Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev spoke by phone on July 1st. During their call, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan’s support for Ukraine and its territorial integrity. Zelenskyy also offered condolences for the killing of Azerbaijani nationals on Russian territory and voiced support for Azerbaijan amid recent tensions. Finally, the leaders discussed bilateral relations and agreed to hold a meeting on economic cooperation.
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President Zelenskyy announced Ukraine’s complete alignment with the EU’s 13th and 14th sanctions packages against Russia, solidifying Ukraine’s commitment to international pressure. Additionally, Ukraine will synchronize its sanctions with the European package targeting Iran, focusing on individuals and companies involved in military production, external terror, and internal repression. This move, following a National Security and Defence Council decision, reflects Ukraine’s commitment to swift implementation across state institutions. This builds on Zelenskyy’s earlier statement to intensify pressure, and the alignment will be crucial.
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In a recent address, President Zelenskyy announced Ukraine’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, which bans anti-personnel mines, due to Russia’s continued use of these weapons. The President emphasized the necessity of these mines for defense purposes, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict with Russia. This decision serves as a strategic move to focus on essential defense needs and signals a call to action for all partners along Russia’s borders. Zelenskyy also highlighted the complexities of the withdrawal process during wartime while condemning Russia’s use of these deadly weapons.
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President Zelenskyy has signed a decree for Ukraine to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, a treaty prohibiting the use of anti-personnel landmines. The decree, which also mandates immediate action to implement the decision, originates from the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. Notably, this move follows similar actions by Poland, Lithuania, and Finland, and does not mention the Verkhovna Rada’s involvement, although a vote may be required. Ukraine joined the convention in 1999, with ratification occurring in 2005.
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President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a decree to withdraw Ukraine from the Ottawa Convention, following similar moves by the Baltic nations and Poland. This decision stems from the ongoing conflict, as Russia has been extensively using anti-personnel mines, impacting both soldiers and civilians. The withdrawal allows Ukraine to potentially employ these weapons, mirroring the actions of neighboring countries preparing for a possible escalation in the war. The decree still needs parliamentary approval, and the exact date of implementation remains uncertain.
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Trump: Zelensky ‘couldn’t have been nicer’ during meeting. Alright, so the headline itself, “Trump said,” doesn’t exactly fill me with a sense of groundbreaking revelation. It’s almost become a cliché, isn’t it? We know the drill: someone says something, and then we’re left to decipher what it actually means, if anything. But since that’s the starting point, let’s dive into what was said. Apparently, according to the, ahem, source, Zelensky “couldn’t have been nicer” during their meeting. Hmm.
It’s intriguing, the focus on niceness. One can’t help but wonder what constitutes “nice” in this particular context. Is it the standard “thank you” and a smile?… Continue reading
The meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former U.S. President Donald Trump, held on the sidelines of the NATO summit, lasted approximately 45 minutes. Zelenskyy described the meeting as “long and substantive,” indicating a comprehensive discussion of important issues, including achieving a ceasefire and lasting peace, as well as protecting the Ukrainian people. While a planned press briefing did not occur, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the attention and willingness to help bring peace closer, promising to share further details. The meeting followed the conclusion of the main NATO leaders’ session, during which the summit’s final declaration included a commitment to support Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that his meeting with former US President Donald Trump at the NATO summit in The Hague was positive. The leaders discussed various topics, including the Middle East, protecting Ukrainian citizens, the procurement of American air defense systems, and the Istanbul talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations. Zelenskyy also presented Trump with battlefield updates, emphasizing that Russia was not prevailing. The 45-minute meeting occurred after the main NATO leaders’ session and a declaration pledging support for Ukraine’s armed forces.
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During an address to the Dutch parliament, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Russia has deployed 28,743 Shahed drones against Ukraine since the full-scale war began on February 24, 2022, with 2,736 launched in June alone. Zelenskyy highlighted Russia’s reliance on Iranian support for this drone campaign. Furthermore, Zelenskyy emphasized that Vladimir Putin disregards international laws, including the prohibition of killing, violence, and the destruction of cities, and that accountability is crucial for such violations.
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In an interview with Sky News, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed concerns that Vladimir Putin might attack a NATO country within five years to test the alliance. Zelenskyy viewed plans for NATO members to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035 as slow, warning that Putin could have a new army ready by 2030. He also highlighted the potential for reduced aid to Ukraine due to Middle East tensions and noted that Russia is still able to access components for missiles from countries including the UK. While acknowledging that Ukraine’s NATO ambitions aren’t possible currently, Zelenskyy emphasized the need for negotiations, although he avoided addressing potential land concessions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood