UK to Join EU Loan Scheme for Ukraine
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the European Political Community summit in Yerevan, Armenia, on Monday. The meeting came as London announced it would enter talks to join the European Union's £78bn (approximately $106bn) loan scheme for Ukraine, approved last month. The loan is intended to cover two-thirds of Ukraine's financial needs over the next two years, with the majority allocated to military spending.
Starmer stated, "When the UK and the European Union work together, we all reap the benefits – and in these volatile times we need to go further and faster on defence to keep people safe." The UK government also announced a new tranche of sanctions on Russian companies this week to disrupt military supply chains.
Ukraine Strikes Russian Oil Port and Vessels
Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine successfully struck Russia's Primorsk oil port and several vessels in a major drone and missile attack, causing damage to energy infrastructure and sparking a fire. The port, located on the Baltic Sea, is Russia's largest oil exporting port, capable of handling hundreds of thousands of barrels per day. Ukraine also targeted three tankers it alleges were part of Russia's "shadow fleet" illegally transporting crude oil.
Russian Attacks Continue Across Ukraine
Russian strikes over the past day have killed 10 people and injured at least 76 across Ukraine, according to Ukrainian officials. In Kherson, a Russian drone struck a minibus, killing two and wounding seven. Another attack on a minibus in the same city wounded the driver. In Odesa, a Russian strike damaged port infrastructure but caused no casualties.
Zelensky Announces Army Reforms
Zelensky announced a series of reforms for the Ukrainian armed forces via social media, including increased pay for military personnel based on combat experience and efficacy. Non-combat roles will receive at least 30,000 hryvnias. The reforms, agreed in April and due to be finalised this month, are scheduled to take effect in June.
Ukraine Offers Finland Drone Deal
Zelensky offered Finland a drone deal to strengthen partnership, sharing technology and combat expertise developed during the war. He thanked Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo for an additional $300m in defence support.
King Charles III Praised for Ukraine Support
Zelensky thanked King Charles III for his "strong words" on Ukraine during the monarch's state visit to the United States, expressing gratitude to Starmer during their meeting.
German Defence Minister Responds to US Troop Drawdown
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius responded to the Pentagon's announcement of a 5,000-troop reduction in Germany, stating that the drawdown was expected and emphasising the mutual benefits of the US military presence in Europe. He noted that Europe is acting to enhance its own security within NATO.
