European Union
The European Union will independently decide on diplomacy and the introduction of tariffs against China, Macron said. He emphasized the strategy of de-risking and the possibility of secondary sanctions related to Russia.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen believes that the probability of a Third World War is absent, but humanity lives in a very dangerous era. She emphasized the need to strengthen the EU's defense capabilities and its autonomy in security matters.
Over the past week, Russia launched more than 1,500 attack drones, 1,280 guided aerial bombs, and 50 missiles at Ukraine. President Zelenskyy calls for increased sanctions to stop the supply of foreign components for Russian weapons.
September 21 marks the International Day of Peace, as well as the Day of Peace in Ukraine, established in 2002. Stanislav Zhelikhovsky, a candidate of political sciences, spoke about world initiatives and Ukraine's contribution to peace, as well as diplomatic steps and challenges.
A military parade took place in Belgrade with the participation of 10,000 troops and equipment from Israel, the UAE, Russia, and China. President Vučić stated that the parade underscores the country's ability to defend its independence.
Ukraine's draft state budget for 2026 envisages 60 billion euros for security and defense, which accounts for 27. 2% of GDP. Minister of Finance Serhiy Marchenko announced this at a meeting of the EU Council, thanking for the support and outlining financial challenges.
The European Union is considering introducing trade measures targeting the remaining imports of Russian oil, in particular via the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary and Slovakia. These measures may be applied if Budapest and Bratislava do not present plans for supply diversification.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed three packages of sanctions against propagandists, individuals doing business in the occupied territories, and those destabilizing Moldova. He also announced the approaching agreement on the 19th package of sanctions against Russian aggression, which will include restrictions on energy resources, shadow fleet infrastructure, and countering cryptocurrency schemes.
The Russian dictator believes that military escalation will force Ukraine to negotiate on his terms, and Trump will not interfere. Russia intensified attacks on military and civilian targets after the leaders' meeting in Anchorage.
Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said the G7 is looking to move from incremental to decisive action to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The group of industrialized nations is united in ambition and urgency.
UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves will present a plan to use frozen Russian assets to fund a 'reparations loan' for Ukraine. This move could provide billions of pounds to support Ukraine's war effort.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the European Union's move towards adopting the 19th package of sanctions against Russia. He also welcomed the preparatory work on a mechanism for using revenues from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.
The European Union proposes a full ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas from January 1, 2027. The EU also proposes to ban transactions with more Russian banks and trade restrictions for companies in China and India.
The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a note of protest to the Russian side regarding the diplomatic mission's publications about opportunities to study in the illegally occupied territories of Ukraine. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna explained that such actions by the embassy contradict Estonian legislation.
The European Commission plans to unfreeze approximately €550 million in EU funds for Hungary. This comes amid attempts to overcome Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's veto on imposing additional sanctions against Russia.
Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo has expressed support for EU efforts to monetize frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine. Spain is also working to reduce imports of Russian liquefied natural gas by diversifying supplies.
As of early August 2025, the volume of loans issued to Ukrainians and businesses reached UAH 1. 23 trillion, which is 15% more than in 2024. Loans are growing faster than deposits, which amount to UAH 2.79 trillion, but the growth rate of deposits has slowed down.
Dutch Minister for Asylum and Migration, Mona Keijzer, suggests that Ukrainian men with jobs should arrange their own housing. This is due to overcrowded shelters and an increasing number of refugees.
The US State Department has approved the sale of Javelin missile systems to Poland, including 2,506 FGM-148F missiles and 253 launchers, for $780 million. This deal will strengthen Poland's defense capabilities and "support the security of a NATO ally."
US President Donald Trump said that the US will help ensure peace after the war in Ukraine ends. He expressed disappointment in Putin and noted that stopping the purchase of Russian oil could contribute to resolving the "conflict."
EU defense ministers will discuss next week the creation of a "drone wall" along the eastern border after Russian drones invaded Poland. The project involves combining sensors, weapons, and electronic warfare systems to detect and neutralize drones.
The European Union is discussing using frozen Russian assets for a "reparation loan" to Ukraine to avoid a Hungarian veto. This would allow Kyiv to receive compensation for war damages.
Donald Trump stated that the war in Ukraine could end sooner if Europe imposed sanctions or tariffs on China. He noted that China is the largest buyer of Russian oil and has leverage over Russia.
The European Union is considering an accelerated rejection of Russian liquefied natural gas imports by the end of 2027. This decision follows US President Donald Trump's call for the EU to limit energy trade with Moscow.
Lviv law enforcement officers detained a lieutenant colonel of justice of the Ministry of Defense, who organized a corruption scheme: for a bribe, he arranged fictitious deferments from mobilization and facilitated the illegal departure of conscripts abroad.
Estonia will completely stop importing Russian natural gas, including liquefied gas, from next year, according to a government decision of September 18. This expansion of sanctions was initiated by Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna to cut the Kremlin's revenues.
The European Union will present its 19th package of sanctions against Russia to member states on September 19. It will target cryptocurrencies, banks and energy.
Slovakia and Hungary have stated that they will resist pressure from US President Donald Trump to reduce imports of Russian oil and gas until alternative suppliers are secured. Slovak Economy Minister Denisa Sakova and Hungarian Government Minister Gergely Gulyás confirmed that their countries would not take steps that threaten their energy security.
New SEC Chairman Paul Atkins stated that most crypto tokens are not securities, which fundamentally changes US regulatory policy. This opens the way for innovation and synchronization with global standards, which will also impact Ukraine.
Australia has lowered the price cap on Russian oil to US$47. 60 per barrel and imposed sanctions against 95 vessels of Russia's 'shadow fleet'. These measures are aimed at reducing Russia's revenues and have been taken jointly with international partners.