A new poll showed that 67% of Europeans support increased investment in defense, although this is slightly less than in April last year. Support varies from 48% in Italy to 86% in Poland.
EU governments have agreed to restrict travel for Russian diplomats within the bloc in response to a surge in sabotage, often led by spies operating under diplomatic cover. This is part of a new package of sanctions being developed by Brussels, which requires unanimous support.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has accused Ukraine of attempting to pressure European states regarding EU accession. He stated that Budapest would not support this decision, citing the results of a referendum.
Ukraine and Denmark have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on joint defense production. This involves technology exchange, attracting EU funding, and strengthening the defense capabilities of both countries.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved amendments to the State Budget-2025, allocating an additional UAH 324. 7 billion for defense by the end of the year. The main source of funding is EU funds and the reduction of non-priority expenditures.
The head of the Center for Countering Disinformation (CPD) of the National Security and Defense Council stated that the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service uses "shadow fleet" ships to launch UAVs into Europe.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will be in the European Union, as it is the choice of Ukrainians. He noted that Hungary is slowing down this irreversible process, and Ukraine will appeal to partner countries to change the accession procedure or put pressure on the Hungarian Prime Minister.
Lithuania commits to allocating at least 0. 25% of its GDP to Ukraine's defense and security needs. This was stated by Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė, confirming an unwavering belief in Ukraine's victory.
Turkey may cooperate with the US on the development of rare earth element deposits in western Anatolia, after talks with China and Russia slowed down. Ankara and Washington are exploring a joint project in the Beylikova area, where a deposit of cerium, praseodymium, and neodymium has been discovered.
Prosecutor General of Ukraine Ruslan Kravchenko, during his visits to London and The Hague, emphasized the need to bring the highest leaders of the Russian Federation to justice for the crime of aggression. He discussed issues of the Special Tribunal, extradition, asset forfeiture, and sanctions circumvention.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof together honored the memory of fallen Ukrainian defenders. Schoof had previously opposed Ukraine's accelerated accession to the EU and called on Putin for negotiations.
The SBU counterintelligence detained a 16-year-old Kharkiv resident who was looking for perpetrators of terrorist attacks in Ukraine from the EU, most of whom were teenagers. He handed them over to Russian special services, who instructed the recruited individuals to carry out explosions.
The European Union is introducing a new automated Entry/Exit System (EES) for third-country nationals, including Ukraine, from October 12, 2025. This system involves the collection of biometric data and may increase processing time at the border.
Andrej Babiš, leader of the Czech ANO party, stated that his country will remain faithful to Europe and NATO after winning the parliamentary elections. He emphasized that his party, which has begun coalition talks, consists of "patriots of Europe."
EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Commissioner Marta Kos made a joint statement regarding local elections in Georgia. They noted a "prolonged period of suppression of dissent" and low voter turnout.
Czech President Petr Pavel held talks with the leaders of the ANO party, which won the parliamentary elections, but did not entrust them with forming a new government. He believes that the government should be formed after the first session of the lower house of parliament, giving the parties more time for negotiations.
European Parliament Vice-President Victor Negrescu and 55 MEPs initiated a letter to the President of the European Council, António Costa. They request the immediate start of negotiations on Moldova's membership in the European Union, citing support for Moldova's European future and recognition of the reforms carried out.
The European Union is developing a new "AI Application" strategy to promote its own artificial intelligence tools. This will reduce dependence on China and improve the use of AI in healthcare, defense, and manufacturing.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that a breakthrough in settling Russia's war against Ukraine could occur in a few months, and the contours of a potential agreement are becoming clearer after Putin's meeting with Trump. He noted that the main obstacle to peace is the fate of the unoccupied part of the Donetsk region.
In Tbilisi, participants of the opposition rally tried to seize the Orbeliani Presidential Palace by entering the courtyard of the building. Special forces used pepper spray, tear gas, and a water cannon; there are injured and detained individuals.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy extended sanctions against Russian businessmen and introduced new restrictions on Russia's military industry and oil sector. He emphasized that this is part of a comprehensive policy of pressure on Russia.
In the parliamentary elections in the Czech Republic, after more than 60% of the votes have been counted, the populist ANO party of former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš is leading with 37. 6%. The far-right SPD, which opposes the Czech Republic's membership in the EU and NATO, also entered the top five.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU will increase pressure on Russia after the attack on the railway station in Shostka. Russia attacked the station, hitting the Shostka-Kyiv passenger train, which resulted in about 30 casualties.
Ukrzaliznytsia is opening a new international route Kyiv – Bucharest, tickets for which are already available. The first trip is scheduled for October 10, which is part of a plan to increase the number of tickets for international flights to the EU.
The G7+ group held an urgent meeting due to Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Over 100 representatives from countries and international organizations discussed the consequences of the strikes and the immediate needs for recovery.
The European Parliament is considering accelerating the phasing out of Russian oil and gas imports. This involves stopping oil imports from 2026 and gas from 2027, according to amendments to the RePowerEU regulation.
Mass protests in Georgia have been ongoing for almost a year, despite arrests and fines, even on the day of local elections. Repression against activists, journalists, and human rights defenders has drawn comparisons to Russia.
The European Union is preparing legal grounds to stop at least 16 suspicious oil tankers if they enter the Baltic Sea. This is due to the risks of oil spills and cable cutting from Russia's "shadow fleet."
EU Special Representative for Sanctions David O'Sullivan stated that Europe is on the verge of a potential major conflict and does not have the resources to resolve it. Threats are escalating due to the war in Ukraine and drone flights over EU countries.
A bill has been registered in the Verkhovna Rada that provides for an increase in the maximum unemployment benefit to UAH 12,000 and an extension of the payment period to 180 days. The document also proposes to restore the powers of the Social Insurance Fund board to form the annual budget.
