International
Von der Leyen asks Zelensky for explanations for the reform on anti-corruption agencies
The European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law, Michael McGrath, said on Wednesday that the president of the European Commission (EC), Ursula von der Leyen, has asked Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenski, for explanations for the controversial reform that places Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies under the control of the State prosecutor’s office.
“Von der Leyen conveyed (to Zelenski) her deep concern and asked for explanations,” McGrath said during a press conference after an informal meeting of the Council of Ministers of Justice of the European Union (EU) in Copenhagen.
The National Anti-Corruption Office (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) are “pillars” of the rule of law in Ukraine, “crucial” for the reform agenda in that country, and must maintain their independence to be effective in their task and preserve the confidence of the population, the commissioner said.
The standards that the EC demands from EU countries and candidates for access must be “consistent”, he remarked, despite the circumstances in which Ukraine finds itself.
In addition, McGrath stressed that the approach of the accession process involves first meeting the fundamental requirements and that the path to EU entry begins with a commitment to democracy, the rule of law and a strong anti-corruption regime.
“We do not want to see a setback in the progress made by Ukraine with hard work over the past few years,” said the commissioner, who described it as “very worrying” that the two agencies may be subordinate to the attorney general, who is appointed by the president’s office.
“We expect Ukraine to fully comply with (European) standards,” said the commissioner, according to whom there can be no “commitment” in this regard.
Many NGOs denounced the passage as a process of erosion of the mechanisms of control of the Executive.
Several European ministers, including those from Germany and Sweden, have also expressed concern about the measure, which removes independence from Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies.
Hundreds of Ukrainians took to the streets again in Kiev and other cities across the country on the second day of protests against a law approved on Tuesday by Parliament and later initialed by Zelenski that gives power to the attorney general appointed by the Executive over two anti-corruption agencies and thus deplens their independence.
Images broadcast live on Ukrainian public television show citizens, especially young people, who concentrate in squares and streets throughout Ukraine, shout slogans against corruption and abuses of power and show banners demanding Zelenski to repeal the law.
In his evening address to the nation on Wednesday, Zelenski stated that he is listening to the message he receives from the street and announced that he will propose to Parliament a bill to preserve the powers of investigative agencies while eliminating Russian influence in these structures.
Previously, Zelenski had announced that he will present a plan to fight corruption within two weeks.
The need to remove Russian influence is the reason invoked by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) to justify the dozens of raids against detectives of the National Anti-Corruption Office of Ukraine (NABU) carried out this Monday, which were interpreted by the NABU itself and by much of civil society as an attack on the institution.
Ukraine’s main international partners have expressed concern about both the legal reform and the SBU operation, in which two senior NABU officials were arrested for alleged collaboration with Russia.
International
Trump floats Vance-Rubio potential Republican ticket for 2028 election
U.S. President Donald Trump suggested on Monday that Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubiocould potentially form a Republican presidential ticket for the 2028 elections.
Speaking during a dinner with law enforcement officials as part of National Police Week, Trump publicly praised both officials and said they could make “an ideal team” for the next presidential race.
“Who likes JD Vance? Who likes Marco Rubio?” Trump asked attendees before adding that the pair “sound like a good combination.”
The president highlighted his vice president’s performance in office, stating that their current partnership has been highly effective. “JD is perfect, that has been a perfect formula,” Trump told reporters later.
He further suggested that a Vance-Rubio pairing could represent a strong presidential and vice-presidential ticket, although he stopped short of offering any formal endorsement.
“I think it sounds like a presidential candidate and a vice-presidential candidate,” he said, while clarifying that his remarks should not be interpreted as an official backing of any future campaign.
So far, neither Vance nor Rubio has publicly confirmed any intention to run in the 2028 presidential election.
Rubio previously sought the Republican nomination in 2016 but withdrew after losing the primary race to Trump. Later, in a December 2025 interview with Vanity Fair, he said he would be among the first to support Vance if he decided to run for the White House.
Vance, meanwhile, has recently dismissed speculation of any political rivalry with Rubio amid growing discussion about potential future GOP leadership.
International
Russia Accuses Ukraine of Violating Victory Day Truce
Russia accused Ukraine on Saturday of violating a Victory Day truce that was reportedly agreed with mediation from the United States, claiming that Ukrainian forces carried out attacks on Russian territory as well as on the annexed Crimean peninsula.
Despite the declared ceasefire, the Russian Ministry of Defense said in a statement that Ukrainian forces attacked Russian military positions using attack drones and artillery.
According to the ministry, Ukrainian forces made twelve attempts to advance toward Russian-held positions across several sectors of the front line.
It also alleged that Ukrainian strikes targeted civilian infrastructure in Crimea, several border regions, the Caucasus, and other areas including Moscow and Perm in the Ural region.
The Defense Ministry estimated around 8,900 violations of the ceasefire in total, including more than 7,000 drone attacks and over 1,000 strikes involving tanks, artillery, multiple rocket launch systems, and mortars since the truce came into effect at midnight.
Russia said its forces responded “symmetrically” to what it described as violations by Ukrainian troops.
Earlier, the Kremlin denied claims that Ukraine attempted to sabotage a military parade in Red Square marking the 81st anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
“No attempts were made. Everything went well,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told local media.
International
Trump Says U.S.-Iran Talks Progressing, Signals Possible Deal on Strait of Hormuz
U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Washington is holding “very good” talks with Iran and stated that there is a strong possibility of reaching an agreement to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
“We’ve had very good conversations over the last 44 hours, and it’s very possible that we’ll reach an agreement,” Trump said during an event held in the Oval Office at the White House.
The president’s remarks came just hours after he announced a temporary suspension of the military operation aimed at escorting vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf due to Iran’s blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Trump explained that the pause in operations is intended to facilitate diplomatic negotiations between both sides and prevent further military escalation in the region.
“We’re in good shape, and right now things are going well. Now we have to achieve what we need to achieve. If we don’t, we’ll have to go much further,” the Republican president warned.
In a post published on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump reiterated that if Iran accepts Washington’s proposed conditions, military operations and the naval blockade affecting the Islamic republic would come to an end.
However, he also issued a new warning to the Iranian government, stating that the United States would respond with attacks “of greater intensity” if Tehran rejects the agreement promoted by the White House.
Panama confirms drug contamination of El Salvador coffee shipment occurred on its territory
Trump floats Vance-Rubio potential Republican ticket for 2028 election
Russia Accuses Ukraine of Violating Victory Day Truce
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