The United Kingdom has expanded sanctions against Russia, adding two oil tankers and Georgian politicians to the list. These measures are aimed at limiting the financing of the war in Ukraine and countering pro-Russian disinformation.
The European Commission plans to unfreeze approximately €550 million in EU funds for Hungary. This comes amid attempts to overcome Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's veto on imposing additional sanctions against Russia.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas presented a new package of sanctions against Russia, covering energy, financial services, and trade restrictions. The import of Russian LNG is prohibited, and sanctions are also imposed against 118 shadow fleet vessels and large energy companies.
Minister of Social Policy Denys Uliutin presented the draft budget for 2026, where social spending will increase by 11%. In particular, payments for childbirth will increase to UAH 50,000 and monthly payments during the first year.
The 69th IAEA General Conference adopted a resolution calling on Russia for the immediate de-occupation and demilitarization of the Zaporizhzhia NPP. The document was supported by 62 member states, demanding the return of the ZNPP under full control of Ukraine.
Four trains are running with delays of more than an hour; train No. 32 Przemyśl - Zaporizhzhia will only run to Dnipro.
In Kyiv, 34 representatives of NPC "Ukrenergo" underwent the first first aid training from FAST as part of the "Protection of Ukrenergo Repairmen" program. The Andrii Matiukha Foundation supported these classes, which will cover about 1,500 energy workers across the country.
Nissan is facing a reduction in the production of the third-generation Leaf due to difficulties with battery supply from AESC. This jeopardizes the company's return to stability and its competitiveness in the electric vehicle market.
Lithuanian operator Litgrid has completely dismantled sections of cross-border power lines connecting Lithuania with Russia's Kaliningrad region. This signifies the final disconnection from the Russian grid and strengthens integration into Europe's continental electricity system.
The European Union will present its 19th package of sanctions against Russia to member states on September 19. It will target cryptocurrencies, banks and energy.
The European Commission informed EU member state ambassadors about the expected 19th package of sanctions against Russia on Friday, September 19, or Monday, September 22. EU's top diplomat Kaja Kallas emphasized the need to increase pressure on Russian banks, energy companies, and cryptocurrency exchanges.
Ukrainian pharmacists, despite shelling and danger, continued to work, turning pharmacies into shelters and aid stations. They provided medicines, supported people, and saved lives in the most difficult conditions.
In France, trade unions have announced a nationwide strike against cuts in state benefits. Over 800,000 people are expected to join the protests in 250 cities on September 18, posing the biggest challenge yet for new Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a law on the ratification of the agreement on a century-long partnership between Ukraine and Great Britain. The document provides for annual military aid of 3 billion pounds sterling and cooperation in seven key areas.
As a result of a night attack by Russian troops on railway infrastructure in the Myrhorod district of Poltava region, one person was injured. The fires that broke out were localized, passenger train traffic was delayed but has now been restored.
Some passenger services that were rerouted around the damaged section are already arriving at their final stations. Power restoration is ongoing, and trains are passing through the section with backup diesel locomotives.
The defendants have been charged with official negligence, embezzlement, and official forgery.
President Zelenskyy stated that Russia will continue its attacks on Ukraine's energy and railway facilities. At the same time, Ukrainian special operations on enemy territory are disrupting Russia's logistical plans as it prepares for the heating season.
Ukraine has accumulated over 80% of the necessary gas volume, which is about 11-12 billion cubic meters. To achieve the target indicators and ensure a stable heating season, it is necessary to purchase gas for $1 billion due to the risks of Russian attacks.
Discussions are ongoing between European partners regarding the details of the 19th sanctions package. Ukraine insists on striking Russia's energy, military, financial, and IT sectors.
The prosecutor's office will petition for the search and detention of the head of the department of the Education Department of the Dnipro District State Administration, who is accused of embezzling budget funds. The woman did not appear at the court hearing, stating that she was traveling to Turkey for treatment and fearing for her own life.
As a result of Russia's night attack on the railway infrastructure, power supply to the network is being restored. A number of trains are running with delays, routes have been changed to minimize waiting times.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola announced the opening of a permanent representation of the European Parliament in Kyiv during her address to the Verkhovna Rada on September 17. She also emphasized the need for genuine peace for Ukraine and announced the 19th package of sanctions against Russia.
Last month, Ukrainians bought almost 5,100 used cars from the USA, which is 6% more than in July. The average age of these cars is 5.3 years, and 46% of them are electric vehicles.
As a result of a massive drone attack on Ukrzaliznytsia substations, 26 trains are delayed by more than an hour. The enemy tried to disable the substations that power the railway network.
The next Porsche Boxster and Cayman models will be electric, but the company is considering a gasoline engine option due to falling demand for electric vehicles. The development of electric vehicles is in full swing, but the final decision on gasoline versions has not yet been made.
Overnight, Kirovohrad Oblast suffered a massive drone attack, leading to partial power outages in Kropyvnytskyi and 44 settlements, as well as train delays on two routes. Damage to private households was recorded in Oleksandrivka.
Due to Russia's massive attack on substations on September 17, passenger trains in the Odesa and Dnipro directions will run with delays. 20 reserve locomotives have been deployed, and some routes are running on altered paths.
On September 17, cloudy weather with clearings, significant rains, and thunderstorms in places are expected in Ukraine. Daytime air temperature will range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.
The Russian fishing vessel "Mekhanik Stepanov" with a faulty engine and power outage was drifting in the Øresund Strait. Sweden, Denmark, and Great Britain deployed coast guards and NATO ships to ensure safety.
