Finnish President Alexander Stubb believes that Donald Trump is the only one who can make Putin sit down at the negotiating table regarding Ukraine. Stubb emphasized that Finland will never recognize Crimea as Russian and seeks Ukraine's membership in the EU and NATO.
The plane of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin will have to bypass most of the European Union countries to arrive in Hungary for a meeting with US President Donald Trump. The route can reach up to 5 thousand km, increasing the flight time by 3 hours.
October 18 marks European Anti-Trafficking Day and World Menopause Day. Also celebrated today are International Archaeology Day, World Guitar Day, and International Tie Day.
Great Britain proposes to the United States to develop a peace plan for Ukraine, similar to Trump's plan for the Gaza Strip. This initiative was put forward during President Zelenskyy's phone conversation with European leaders.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed his conversation with Donald Trump with European leaders and the leadership of the EU and NATO. He emphasized the importance of protecting lives and strengthening security in Europe.
The US supports the new IMF lending program for Ukraine and the EU initiative to provide a loan based on Russian assets. This was stated by European Commissioner for Economy Valdis Dombrovskis.
The EU has proposed using part of a €140 billion loan, backed by frozen Russian assets, to purchase American weapons for Ukraine. This is on condition that Washington continues to support Kyiv in its defense against Moscow.
Belarusian diplomat Yury Ambrazevich is holding meetings with representatives of European countries, trying to resume dialogue with the West. This is happening against the backdrop of intensified contacts between the US and Belarus.
Slovakia will transfer a new energy equipment package worth 500,000 euros to Ukraine. The country will also allocate 300,000 euros for the construction of shelters in schools in frontline areas.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated the country's interest in friendly relations with everyone who wishes to cooperate, including Russia and China. At the same time, Slovakia strives to be a good neighbor to Ukraine and help it.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced Ukraine's readiness to offer alternative sources and synchronize systems with Slovakia. This should protect Slovakia from energy supply risks and create a new regional energy hub.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated his support for Ukraine's independence and territorial integrity. He also advocated for a meeting between Putin and Trump in Hungary, offering assistance in organizing it.
The European Union is considering using frozen Russian state assets worth 140 billion euros to provide a loan to Ukraine. The European Commission also seeks to raise 25 billion euros from private bank accounts for this initiative.
The Ministry of Culture plans to expand the range of paid services offered by nature reserves and museums to attract funds for the preservation of monuments. The government will also support projects that promote Ukrainian cultural heritage, particularly through international cooperation with UNESCO and the EU.
Yulia Svyrydenko participated in the G7 finance ministers' meeting in Washington, where the use of frozen Russian assets was discussed. She emphasized the need to direct these funds towards Ukraine's recovery and compensation for damages.
The German University of Bonn has restricted access for Russian students to certain modules of the master's programs "Cybersecurity" and "Computer Science" due to sanctions. These students can continue their studies by choosing alternative modules and will receive individual consultations.
The Ukrainian delegation met with US Congressman French Hill, who stated that the current sanctions are not enough to destroy the Russian economy. He supported the idea of a loan to Ukraine for the purchase of weapons with the involvement of frozen Russian assets.
Naftogaz is actively working to increase gas imports and attract additional funding for a successful heating season. The Ukrainian delegation, led by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, is negotiating in Washington, and the EBRD has already agreed to provide additional funding.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that the Ukrainian Defense Forces are striking Russian oil refineries mainly with their own weapons. Domestic production has allowed the use of means as Ukraine sees fit.
Law enforcement officers have blocked new schemes of evasion from mobilization, detaining 20 organizers who, for 3-14 thousand US dollars, offered fictitious certificates, enrollment in studies or work, as well as escape routes abroad. Among those detained are a radiologist, employees of a transport company, and a specialist from the land department of the city council.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will urge the EU to use frozen Russian assets to provide Ukraine with a loan of 140 billion euros. This funding is intended to support Ukraine's war efforts.
This happened due to a drop in export revenues, sanctions and limited access to capital, as well as an increase in debt servicing costs.
The European Union is considering a ban on filtered cigarettes and electronic tobacco products. This initiative aims to reduce tobacco consumption and protect the environment.
The Main Intelligence Directorate has published information on 139 marine vessels and 142 captains involved in the illegal transportation of sanctioned oil and stolen grain.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that Russia's true intentions are to intensify aggression, targeting EU and NATO countries. He emphasized that hybrid aggression against the West will intensify if the Kremlin is not decisively repelled.
Canada and the United Kingdom will join the EU's plan to use nearly $300 billion in Russian Central Bank assets to support Ukraine. This mechanism provides for the provision of loans for weapons and economic support without direct confiscation of funds.
On October 14, the UNESCO Executive Board adopted a new decision regarding the emergency aid program for Ukraine. The organization reaffirmed its solidarity with the Ukrainian people and condemned Russian aggression.
Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal called on partners to invest 0. 25% of GDP in Ukraine's defense to cover $60 billion out of the $120 billion needed for military purposes. An alternative is a loan secured by frozen Russian assets to finance the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that Russia will expand hybrid aggression against the EU and NATO if it does not receive a decisive rebuff. He emphasized that Putin's goal is to continue and intensify aggression aimed at destabilizing internal political processes.
The European Commission is discussing the use of frozen Russian assets to create a reparations loan for Ukraine. This will be a continuation of the EU's macro-financial assistance, which was discussed at a meeting between Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal and European commissioners.
