Brussels
The European Union must radically transform due to Putin's provocations and Trump's semi-detachment. EU countries are looking for ways to counter the Kremlin's aggressive rhetoric.
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.
Germany supports the EU plan to transfer frozen Russian assets to Ukraine. Berlin is open to legally sound options for using 172 billion euros to support Ukraine.
The Ministry of Economy of Ukraine and the EU Representation discussed cooperation in the agricultural sector, focusing on assistance to frontline farmers and harmonization of legislation. Ukraine is completing screenings for three negotiation chapters, having received a high assessment from the European Commission.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed the drone incident near Copenhagen airport with Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen. She emphasized that Europe's critical infrastructure is under threat, and Europe will respond decisively.
Danish police said that drones that closed the country's main airport were operated by a "competent operator," but the suspects have not been identified. Copenhagen and Oslo airports were closed for several hours, causing delays and cancellations for tens of thousands of passengers.
European airports faced severe disruptions due to a ransomware cyberattack that damaged check-in systems. This led to flight cancellations and manual passenger check-ins at Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin.
European airports have faced difficulties after a hacker attack on automated check-in systems. Brussels Airport is asking airlines to cancel half of their flights on Monday due to ongoing problems.
A large-scale cyberattack disrupted check-in and boarding systems at airports in London, Brussels, and Berlin. This led to delays and flight cancellations as airports switched to manual procedures.
The European Union proposes a full ban on imports of Russian liquefied natural gas from January 1, 2027. The EU also proposes to ban transactions with more Russian banks and trade restrictions for companies in China and India.
Estonia will completely stop importing Russian natural gas, including liquefied gas, from next year, according to a government decision of September 18. This expansion of sanctions was initiated by Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna to cut the Kremlin's revenues.
The European Commission plans to present a new package of sanctions against Russia on September 19, which aims to accelerate the rejection of Russian energy carriers. Under pressure from the United States, the EU is also considering sanctions against banks and oil refineries in India and China that trade in Russian oil.
The European Commission is developing plans to use frozen Russian assets to provide €170 billion in reparations loans to Ukraine. These plans involve transferring Russian cash to Ukraine without formally seizing the assets.
This decision is linked to Fico's rapprochement with Putin and Xi Jinping, as well as accusations of violating the rule of law.
The Ukrainian delegation has completed screening meetings in Brussels on the negotiating chapter "Agriculture and Rural Development". The European Commission positively assessed the submitted materials, which indicates significant progress made by Ukraine.
The EU is preparing to tighten restrictions on issuing visas to citizens of Russia and other "hostile" countries by the end of the year. New recommendations from the European Commission, to be published in December, will include stricter criteria for the entry of Russians.
Oil prices rose after OPEC+'s decision to increase production less significantly and rumors of new sanctions against Russia. Brent and WTI rose to $66.37 and $62.58 per barrel, respectively.
On August 8, Ukraine and the European Commission began screening Ukrainian legislation under the last negotiating chapter in the agriculture cluster. Meetings will continue until September 10 in a hybrid format.
At the extraordinary meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Council on September 1, the massive shelling of Ukrainian cities was condemned. Ukraine called on NATO to provide Patriot systems, long-range missiles, and invest in the defense industry.
An extraordinary meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council will take place on September 1 in Brussels at Ukraine's request. They will discuss joint steps in response to the escalation of Russian terror after recent attacks.
The Belgian Prime Minister stated the legal difficulties of confiscating frozen Russian assets. A significant portion of them, 183 billion euros, is located in Brussels at Euroclear.
The EU is struggling to develop new sanctions against Russia, considering restrictions on the movement of diplomats. An increase in profits for Ukraine from frozen Russian assets is also being discussed.
The European Commission buildings in Brussels were illuminated in the colors of the Ukrainian flag on August 23. This became a symbol of solidarity and a reminder of Ukraine's strategic course towards EU membership.
China has expressed readiness to participate in a peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, but only under a UN mandate. In Brussels, the plan met with a mixed reaction due to concerns about China's neutrality.
The European Union has transferred 10. 1 billion euros in revenues from frozen Russian central bank funds to Ukraine. These funds are used to support military and civilian projects in Ukraine.
EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Maternova called "peace" that demands Ukraine give up the unoccupied parts of Donbas unacceptable. She emphasized that the EU will not tolerate peace that is just another word for Ukraine's capitulation.
European leaders condemned proposals to transfer Ukrainian territories to Russia for the sake of peace. They emphasize Ukraine's sovereign right to determine the terms of peace and the need to pressure the aggressor.
The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced a new package of sanctions against the Russian Federation, which is planned to be adopted in September 2025. She also confirmed the inviolability of Ukraine's internationally recognized borders.
President Zelenskyy stated that security guarantees for Ukraine lie in a strong army and its financing. He called Putin's words about readiness to provide guarantees mere rhetoric.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Brussels for a bilateral meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. After that, he will take part in an online meeting of the leaders of the "Coalition of the Willing."