Ukraine-Russia News
LAST UPDATE: June 18, 2025
Ukraine’s Zelenskiy seeks G7 support as leaders carry on without Trump
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy appealed for more concrete backing from the G7 during the summit in Canada, stressing “diplomacy is now in a state of crisis” and urging sustained U.S. influence despite President Trump’s early departure due to Middle East concerns. (reuters.com)
Insight
Zelenskiy strategically leveraged the G7’s gathering to reinforce international pressure on Russia and remind allies of the urgency of support—even as geopolitical distractions like the Middle East loom large.
EU proposes ban on Russian gas imports by end of 2027
The European Commission outlined a phased plan to legally ban all Russian gas and LNG imports: no new contracts from Jan 1, 2026; short-term deals ending mid‑2026; and a full cutoff by Jan 1, 2028. Force majeure will allow early exits.
Insight
This marks a decisive push by the EU to end energy dependency on Russia, balancing supply security via build-out of LNG infrastructure and U.S. alternatives against dissent from Hungary and Slovakia.
Ukraine eyes GDP‑linked debt talks after imminent IMF review
Ukraine intends to restart discussions on restructuring its GDP-linked debt (“warrants”) once the IMF Executive Board completes its review in the next two weeks, which could unlock a $500 million tranche from a $15.5 billion program.
Insight
Timing debt talks around the IMF review is shrewd, creating leverage and framing negotiations within institutional benchmarks that reassure creditors and support Kiev’s financial stability.
Kremlin calls G7 ‘useless’, agrees with Trump that kicking out Russia was a mistake
Kremlin spokesman Peskov backed Trump’s claim that excluding Russia from the G8 was a mistake and dismissed the current G7 as “useless,” viewing the G20 as a more relevant global forum.
Insight
By aligning with Trump’s comment, Moscow seeks to undermine the G7’s legitimacy and promote alternative global platforms to reassert influence, positioning itself outside traditional Western frameworks.
