Portugal will recognize Palestinian statehood on September 21. This will happen before the high-level conference of the UN General Assembly, where nine other European states will also announce their recognition of Palestine.
Ukraine's Ambassador to the US, Olha Stefanishyna, met with US President's Special Representative General Keith Kellogg. They discussed a large-scale drone deal proposed by Ukraine to the US, and preparations for the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.
September 18 marks International Equal Pay Day, established by the UN in 2019 at the initiative of Ukraine and Georgia, to draw attention to the gender pay gap. Also celebrated today are International E-Book Reading Day, established in 2014, World Bamboo Day, and World Corporate Culture Day.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the White House understands the available sanction mechanisms against Russia. President Donald Trump may decide to apply them, calling on Europe to also impose sanctions.
US President Donald Trump may meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky next week in New York during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump hopes to negotiate a peace deal involving the Kremlin leader.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced an active week of diplomacy at the UN General Assembly. He emphasized the importance of coordinated work with European leaders to pressure Russia.
The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted a resolution supporting the decision to create a Palestinian state, calling on Israel to recognize its right to statehood. 142 countries voted "for", 10 "against", 12 abstained, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly opposed it.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US Special Representative Keith Kellogg, discussing ways to achieve peace and ensure security. Condolences were also expressed to the American people over the murder of Charlie Kirk, and gratitude was extended to Trump for his reaction to the murder of Ukrainian Iryna Zarutska.
A special meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna condemned Russia's terrorist acts in Ukraine. International partners expressed support for Kyiv and called for Russia to be held accountable.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on the successful election results. The head of the Norwegian government expressed condolences to Zelenskyy over Russian strikes on peaceful Ukrainian cities.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha called the killing of 24 civilians in Yarova cynical amid the start of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. President Zelenskyy reported that an aerial bomb hit the village while people were receiving pensions.
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on sanctions and travel restrictions against states that unlawfully detain American citizens. This may affect the participation of foreign leaders in UN General Assembly sessions.
EU countries failed to reach an agreement on recognizing the Gaza Strip and suspending free trade with Israel. EU's chief diplomat Kaja Kallas stated that the lack of unity affects trust in the EU.
August 29 marks the International Day Against Nuclear Tests, established by the UN in 2009. In Ukraine, the Day of Remembrance for Defenders is also honored, established in 2019 in memory of those who died in the struggle for independence.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine condemned Russia's actions regarding the inclusion of the ports of Berdiansk and Mariupol in the list open to foreign vessels. Ukraine calls on international partners to impose additional sanctions.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in a conversation with Emmanuel Macron, stated Ankara's readiness to join initiatives for peace talks between Ukraine and Russia. The leaders also discussed the escalation in the Middle East, particularly the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
President Zelenskyy held a conversation with Erdogan, thanking him for his mediation. They discussed diplomatic prospects and Turkey's readiness to organize a summit with the participation of four countries.
President Zelenskyy discussed Russian attacks and sanctions with Indian Prime Minister Modi. India supports Ukraine's peace efforts and the position that "everything concerning Ukraine must be resolved with Ukraine's participation."
Australia plans to recognize the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September. This decision was made after receiving commitments from the Palestinian Authority regarding demilitarization and recognition of Israel.
August 9 marks the Day of Remembrance for the Nagasaki tragedy, where the US dropped an atomic bomb in 1945. Also today, the world celebrates Holding Hands Day, International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, and World Book Lovers Day.
The German army has launched an air bridge to the Gaza Strip, dropping 14 tons of humanitarian aid. The action is part of a joint project with Jordan, announced by the German Chancellor.
In Ukraine, 235 criminal proceedings regarding human trafficking are currently under investigation. 51 people have been notified of suspicion, 7 have received real prison sentences.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the statement by the head of the British government, Keir Starmer, regarding the future recognition of Palestine as a state. Netanyahu believes that Starmer's actions encourage Hamas terrorism.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan stated that normalization of relations with Israel is only possible after the creation of a Palestinian state. According to him, lasting peace in the region can only be achieved after the rights of the Palestinian people are taken into account.
Business and Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds stated that the United Kingdom will recognize a Palestinian state before the end of the current parliament's term in 2029, if it contributes to the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. This decision should be used to achieve a breakthrough in the conflict, rather than as a symbolic step.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US strongly rejects French President Emmanuel Macron's plan to recognize Palestine as an independent state at the UN General Assembly. Rubio called this decision reckless, serving Hamas propaganda and harming peace.
July 20 marks International Moon Day in honor of the Apollo 11 landing in 1969, and Metallurgist's Day, a professional holiday for workers in the metallurgical and mining industries. Also on this day, International Cake Day, World Jump Day, International Chess Day, and St. Elijah the Prophet's Day are celebrated.
July 18 marks Perfect Family Day, World Listening Day, Tetris Birthday, International Nelson Mandela Day, and commemorates the holy martyrs Hyacinth and Emilian. On this day in 1985, "Tetris" first went beyond the USSR, and the UN proclaimed July 18 International Nelson Mandela Day.
President Zelenskyy held a meeting with diplomats, discussing the acceleration of the Special Tribunal on Russian aggression and preparation for a meeting with ambassadors. Steps on international platforms were also discussed, particularly regarding UN General Assembly resolutions.
On June 28, Ukraine celebrates Constitution Day, adopted in 1996. On the same day, the world celebrates International Milk Chocolate Day and other events.
