Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko met in Kyiv with the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola. The parties discussed Ukraine's progress towards EU membership and the safety of Ukrainian children, as well as the opening of a European Parliament representative office in Kyiv.
President Zelenskyy stated that Russia will continue its attacks on Ukraine's energy and railway facilities. At the same time, Ukrainian special operations on enemy territory are disrupting Russia's logistical plans as it prepares for the heating season.
The President of Ukraine emphasized that Ukraine's main goal is to end the war. In addition, according to the Head of State, if the hostilities drag on, "Plan B" provides for annual funding of $120 billion.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola stated that the EU has mobilized 169 billion euros in aid for Ukraine, including 63 billion for military support. She also noted progress on using frozen Russian assets and increasing investments in Ukraine's defense industry.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola announced the opening of a permanent representation of the European Parliament in Kyiv during her address to the Verkhovna Rada on September 17. She also emphasized the need for genuine peace for Ukraine and announced the 19th package of sanctions against Russia.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola addressed the Verkhovna Rada, emphasizing the need for a genuine peace for Ukraine that respects its sovereignty and independence. She also announced the 19th package of sanctions against Russia and a further rejection of Russian energy resources.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola arrived in Kyiv 1,300 days after the start of the aggression to express support for Ukraine. She was met by the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk.
The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, announced her visit to Kyiv. She published a photo against the backdrop of a train resembling a Ukrainian one.
In early October, MEPs will once again vote on a motion of no confidence in European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Two requests came from right-wing and left-wing factions, criticizing her policies.
President Zelenskyy thanked Ursula von der Leyen for €6 billion for drone production in Ukraine. The use of frozen Russian assets and strengthening sanctions were discussed.
The European Union is considering the possibility of a faster cessation of Russian oil and gas imports. This is due to pressure from the United States, which demands a sharp increase in purchases of American LNG and the equalization of the trade balance.
The European Union and Ukraine are establishing a "Drone Alliance" with €6 billion in funding from ERA to strengthen defense capabilities. The program aims to scale up the use of drones at the front and counter Russian superiority.
European Commissioner Marta Kos declared the irreversibility of Ukraine's path to the EU, emphasizing that membership is a guarantee of security for Ukraine and Europe. She called on the EU Council to decide on opening the first cluster of negotiations.
President Zelenskyy summarized the results of the G7 parliamentary summit, where Ukraine was represented. The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Stefanchuk, met with the speakers of the G7 parliaments and the President of the European Parliament, who support Ukraine.
The Verkhovna Rada appealed to the parliaments of the EU with a call to condemn the murder of MP Andriy Parubiy, considering it an act of political terror by the Russian Federation. Deputies demand an investigation and increased pressure on Russia.
In October 2025, the EU will introduce the EES system to control the entry and exit of third-country nationals. It will replace passport stamps, collecting biometric data to combat illegal migration.
Starting September 1, 2025, Latvia will introduce a mandatory online questionnaire for foreigners without a visa or residence permit. This also applies to Ukrainian citizens who do not have Latvian documents.
President Zelenskyy heard a report from the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service regarding sanctions. Ukraine will provide this data to G7 partners to increase pressure.
The President of France, the Chancellor of Germany, and the Prime Minister of Poland will visit Moldova. Their visit is intended to support the country's pro-European course and remind of an alternative to Russia.
Roberta Metsola expressed hope for an end to the war in Ukraine, but called for readiness for new sanctions against Russia. She emphasized that Ukraine's security is Europe's security.
European politicians explained what guarantees EU countries can offer Ukraine. At the moment, peace negotiations without a ceasefire are simply Putin's pipe dream.
MEP Rihards Kols stated that the prime ministers of Hungary and Slovakia, Viktor Orbán and Robert Fico, are destroying Europe from within. He expressed disappointment with Europe's stance and hope for changes in Hungary after the upcoming elections.
On August 23, Ukraine celebrates the Day of the State Flag and Kharkiv City Day. Also today is International Blind Dog Day, European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Stalinism and Nazism, and International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition.
The EU and the US have approved a framework trade agreement. A 15% tax will apply to almost all European goods going to the US, while Europe will abolish import tariffs on American products and purchase chips, energy carriers, and military equipment.
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk held a series of conversations with the heads of almost thirty national parliaments and the President of the European Parliament. They agreed on the coordination of actions at the inter-parliamentary level, discussing common principles and the future of Ukraine.
Western sanctions after Russia's invasion of Ukraine are increasing the isolation of Kaliningrad, which has no land connection with Russia. This has led to overloaded sea routes and problems for small businesses in the region.
The European Parliament is considering proposals to accelerate the EU's abandonment of Russian gas to January 2027, a year earlier than the European Commission's initial plan. Lawmakers propose obliging governments to impose sanctions on companies that violate the ban.
EU ambassadors have agreed to use the €392 billion cohesion fund for defense-related projects, which accounts for approximately one-third of the EU's 2021–2027 budget. This decision allows EU countries to use regional funds to support the defense industry and modernize infrastructure.
The July cover of TIME magazine, titled "Kidnapping," is dedicated to abducted Ukrainian children, which has become a global moral challenge. According to official data, Russia forcibly removed approximately 35,000 children, and the true number may reach up to 700,000.
The European Parliament stated that Georgia will not be able to join the EU until the government changes its authoritarian course. The path to membership is suspended until fair elections are held.
