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  • ✇Euromaidan Press
  • Ukraine has done its part for accession talks start, now it’s EU’s turn, Leyen says
    Ukraine has fulfilled key conditions to open formal accession negotiations with the European Union, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. She stated that it is now the EU’s responsibility to move forward and open the first negotiation cluster. Ukraine continues its EU bid under Russian assault, while Hungary’s Orbán—the Kremlin’s top EU ally—has consistently blocked support measures, undermining Kyiv’s integration efforts. Von der Leyen: Ukraine delivered, now it’s Eur
     

Ukraine has done its part for accession talks start, now it’s EU’s turn, Leyen says

27 juin 2025 à 07:26

ukraine has done its part accession talks start now it's eu's turn leyen says european commission president ursula von der eu commision fulfilled key conditions open formal negotiations union stated

Ukraine has fulfilled key conditions to open formal accession negotiations with the European Union, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. She stated that it is now the EU’s responsibility to move forward and open the first negotiation cluster.

Ukraine continues its EU bid under Russian assault, while Hungary’s Orbán—the Kremlin’s top EU ally—has consistently blocked support measures, undermining Kyiv’s integration efforts.

Von der Leyen: Ukraine delivered, now it’s Europe’s move

Speaking on 27 June, Ursula von der Leyen praised Ukraine’s pace of reforms, saying, “Under relentless fire, Ukraine is passing reform after reform.” In her post on X, she emphasized that the EU accession process is merit-based and declared, “Ukraine has delivered – now we must too.”

At a press conference following a European Council session, von der Leyen reiterated the EU’s backing for Ukraine’s EU path. Suspilne reports that she confirmed Ukraine has done its share of the work, and now it is the European Union’s turn to respond by opening the first negotiation cluster.

EU Commission pushes forward, Hungary digs in

Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna stated that Ukraine’s partners “commended Ukraine’s pace of reforms under the most difficult circumstances” and confirmed readiness to open the first cluster of negotiations. However, for talks to begin, all 27 EU member states must agree.

According to Liga, Hungary continues to block the move. On 26 June during the EU summit in Brussels, Hungary, under its pro-Russian government of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, announced its opposition to Ukraine’s EU accession. 

Ahead of the EU summit in Brussels, Viktor Orbán claimed that 95% of over 2.1 million participants in his Voks2025 anti-Ukrainian consultative referendum allegedly voted against Ukraine’s EU membership.

Despite its unofficial nature, Orbán is using the vote that is not legally binding as a tool of political leverage within the EU. Kyiv, however, dismisses the move. Stefanishyna called it a “small obstacle” that “won’t prevent the start of negotiations.”

EU funding, sanctions, and support for Ukraine

Suspilne also reports that von der Leyen confirmed €1 billion in EU funding has already been allocated to Ukraine’s defense industry, using profits from frozen Russian assets. She added that Brussels is ready to frontload €11 billion more from the G7 loan package, stressing the urgency of Kyiv’s financial needs.

Von der Leyen also mentioned the EU’s commitment to delivering 2 million artillery shells to Ukraine by 2025. Meanwhile, Brussels is preparing its 18th package of sanctions against Russia, aiming to pressure Moscow into serious talks beginning with a real ceasefire.

Ukraine’s path to EU accession

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Ukraine’s EU membership application on 28 February 2022, days after Russia started its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. On 23 June 2022, the European Council granted Ukraine candidate status. Ukraine was tasked with seven key reforms, including tackling corruption and strengthening the rule of law.

On 26 September 2023, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that all the Commission’s recommendations had been fulfilled. The EU Commission then formally recommended starting accession talks on 8 November 2023. EU ambassadors approved a negotiating mandate, and the European Council endorsed it on 21 June 2024.

Talks officially began on 25 June 2024 in Luxembourg, with the bilateral screening of Ukrainian legislation. However, Hungary’s ongoing blockade has stalled the formal opening of negotiation clusters since early 2025.


 

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  • ✇Euromaidan Press
  • Ukraine says it’s fighting corruption. But Deputy PM Chernyshov left the country—and hasn’t come back
    A major scandal is unfolding within the Ukrainian government. Under normal circumstances, it might be framed as a political crisis — but amid martial law and suspended elections, politics in Ukraine has largely ground to a halt. What remains is power without electoral accountability. At the center of the growing controversy is Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for National Unity Oleksiy Chernyshov, who has been abroad for over a week and has yet to return. His absence coincides with a widen
     

Ukraine says it’s fighting corruption. But Deputy PM Chernyshov left the country—and hasn’t come back

20 juin 2025 à 10:10

A major scandal is unfolding within the Ukrainian government. Under normal circumstances, it might be framed as a political crisis — but amid martial law and suspended elections, politics in Ukraine has largely ground to a halt. What remains is power without electoral accountability.

At the center of the growing controversy is Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for National Unity Oleksiy Chernyshov, who has been abroad for over a week and has yet to return. His absence coincides with a widening criminal investigation that has already ensnared several of his former subordinates.


Journalist raises alarm over Chernyshov’s disappearance

Mykhailo Tkach, an investigative journalist with Ukrainska Pravda, was the first to draw public attention to Chernyshov’s absence. His reporting has tracked a network of arrests involving individuals who previously worked under Chernyshov — first in government, then at Naftogaz, Ukraine’s powerful state-owned oil and gas company.

“NABU and SAPO have detained two of Chernyshov’s close associates — Maksym Horbatiuk and Vasyl Volodin. Both worked with him in the Ministry and later at Naftogaz. Horbatiuk was detained at the border as he attempted to go on vacation. Chernyshov remains abroad, reportedly on an official trip,” Tkach reported.

Ukraine’s Deputy PM Oleksiy Chernyshov meets European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in Strasbourg on 19 June 2025. Photo: Chernyshov via Facebook

What are NABU and SAPO?

The investigation is being led by two key Ukrainian anti-corruption bodies:

  • NABU (National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine) is an independent law enforcement agency responsible for investigating high-level corruption among state officials and public institutions.
  • SAPO (Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office) works alongside NABU, overseeing legal procedures and prosecutions related to their investigations.

Together, these agencies form the backbone of Ukraine’s efforts to combat elite corruption — a mission made even more urgent during wartime, when oversight is weakened.

Ukraine’s Deputy PM Oleksiy Chernyshov and his ex-aide Maksym Horbatiuk. Photo: horbatiuk.com

What is Naftogaz?

Naftogaz of Ukraine is the country’s largest and most strategically important state-owned enterprise. It manages the production, transport, and distribution of oil and natural gas, and plays a central role in Ukraine’s economy and national security — especially amid wartime infrastructure attacks and energy shortages.

Chernyshov was appointed CEO of Naftogaz in November 2022, and later took on an additional cabinet role in government.

A new ministry with familiar faces

In December 2024, Ukraine created the Ministry of National Unity by reorganizing the Ministry for Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories. Chernyshov was appointed to lead it while retaining his position at Naftogaz.

Although rebranded, the ministry retained much of its original staff and leadership — including individuals now under investigation.

The Ministry’s formal mandate includes overseeing the rights and support of over 700,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 7 million Ukrainian refugees. In practice, however, its activities remain vague and poorly documented.

“Some MPs now joke that Chernyshov has become an IDP himself — one of the very people his ministry is supposed to help. Others note that the man tasked with encouraging Ukrainians to return appears reluctant to return himself,” Tkach observed.

High-level arrests and a multi-million dollar construction scheme

On 13 June, NABU and SAPO revealed a large-scale corruption scheme in the construction sector, allegedly involving officials closely associated with Chernyshov.

The charges include:

  • Abuse of official position
  • Receiving and facilitating large-scale bribes
  • Deliberate undervaluation of state-owned assets during wartime.
Vasyl Volodin, ex-aide of Chenyshov. Photo: Volodin via Facebook

Kyiv land deals and massive state losses

Prosecutors allege that:

  • A developer, in coordination with ministry insiders, illegally acquired land in Kyiv for a residential development.
  • Senior officials ensured the land was transferred to a state enterprise under their influence.
  • That enterprise signed investment contracts with a pre-approved construction company.
  • The value of the land and existing buildings was intentionally underestimated by nearly five times, dramatically reducing the share of housing the state would receive.

As a result, the state stood to lose over ₴1 billion — equivalent to approximately $25 million— in public assets.

“To reward their role in the scheme, top officials and their associates allegedly received significant discounts on apartments in newly built complexes,” prosecutors stated.

Ukraine’s Deputy PM Oleksiy Chernyshov in Czeck Republic on 11 June 2025. Photo: Chernyshov via Facebook

Officials travel freely, while ordinary men are barred

The scandal has reignited public anger over Ukraine’s wartime travel restrictions. Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60 are banned from leaving the country under martial law, except in rare cases. In contrast, high-ranking officials — even those under investigation — can travel freely, often citing “official duties.”

The Ministry of National Unity told Suspilne that Chernyshov is on a planned EU business trip, and that it is proceeding “in normal working mode.” His meetings, they said, are being documented on his official social media pages.

Timed departures raise suspicions

Soon after Chernyshov left Ukraine, Maksym Horbatiuk, a longtime associate, tried to cross into Poland and was detained. He had previously served as an unpaid adviser in Chernyshov’s ministry and later became a commercial director at a Naftogaz subsidiary.

Another former aide, Vasyl Volodin, was also arrested. He had served as State Secretary during Chernyshov’s ministry tenure and was later appointed to the Naftogaz board.

Authorities reportedly acted quickly out of concern the men would flee or destroy evidence. Their arrests appear to have been both urgent and strategic.

“The timing suggests law enforcement acted quickly, once Chernyshov was out of the country. From abroad, he is reportedly watching anti-corruption court hearings about his former subordinates — and likely hearing a lot about himself,” Tkach wrote.

Key questions remain unanswered

Was Chernyshov tipped off before his departure?
Was Horbatiuk fleeing or simply vacationing?
Would Volodin have escaped if not detained?

These questions remain unanswered — but the timing, proximity of roles, and overlapping appointments suggest a tightly knit circle of influence that is now unraveling under pressure.

Update

On 21 June, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal told parliament that he had authorized Chernyshov’s foreign trip through the end of the week (June 16–22). The statement came during a government Q&A session in the Verkhovna Rada.

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this. We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support
  • ✇Euromaidan Press
  • Ukraine passes EU-demanded reforms, unlocks € 3.883 bn aid
    Ukraine will receive €3.883 billion from the European Union in July under the Ukraine Facility after passing a key reform demanded by Brussels, according to Ukraine’s envoy to the EU, cited by RFI. The Ukraine Facility is the European Union’s financial assistance program for Ukraine. Amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, it supports the implementation of reforms aimed at driving economic recovery, fostering development, and advancing Ukraine’s integration into the EU. Ukrainian parliament backs
     

Ukraine passes EU-demanded reforms, unlocks € 3.883 bn aid

19 juin 2025 à 03:17

EU Commission aims to send €3bn annually for Ukraine from frozen Russian assets

Ukraine will receive €3.883 billion from the European Union in July under the Ukraine Facility after passing a key reform demanded by Brussels, according to Ukraine’s envoy to the EU, cited by RFI.

The Ukraine Facility is the European Union’s financial assistance program for Ukraine. Amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, it supports the implementation of reforms aimed at driving economic recovery, fostering development, and advancing Ukraine’s integration into the EU.

Ukrainian parliament backs ARMA reform

On 18 June, the Verkhovna Rada adopted a bill to reform the Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA), a body responsible for identifying, seizing, and managing assets obtained through criminal means. A total of 253 Ukrainian lawmakers supported the legislation. The reform was a prerequisite for unlocking additional EU financial support.

Funding increase tied to legislative progress

Ukraine’s representative to the EU, Vsevolod Chentsov, told RFI that the law enabled Ukraine to increase its request for the next installment of funding under the Ukraine Facility.

“This allowed us to increase our request for the next tranche under the financial instrument for Ukraine, the Ukraine Facility, to €3.883 billion,” Chentsov stated.

Brussels responds to reform efforts

The reform led to a €600 million increase in the amount of the upcoming tranche, according to Chentsov. The European Union is set to deliver the funds in July. Kyiv receives financing under the Ukraine Facility in stages, with each tranche contingent upon progress in EU-related reforms.

 

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this. We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support
  • ✇The Kyiv Independent
  • Ukraine's parliament passes state asset agency reform crucial for EU funding
    Ukraine's parliament passed a reform of the Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA) on June 18, a key step toward European integration and a condition listed in the EU's Ukraine Facility plan.The legislation passed with the support of 253 lawmakers "after months of obstructions... unblocking 600 million euros ($690 million) in EU funds," lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak said.The ARMA is Ukraine's national agency tasked with locating, recovering, and managing assets seized in criminal proceedings
     

Ukraine's parliament passes state asset agency reform crucial for EU funding

18 juin 2025 à 05:39
Ukraine's parliament passes state asset agency reform crucial for EU funding

Ukraine's parliament passed a reform of the Asset Recovery and Management Agency (ARMA) on June 18, a key step toward European integration and a condition listed in the EU's Ukraine Facility plan.

The legislation passed with the support of 253 lawmakers "after months of obstructions... unblocking 600 million euros ($690 million) in EU funds," lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak said.

The ARMA is Ukraine's national agency tasked with locating, recovering, and managing assets seized in criminal proceedings, namely during corruption cases.

Proposed reforms include stricter integrity and qualification standards for leadership candidates and merit-based hiring through open competitions involving civil society. They also call for independent external audits, clear deadlines for appointing asset managers, and the use of certified professionals held legally accountable for mismanagement.

The Ukraine Facility, an EU program providing Ukraine with 50 billion euros ($58 billion) in multi-year financial support contingent on reforms, set the end of March as the deadline for the ARMA's reform.

Anti-corruption experts, lawmakers, and Transparency International in Ukraine have backed the reforms, but discussions have dragged on for months since several versions of the bill were introduced in December 2024 and January.

The ARMA has long criticized the proposed legislation, arguing it had already carried out substantial and "transformative" reforms since 2023.

Transparency International reacted by saying that the ARMA's "public communication suggests that the agency’s primary concern is not the introduction of meaningful reforms, but ensuring that its current leadership can continue operating as it has."

Ukraine has embarked on extensive reforms as part of its efforts to join the EU and other Western structures, though Russia's full-scale invasion has presented fresh challenges to this effort.

Ukraine’s parliament passes bill on multiple citizenship
Ukraine’s parliament on June 18 supported a bill allowing Ukrainian citizens to hold passports of foreign countries, lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak said.
Ukraine's parliament passes state asset agency reform crucial for EU fundingThe Kyiv IndependentMartin Fornusek
Ukraine's parliament passes state asset agency reform crucial for EU funding
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