European Union

In September, China's exports to Russia reached a record $11. 25 billion, up 16.6%. At the same time, imports from Russia fell by 9.2% due to sanctions that made international payments more difficult for Moscow.

U. S. lawmakers are demanding that Japan tighten restrictions on the sale of chip manufacturing equipment to China. They warn of possible sanctions for Japanese companies if Tokyo does not take action.

The Deputy Heads of the OP met with the Hungarian Secretary of State. They discussed regional cooperation, joint projects and priorities for Ukraine's European integration during Hungary's EU presidency.

The President of Ukraine said that some partners have expressed a desire to hold direct talks with Russia. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine's position is unchanged: negotiations on Ukraine cannot take place without its participation.

Zelenskyy said that Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia support the idea of replacing part of the US contingent in the EU with Ukrainian troops. The Baltic states want Ukrainian soldiers to defend their borders from Russia.

The Deputy Prime Minister of Moldova has announced russia's attempts to disrupt the elections and the referendum on the EU. According to her, the Kremlin has spent more than 100 million euros on disinformation, destabilization, and bribing voters.

The Government of Ukraine has approved a draft law to implement EU regulations in the field of rail transport. The document provides for a new model of the transportation market, equal access to infrastructure and European safety standards.

Hungarian Prime Minister Orban has again blocked EU sanctions against Russia, which are necessary to provide Ukraine with $50 billion. He postpones the decision until after the US election, hoping for a Trump victory.

The National Bank of Ukraine has published reports on the volume of credit transfers and direct debits. In the first half of 2024, 1848 million transactions amounting to almost UAH 20166 billion were carried out within Ukraine.

Ukrzaliznytsia is actively building Ukraine's first European railroad between Chop and Uzhhorod. 3.5 km of the planned 8.3 km have already been laid, and the work is expected to be completed this year.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed support for Ukraine's Victory Plan within the competence of the EC. The plan has been endorsed by 18 EU members and several NATO defense ministers.

Ursula von der Leyen announced the allocation of a new tranche under the Ukraine Facility program by the end of the year. The total amount of the program is EUR 50 billion for 2024-2027, of which more than EUR 12 billion has already been allocated.

The European Council announced that Russian assets will remain frozen until the aggression against Ukraine ends. Italy is working on a loan to Ukraine secured by the interest from the blocked Russian assets.

The European Council called for a rapid increase in military aid to Ukraine, especially air defense systems and ammunition. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to support Ukraine “as long as necessary” in all areas.

The European Council summit announces the de facto suspension of Georgia's accession to the EU due to the government's actions. The EU calls on Georgia to implement democratic reforms and hold free elections.

The Moldovan police announced that they had uncovered a program that sent Moldovan citizens to Russia to learn how to organize riots. The program is linked to pro-Russian oligarch Ilan Shor.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the Alliance is ready to provide Ukraine with everything it needs to fight Russia. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of partner unity and support for the Victory Plan.

The Central Election Commission of Ukraine has asked the IEBC to suspend the membership of the election commissions of the Russian Federation and Belarus. The reason is the organization of illegal elections in the occupied territories of Ukraine and violation of the principles of democracy.

Herman Halushchenko met with Fatih Birol in Paris. They discussed challenges to nuclear safety due to Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure and ways to help the Ukrainian energy sector.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the President of the European Parliament and leaders of political groups. The parties discussed financial assistance, support for the Peace Formula and Ukraine's future membership in the EU.

Hungarian Prime Minister Orban called Ukraine's Victory Plan “frightening”. He called on the leaders of Germany and France to start negotiations with Russia on behalf of the EU to find a way out of the situation.

The President of Ukraine commented on his meeting with the Hungarian Prime Minister at a meeting of the European Council. Zelenskyy presented the Victory Plan, which was supported by the majority of speakers.

President Zelenskyy said that 18 EU members had commented on Ukraine's Victory Plan. Most speakers supported the plan, and long-range weapons were discussed with some countries.

President Zelenskyy said that agreements with partners to protect Ukraine's critical resources are mutually beneficial. He proposed that the EU and the US conclude a special agreement to protect resources such as titanium, uranium, and lithium.

At the EU-Gulf Summit, the EU and Gulf States expressed support for Ukraine's sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders. Participants condemned Russian attacks and called for humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

President Zelenskyy proposed that the partners conclude an agreement to protect Ukraine's critical resources. He emphasized the importance of preventing russia's access to Ukrainian resources and the need for joint investments.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen endorsed Zelensky's victory plan, calling it “many, many good ideas. ” She emphasized the importance of Ukraine's involvement in NATO as “the most important life insurance.

The President of Ukraine met with the President of the European Council. The parties discussed the Victory Plan, defense support, movement towards the EU, sanctions against Russia, and Ukraine's economic stability.

During a meeting of the European Council, President Zelenskyy said that the kursk operation revealed russia's weakness. He emphasized the need to continue pressure on the battlefield and provide Ukraine with the necessary weapons.

Ursula von der Leyen stated the need to increase the enforcement of decisions on deportations of migrants to the EU. Currently, the return rate of illegal migrants is only 20%, which requires legislative changes.