike on a government building in central Kyiv has heightened fears about Ukraine’s ability to counter increasingly intense Russian aerial assaults, prompting urgent calls from Ukrainian leaders for enhanced air defense support from international partners. Russia’s record attack, involving 810 drones and 13 missiles on Sunday, signals its … Read more
Paris (EFE).- French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that the 26 countries in the so called “Coalition of the Willing” have committed to either deploy troops to Ukraine or be present on land, at sea, or in the air to provide security guarantees to Kyiv. At a press conference following a meeting of the … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv (EFE).- A draft law, which aims to drastically increase the punishment of Ukrainian soldiers for disobeying their commanders, generates intense debate and criticism in the country that faces challenges in finding enough soldiers and retaining them in the army. The Ukrainian parliament’s Law Enforcement Policy Committee has approved a draft, which … Read more
Washington, (EFE).- European leaders who traveled to Washington on Monday to participate in the meeting between United States President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodomyr, Zelenskyy, reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and backed a possible trilateral meeting between Ukraine, Russia and the US, but called for a more active participation. “As a follow up, … Read more
Berlin, Aug 16 (EFE).- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Saturday that Russia’s refusal to agree to a cease-fire before embarking on negotiating a peace deal complicates the situation. “We see that Russia rebuffs numerous calls for a ceasefire and has not yet determined when it will stop the killing. This complicates the situation,” the Ukrainian … Read more
Washington (EFE).- United States President Donald Trump announced Friday that he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Aug. 15 in Alaska to discuss a possible end to the war in Ukraine. “The highly anticipated meeting between myself, as President of the United States of America, and President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, will take place … Read more
Washington DC (EFE).- United States President Donald Trump may impose additional tariffs on China over its continued purchase of sanctioned Russian oil, US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick said Thursday. “I think the president said yesterday everything’s on the table,” Lutnick told Fox Business when asked about China’s ongoing oil purchase from Russia. “And he’s … Read more
Moscow (EFE).- With less than two months until Moldova’s crucial parliamentary elections on Sep. 28, the European Union and Russia have ramped up efforts to win favor among Moldovans, who remain divided between a pro-European path and closer ties with Moscow. Tensions escalated further this week after Yevgenia Gutsul, a key ally of the Kremlin … Read more
Washington (EFE).- United States President Donald Trump on Friday ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines in response to what he described as “provocative statements” by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who warned of a possible war between Russia and the United States. “Due to the provocative statements made by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, … Read more
Moscow, (EFE).- Fishermen in Russia have spotted great white sharks in the waters off the Russian island of Sakhalin, in the Far East, where they have reportedly migrated due to the effects of climate change. The video the fishermen recorded shows great white sharks eating their catch of tuna in the Strait of Tartary, between … Read more
Kyiv/Moscow (EFE). – Russia on Thursday claimed to have fully seized the eastern Ukrainian city of Chasiv Yar after over a year of intense fighting, as a fresh wave of missile and drone strikes on Kyiv left at least 11 civilians dead, including a six-year-old boy. “As a result of offensive operations by the Southern … Read more
Istanbul, Turkey (EFE).- Ukrainian and Russian delegations met briefly in Istanbul on Tuesday, for another round of negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing war, but the talks concluded in less than an hour with no progress, officials from both sides confirmed. The meeting, held in Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace, lasted less than 40 minutes. Ukrainian public … Read more
Washington (EFE).- United States President Donald Trump issued a sharp warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday, threatening to impose so-called “ secondary tariffs up to 100% unless a peace agreement on Ukraine is reached within 50 days. “One of the reasons you’re here today is because I’m very unhappy with Russia,” Trump told … Read more
Moscow (EFE).- More than 200 Russian couples will say ‘I do’ at the Wedding Festival that started this Tuesday at the Rossiya Center in Moscow, as part of Family, Love, and Faithfulness Day. Under the slogan ‘Russia, connecting hearts’, the event includes wedding ceremonies, concerts, master classes, exhibitions, and other festive acts. Despite temperatures of … Read more
By Carlos Meneses Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, July 7 (EFE). – The BRICS leaders’ summit ended tumultuously on Monday in Rio de Janeiro following threats from United States President Donald Trump, to which the group responded emphatically by asserting its autonomy. “It is not right for a country the size of the United States to … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Kharkiv, Ukraine (EFE).- Russia has stepped up its campaign to hinder Ukraine’s military mobilization by launching targeted drone strikes on army recruitment centers across the country. Despite mounting internal criticism of the mobilization process, Ukraine continues to enlist up to 27,000 new soldiers each month. On Monday, a drone strike severely damaged … Read more
Kyiv (EFE).- Ukraine’s Energy Minister, German Galushchenko, announced on Friday that a Russian strike damaged the last functioning power line connecting the Russian-occupied Zaporizhia nuclear power plant to the Ukrainian grid. The incident has left the plant completely disconnected from the external power supply for the ninth time since the start of the full-scale invasion. … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Kharkiv, Ukraine (EFE).- Ukrainian forces have halted Russia’s attempts to expand its control in the Sumy region, launching counterattacks near the recently recaptured village of Andriivka. However, fierce battles continue in Donetsk and Kharkiv, where Russia seeks to encircle Pokrovsk and advance toward the Dnipropetrovsk region, while also pressing attacks near Kupiansk. … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv, Ukraine, (EFE).- Ukraine’s energy system remains under constant threat as authorities brace for renewed Russian attacks, despite ongoing repairs and foreign assistance that have so far helped avoid widespread power cuts this summer. National grid operator Ukrenergo reports stable electricity supplies nationwide, with no major shortages. The company continues to issue … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv (EFE).- Ukraine watches with concern the ongoing preparations for the joint military exercises by Russia and Belarus on the latter’s territory, as memories are fresh of the Russian offensive from Belarus at the start of the invasion. “We are actively monitoring what is happening on the territory of Belarus, in particular, … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv (EFE).- Two years after explosions destroyed the Russian-occupied Kakhovka dam, the death toll from the catastrophic flood remains unknown, with hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians still grappling with its devastating impact on agriculture, environment, and infrastructure in the country’s south. Billions of liters of water surged downriver after an explosion breached … Read more
Washington, June 5 (EFE).- United States President Donald Trump warned on Thursday of the possibility of imposing “very tough” sanctions against both Russia and Ukraine if the war between the two countries does not end. “We’re going to be very tough, whether it’s Russia or anybody else, we’re going to be very tough, that’s a … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv (EFE).- The daring operation against Russian military aviation boosts morale in the invaded country and demonstrates its ability to inflict heavy blows against the enemy through asymmetric operations, as Ukraine seeks to strengthen its position to force Russia into genuine negotiations. “Finally, there is some justice after so many nights of … Read more
Moscow (EFE).- Russia’s Defense Ministry confirmed on Sunday that Ukrainian drones hit military airfields in the northern region of Murmansk and the Siberian region of Irkutsk, located over 6,000 kilometers (3,728 miles) from Kyiv. According to a military statement, drones launched remotely from trailers attached to heavy trucks hit several aircraft parked on the runway: … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv (EFE).- The rhetoric and first steps of Pope Leo XIV on the war in Ukraine have ignited optimism in the country. The country sees the new pontiff as a potential ally in the Vatican as Kyiv strives to bolster international pressure on Moscow to halt its invasion. Many hope Leo’s moral … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv (EFE).- After the talks in Turkey have not achieved a ceasefire and underlined the divergences between the positions of Kyiv and Moscow, Ukraine is preparing for a summer of fighting and diplomatic efforts aimed at overcoming the dual pressure from the United States and Russia. The outcome of the talks in … Read more
Istanbul, May 16 (EFE).- Russia and Ukraine resumed peace talks in Istanbul on Friday after a stalemate since 2022, while they did not yet agree on a ceasefire, they will consider each side’s proposals. “In general, we are satisfied with the result and are ready to continue contacts. In the coming days, there will be … Read more
Americas Desk (EFE).- As Europe burned and Allied troops made their way to the front, Latin America was in the midst of its own dilemma between neutrality, geopolitical pressure, and material or symbolic support for the war. Eight decades after the surrender of Nazi Germany, the continent still has untold stories: Brazilian soldiers in Italy, … Read more
Moscow, (EFE).- A three-day unilateral ceasefire announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin takes effect by midnight, despite Ukraine’s refusal to join the Kremlin’s initiative. The temporary truce is set to last 72 hours, until midnight on May 10-11, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Red Army’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv (EFE).- Ukraine marked the 39th anniversary of the Chornobyl nuclear catastrophe on Saturday, the worst nuclear disaster in history while grappling with ongoing threats to atomic safety caused by Russia’s drone and missile attacks and its occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest, whose future remains uncertain. On Apr. … Read more
Moscow (EFE).- The Russian Court on Tuesday sentenced four journalists to five and a half years in prison for allegedly collaborating with the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), an organization founded by the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Journalists Antonina Favorskaya, Sergei Karelin, Konstantin Gabov, and Artyom Kryghar were charged with “extremism” for allegedly working with … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv (EFE).- The Ukrainian army continues to repel Russia’s attempts to advance toward Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region, the most heated part of the frontline, as the city’s remaining civilians endure daily bombardments and a collapsing infrastructure. The entrance of Russian troops into the city looked imminent in February, after months of … Read more
Brussels (EFE).- Several countries in the Coalition of the Willing to provide security guarantees to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire with Russia stressed on Thursday the importance of United States support, even though Washington has ruled out sending military forces onto Ukrainian soil. The United Kingdom and France convened the “coalition of the … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv (EFE).- Ukraine is fighting to maintain control along its north-eastern border with Russia, repelling Moscow’s advances into the Sumy region and efforts to fully reclaim Kursk, while a bold new operation on Russian soil draws enemy reserves to the Belgorod region. On Monday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine’s presence in Belgorod, … Read more
Paris (EFE).- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday that the Paris summit on Ukraine had named French President Emmanuel Macron and United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer as Europe’s representatives for possible peace talks on the war with Russia. “Today all of us in Europe have agreed that Europe will be represented by France and … Read more
Moscow (EFE) – The Kremlin published on its website on Tuesday the list of Russian and Ukrainian energy infrastrucuture covered by a temporary truce on strikes agreed between Russia and the United States. The list includes power and hydroelectric plants, substations, transformers, and any power generation or transmission facilities, according to the Russian government’s statement. … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv, Ukraine, Mar 5 (EFE) – The United States’ suspension of military aid to Ukraine will not cause a battlefield catastrophe in the coming months, but it may affect Ukraine’s defenses and lead to more destruction of cities and civilian infrastructure by Russia’s drones and missiles, Ukrainian officials and military analysts agree. … Read more
Washington, Mar 3 (EFE) – United States President Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday, warning that his opposition to a peace talks with Russia could soon cost him his job. The warnings came after Zelenskyy’s disastrous Friday visit to the White House when he engaged in a tense on-camera confrontation with the … Read more
Washington, Feb 27 (EFE). – United States President Donald Trump had a cordial meeting with United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday but ignored the request that Washington provide a “backstop” to guarantee a European-led contingent of troops in the event of a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Trump did not mention a … Read more
United Nations, Feb 24 (EFE). – The United Nations Security Council approved on Monday a resolution on Ukraine introduced by the United States on the third anniversary of the Russian invasion, previously rejected by the General Assembly, without mentioning Russia. The US resolution passed with ten votes in favor, including Russia, China, and the African … Read more
Washington, Feb 18 (EFE).- United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov agreed on Tuesday to normalize diplomatic relations between the two countries, to work on a plan that ends the war in Ukraine and to establish high-level negotiating teams. Rubio and Lavrov, who met Tuesday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, … Read more
Munich, Germany (EFE).- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the Munich Security Conference on Friday that his country will need 1.5 million troops after the war to protect itself from further Russian aggression if Ukraine is not accepted as a member of NATO. “We need an army of 1.5 million soldiers if we’re not in NATO … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv (EFE).- Ukraine looks for ways to counter the threat of destructive guided bombs launched by Russia and the first confirmed interception of such a bomb offers glimpses of hope. Thousands of cheap and destructive bombs, weighing at least 250 kg and launched by Russian planes from out of the reach of … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv, Feb 3 (EFE).- The suggestion by the United States that Ukraine should hold elections already in 2025 finds little support in the invaded country amid preoccupation with security, organizational challenges, and threats that a heightened political competition could pose to the national unity needed for the defense against Russia. The US … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv, Jan 17 (EFE).- The insistence by the United States that Ukraine should decrease its mobilization age from 25 to 18 meets with little enthusiasm in the invaded country, which focuses on other ways to deal with its shortages in infantry and sees more modern weapons (not the number of soldiers) as … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv, Jan 16 (EFE).- Ukraine considered the latest sanctions introduced by the United States against Russia’s oil exports and energy sector as an important step towards undermining its ability to fund the war yet warns of the need to ensure compliance and take further steps, including bringing the price cap on Russian … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv, Ukraine, Jan 1 (EFE). – Thousands of Ukrainians went to the graves of their loved ones killed during the Russian invasion, as attacks continued to sow death across the country on the first day of 2025. Hundreds of small Christmas trees decorate the graves at a rapidly growing military cemetery in … Read more
Kyiv, Dec 2 (EFE).- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stood by his phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Kyiv on Monday to seek “paths that can lead to a just peace,” underscoring, that they wouldn’t accept any settlement with Russia on ending the war without Ukraine’s consent. “One thing is clear, nothing about Ukraine … Read more
Moscow, Mar 25 (EFE).- Russia on Monday said no official hypotheses had been determined regarding the attack on a concert hall that killed 137 people and was promptly claimed by the global militant network, the Islamic State. Presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters during his daily tele-briefing on Monday that investigators had yet to finalize … Read more
Moscow, Feb 7 (EFE).- Russia says the decision of the Ecuadorian government to deliver Soviet weapons to the United States will damage the relations between Moscow and Quito, the spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova, warned Wednesday. “If Russian-made military equipment is transferred to a third party, Ecuador will violate its … Read more
Moscow, Feb 7 (EFE).- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday called for the upgrade and modernization of the Russian civil aircraft industry to manufacture globally competitive airplanes amid Western sanctions. “I would like to stress once again, Russian aircraft must conform to all quality, comfort and safety requirements, be indeed globally competitive as regards their … Read more
Kyiv, Feb 6 (EFE).- Ukraine said on Tuesday that it has destroyed a Russian drilling platform in the Black Sea, near Crimea, which Russian forces had used to bolster drone operations against Ukraine and monitor navigation in certain parts of the Black Sea. The operation, dubbed “Citadel,” was executed overnight, during which the Russian radar … Read more
The Hague, Feb 2 (EFE).- The International Court of Justice said Friday it has jurisdiction to rule on whether Ukraine has committed genocide against Russian speakers, which Russia has claimed to justify its invasion, but not on whether the invasion itself is illegal. Ukraine brought the case to the court just days after the Russian … Read more
Moscow/Kyiv, Jan 9 (EFE).- With daily bombing raids on Ukraine’s civilian and military infrastructure, Russia is trying to break the morale of the Ukrainian people, who lack the necessary anti-aircraft defenses in many regions, in the largest attack since the start of the war. “We are maintaining the initiative along the entire front line,” Russian … Read more
Rostyslav Avechuk Lviv, Ukraine, Dec 27 (EFE). – The sinking of the landing ship “Novocherkassk” in Crimea crowns Ukraine’s main success in 2023, pushing the Russian Black Sea fleet away from its coasts and opening a commercial corridor to renew exports from some of its ports. All publicly available evidence, including video and photos from … Read more
Kyiv/Moscow, Dec 26 (EFE).- Ukraine’s troops have withdrawn to the outskirts of the city of Marinka, the Ukrainian army’s commander-in-chief, Valeriy Zaluzhny, confirmed on Tuesday. Russia announced the capture of the town on Monday. “Street after street, block after block are being destroyed. Our fighters are being attacked. And the fact that we have now … Read more
Kyiv/Moscow, Dec 25 (EFE). – Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced the capture of Marinka, an important Ukrainian stronghold in Donetsk. “Our assault units today completely liberated the settlement of Marinka,” Shoigu said during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin broadcast on public television. Shoigu said Marinka, five kilometers (three miles) southwest of the … Read more
Washington, Dec 23 (EFE).- Washington is “deeply concerned” about missing Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny and demands the Kremlin release him, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Saturday. Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny leaves a prison after serving a 30-day sentence in Moscow, Russia, 23 August 2019. EFE-EPA FILE/MAXIM SHIPENKOV Former lawyer Navalny, … Read more
Washington, Dec 22 (EFE).- President Joe Biden is set to sign an executive order on Friday imposing secondary sanctions on banks supporting companies aiding Russia in sustaining its war machinery during the aggression against Ukraine. White House officials explained this is a new step to further disrupt material support to Russia’s defense industrial base and … Read more
San José, Dec 19 (EFE).- The Nicaraguan government, through one of the sons of President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo, said in Managua that the Central American country should be considered “Russia’s regional platform in all matters.” “We want to reiterate that Nicaragua is Russia’s strategic ally in Central America and we should … Read more
Washington, Dec 6 (EFE).- US President Joe Biden on Wednesday urged Congress to approve new funding for Ukraine, warning that if Russian leader Vladimir Putin wins, the war “will not stop.” “We can’t let Putin win,” he said on the same day the Democratic-majority Senate voted to approve a $105 billion spending package that includes … Read more
Cairo/Moscow, Dec 6 (EFE) – Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has rarely traveled abroad this year, made an exception and visited the Persian Gulf countries on Wednesday to discuss the situation in the Middle East with the leaders of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Putin first met with President Sheikh Mohammed bin … Read more
Washington, Dec 6 (EFE). – The United States on Wednesday indicted four Russian military officers for war crimes allegedly committed in Ukraine against a US civilian who was abducted, tortured and interrogated, according to the indictment. This is the first time the US has brought such charges under its jurisdiction, said Attorney General Merrick Garland … Read more
Kyiv/Moscow, Dec 3 (EFE). – The Russian army harasses Ukraine with missiles, artillery and Shahed drones while the arrival of winter hinders troop movements on both sides and slows down war actions on the battlefield. “On the night of December 3, the enemy attacked Ukraine with 12 Shahed UAVs launched from Russia’s Primorsko-Akhtarsk and an … Read more
Seoul, Nov 15 (EFE).- A Russian government delegation headed by Natural Resources and Ecology Minister Alexander Kozlov is in Pyongyang to participate in a cooperation forum on trade, science and technology, North Korean state agency KCNA reported Wednesday. The Russian delegation, which also includes Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin, arrived Tuesday and was received at the … Read more
Geneva, Nov 13 (EFE).- Bombings and armed clashes have continued around Gaza’s main hospital, Al Shifa, leaving three nurses and 12 others, including two premature babies, killed, the United Nations has said. According to the daily report of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs published on Sunday, the latest attacks caused damage … Read more
Moscow, Oct 25 (EFE).- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday directed from the Kremlin land, sea and air maneuvers of Russia’s nuclear forces. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu briefed the Kremlin on the progress of the exercises, which included the launch of ballistic and cruise missiles, the participation of nuclear submarines and two Tu-95 strategic bombers. … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Kharkiv, Ukraine, Oct 17 (EFE).- A group of Kharkiv engineers have designed “spider” anti-mine boots in response to the rising number of amputations Ukrainian soldiers are suffering on the front line. Russia has turned Ukraine into one of the most mined countries in the world and, as a result, thousands of Ukrainians … Read more
Marcel Gascón Kiev, Sept 15 (EFE).- Between Wednesday and Thursday, in less than 48 hours, Ukraine launched two rounds of attacks that damaged a shipyard in Sevastopol, Crimea, where they knocked out an amphibious assault ship and a submarine, and damaged two patrol boats used by Russia to control the Black Sea. At the same … Read more
Kyiv, Aug 24 (EFE).- At least seven civilians suffered wounds in a Russian missile strike on the southeastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Thursday, the regional military administration said. Regional military head Serhiy Lysak said the Russian missile hit a critical “transport infrastructure facility” in Dnipro, 500 km southeast of the Ukrainian capital. Lysak said … Read more
United Nations, Jul 12 (EFE).- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has offered Russia assistance in facilitating financial transactions in a bid to secure Moscow’s support for extending the accord that has allowed Ukraine to export more than 30.2 million tons of grain since July 2022, the UN said Wednesday. “As you know, the secretary-general has … Read more
Ankara, Jul 8 (EFE).- “There is no doubt that Ukraine deserves membership of NATO,” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said early Saturday during a joint press conference with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The two men faced reporters after nearly three hours of talks at the Vahdettin Mansion in Istanbul that included discussion of Kyiv’s NATO … Read more
By Marcel Gascon Kyiv, Mar 31 (EFE).- Orthodox monks at the Monastery of the Caves in Kyiv, whom Ukrainian authorities accuse of being pro-Russian, were still refusing to leave the complex on Friday amid attempts by the Ukraine government to evict them and take over the administration of the Unesco World Heritage site. The Ukrainian … Read more
By Rostyslav Averchuk Lviv, Mar 30 (EFE).- Ukrainian Muslims observing the holy month of Ramadan experience the effects of the war as much as the rest of the population, as they help defend their country against the Russian invasion and hope for solidarity from the rest of the Muslim world. “Ramadan is about doing good … Read more
By Marcel Gascon Kyiv, Mar 29 (EFE).- Ukrainian authorities claim to have documented nearly 20,000 cases of children who have been separated from their families or forcefully deported to the Russian Federation from territories occupied by Moscow’s invading forces. Kyiv said that some of these children have since been adopted by Russian families. “To take … Read more
By Marcel Gascón Kyiv, Mar 28 (EFE).- A Danish NGO is collecting secondhand bicycles from across Europe and sending them to Ukraine, where they are used by social workers and activists to access remote communities affected by Russia’s invasion. Mikael Colville-Andersen, one of the founders of Bikes 4 Ukraine, tells Efe that smaller framed bikes … Read more
Moscow, Mar 20 (EFE).- Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on Monday for a three-day visit, his first to Russia since the Ukrainian war began more than a year ago, prompting the West to isolate Moscow. In Moscow, Xi will meet with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on Tuesday as the two countries look … Read more
Geneva, Mar 16 (EFE).- Russian authorities have committed war crimes not only across various regions in Ukraine but also in Russia, a UN-commissioned investigative body reported on Thursday. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine said in a report that Russian forces have carried out crimes against humanity during the wave of attacks on … Read more
Kyiv, Mar 9 (EFE).- At least nine civilians died Thursday after the latest wave of Russian missile attacks on Ukraine, officials said, which have also damaged energy infrastructure, completely cutting off the nuclear power plant at Zaporizhzhya from the power grid. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, told a board … Read more
Tbilisi, Mar 9 (EFE).- Georgia’s ruling party announced Thursday that it will drop its “foreign agents” bill that provoked large, violent protests in the capital, Tbilisi. The draft law required individuals, civil society organizations and media outlets to register as “agents of foreign influence” if they received at least 20 percent of their funding from … Read more
Washington, Mar 8 (EFE).- Russia is reportedly supplying highly enriched plutonium to China for its fast breeder reactors, which are designed to generate more fuel than they consume, a US official said Wednesday. “It’s very troubling to see Russia and China cooperating on this,” John F. Plumb, assistant secretary of defense for space policy, said … Read more
Kyiv, Mar 8 (EFE).- Antonio Guterres met with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday in Kyiv to “seek solutions” to achieve the ultimate goal of a “just peace,” the UN secretary-general said. “The sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine must be upheld within its internationally recognized borders,” Guterres said at the start of … Read more
Berlin, Mar 8 (EFE).- The German government on Wednesday warned against jumping to conclusions after new media reports suggested a pro-Ukrainian group may have carried out an act of sabotage against the Nord Stream gas pipeline last year. “I’m following this information with great interest,” Boris Pistorius, Germany’s defense minister, told the local Deutschlandfunk radio … Read more
Brussels, Mar 7 (EFE).- The European Union on Tuesday agreed on a package of sanctions against nine people and three organizations including Taliban ministers and high-ranking members of the Russian armed forces for sexual violence and large-scale abuse of women’s rights. This is the first time that the EU has adopted measures to defend women’s … Read more
Beijing, Mar 7 (EFE).- Beijing’s close ties with Moscow advance global multipolarization and are not a threat to any country, China’s foreign minister said Tuesday. Holding his first public press conference since he replaced Wang Yi in December, Qin Gang spoke on the sidelines of the 14th National People’s Congress in Beijing. “China and Russia … Read more
New Delhi, Mar 2 (EFE).- A meeting of foreign ministers from the Group of Twenty (G20) leading economies ended without a joint declaration in the Indian capital due to widening differences of opinion on the Russia-Ukraine war. It was for the second time in a week that the bloc under the presidency of India failed … Read more
Copenhagen, Mar 2 (EFE).- The colors of the Russian flag were daubed onto the base of the Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, one of the most popular tourist spots in the Danish capital. Danish police on Thursday opened an investigation into the act of vandalism against the statue, which is located near the Langelinie port … Read more
Berlin, Mar 2 (EFE).- German chancellor Olaf Scholz Thursday called on China not to send arms to Russia and urged the Asian giant to lobby Moscow to end its invasion of Ukraine. “Use your influence in Moscow to press for the withdrawal of Russian troops, and do not supply weapons to the aggressor Russia,” Scholz … Read more
Moscow, Feb 22 (EFE).- Russian president Vladimir Putin praised his country’s ties with China as he met with Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in Moscow on Wednesday to discuss Beijing’s proposals to bring peace to Ukraine. During their meeting, Putin said cooperation between the two nations was “important for stabilizing the international situation.” “Sino-Russian relations … Read more
Lviv, Ukraine, Jan 16 (EFE).- The number of people killed by a Russian missile strike on a multi-story apartment block in the eastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro has risen to 35, including two children, the local governor said Monday. At least 75 people, including 14 children, were injured in the powerful blast that on Saturday … Read more
Lviv, Ukraine, Jan 9 (EFE).- At least two people were killed and several others were wounded, including a minor, Ukrainian officials said, after Russian missiles struck a market in a recently liberated town in the northeast region of Kharkiv on Monday morning. “The occupiers launched a missile attack on Shevchenkove town in Kupyansk district. An … Read more
Moscow, Jan 5 (EFE).- Russian president Vladimir Putin has ordered a 36-hour ceasefire along the front lines in Ukraine during the Orthodox Christmas period. The order comes following a request Thursday from the head of the Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill. “Taking into account the appeal of his Holiness Patriarch Kirill, I instruct the Minister … Read more
Lviv, Ukraine, Jan 5 (EFE).- At least 60% of the embattled eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut has been destroyed amid fierce fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces, local authorities reported Thursday. Pavlo Kyrylenko, head of the Donetsk region military administration, told local media that hostilities have devastated the strategic city, which used to have more … Read more
Moscow, Dec 27 (EFE).- Russia’s foreign minister gave Kyiv an ultimatum: meet Moscow’s demands or else they will be taken care of by Russian forces. Minister Sergei Lavrov told Russian state-owned agency TASS late on Monday that there was “little left to do” and Kyiv should comply with Moscow’s claims “in an amicable way.” He … Read more
Moscow, Dec 26 (EFE).- At least three soldiers were killed Monday in a Ukrainian drone attack on the Engels military airfield in southern Russia, about 500 kilometers from the border with Ukraine, according to the Russian defense ministry. “On December 26, at around 01:35 Moscow time, a Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle was shot down at … Read more
Moscow, Dec 21 (EFE).- Russian president Vladimir Putin warned a meeting of the top brass of the Russian defense ministry on Wednesday of Nato’s growing role in the war in Ukraine, as Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy was visiting the United States to shore up military support. Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu denounced that there are … Read more
Washington, Dec 21 (EFE).- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said Wednesday to the United States congress that their support is “vital” not only to resist the Russian invasion, but to achieve a “turning point” in the battlefield and to hasten victory. “Ukraine stands on its lines and will never surrender,” he said in his speech at … Read more
Lviv, Ukraine, Dec 21 (EFE).- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Wednesday that he is traveling to the United States to meet with US President Joe Biden and make an address before the Congress. “On my way to the US to strengthen resilience and defense capabilities of Ukraine,” Zelensky tweeted, adding that he would meet with … Read more
Lviv, Ukraine, Dec 6 (EFE).- Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday visited the town of Sloviansk in the Donetsk region to meet with troops on the eastern frontline, to mark the Day of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. “I meet with our fighters on the front on this day. Today we are in Donbas. The combat … Read more
Moscow, Dec 2 (EFE).- Russia on Friday said the United States and other Western countries’ refusal to recognise territories in eastern and southern Ukraine it annexed illegally in September was hindering peace negotiations. At a White House press conference alongside French president Emmanuel Macron on Thursday evening, US president Joe Biden said he was willing … Read more
Lodz, Poland, Dec 1 (EFE).- Ukraine’s foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, said Thursday that Russia should be removed from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Ukraine’s top diplomat made the statements ahead of a Thursday ministerial meeting in Poland titled ‘OSCE at the crossroads’. “I dared to disagree with the title. OSCE is on … Read more
Strasbourg, France, Nov 23 (EFE).- The European Parliament on Wednesday declared Russia a “state sponsor of terrorism” over its attacks against the population of Ukraine. The majority of EP lawmakers voted in favor of the resolution on the grounds of “deliberate attacks and atrocities committed by Russian forces and their proxies against civilians in Ukraine, … Read more
Lviv, Ukraine, Nov 23 (EFE).- Russia has killed at least 438 children since it began its invasion of Ukraine in February, including a newborn baby who was killed in a strike on a Zaporizhizhia hospital overnight, Ukraine’s prosecutor general said Wednesday. “As of the morning of November 23, 2022, more than 1,279 children were affected … Read more
Moscow, Sep 28 (EFE).- Russia has set up a conscript center on the Georgian border and has begun to issue draft orders to men who fall under its list to fight in Ukraine amid partial mobilization, Russian news agency TASS informed on Wednesday. The center that was installed at the Verkhny Lars crossing, the only … Read more
Lviv, Ukraine, Sep 28 (EFE).- Ukraine on Wednesday urged the international community to condemn the annexation referendums held in Russian-occupied territories as separatist leaders said they were traveling to Moscow to formalize the results, which have been dismissed by Kyiv and its allies. “Ukraine calls on all states and international organizations to immediately condemn the … Read more
