military aid

Cyprus, Greece advocate EU arms industry for Ukraine aid in funding stalemate

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Cyprus, Greece advocate EU arms industry for Ukraine aid in funding stalemate

Cyprus and Greece are pushing the European Union to prioritize its own defense industry in providing military aid to Ukraine. Despite an existing agreement allowing arms purchases from non-EU countries, the two countries argue that aid should benefit the European defense sector. Hungary is currently hindering the release of a €500 million package from the European Peace Facility intended for Ukraine’s military, citing concerns about discrimination against Hungarian companies in Ukraine as a reason for blocking the disbursement. Discussions are ongoing to bypass a potential Hungarian veto and expedite the flow of funds to Ukraine.

Blinken’s guitar performance in Ukraine seen as tone-deaf by some [PHOTOS]

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Blinken’s guitar performance in Ukraine seen as tone-deaf by some [PHOTOS]

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken performed with a Ukrainian band at a bar in Kyiv, drawing mixed reactions online. The performance came during a surprise trip where Blinken met with President Zelenskiy and pledged unwavering U.S. support for Kyiv. Despite the show of solidarity, some Ukrainians felt the performance was inappropriate given the harsh reality of the ongoing war with Russia. The mood in Ukraine has turned increasingly pessimistic as Russian forces continue to advance in different regions.

France to send extra military aid to Ukraine shortly, says Elysee

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France to send extra military aid to Ukraine shortly, says Elysee

France will provide additional military aid to Ukraine in the coming days and weeks, as confirmed by the Elysee after a phone call between President Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Macron expressed support for a truce during the Paris Olympics this summer, with Russia ceasing operations and diplomatic negotiations being pursued.

US Senator Robert Menendez goes on trial for corruption, no jurors chosen

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US Senator Robert Menendez goes on trial for corruption, no jurors chosen

Jury selection began in the corruption trial of U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, who faces 16 criminal charges including bribery, fraud, obstruction, and acting as a foreign agent.

Who are Israel’s main weapons suppliers and who has halted exports?

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Who are Israel’s main weapons suppliers and who has halted exports?

The United States suspended a shipment of heavy, bunker-busting bombs to Israel amid concerns about their impact in dense urban settings like Rafah. Germany increased defense export approvals for Israel after an attack by Hamas, but has since approved fewer exports due to international criticism. Italy halted new export approvals to Israel since the start of the Gaza war, with the last orders delivered in November. Britain grants export licenses for defense equipment to Israel, while Canada stopped licensing arms exports to Israel to ensure compliance with humanitarian law. The Netherlands halted shipments of parts for F-35 jets to Israel due to concerns about violations of humanitarian law.

Oil prices under pressure due to slower economies

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Oil prices under pressure due to slower economies

Oil prices are trading down due to disappointing economic data and a rise in US crude oil inventories.

Biden faces a tough balancing act as campus protests over Gaza escalate

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Biden faces a tough balancing act as campus protests over Gaza escalate

Biden is facing criticism from both left and right factions for his Israel policy, as campus protests against the war in Gaza escalate. Despite concerns that the protests could impact his chances in the upcoming election, the White House has focused on rolling out youth-friendly policies, such as student loan relief and marijuana reform. Republicans have used the protests to criticize Democrats, while some warn that young voters may desert Biden over his stance on Israel.

Russian missiles pound Ukrainian power plants in escalating campaign

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Russian missiles pound Ukrainian power plants in escalating campaign

A Russian missile attack targeted power facilities in Ukraine, causing damage and fires. Ukrainian air defenses were able to intercept some of the incoming missiles. The attacks have led to a significant loss of power generation capacity in Ukraine. The United States approved a major aid package for Ukraine, including new weapons for air defense systems.

Turkish channel reported that Erdogan’s visit to the US was canceled – The reason

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Turkish channel reported that Erdogan’s visit to the US was canceled – The reason

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to the US on May 9 to meet with President Joe Biden at the White House has been canceled, as reported by a Turkish channel. The reason for the cancellation was cited as US military aid to Israel, with a billion bill approved by the US House of Representatives.

Russian armoured assaults ramp up pressure on Ukraine’s east, army chief says

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Russian armoured assaults ramp up pressure on Ukraine’s east, army chief says

The situation on the eastern front in Ukraine has worsened, with Russia intensifying its armoured assaults and battles for control of a village near Bakhmut. Vital U.S. military aid expected by Kyiv remains stuck in Congress. Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that Russian forces were taking losses but also making tactical gains. Ukraine’s military is facing challenges and is calling for better training for soldiers. Ukraine’s parliament passed a bill to overhaul how civilians are drafted into the armed forces, with the draft age lowered to 25.