A delegation of 15 UN Security Council members visited Syria for the first time since 1945, meeting with interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The visit took place on the eve of the anniversary of the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime and aimed to build trust.
The OSCE is ready to deploy a new observer mission to Ukraine to monitor a future ceasefire. This mission would require the approval of all 57 member states, including Russia and Ukraine.
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution demanding that the Russian Federation immediately return all illegally deported Ukrainian children. The document was supported by 91 countries, 57 abstained, and 12 opposed it.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport allowed Russian and Belarusian skiers to compete at the 2026 Olympics in neutral status. This decision overturned the ban by the International Ski Federation.
On November 26, the world celebrates World Olive Tree Day, International Shoemaker Day, and World Sustainable Transport Day. Orthodox believers honor the memory of Saints Alipius the Stylite and James of Syria.
On November 24, the world celebrates World Evolution Day, dedicated to the publication of Charles Darwin's book. It is also World Walrus Day, International Carmenere Wine Day, and a new holiday – World Siamese Twins Day.
The United Nations General Assembly supported a resolution proposed by Italy on a truce in all wars in the world for the duration of the 2026 Games. The UN revived the ancient Greek tradition of "ekecheiria" in 1993.
The United States plans to establish a military presence at an airbase in Damascus to monitor a potential security agreement between Syria and Israel. This move is part of US efforts to mediate negotiations between the two countries.
On October 31, the world celebrates a number of holidays, including Frankenstein Day in the USA and Great Britain, World Lemur Day, World Savings Day, and International Black Sea Day. Halloween, rooted in the ancient Celts, and Reformation Day in honor of Martin Luther also fall on this day.
Today, October 24, marks World Kangaroo Day, dedicated to the protection of the largest marsupial mammal. Also celebrated is International Diplomats Day, which honors their role in maintaining peace.
October 13 marks International Skeptics Day, No Bra Day, World Thrombosis Day, and International Suit Day. On this day, Saint Benjamin, the hermit of the Caves, is also honored.
US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed the possibility of Ukraine receiving long-range Tomahawk missiles. The conversation lasted about 30 minutes, but it is unknown whether a final decision has been made.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone conversation with President of Finland Alexander Stubb. The leaders discussed security guarantees for Ukraine, preparations for the coalition of the willing in October and November, as well as Russia's strike on critical infrastructure.
The Verkhovna Rada adopted a law on the creation of a Payment Agency, which will ensure transparent and timely state support for agricultural producers according to European standards. This will open up opportunities for using EU funds to implement the Common Agricultural Policy in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Pere Joan Pons Sampietro, proposing the appointment of a special envoy for the return of Ukrainian children. The OSCE will join the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, and the release of prisoners of war was also discussed.
October 2 marks International Social Educator Day, established in 2009. Also today is World Farm Animals Day and International Day of Non-Violence, dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.
President Zelenskyy held a conversation with UN Secretary-General Guterres regarding the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia and the situation at the occupied ZNPP. The station has been in a blackout for the seventh day due to damage to power grids.
On September 30, the world celebrates International Translation Day, Save the Koala Day, Mud Therapy Day, and International Podcast Day. In Ukraine, this day marks the All-Ukrainian Library Day, established in 1998.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologized to his Qatari counterpart for the attack in Doha during a phone call from the White House. This call took place during Netanyahu's meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington.
The occupied ZNPP has been without connection to the Ukrainian energy system for six days, operating on backup diesel generators. Running out of fuel could lead to a radiation accident with consequences for Europe, states the Head of the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate.
In Warsaw, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha discussed with his counterparts from the Weimar Triangle the situation at the front, Ukraine's military needs, and a joint response to Russia's escalation. They also discussed Ukraine's rapid accession to the EU as a security guarantee.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha met with the Marshal of the Polish Senate, Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska. They discussed Russian provocations against EU and NATO member states and ways to deter the Kremlin.
European Council President António Costa is leading efforts to advance Ukraine's EU membership bid, despite Hungary's resistance. He is trying to garner support from EU capitals for simplifying the accession procedure for new members, proposing to open negotiation clusters with the consent of a qualified majority of EU countries.
On the border of Thailand and Cambodia, there was an escalation of hostilities with an exchange of fire and shelling with combat grenades. Both sides accuse each other of starting the conflict, jeopardizing the peace agreement.
Russia launched a massive 12-hour attack on Ukraine, firing nearly 500 drones and over 40 missiles. Four people died in Kyiv, including a 12-year-old girl.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claims that there are political forces in Europe preparing for war against Russia, and reports of Ukraine's false-flag provocations have grounds. He also assured that Russia never attacks civilian targets, commenting on drone incidents.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that arms exports will be controlled until the end of the war. The funds received will be directed to deficit drones, and the main export destinations are Europe, the USA, and the Middle East.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated at the UN General Assembly that Russia has no intention of attacking NATO and EU countries, but NATO threatens all of Eurasia. He also spoke in favor of reforming the UN Security Council and condemned the Hamas attack on Israel.
President Zelenskyy stated that in the event of a blackout in Kyiv, Russia would face a blackout in Moscow. He also reported that Ukraine shot down most of the 92 drones heading towards Poland.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that 92 drones were flying towards Poland, 19 of which reached their destination. Ukrainian forces shot down most of them, and the Polish side destroyed four drones.
