Vladimir Putin
Ukrainian sports officials have called for Russian athletes to be barred from participating in the World Canoe Slalom Championships in Australia. The reason for this is the decision by the International Canoe Federation to allow Russians to compete despite their participation in propaganda events or affiliation with Russian security forces.
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.
The Cyberpolice of Ukraine named five most common types of online fraud, including non-delivery of goods after prepayment and pseudo-bank calls. Cybersecurity expert Kostiantyn Korsun emphasized the importance of increasing cyber literacy among the population to protect against fraudsters.
Russian officials, likely with Putin's approval, dismissed Dmitry Kozak from his position as deputy head of the presidential administration. This happened after years of Kozak's disagreement with the policy regarding the war in Ukraine, including his opposition to the invasion and proposals for peace negotiations.
Trump's visit to London aims to persuade him to increase support for Ukraine in the war with Russia, particularly through the influence of King Charles and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Europe not to let Russia dictate the terms of a peace agreement in Ukraine, warning of further aggressive actions by Putin. He emphasized that Germany is strengthening its resilience and defense capabilities to prevent the destabilization of society.
The head of the CCD, Andriy Kovalenko, stated that European armies are not ready for a modern technological war with Russia, as they are poorly acquainted with the realities of drone warfare. He noted that Moscow uses Europeans' fear of war to exert pressure, and also supports pro-Russian politicians in Europe.
Thousands of people protested across Slovakia against the economic and pro-Russian policies of Prime Minister Robert Fico. Rallies took place in 16 cities, including the capital Bratislava, due to Fico's trip to China and meeting with Putin, as well as due to austerity measures.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stated that the country is not equipped to repel a potential military attack due to decades of underinvestment in defense. Italy plans to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, but the creation of an autonomous air defense system is not possible before 2031.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine thwarted two offensive operations by the Russian army. Russia is preparing for two more offensive operations in the autumn.
The Czech Republic has successfully delivered over a million artillery shells to Ukraine, but the populist ANO party criticizes this initiative. Its leader, Andrej Babiš, promises to stop supplies if he comes to power, considering the costs too high for taxpayers.
US Senator Lindsey Graham said that Hungary and Slovakia, which continue to buy Russian oil, will face consequences. He expressed hope that these countries would join the US in stopping the bloodshed.
Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato rejected a US call to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin by imposing higher tariffs on Russian oil imports for China and India. Japan cites WTO obligations that do not allow tariffs to be applied beyond established limits.
Donald Trump said that EU and NATO countries should immediately stop buying Russian oil, as it is "unfair" to the United States. He also claims that the US has spent $350 billion on the Russian-Ukrainian war, and that he has stopped seven wars.
Donald Trump stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will have to make a deal to end the Russian invasion. He also noted that Europe must stop buying oil from Russia.
This decision is linked to Fico's rapprochement with Putin and Xi Jinping, as well as accusations of violating the rule of law.
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.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that Vladimir Putin promised Donald Trump to restore diplomacy and end the war, but did not take any steps. Instead, Russia intensified terror, refused to meet with leaders, and carried out terrorist attacks.
A Yale University report found that Russia is holding abducted Ukrainian children in over 200 locations where they are subjected to military training and "re-education. " Ukrainian authorities estimate the number of deported children at nearly 20,000, of which only a small portion has been returned.
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.
Poland's new president, Karol Nawrocki, called on NATO to step up efforts to be ready for war and expressed confidence that the Russian drone attack on Poland on September 10 was directed from Moscow. He supported Donald Trump's call for NATO countries to stop importing Russian oil.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the US could use sanctions to harm Russia's economy. He believes that Donald Trump has enough power to make Russian dictator Vladimir Putin fear him.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Vladimir Putin is testing NATO, commenting on the Russian drone's incursion into Poland. He noted that Putin wants to see NATO's readiness and the public's reaction.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine called Lukashenka's meeting with the representative of the occupation administration of Kherson region a gross violation of international law. Ukraine reserves the right to an adequate response, including strengthening sanctions.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the incursion of Russian drones into Poland and Romania indicates an escalation of the war and the need for its cessation. He noted that ending hostilities requires the consent of both sides, which Russia is not providing.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council, commented on the US-China agreement on TikTok, emphasizing that it indicates the beginning of a new bipolar world without Russia. He noted that Russia has lost its subjectivity due to the war against Ukraine and is now merely a raw material appendage.
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.
Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the US, Ukraine, and Russia have not been able to make progress on organizing a summit. He also noted that Europe has split into two "camps" regarding the seizure of Russian assets.