The European Union is developing a scheme to provide Ukraine with new loans totaling 140 billion euros, using frozen assets of the Russian central bank. The bloc hopes to conclude a loan agreement by the end of the year to start disbursing funds to Ukraine in 2026.
The European Commission proposes that EU member states use sanctioned Russian funds to finance a new €140 billion loan for Ukraine. This loan will be issued in tranches and used for defense cooperation and to support Ukraine's budgetary needs.
The airspace over Aalborg Airport in Denmark reopened on Friday after an overnight closure due to suspected drone activity. This marks the second such incident in a few days, raising security concerns.
Aalborg Airport in Denmark was closed on the evening of September 25 due to another detection of unknown drones, leading to flight cancellations. This followed similar incidents in Copenhagen and Aalborg, which Denmark's Minister of Defense called a "hybrid attack."
European partners are ready to provide Ukraine with an interest-free loan of almost 140 billion euros, which will be repaid only after Russia compensates for the damages. The funds are intended exclusively for Ukraine's military purposes and will ensure its defense capability for several years.
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 President of the European Commission and EU heads of state will discuss drone incursions at an informal meeting of the European Council in Copenhagen next week. This issue will also be considered at the first meeting on the 'drone wall' on Friday, with the participation of representatives from seven border EU member states, Denmark, Slovakia, and Ukraine.
Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen stated that recent drone activity over Danish airports constitutes a "hybrid attack. " This led to the suspension of flights at Aalborg Airport and an enhancement of the country's capabilities to detect and shoot down drones.
EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius stated that the EU could significantly improve drone detection within a year, but creating a full-fledged network for tracking and destroying targets would take much longer. He noted that Europe needs to follow the example of the Ukrainian military, which has deployed acoustic sensors to detect unmanned aerial vehicles.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre stated a possible connection between drone incidents in Norway and Denmark after a conversation with his Danish counterpart. Earlier, Russia violated Norwegian airspace three times, and in Oslo, the military recorded drone flights over Akershus Fortress.
In Denmark, leaders of parliamentary parties were invited to a confidential briefing after a night-time drone incident at Copenhagen Airport. The meeting will be attended by the heads of the country's police and security services.
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.
Several people reported to the police in Malmö, Sweden, about a large unknown drone flying over the city. This happened after Denmark closed its airport in Copenhagen due to unknown drones flying over.
Copenhagen airport was closed due to unknown drones flying over, causing flight delays. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the incident the most serious attack on the country's critical infrastructure.
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.
The main airports of Denmark and Norway, Copenhagen and Oslo, have resumed operations after a nearly four-hour closure due to the sighting of unknown drones. Danish police are investigating the incident, not ruling out a connection between the events.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva in New York to discuss economic support and the use of frozen Russian assets. The parties also discussed a new IMF program to enhance the resilience of the Ukrainian economy and Russia's violation of NATO airspace.
Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson stated that the country will use force against Russian fighter jets that violate its airspace. This includes the right to use weapons with or without warning in accordance with the IKFN resolution.
In central Oslo, the military recorded drone flights over the territory of Akershus Fortress. The police confirmed the incident and reported the detention of two Singaporean citizens, whose involvement in the event is being investigated.
Copenhagen International Airport temporarily suspended operations on the evening of September 22 due to two to four "large" drones spotted in the airspace. At least 15 flights were canceled.
UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves will present a plan to use frozen Russian assets to fund a 'reparations loan' for Ukraine. This move could provide billions of pounds to support Ukraine's war effort.
European governments and G7 allies are seeking to expand the use of frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine. This comes amid pressure from Donald Trump and a change in Germany's position, which now supports maximizing the profitability of the funds.
Ukraine is working on the 19th package of sanctions against Russia, which will cover Russian ports in the Baltic Sea and block ways to circumvent sanctions. It is also planned to strike at Russia's banking infrastructure and shadow fleet.
European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jørgensen stated that the EU does not plan to resume imports of Russian energy resources, even in the event of a peace agreement. The USA supports this position.
British rock band Radiohead has announced a 2025 tour that will cover five European cities, including London and Madrid. These are the band's first live performances since 2018.
The leaders of two Bundestag coalition factions, Jens Spahn and Matthias Miersch, arrived in Kyiv. This is the first joint visit of the heads of the CDU/CSU and SPD parliamentary groups to Ukraine.
In Copenhagen, EU foreign ministers are discussing strengthening sanctions pressure on Russia and using frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's reconstruction. Humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip is also being discussed.
EU Commissioner Marta Kos and foreign ministers discussed support for Ukraine and readiness to start accession negotiations with the EU. The 19th package of sanctions and the SAFE instrument for 150 billion euros for defense support were also discussed.
EU diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas stated that the return of frozen Russian assets is only possible if reparations are paid. This issue will be discussed at an informal meeting of foreign ministers in Copenhagen.
EU defense ministers supported expanding the mandate of the EU Military Assistance Mission to train Ukrainian military personnel after any truce. The EU has already trained over 80,000 Ukrainian soldiers and is ready to do more.
