European Union
EU ambassadors today discussed the package of sanctions against Russia for the first time. Slovakia is currently blocking the decision, preventing its approval before the summits in Copenhagen.
The European Union is developing a scheme to provide Ukraine with new loans totaling 140 billion euros, using frozen assets of the Russian central bank. The bloc hopes to conclude a loan agreement by the end of the year to start disbursing funds to Ukraine in 2026.
Russia financed trips for Moldovan Orthodox priests to Moscow and provided them with debit cards, after which the clergy created Telegram channels to influence elections in Moldova. The campaign's goal was to warn believers about integration with the EU and promote traditional Russian values.
Bulgaria will suspend the transit of Russian gas under short-term contracts in 2026, joining EU plans. The country will replace Russian gas with Azerbaijani gas and LNG from the US, aiming to become a transit country for gas from American terminals.
Donald Trump announced the introduction of new tariffs, including a 100% duty on drug imports starting October 1, 2025, if a company does not build a factory in the US. Also, a 50% duty on kitchen cabinets, 30% on upholstered furniture, and 25% on heavy trucks will be introduced from the same date.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, stated that Russian planes provoking NATO should be shot down when entering the Alliance's airspace. He commented on the interception of five Russian military aircraft near the Latvian border by Hungarian fighters.
The Slovenian government has banned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from entering the country over accusations of war crimes. This move is part of Slovenia's pressure on Israel over military actions in Gaza.
The European Commission has rejected the demand by EU lawmakers to confiscate 200 billion euros of frozen Russian central bank assets. This would violate international law and risk widespread retaliatory measures from Moscow.
Ukraine has agreed with the European Commission to extend the Agreement on the Liberalization of Freight Transport for another 15 months — at least until March 2027.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that Donald Trump's optimism regarding Ukraine conceals a promise to reduce US involvement and shift responsibility for ending the war to Europe.
The large gasoline-powered Audi Q9 crossover will appear in 2026 along with the updated Q7. Both models will use the Premium Platform Combustion, supporting various engine types.
Poland plans to change its legislation to allow its military to act independently against Russian drones over Ukraine, removing bureaucratic restrictions from 2022. A Ministry of Defense bill, submitted in June, would allow drones to be shot down without NATO and EU approval.
Czech President Petr Pavel stated that Ukraine has received approximately 3. 5 million large-caliber shells within the framework of the "artillery initiative." In 2025 alone, over 1.1 million shells have been delivered, which the Czech Republic purchases from third countries.
European officials fear that US President Donald Trump's new rhetoric on Ukraine is aimed at shifting blame to Europe. Trump is calling on the EU for tougher sanctions against Russia and tariffs on China and India, which Europeans consider unfeasible.
Apple urges the European Commission to reconsider the Digital Markets Act, stating that its requirements hinder the launch of new features and create security risks. The company threatens to suspend the sale of certain products and services in 27 EU countries if the legislation is not amended.
A Russian fighter jet flew over a German Navy frigate in the Baltic Sea, which German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called a provocation. He compared the incident to recent Russian violations of Polish and Estonian airspace.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Ankara's efforts to achieve a just peace between Ukraine and Russia, planning to advance the Istanbul negotiation process. He also emphasized the importance of dialogue with France and the development of cooperation in trade, energy, and defense.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sánchez, discussing the situation on the Russian-Ukrainian front and the peace process. Sánchez confirmed political support for Ukraine, particularly on its path to EU membership, and emphasized the importance of unity between Europe and the US for achieving peace.
The Minister of Defense of Ukraine held a conversation with EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis regarding the implementation of the SAFE defense initiative and the financing of Ukraine's defense needs. The parties also discussed the confiscation of frozen Russian assets and the 19th package of sanctions against the Russian Federation.
The European Union is considering providing Ukraine with a reparation loan of up to 130 billion euros. The size of the loan will be determined after the IMF assesses Ukraine's financial needs in 2026-2027.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov stated that the country will begin terminating contracts for the transit of Russian gas next year. By 2028, Russian gas will be completely excluded from the Bulgarian energy market.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is being urged to return lands that Ukraine failed to liberate during the 2023 counteroffensive. Trump believes that Ukraine can win and Russia's economy will stop.
IAEA head Rafael Grossi has officially announced his candidacy for the position of UN Secretary-General. He is actively using his influence to gain Washington's favor.
Chief adviser to the President of Lithuania, Deividas Matulionis, stated that the country must be able to use force against aircraft of hostile countries if they violate its airspace. This is a matter of national competence, but NATO may be involved in the event of a serious threat.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that the country will not stop buying Russian oil due to geographical limitations. This came after Donald Trump expressed his intention to ask Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to stop the purchases.
During a visit to the UN, Donald Trump stated that Ukraine could restore its borders with the support of Europe and NATO. He avoided promising new aid to Ukraine, shifting responsibility for the continuation of the war to European allies.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the allocation of approximately 200 million euros to provide school meals for Ukrainian children. This took place at a conference in New York, where support for the return of abducted children and sanctions against those involved in crimes were also discussed.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that elections in the country are possible only under the conditions of a truce, support from international partners, and security guarantees. He noted that this is difficult according to the Constitution, but possible.
The Supreme Court ruled that the claims of shareholders of banks in liquidation are not subject to judicial review, creating a dangerous precedent. This decision contradicts the Constitution of Ukraine and the European Convention on Human Rights, depriving investors of the basic right to judicial protection.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted Donald Trump's positive rhetoric regarding the return of all Ukrainian territories. Both leaders seek the quickest possible end to the war, as became known after Zelenskyy's interview with Fox News.