Vance to visit Hungary for talks with Orban days before election
Vice President J.D. Vance is set to visit Hungary on April 7–8 for bilateral meetings with Prime Minister Viktor Orban and to deliver remarks on U.S.–Hungary relations.
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Sonya Bandouil
North American news editorSonya Bandouil is a North American news editor for The Kyiv Independent. She previously worked in the fields of cybersecurity and translating, and she also edited for various journals in NYC. Sonya has a Master’s degree in Global Affairs from New York University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Music from the University of Houston, in Texas.
Articles
Belarusian parliament approves new law targeting LGBTQ+ expression and childfree lifestyles
Belarusian lawmakers have approved a bill introducing penalties for what authorities describe as the promotion of homosexuality, gender transition, childlessness, and pedophilia, further tightening restrictions on LGBTQ+ expression in the country.
Ukraine strikes airfield in occupied Crimea, destroys An-72 aircraft and Orion drone base
Ukrainian forces, with the help of military intelligence, struck multiple Russian military targets at the Kirovske airfield in occupied Crimea overnight on April 2, Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces said.
EU top diplomat arrives in Kyiv, reaffirms support for Ukraine on Bucha massacre anniversary
Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, arrived in Kyiv on March 31 alongside other European leaders, where she was met by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
Iran says Ukraine complicit in US- Israeli war effort, Kyiv rejects claim
Iran has accused Ukraine of being complicit in military aggression due to the deployment of Ukrainian counter-drone specialists to Gulf countries, according to a letter sent by Tehran's UN representative to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council.
US allows Russian oil tanker to reach Cuba as Trump says 'we don't mind'
The U.S. is allowing a Russian tanker carrying crude oil to reach Cuba, the New York Times reported on March 29, amid a de facto oil blockade imposed by Washington.
Rheinmetall backtracks, praises Ukraine's innovation after CEO derides 'Lego' drones made by 'housewives'
German defense company Rheinmetall issued a statement on March 29 expressing respect for Ukraine’s defense efforts after facing backlash over comments that appeared to downplay Ukrainian innovation in warfare.
Russia auctions off gold deposit in occupied Luhansk, Reuters reports
Russia is auctioning off natural resource assets in occupied Ukrainian territories, including a major gold deposit in Luhansk Oblast, Reuters reported on March 26, citing auction documents.
Canada adds 100 Russian shadow fleet vessels to sanctions list
Canada announced new sanctions targeting Russia’s shadow fleet, adding 100 oil tankers to its sanctions list, Foreign Minister Anita Anand announced on March 26.
US security guarantees tied to Ukraine's withdrawal from Donbas, Zelensky says
The United States is proposing security guarantees to Ukraine in exchange for Kyiv withdrawing its troops from parts of Donbas still under Ukrainian control, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with Reuters published on March 25.
Zelensky appoints new heads of SBU counterintelligence departments
The two positions had remained vacant since Jan. 5, when Zelensky dismissed Andrii Tupikov and Oleksandr Dubrovin. The dismissals in January came amid a wider government reshuffle following a major corruption scandal last year.
Russia’s oil exports plummet to historic low amid Ukrainian drone strikes, Reuters reports
About 40% of Russia’s oil export capacity has been halted amid Ukrainian drone strikes, pipeline damage, and tanker seizures, Reuters reported on March 25.
Largest anti-government protest since 2019 draws massive crowds in Prague
Tens of thousands of people gathered in Prague on March 21 for the largest anti-government protest in the Czech Republic since 2019, Czech media reported.
Fico backs Orban, considers joining Hungary in blocking 90 billion EU loan for Ukraine
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said that Slovakia could consider blocking a 90-billion-euro EU loan for Ukraine in the future, while defending Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s opposition to the measure.
Slovakia’s Fico warns of 'further measures' over Druzhba pipeline dispute with Ukraine
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said Slovakia may take further measures against Ukraine after a halt in Russian oil supplies, which he said has triggered a “state of emergency” in the country’s oil sector.
