For centuries, Kyiv maintained close ties with European countries through diplomacy – although diplomatic relations looked quite different in medieval times. The families of Rus princes Volodymyr the Great and Yaroslav the Wise built connections with royal families in France, Norway, Sweden, Hungary, Poland, Byzantium, and beyond. These dynastic connections helped shape long-lasting links across the continent. Through royal courts and family connections, traditions and ideas travelled across 11th-century Europe – from Anna of Kyiv becoming Queen of France and participating in political life to Elisiv of Kyiv bringing the connections of Rus to the Norwegian royal court through her marriage to Harald Hardrada. Discover some of the dynastic marriages that connected Rus with royal courts across Europe.

"La langue d'un État agresseur ne peut pas bénéficier d'instruments de protection": Volodymyr Zelensky retire au russe son statut de langue protégée en Ukraine l.bfmtv.com/pBlV

Among all the European nations that have already joined the European Union or see such a prospect for themselves, Ukraine is the one making the greatest sacrifices for Europe. We are not simply carrying out internal reforms, nor are we simply going through a transformation. We are fighting for our state, for our independence, and for our right to choose our own path and to be Europe. And this right of ours is at the same time the right of every nation in our region. We are fighting for our freedom and theirs, for Europe for ourselves and for them – for the Baltic states and for Poland, for Hungary and Slovakia, for Romania and Moldova, and for the peoples of the Caucasus. That is why the fate of Europe is being decided here – it is being decided in Ukraine, in this war, and in how this war ends – and whether Russia will still have the strength and the desire after this war to threaten the existence of Ukraine and its other neighbors, and the entirety of Europe. That is why we must end this war with dignity and with guaranteed security. And this is what we will discuss with our partners during the G7 Summit in France, and later at the European Council Summit and at the NATO Summit in Ankara.

«En #Ukraine, les créateurs de mode s’inspirent de plus en plus de notre héritage culturel que les jeunes redécouvrent avec plaisir. Il est désormais chic de s’habiller ukrainien» S’habiller ukrainien: comment les marques reviennent à nos racines?👇🇺🇦 1/10 tyzhden.fr/s-habiller-ukrain…

Les forces🇺🇦 ont frappé la raffinerie de pétrole russe d'Afipsky (Krasnodar), un site militaire de la flotte russe à Sébastopol, un centre de stockage de drones et un poste de commandement en territoires🇺🇦 provisoirement occupés ces 10-11 juin, à confirmé l’état-major🇺🇦. #Ukraine

🇺🇦🤝🇫🇷 Merci, France! Minister @FedorovMykhailo and Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans @CaVautrin discussed accelerating radar procurement and Aster-30 missile deliveries — urgent priorities to protect Ukrainian cities before winter. Every intercept is a life saved.

Europe is strongest when Europeans act together, not separately. This is what we are achieving in all our formats. On Sunday, we had the Ukraine–E3 format. Today, it is Ukraine–NB8. And we stay in regular contact with the United States. We are preparing together for the upcoming EU and NATO summits, as well as the G7 summit meetings. All of this can bring real results.

Ukraine–Nordic-Baltic Summit. I want to thank Estonia for hosting. The NB8 format is very practical. There are three key priorities: First, to make diplomacy more active. We discussed today how to do that. Second, to provide Ukraine with air defense and strengthen our cooperation to make Europe stronger. Third, important EU meetings are coming soon, and I thank every partner for supporting Ukraine. It is time to open all clusters. Everything is ready, and there is no reason to delay. I am also grateful to our partners for their readiness to continue strengthening sanctions against Russia. This is important. Russia must end its war, and only pressure can help achieve that.

Forces et systèmes de défense aérienne🇺🇦ont détruit de 59000 cibles et repoussé 25 frappes et missiles russes, a ajouté Syrskyi, notant que, en même temps, l’#Ukraine a besoin de systèmes de défense aérienne supplémentaires: chaque cible interceptée, ce sont des vies sauvées.2/2

Depuis le début de l'année, l’#Ukraine a libéré plus de 600 km² de territoire🇺🇦, a déclaré hier le commandant en chef Syrskyi : « Malgré la pression constante de l'ennemi, les Forces armées🇺🇦 continuent de tenir fermement leurs positions défensives et de détruire les occupants. »

Des avions de chasse français ont abattu, dans le cadre d'une mission de l'Otan, un drone qui avait pénétré l'espace aérien de la Lettonie, a annoncé l'armée lettone, lundi 8 juin. #JT20h

The 🇺🇦air defense forces and systems destroyed also over 59000 aerial targets & repelled 25 Russian missile & air strikes, Syrskyi added & emphasized that, at the same time,#Ukraine needs additional air defense systems : every target intercepted means lives saved. #StopRussia 2/2

Since the start of the year, the Armed Forces of #Ukraine liberated over 600 square kms of🇺🇦territory from Russian invaders, Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi said today, "despite constant pressure from the enemy, AFU continue to steadfastly hold their defenses, destroy the occupiers"👇

💬"Notre soutien à la légitime résistance de l'Ukraine se poursuivra de manière indéfectible à titre national, ainsi qu'avec nos partenaires. La Russie ne l'emportera pas" ➡️La représentante de la France s'exprime au Conseil de sécurité de l'ONU sur la situation en Ukraine #BFM2

United for Ukraine 🇺🇦 #standwithUkraine

A French military Rafale✈️shot down a drone that entered #NATO member Latvia's airspace from Russia on Monday, the latest in a series of security incidents along Europe's eastern border regions. 🇱🇻 army said it entered from Russia "as a result of Russian electromagnetic warfare".

Congratulations to the people of Armenia on successfully holding free and democratic elections. Best wishes of success to the winners, @NikolPashinyan and his party, in achieving great results for their country. This election shows that only Armenians will decide on the future of their country. An important geopolitical conclusion is that Moscow’s attempts to interfere and destabilise Armenia failed — just like they earlier failed in Romania, Moldova, Hungary, and other countries. This shows that Russia’s influence continues to fade. Moscow no longer proposes anything valuable for any other country except threats, blackmail, and imperial arrogance. Now is the best time for Europe and the EU to act, build on the momentum, and deliver tangible results for Armenia. Unlike Russia, closer cooperation with the European community means greater security, prosperity, and freedom.

Ce mercredi, à #Paris, nous allons manifester pour le renforcement du soutien militaire à l’#Ukraine 🇺🇦 #ActForUkraine #ArmUkraineNow #Ukraine #MarchForUkraineInParis #RussiaIsATerroristState #UnionDesUkrainiensDeFrance

La Hongrie a enfin levé son veto: l'UE débloque 6,6 milliards d'euros initialement destinés à rembourser les États qui ont fourni des armes à l'Ukraine l.bfmtv.com/OF5a

E3 🇫🇷🇬🇧🇩🇪 🇺🇦 meeting in London tonight 👉 elysee.fr/en/emmanuel-macron…