Latest news with #Barrot
DW
3 hours ago
- Politics
- DW
Ukraine: EU concerned about Kyiv's anti-corruption bodies – DW – 07/22/2025
Ukrainian lawmakers voted to strip two anti-corruption bodies of their independence. This could impede Ukraine's progress toward the EU, which has already expressed concern about the move. DW has the European Union's enlargement commissioner criticized a vote in the Ukrainian parliament to strip two anti-corruption bodies of their independence. Marta Kos stressed that the independence of he National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and an anti-graft prosecutor's office were "essential for Ukraine's EU path." Meanwhile, Ukraine's Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said in an interview that she is likely to discuss a fresh loan program with the IMF next month. Ukraine and Russia are scheduled to hold the third round of peace talks in Istanbul on European Union's enlargement commissioner criticised a vote in the Ukrainian parliament to strip two anti-corruption bodies of independence. "Seriously concerned over today's vote in the Rada. The dismantling of key safeguards protecting NABU's independence is a serious step back," Marta Kos wrote on X, in reference to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine. Kos stressed that the independence of the agency and an anti-graft prosecutor's office were "essential for Ukraine's EU path." Kyiv has been adamant to accelerate its membership in the bloc, especially since the 2022 Russian invasion. Ukraine's lawmakers voted in favor of amendments that would remove the independence of two anti-corruption bodies in the country. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) is the entity investigating corruption allegations within state institutions. The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) prosecutes corruption cases. Both NABU and SAPO were placed under the direct supervision of the Prosecutor General, who is appointed by the president. This comes a day after a NABU employee was arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia. The move triggered criticism both at home and internationally, with the EU saying it was "concerned" with the decision. Ukrainian NGO The Anti-Corruption Action Center said the amendments made the two agencies meaningless, adding the country's Prosecutor General "will stop investigations into" President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's "friends." France's top diplomat, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, visited the Ukrainian border region of Kharkiv in the northeastern part of the country on Tuesday. While walking through Kharkiv's city center, Barrot witnessed the current situation in the city, which is regularly being targeted by Russia, whose forces are some 30 kilometers away. Speaking during his visit, Barrot accused Russia of "deliberately" targeting civilians and residential areas, in a bid to "undermine Ukrainian morale." 1.4 million people lived in Kharkiv before Russia's full-scale invasion into Ukraine in 2022. As Russia steps up its attacks on Ukraine, the Kremlin is once again seeking help from North Korea. South Korean intelligence reports that the country has already sent Russia 28,000 containers filled with weapons and artillery shells. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Ukraine's delegation for the peace talks with Russia will be headed by the country's ex-Defense Minister and current secretary of the security council Rustem Umerov, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. The talks are scheduled to take place on Wednesday in Istanbul, in the same venue where previous talks between the two sides took place, with the Kremlin saying that there is no reason to expect a "miraculous breakthrough" in the talks. This comes after US President Donald Trump's threat to impose "severe" sanctions on Russia should a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine not be reached in 50 days. A 10-year-old boy was killed in Russian airstrikes on Ukraine, the authorities in the city of Kramatorsk say. According to city mayor Alexander Goncharenko, guided glide bombs launched by Russia hit a residential building in Kramatorsk, located in eastern Ukraine. The city is located in the area of Donetsk that remains under Ukrainian control three years after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Glide bombs have a range of up to 40 kilometers (25 miles), and their use by the Russian army is made possible by the front moving closer and closer to Kramatorsk. Ukraine's new Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said she will likely seek fresh financing from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to cushion the country's fiscal needs in its defense against Russia's war, according to a report by Bloomberg. The report outlined that global donors have so far only earmarked half of the estimated $75 billion (€64.2 billion) budget that the war-strained country requires over the next two years. With the IMF's roughly $16 billion loan program set to expire in 2027, new discussions will likely be held at a lender's review planned for August, especially since the end to the war is not in sight, she told the media house. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Defense Minister took to messaging app Telegram, saying the country will need at least $120 billion for defense spending next year and that negotiations were ongoing with NATO and the EU over $60 billion in funding from partners. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video On Monday, the UK and Germany led a virtual meeting on how to help Ukraine acquire the weapons it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said he will "contribute to providing" five Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine, DW's Teri Schultz reported from Brussels. This includes two systems Berlin had previously discussed, with an additional one expected to be financed by Norway. It is not clear whether Germany would pay for the remaining two defense systems itself, or if it will seek contributions from other NATO members. Meanwhile, Ukraine's former prime minister and newly appointed Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal, who was also part of the meeting, said Kyiv needs more than $6 billion (€5.1 billion) worth of additional military spending to increase its own weapons production. The UK imposed new sanctions on Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" which will target 135 oil tankers and two Russian companies involved in circumventing oil sanctions on Moscow. Additionally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine and Russia will hold another round of talks on Wednesday. Two previous rounds held in Istanbul failed to yield any meaningful progress on a ceasefire. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Welcome to DW's coverage of the latest developments in Russia's war in Ukraine. Both Ukraine and Russia continue to exchange drones and missiles, aiming at each other's capital cities. Overnight Monday, Russia unleashed one of its largest aerial assaults on Kyiv, just hours before the UK and Germany chaired a high-level meeting to discuss the US' plans for NATO allies to provide Ukraine with weapons it needs. Stay tuned for the latest news and analysis from the ongoing war.
DW
3 hours ago
- Politics
- DW
Ukraine: EU concerned over Kyiv's anti-corruption bodies – DW – 07/22/2025
Ukrainian lawmakers voted to strip two anti-corruption bodies of their independence. This could impede Ukraine's progress toward the EU, which has already expressed concern about the move. DW has the European Union's enlargement commissioner criticized a vote in the Ukrainian parliament to strip two anti-corruption bodies of their independence. Marta Kos stressed that the independence of he National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and an anti-graft prosecutor's office were "essential for Ukraine's EU path." Meanwhile, Ukraine's Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said in an interview that she is likely to discuss a fresh loan program with the IMF next month. Ukraine and Russia are scheduled to hold the third round of peace talks in Istanbul on European Union's enlargement commissioner criticised a vote in the Ukrainian parliament to strip two anti-corruption bodies of independence. "Seriously concerned over today's vote in the Rada. The dismantling of key safeguards protecting NABU's independence is a serious step back," Marta Kos wrote on X, in reference to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine. Kos stressed that the independence of the agency and an anti-graft prosecutor's office were "essential for Ukraine's EU path." Kyiv has been adamant to accelerate its membership in the bloc, especially since the 2022 Russian invasion. Ukraine's lawmakers voted in favor of amendments that would remove the independence of two anti-corruption bodies in the country. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) is the entity investigating corruption allegations within state institutions. The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) prosecutes corruption cases. Both NABU and SAPO were placed under the direct supervision of the Prosecutor General, who is appointed by the president. This comes a day after a NABU employee was arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia. The move triggered criticism both at home and internationally, with the EU saying it was "concerned" with the decision. Ukrainian NGO The Anti-Corruption Action Center said the amendments made the two agencies meaningless, adding the country's Prosecutor General "will stop investigations into" President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's "friends." France's top diplomat, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, visited the Ukrainian border region of Kharkiv in the northeastern part of the country on Tuesday. While walking through Kharkiv's city center, Barrot witnessed the current situation in the city, which is regularly being targeted by Russia, whose forces are some 30 kilometers away. Speaking during his visit, Barrot accused Russia of "deliberately" targeting civilians and residential areas, in a bid to "undermine Ukrainian morale." 1.4 million people lived in Kharkiv before Russia's full-scale invasion into Ukraine in 2022. As Russia steps up its attacks on Ukraine, the Kremlin is once again seeking help from North Korea. South Korean intelligence reports that the country has already sent Russia 28,000 containers filled with weapons and artillery shells. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Ukraine's delegation for the peace talks with Russia will be headed by the country's ex-Defense Minister and current secretary of the security council Rustem Umerov, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. The talks are scheduled to take place on Wednesday in Istanbul, in the same venue where previous talks between the two sides took place, with the Kremlin saying that there is no reason to expect a "miraculous breakthrough" in the talks. This comes after US President Donald Trump's threat to impose "severe" sanctions on Russia should a ceasefire agreement with Ukraine not be reached in 50 days. A 10-year-old boy was killed in Russian airstrikes on Ukraine, the authorities in the city of Kramatorsk say. According to city mayor Alexander Goncharenko, guided glide bombs launched by Russia hit a residential building in Kramatorsk, located in eastern Ukraine. The city is located in the area of Donetsk that remains under Ukrainian control three years after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Glide bombs have a range of up to 40 kilometers (25 miles), and their use by the Russian army is made possible by the front moving closer and closer to Kramatorsk. Ukraine's new Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said she will likely seek fresh financing from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to cushion the country's fiscal needs in its defense against Russia's war, according to a report by Bloomberg. The report outlined that global donors have so far only earmarked half of the estimated $75 billion (€64.2 billion) budget that the war-strained country requires over the next two years. With the IMF's roughly $16 billion loan program set to expire in 2027, new discussions will likely be held at a lender's review planned for August, especially since the end to the war is not in sight, she told the media house. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Defense Minister took to messaging app Telegram, saying the country will need at least $120 billion for defense spending next year and that negotiations were ongoing with NATO and the EU over $60 billion in funding from partners. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video On Monday, the UK and Germany led a virtual meeting on how to help Ukraine acquire the weapons it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said he will "contribute to providing" five Patriot missile defense systems to Ukraine, DW's Teri Schultz reported from Brussels. This includes two systems Berlin had previously discussed, with an additional one expected to be financed by Norway. It is not clear whether Germany would pay for the remaining two defense systems itself, or if it will seek contributions from other NATO members. Meanwhile, Ukraine's former prime minister and newly appointed Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal, who was also part of the meeting, said Kyiv needs more than $6 billion (€5.1 billion) worth of additional military spending to increase its own weapons production. The UK imposed new sanctions on Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" which will target 135 oil tankers and two Russian companies involved in circumventing oil sanctions on Moscow. Additionally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine and Russia will hold another round of talks on Wednesday. Two previous rounds held in Istanbul failed to yield any meaningful progress on a ceasefire. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Welcome to DW's coverage of the latest developments in Russia's war in Ukraine. Both Ukraine and Russia continue to exchange drones and missiles, aiming at each other's capital cities. Overnight Monday, Russia unleashed one of its largest aerial assaults on Kyiv, just hours before the UK and Germany chaired a high-level meeting to discuss the US' plans for NATO allies to provide Ukraine with weapons it needs. Stay tuned for the latest news and analysis from the ongoing war.
Straits Times
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
France's foreign minister visits front-line region in Ukraine
Find out what's new on ST website and app. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot visiting Ukraine's front-line region of Kharkiv, which is under constant fire from the Russian forces located some 30km away, on July 22. KHARKIV, Ukraine - France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on July 22 visited Ukraine's northeastern front-line region of Kharkiv, where Russia launched a new offensive in 2024. With a small group of journalists including AFP, Mr Barrot walked through the centre of Kharkiv, which is under constant fire from the Russian forces located some 30km away. 'Russia isn't only leading its war of aggression on the front line. It also deliberately targets civilians, residential areas and businesses to undermine Ukrainian morale,' Mr Barrot said, standing on a rooftop overlooking the city, from where ruined offices and residential buildings could be seen. His Ukrainian counterpart, Mr Andrii Sybiha, thanked him for the visit, saying 'our people need to understand that they are not alone.' Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city, was home to 1.4 million people before the war and has long been known for literature, industry, and student life. 'War is waged not only with guns and tanks, but also with intelligence,' Mr Barrot said, before heading to the Kharkiv literature museum. He then visited a military position at an undisclosed location, where he was briefed on the front line situation in northeastern and eastern Ukraine. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Two found dead after fire in Toa Payoh flat Singapore Singaporeans aged 21 to 59 can claim $600 SG60 vouchers from July 22 Singapore Singaporeans continue to hold world's most powerful passport in latest ranking Singapore Singapore, Vietnam agree to step up defence ties, dialogue between leaders Asia Malaysia govt's reform pledge tested as DAP chief bows over unresolved 2009 death of political aide Singapore Woman evacuated from lift in Supreme Court building after falling glass triggers emergency halt Singapore Prosecution says judge who acquitted duo of bribing ex-LTA official had copied defence arguments Singapore Ports and planes: The 2 Singapore firms helping to keep the world moving The minister also spoke to servicemen and had lunch in the military canteen. AFP
eNCA
4 hours ago
- Politics
- eNCA
Top French diplomat visits Ukraine frontline region
France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Tuesday visited Ukraine's northeastern frontline region of Kharkiv, where Russia launched a new offensive last year. With a small group of journalists including AFP, Barrot walked through the centre of Kharkiv, which is under constant fire from the Russian forces located some 30 kilometres away. "Russia isn't only leading its war of aggression on the front line. It also deliberately targets civilians, residential areas and businesses to undermine Ukrainian morale," Barrot said standing on a rooftop overlooking the city, from where ruined offices and residential buildings could be seen. His Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Sybiga thanked him for the visit, saying "our people need to understand that they are not alone." Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city, was home to 1.4 million people before the war and has long been known for literature, industry, and student life. "War is waged not only with guns and tanks, but also with intelligence," Barrot said, before heading to the Kharkiv literature museum. He then visited a military position at an undisclosed location, where he was briefed on the front line situation in northeastern and eastern Ukraine.
The Sun
7 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
French foreign minister visits Ukraine frontline in Kharkiv
KHARKIV: France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot visited Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region on Tuesday, witnessing firsthand the impact of Russia's ongoing offensive. Accompanied by journalists, he walked through the city centre, which remains under frequent shelling from Russian forces positioned 30 kilometres away. 'Russia isn't only leading its war of aggression on the front line. It also deliberately targets civilians, residential areas and businesses to undermine Ukrainian morale,' Barrot said from a rooftop overlooking damaged buildings. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga expressed gratitude for the visit, stating, 'our people need to understand that they are not alone.' Kharkiv, once a cultural and industrial hub with 1.4 million residents, continues to endure heavy attacks. Barrot emphasised the broader nature of warfare, noting, 'War is waged not only with trucks and tanks, but also with intelligence.' His itinerary included a stop at the Kharkiv literature museum before proceeding to a military site for a frontline briefing. The minister also engaged with Ukrainian troops and shared a meal in their canteen, reinforcing France's support for Ukraine's defence efforts. – AFP
