• Ukraine’s anti-corruption agency, NABU, announced on Thursday that a newly proposed bill submitted to the parliament will fully restore the procedural rights and independence of both NABU and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). NABU is in charge of investigating corruption, while SAPO handles the prosecution. Both entities were involved in drafting this legislation and have urged lawmakers to pass the president’s proposal in full as quickly as possible. They believe it will safeguard ongoing criminal investigations and protect the autonomy of their institutions.

Ukraine’s anti-corruption agency, NABU, announced on Thursday that a newly proposed bill submitted to the parliament will fully restore the procedural rights and independence of both NABU and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). NABU is in charge of investigating corruption, while SAPO handles the prosecution. Both entities were involved in drafting this legislation and have urged lawmakers to pass the president’s proposal in full as quickly as possible. They believe it will safeguard ongoing criminal investigations and protect the autonomy of their institutions.

• The European Union expressed support for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s efforts to reestablish the independence of Ukraine’s anti-corruption bodies after a controversial law had previously compromised their autonomy. Following public demonstrations and criticism from international partners, Zelenskyy pledged a new bill to ensure legal integrity and institutional independence. An EU spokesperson emphasized that their financial assistance to Ukraine depends on progress in transparency, judicial reform, and democratic practices. These priorities were echoed during the president’s discussions with European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, Germany’s Friedrich Merz, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The European Union expressed support for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s efforts to reestablish the independence of Ukraine’s anti-corruption bodies after a controversial law had previously compromised their autonomy. Following public demonstrations and criticism from international partners, Zelenskyy pledged a new bill to ensure legal integrity and institutional independence. An EU spokesperson emphasized that their financial assistance to Ukraine depends on progress in transparency, judicial reform, and democratic practices. These priorities were echoed during the president’s discussions with European leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, Germany’s Friedrich Merz, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

• Discussions between EU representatives and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday grew tense over the conflict in Ukraine. European Council President Antonio Costa noted that the EU delegation emphasized their hope that China would use its influence to persuade Russia to end the war. Ahead of the meeting, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that China was playing a problematic role by supporting Russia’s defense sector. In response, Xi urged the EU to manage disagreements carefully, stating that the difficulties Europe faces are not caused by China.

Discussions between EU representatives and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday grew tense over the conflict in Ukraine. European Council President Antonio Costa noted that the EU delegation emphasized their hope that China would use its influence to persuade Russia to end the war. Ahead of the meeting, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that China was playing a problematic role by supporting Russia’s defense sector. In response, Xi urged the EU to manage disagreements carefully, stating that the difficulties Europe faces are not caused by China.

• A Russian strike on Thursday claimed the lives of three members of a family who had already been displaced by war, Ukrainian officials reported. The victims, a father, mother, and son, had escaped to the village of Pidlyman in the Kharkiv region after their hometown came under attack. Later, a separate assault on Kharkiv city injured 33 people, including several children. Emergency services also reported another Russian drone and missile attack in the Cherkasy region, leaving seven injured, including a young child.

A Russian strike on Thursday claimed the lives of three members of a family who had already been displaced by war, Ukrainian officials reported. The victims, a father, mother, and son, had escaped to the village of Pidlyman in the Kharkiv region after their hometown came under attack. Later, a separate assault on Kharkiv city injured 33 people, including several children. Emergency services also reported another Russian drone and missile attack in the Cherkasy region, leaving seven injured, including a young child.

• The U.S. State Department approved new defense sales to Ukraine valued at around $330 million, according to an announcement on Thursday. The package includes $150 million for maintenance and repairs of M109 self-propelled howitzers, and $180 million dedicated to supporting the country’s air defense infrastructure. The Pentagon stated that manufacturers involved in these sales include BAE Systems, Allison Transmission, Daimler Truck North America, Sierra Nevada Corporation, Radionix, and Systems Electronic Export. Just a day earlier, the U.S. authorized another $322 million in military sales involving Hawk missile systems and Bradley fighting vehicles.

The U.S. State Department approved new defense sales to Ukraine valued at around $330 million, according to an announcement on Thursday. The package includes $150 million for maintenance and repairs of M109 self-propelled howitzers, and $180 million dedicated to supporting the country’s air defense infrastructure. The Pentagon stated that manufacturers involved in these sales include BAE Systems, Allison Transmission, Daimler Truck North America, Sierra Nevada Corporation, Radionix, and Systems Electronic Export. Just a day earlier, the U.S. authorized another $322 million in military sales involving Hawk missile systems and Bradley fighting vehicles.

• According to customs records reviewed by news outlets, an Indian company sent $1.4 million worth of an explosive used in military equipment to Russia in December 2024. The compound, known as HMX or octogen, is commonly found in warheads, rockets, and bombs. One of the Russian recipients listed was a company involved in explosives production, which Ukraine’s security service has linked to the Russian military. Ukrainian officials reported that one of the firm’s facilities was targeted in an April drone operation.

According to customs records reviewed by news outlets, an Indian company sent $1.4 million worth of an explosive used in military equipment to Russia in December 2024. The compound, known as HMX or octogen, is commonly found in warheads, rockets, and bombs. One of the Russian recipients listed was a company involved in explosives production, which Ukraine’s security service has linked to the Russian military. Ukrainian officials reported that one of the firm’s facilities was targeted in an April drone operation.

• The U.S. government has labeled HMX, also known as octogen, as a substance vital to Russia’s warfare capabilities. While the State Department declined to address specific shipment details, it reiterated that U.S. authorities have consistently informed India that defense-related trade with Russia could lead to sanctions. Despite this, under the administration of Donald Trump, enforcement of Russia-related sanctions has notably slowed. India’s foreign ministry commented that all exports involving dual-use materials are conducted with consideration of its international obligations, and are subject to thorough review processes.

The U.S. government has labeled HMX, also known as octogen, as a substance vital to Russia’s warfare capabilities. While the State Department declined to address specific shipment details, it reiterated that U.S. authorities have consistently informed India that defense-related trade with Russia could lead to sanctions. Despite this, under the administration of Donald Trump, enforcement of Russia-related sanctions has notably slowed. India’s foreign ministry commented that all exports involving dual-use materials are conducted with consideration of its international obligations, and are subject to thorough review processes.