Latest news with #Ukrai
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
EU plans would extend right for 4m Ukrainians to stay in bloc until 2027
The European Commission has said more than four million Ukrainians living in the EU should have their right to stay extended until March 2027, while calling for efforts to promote voluntary returns to their home country. Temporary protection status for Ukrainians who fled after Russia's full-scale invasion of February 2022 would be extended by one year until March 2027, under a European Commission proposal published on Wednesday. EU member states must approve the extension, which applies to 4.3 million Ukrainians, one-third of whom are children. While calling for the extension, the commission also urged EU governments to think beyond the temporary fix by making it easier for Ukrainians to obtain other types of residence permits, such as work and student visas. It said governments should set up programmes to promote voluntary returns to Ukraine, including by supporting exploratory visits. Magnus Brunner, the EU's internal affairs commissioner, stressed that all returns would be voluntary and that ending temporary protection status would be a decision taken with EU member states and Ukraine 'once we have a stable situation'. The proposals came as Ukraine's government outlined plans for 'unity hubs' – community centres which will offer its citizens information about returning home and integrating into their host societies. The first unity hub is due to open this summer in Berlin, with others planned in Prague and Alicante. Ukraine's deputy prime minister, Oleksiy Chernyshov, told reporters: 'We desperately need Ukrainians back home once the war is over. We need to develop the Ukrainian economy, we need to transform Ukraine into a prosperous economy and develop democracy.' Chernyshov said that if Ukraine were to attain the 'quite achievable' goal of doubling the size of its economy in the decade after the war it could need an additional four million people in the labour market. 'Only the strong economy can pave the way to the future success of Ukraine and successful integration into the European Union,' he added. The proposals follow inconclusive talks in Istanbul, where Russia and Ukraine agreed only on a prisoner exchange, while Moscow refuses to compromise on its maximalist war aims, which include the recognition of four Ukrainian regions it claims, but does not fully occupy. Chernyshov noted that 'the results we are getting with these talks are not the ones that could have been achieved'. He said a voluntary returns programme being developed with UN agencies the IOM and UNHCR, would answer questions facing every Ukrainian family now in Europe: 'How they will return back home? What are going to be the possibilities and proposals for their job? Where are they going to live, where are their kids going to go to school. What is the healthcare system proposal – and so on.' The commission is releasing €4bn to support Ukrainians in the EU, on top of €15bn allocated to member states since 2022. The EU activated its temporary protection directive for Ukrainians in March 2022, in an unprecedented gesture of support. That temporary status has been extended several times, but several EU governments have begun exploring other options. In the Czech Republic, Ukrainians earning at least 440,000 Czech crowns (€17,700), with two years' residence, can now apply for a long-term residence permit. In Poland, Ukrainians who have had temporary protection for at least one year can apply for a three-year residence permit, although they would lose certain benefits such as free healthcare and a waiver on university tuition fees. Norway, which is outside the EU but operates a similar temporary protection scheme, announced last year it was tightening up rules, so Ukrainians from areas that are considered safe would be treated like any other asylum seeker and not automatically granted the right to stay. Support for Ukrainians in the EU remains high, but has ebbed since the early days of the invasion. By February 2024, 71% of people surveyed by Eurobarometer supported Ukrainian refugees, compared with 88% in the immediate aftermath of the invasion. - The Guardian Read More Zelensky calls Russia peace proposal an 'ultimatum' and demands talks with Putin
Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Canada says G7 finance ministers to focus on restoring stability, growth
Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne holds a press conference with Ukraine Minister of Finance, Sergii Marchenko, after the two met during the G7 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting in Banff, Alberta, Canada, May 20, 2025. REUTERS/Todd Korol Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne holds a press conference with Ukraine Minister of Finance, Sergii Marchenko (not pictured), after the two met during the G7 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting in Banff, Alberta, Canada, May 20, 2025. REUTERS/Todd Korol BANFF, Alberta - Finance ministers from the Group of Seven industrial democracies will try to agree on policies to restore global growth and stability, Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said on Tuesday, acknowledging that tensions over new U.S. tariffs would continue. The meetings over the next two days in the mountain resort town of Banff, Alberta, will be about "back to basics" and will include discussions about excess manufacturing capacity, non-market practices and financial crimes, Champagne told a news conference. "I think to deliver for the citizens that we represent, our mission is really about restoring stability and growth," Champagne said He said discussions would take place within the G7 and bilaterally with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent about the impact of President Donald Trump's new tariffs on trading partners, and that there would always be tension around such issues. "But at the same time, there's a lot we can achieve together," Champagne said. "There's a lot that we are looking to coordinate, our actions, and really tackle some of the big issues around over-capacity, non-market practices and financial crimes." Bessent has sought to push G7 allies to more effectively confront China's state-led, export-driven economic policies, arguing that this has led to excess manufacturing capacity that is flooding the world with cheap goods and threatening G7 and other market economies. But G7 members Japan, Germany, France and Italy all face a potential doubling of reciprocal U.S. duties to 20% or more in early July. Britain negotiated a limited trade deal that leaves it saddled with 10% U.S. tariffs on most goods, and host Canada is still struggling with Trump's separate 25% duty on many exports. Champagne also said that the G7 group would discuss ways to better police low-value package shipments from China to combat smuggling. The Trump administration has ended a duty-free exemption for Chinese shipments valued under $800, which it has blamed for the trafficking of fentanyl and its precursor chemicals. Reducing fentanyl trafficking is critical to lifting Trump's 25% duties on some Canadian and Mexican goods, as well as a 20% duty on Chinese goods. Champagne appeared with Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko and pledged to continue Canada's support for Ukraine in its struggle against Russia's invasion. He also said Canada is considering helping Ukraine build a Canadian-style pension system. Marchenko told reporters that he would seek to reiterate Ukraine's arguments for strengthening sanctions against Russia, including through lowering the level of the G7-led $60-per-barrel price cap imposed on Russian crude oil exports. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
New York Post
20-05-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Russia fires more than 100 drones at Ukraine following Trump-Putin phone call
Moscow fired more than 100 drones into Ukraine overnight following the conclusion of President Trump's phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kyiv said. The Ukrainian Air Force recorded 108 UAVs soaring across the border Monday night, causing damage across four regions in the latest aerial clash after Trump touted that peace talks would 'immediately' resume between Moscow and Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia's latest assault was clear evidence that Putin has no intention of ending the bloodshed, accusing the Kremlin head of wanting to conquer as much territory as possible. 4 Moscow fired 108 drones into Ukraine following Russian President Vladimir Putin's call with President Trump. AP 4 A home was destroyed Tuesday following Russian shelling in Kramatorsk. Anadolu via Getty Images 'It is obvious that Russia is trying to buy time in order to continue its war and occupation,' Zelensky said in a statement Tuesday. The overnight drone strike saw Ukraine's Air Force shoot down at least 35 UAVs, with another 58 successfully jammed and neutralized while mid-flight, Kyiv said. The attack came just two days after the Kremlin fired a record 273 exploding drones into Ukraine, killing at least one woman in Kyiv, local officials said. Russia's Defense Ministry said that it also shot down eight Ukrainian drones during the skirmish. 4 Moscow continues its invasion of Ukraine despite President Trump's assurance that peace talks were to begin 'immediately' following his call with Putin. Anadolu via Getty Images The cross-border drone exchange occurred just after Trump concluded his two-hour phone call with Putin over the war in Ukraine, which has raged on for more than three years. Despite Trump's claim that cease-fire talks would restart right away, Putin doubled down in rejecting the US-backed cease-fire agreement, saying Moscow was not ready to sit down for talks until the 'root cause' of the war was addressed. Russia has also shown no hints that it will make any concessions in the peace talks, with Moscow demanding full annexation of all the Ukrainian territories it is currently occupying, as well as the demilitarization of Ukraine. 4 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of trying to buy time to conquer as much territory as possible. AFP via Getty Images Putin has also demanded that Ukraine be permanently blocked from ever joining NATO, a condition Zelensky has slammed as a non-starter given that it remains his country's best chance at avoiding a future invasion. Zelensky has called on Trump and European leaders to put more pressure on Moscow to secure a cease-fire and force Putin to join the negotiating table. 'If Russia refuses to stop the killings, refuses to release prisoners of war and hostages, if Putin puts forward unrealistic demands, this will mean that Russia continues to drag out the war, and deserves that Europe, America, and the world act accordingly, including with further sanctions,' the Ukrainian president said.
Winnipeg Free Press
01-05-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
Ukraine and the US have finally signed a minerals deal. What does it include?
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — After months of tense negotiations, the U.S. and Ukraine signed a deal that is expected to give Washington access to the country's critical minerals and other natural resources, an agreement Kyiv hopes will secure long-term support for its defense against Russia. According to Ukrainian officials, the version of the deal signed Wednesday is far more beneficial to Ukraine than previous versions, which they said reduced Kyiv to a junior partner and gave Washington unprecedented rights to the country's resources. The deal itself has not yet been made public, but the Economy Ministry and the prime minister's office have offered some details. The agreement — which the Ukrainian parliament must ratify — would establish a reconstruction fund for Ukraine that Ukrainian officials hope will be a vehicle to ensure future American military assistance. A previous agreement was nearly signed before being derailed in a tense Oval Office meeting involving U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. 'We have formed a version of the agreement that provides mutually beneficial conditions for both countries. This is an agreement in which the United States notes its commitment to promoting long-term peace in Ukraine and recognizes the contribution that Ukraine has made to global security by giving up its nuclear arsenal,' Ukrainian Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said in a post on Facebook. The signing comes during what U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said would be a 'very critical' week for U.S.-led efforts to end the war that appear to have stalled. Ukraine sees the deal as a way to ensure that its biggest and most consequential ally stays engaged and doesn't freeze military support, which has been key in its 3-year-old fight against Russia's full-scale invasion. 'This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term,' Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. Here is a look at the deal. What does the deal include? The deal covers minerals, including rare earth elements, but also other valuable resources including oil and natural gas, according to details released by Ukrainian officials. It does not include resources that are already a source of revenue for the Ukrainian state. In other words, any profits under the deal are dependent on the success of new investments. While Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in Ukraine's rare earth elements, it unclear what other minerals might be part of the deal. Earlier this year, Andrii Yermak, the head of Ukraine's presidential office, said it could include lithium, titanium or uranium. The agreement ensures full ownership of the resources remains with Ukraine, according to Ukrainian officials. The state will determine where and what can be extracted. It also does not refer to any debt obligations for Ukraine, the officials have said, meaning profits from the fund will not go toward the paying the U.S. back for its previous support. What are rare earth elements? They are a group of 17 elements that are essential to many kinds of consumer technology, including cellphones, hard drives and electric and hybrid vehicles. China is the world's largest producer of rare earth elements, and both the U.S and Europe have sought to reduce their dependence on Beijing, Trump's chief geopolitical adversary. How will the fund work? The agreement establishes a reconstruction investment fund, and both the U.S. and Ukraine will have an equal say in its management, according to Svyrydenko. The fund will be supported by the U.S. government through the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation agency, which Ukraine hopes will attract investment and technology from American and European countries. Ukraine is expected to contribute 50% of all future profits from government-owned natural resources into the fund. The United States will also contribute in the form of direct funds and equipment, including badly needed air defense systems and other military aid. Contributions to the fund will be reinvested in projects related to mining, oil and gas as well as infrastructure. No profits will not be taken from the fund for the first 10 years, Svyrydenko said. Trump administration officials initially pushed for a deal in which Washington would receive $500 billion in profits from exploited minerals as compensation for its wartime support. But Zelenskyy rejected the offer, saying he would not sign off on an agreement 'that will be paid off by 10 generations of Ukrainians.' What is the state of Ukraine's minerals industry? During Elections Get campaign news, insight, analysis and commentary delivered to your inbox during Canada's 2025 election. Ukraine's rare earth elements are largely untapped because of state policies regulating the industry, a lack of good information about deposits, and the war. The industry's potential is unclear since geological data is thin because mineral reserves are scattered across Ukraine, and existing studies are considered largely inadequate, according to businessmen and analysts. In general, however, the outlook for Ukrainian natural resources is promising. The country's reserves of titanium, a key component for the aerospace, medical and automotive industries, are believed to be among Europe's largest. Ukraine also holds some of Europe's largest known reserves of lithium, which is required to produce batteries, ceramics and glass. In 2021, the Ukrainian mineral industry accounted for 6.1% of the country's gross domestic product and 30% of exports. An estimated 40% of Ukraine's metallic mineral resources are inaccessible because of Russian occupation, according to data from We Build Ukraine, a Kyiv-based think tank. Ukraine has argued that it's in Trump's interest to develop the remainder before Russian advances capture more.
Telegraph
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
North Korea confirms it sent troops to fight for Russia
North Korea has acknowledged for the first time that it sent troops to Russia to fight against Ukraine at the personal request of Kim Jong-un. Reports of North Korean involvement has been circulated for months, but this is the first time either side has publicly confirmed the alliance. Kim, the country's autocratic leader, praised the soldiers for their ' fighting spirit and heroism ' and defined it as a 'sacred mission for further consolidating as firm as a rock' relations between North Korea and Russia. Pyongyang 'regards it as an honour to have an alliance with such a powerful state as the Russian Federation', state media reported. 'Defend our Motherland' Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, expressed gratitude to Kim and 'the entire leadership and the people of North Korea' on Monday. 'We commend the North Korean soldiers' heroism, their excellent training and dedication displayed while fighting, shoulder to shoulder with Russian soldiers, defending our Motherland as their own,' he said, according to the Kremlin press service. The decision to send North Korean troops to Russia was made by order of Kim in accordance with Pyongyang's comprehensive strategic partnership with Moscow, signed last year, state media said. The partnership stipulates that the other will provide military assistance and support by all means at its disposal in the event of an armed attack on one country. The invocation of the treaty and the deployment also show the deepening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow. 'The invincible militant friendship between the two countries, verified at the cost of blood in the flames of battles, will greatly contribute to expanding and developing the future relations of friendship and cooperation between the DPRK and Russia,' the Korean Central News Agency said. It reported that the country's soldiers 'participated in the operations for liberating the Kursk area' for 'nearly nine months', referring to the war-torn region in western Russia. North Korea's deployment of troops to Russia, along with large quantities of artillery ammunition and missiles, was an unprecedented move for Pyongyang and gave Moscow the upper hand on the battlefield. Ukraine estimates that as many as 14,000 North Korean soldiers, including 3,000 reinforcements, were sent to Russia to fight Ukrainian forces in Kursk. South Korea's National Intelligence Service reported in March that more than 4,000 North Korean troops had been injured or killed in the conflict, but Pyongyang has never confirmed this. Lee Seong-kweun, a member of South Korea's national assembly, told The Korea Herald: 'North Korea recovers the bodies of its dead soldiers as much as they can, rather than leaving them behind, in an effort to cover up any signs of their involvement in the war.' Kyiv staged a surprise incursion into Kursk last August, but Moscow has claimed the territory is back under its control. Valery Gerasimov, a top Russian commander, said on Sunday that the last village held by Ukrainian troops in Kursk had been recaptured, but Ukraine has denied the claim and said its troops are still present in parts of the Russian territory. South Korea's defence ministry issued a strong response, claiming the North was 'admitting to a criminal act' and condemning it for the 'inhumane and immoral' decision to send its soldiers to battle to gain greater legitimacy. Jeon Ha-gyu, the spokesman for South Korea's ministry of national defence, said: 'North Korea's participation in the Ukraine war is a clear violation of the UN Charter and Security Council resolutions, constituting an illegal act.' The US demanded that North Korea stop its deployment to Russia and halt any support it might be receiving from Russia in exchange. 'The deployment of North Korean soldiers to Russia must end. Third-party countries like North Korea bear responsibility for the war,' the State Department said in a statement on Sunday. During his first term as president, Donald Trump met Kim three times, but little came from the meetings. Since he returned to office, he has expressed an interest in renewing contact with Kim, though no developments have yet been reported.
