The report demonstrates that 2024 was a record-breaking year for forest fires in Ukraine. Satellite imagery shows that nearly one million hectares (965 000 ha) burnt in the country in 2024 – more than twice the area burnt in the entire European Union during the same period.
In a resolution adopted on Wednesday, Parliament says the EU is now Ukraine’s primary strategic ally and must help the country uphold its right to self-defence. MEPs welcomed the proposal for a 30 day ceasefire, reached on 11 March. They expect Russia to agree to it and follow it by ceasing all attacks on Ukrainian civilian population, infrastructure and territory.
“We’re going to tell them this is what’s on the table, Ukraine is ready to stop shooting and start talking, and now it’ll be up to them to say yes or no. I hope they’re going to say yes. And if they do, then I think we made great progress. If they say no, then we’ll unfortunately know what the impediment is to peace here” – U.S. State Secretary Rubio
García called for a proposal to confiscate the €200 billion in frozen Russian state assets to rebuild and arm Ukraine, while also allowing Ukraine the use of weapons to strike military targets on Russian territory.
Ukraine has expressed its readiness to implement an immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire, as proposed by the United States, contingent on Russia’s acceptance and simultaneous implementation. The United States will emphasize to Russia that reciprocal action is essential for peace. In response, the U.S. will lift the pause on intelligence sharing and resume security assistance to Ukraine. The EU has welcomed the joint statement.
On Tuesday, MEPs, the Polish Council Presidency, and Presidents Costa and von der Leyen engaged in a crucial debate on Europe’s security and the reinforcement of EU defense capabilities. The discussion sets the stage for an upcoming vote on a pivotal report shaping the Future of European Defence.
“The efforts we undertake to spend more on European defence will also benefit Ukraine. Ukraine’s security cannot be separated from Europe’s security. The best security guarantee we can provide is to strengthen Ukraine’s self-defence and to build a credible and robust Europe of Defence” – European Council President António Costa.
“After the end of the Cold War, some believed that Russia could be integrated in Europe’s economic and security architecture. While others hoped that we could rely indefinitely on America’s full protection. And so, we lowered our guard. We cut our defence spending from routinely averaging more than 3.5% to less than half of that. We thought we were enjoying a peace dividend. But in reality, we were just running
“Poland’s a great NATO Ally, and they do – they’re a great example for the rest of Europe. I was simply responding to a post by the foreign minister which is just inaccurate. There’s never been any threat of Starlink being cut off. The only thing Elon Musk has pointed out is that without Starlink Ukraine would have been in a lot of trouble, which is 100 percent accurate and
Under the Ukraine Facility, the Ukraine Investment Framework Steering Board has approved a new initiative aimed at expanding access to financial support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises through banks. This call for proposals is designed to help vulnerable groups, such as those impacted by the war, as well as to assist efforts in mine clearance.
Renew Europe MEPs are calling for urgent action to reduce Europe’s dependence on Musk’s Starlink and other US space companies, as reports emerge that US firms are betraying the people of Ukraine.
The Swedish Government has submitted a bill to the Riksdag regarding Sweden’s participation in an air defence operation to protect and maintain the security of military and civil support to Ukraine. Sweden will also contribute to enhanced Air Policing, NATO’s strengthened airspace surveillance, in Poland in mid-2025.
“Our decisions today send a clear message: We are putting our money where our mouth is. We are delivering on what we promised. To build our deterrence. To strengthen the security of our citizens. And, in the process, to boost Europe’s competitiveness and our technological and industrial base. A stronger European defence also provides deterrence for Ukraine” – António Costa.
The European Council reaffirms its continued and unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.
Building on earlier discussions and in view of the urgency of the situation in Ukraine, the leaders have taken first decisions to help Europe become more sovereign, capable and better equipped to deal with present and future security challenges.
EU leaders are meeting for a special summit to discuss continued support for Ukraine and European defence. Insight EU is collecting their remarks and background information.
Under the Investment Framework of the Ukraine Facility, this additional guarantee aims to support loans and unlock the potential of private investments, with a specific focus on urgent recovery and reconstruction efforts in Ukraine.
The total cost of reconstruction and recovery in Ukraine is estimated at $524 billion (€506 billion) over the next decade, according to a new study published at the end of February. The updated joint Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment commissioned by the Ukrainian Government, the World Bank Group, the European Commission and the UN, comes as Russia’s full-scale invasion enters its fourth year.
“Today, Ukrainian and American teams began working on an upcoming meeting. Andriy Yermak and Mike Waltz held talks, and we’re seeing forward momentum. We hope to see the first results next week” – President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his video address.
A Special European Council meeting will take place on 6 March 2025 in Brussels, Belgium. Starting at 12:30, EU leaders will focus on the following topics: Ukraine and European defence. President Costa has invited President Zelenskyy to Brussels to exchange on the latest developments in Ukraine. Leaders will also have an exchange of views with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola.
The Kremlin is falsely portraying U.S. peace efforts in Ukraine as aligned with Russia’s objective of destroying Ukraine’s sovereignty. Russian state media and officials are misrepresenting U.S. policy to suggest a shift toward supporting Russian goals, despite no official change from the Trump Administration. Some Russian officials express optimism that the United States will soon cut military aid to Ukraine, believing it would enable Russia’s victory.
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