European Union

The exercises also involve Russia's Oreshnik hypersonic missile, which was tested last year.

The European Union has postponed the official introduction of another package of sanctions against Russia after US President Donald Trump demanded stricter European measures as a condition for the US to proceed with its own sanctions.

The EU Council has adopted a recommendation on the transition of Ukrainians from temporary protection to other residence statuses, as well as on their sustainable return and reintegration into Ukraine. This recommendation prepares the EU for a coordinated approach when conditions in Ukraine allow for the lifting of temporary protection.

Greece, Italy, France, Hungary, and Spain blocked the EU decision to restrict visas for Russian citizens. Greece vetoed this decision for the first time since 2022, citing economic benefits from Russian tourists.

The EU has postponed the presentation of the 19th package of sanctions against Russia. This issue has been removed from the Coreper II agenda without a new date being set.

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski stated that the massive flight of Russian drones over Polish territory is not accidental. He noted that this incident should be a signal for the EU and NATO regarding the creation of a no-fly zone over Ukraine.

The Ukrainian delegation has completed screening meetings in Brussels on the negotiating chapter "Agriculture and Rural Development". The European Commission positively assessed the submitted materials, which indicates significant progress made by Ukraine.

The European Union is considering imposing sanctions on companies in India and China that facilitate trade in Russian oil as part of a new package of restrictions. The US proposes tariffs of up to 100% for China and India, and will also affect Russian oil companies.

The European Union reminded Trump that it has been gradually phasing out Russian fossil fuels since the beginning of the war, with a clear roadmap. The 19th package of sanctions against Russia is in the final stages of preparation, Brussels said.

This summer, severe weather conditions in Europe caused short-term economic losses of at least €43 billion. By 2029, these losses are expected to increase to €126 billion.

Poland shows the fastest GDP growth among 26 EU countries, with a projected growth of 3. 3% in 2026. Since 2017, the country's economy has grown by 93%, and the zloty has become the most successful currency among emerging markets.

In Ukraine, there are 23 pharmacies per 100,000 population, while in OECD countries there are 28. The cancellation of marketing agreements negatively affected the development of the pharmacy network, especially in rural areas.

The European Union is considering tightening restrictions on tourist visas for Russian citizens and imposing restrictions on the movement of Russian diplomats within the bloc.

Romania summoned the Russian ambassador to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs due to the violation of its airspace by a Russian drone on September 13, 2025. The Romanian side expressed a strong protest and called for avoiding future violations.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu stated that Russia has intensified its online disinformation campaign and is using Orthodox priests and a network of "matryoshka" bots to interfere in elections. She also noted that Russia spent funds equivalent to about 1% of Moldova's GDP on election interference last year.

Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak stated that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin can only be stopped by force, not by compromises. Ukraine has already become Europe's shield, and proposals to simply hand over frozen Russian assets for a ceasefire are unacceptable.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb and former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson exchanged sharp remarks at the Yalta European Strategy conference. They discussed frozen Russian assets and Ukraine's prospects for EU membership.

EU High Representative Kaja Kallas stated that some allies have shown readiness to send a contingent to Ukraine, realizing that stopping Russia there is cheaper than at the EU's doorstep. She compared the situation to 1938 and emphasized that if Ukraine loses, Europe's security will be at risk.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha met with French Minister-Delegate Benjamin Haddad. The parties discussed security challenges, Russia's escalatory actions, and Ukraine's accession to the EU as a guarantee of peace.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need to strengthen sanctions pressure against Russia, especially regarding oil and energy trade. He noted that Europe has already reduced its dependence on Russian energy carriers and called on the United States for a strong sanctions and tariff policy.

Donald Trump admitted to confidants that he underestimated Vladimir Putin's desire for peace. He doubts his ability to influence the Russian dictator, despite promises to end the war in Ukraine.

G7 finance ministers met in Canada to discuss further measures to increase pressure on Russia. They agreed to accelerate discussions on using frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine's defense.

The European Commission is preparing new recommendations for member states on stricter restrictions on issuing visas to Russians. The document provides for stricter criteria but will not be mandatory, leaving the decision to national governments.

The European Union has extended personal sanctions against Russians, without removing any oligarchs or war criminals from them. This decision was made after the escalation and provocation by Russia, such as the drone attack on Poland.

Ukraine is working on the 19th package of sanctions against Russia, which will cover Russian ports in the Baltic Sea and block ways to circumvent sanctions. It is also planned to strike at Russia's banking infrastructure and shadow fleet.

The European Commission is allocating 40 million euros in humanitarian aid to prepare Ukraine for winter. The funds will provide materials for shelters, housing repairs, access to water, sanitation, and heating.

The European Union extended sanctions against Russia on September 12. Work on the 19th package of sanctions is also nearing completion.

The European Union will unveil a new package of sanctions against Russia on September 15. This 19th package has been agreed directly with US President Donald Trump.

Russia and Belarus have launched joint military exercises "Zapad-2025" amid escalating tensions with NATO after the incident with Russian drones in Poland. More than 40,000 troops are taking part in the maneuvers, practicing scenarios with nuclear weapons and testing a new missile.

On September 12, 280 passengers departed on direct flights from Uzhhorod to Bratislava, Budapest, and Vienna. This marks the beginning of regular service, which opens up new travel opportunities and integrates Ukrainian infrastructure into the European transport space.