FIFA has unveiled the official mascots for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. They are Maple the Moose, Zayu the Jaguar, and Clutch the Bald Eagle, symbolizing the host countries of the tournament.
Diplomats from Great Britain, France, and Germany warned the Kremlin that NATO is ready to respond to airspace violations, including by shooting down Russian planes. This happened after three MiG-31 fighters intruded over Estonia.
"Unknown" drones were recorded over the Mourmelon-le-Grand military base in France on the night of September 21-22. The incident was called "exceptional," and an investigation is underway.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council, stated that Russia is lying about the start of a world war if its planes are shot down by NATO countries. He recalled the 2015 incident when Turkey shot down a Russian bomber.
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.
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been sentenced to five years in prison, with a suspended sentence.
European officials fear that US President Donald Trump's new rhetoric on Ukraine is aimed at shifting blame to Europe. Trump is calling on the EU for tougher sanctions against Russia and tariffs on China and India, which Europeans consider unfeasible.
Nicolas Sarkozy was found guilty of criminal conspiracy between 2005 and 2007. He was acquitted of charges of corruption and receiving stolen goods.
On September 25, a verdict is expected in Paris in the case of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who is accused of illegally financing his election campaign with funds from Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. He faces up to seven years in prison, and 11 other individuals, including former officials, are also involved.
The Presidents of Ukraine and France met to discuss the escalation from Russia and incidents involving drones and fighter jets in the airspace of European countries. The leaders also focused on strengthening Ukraine's air defense, sanctions against the Russian Federation, and the use of frozen Russian assets.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Ankara's efforts to achieve a just peace between Ukraine and Russia, planning to advance the Istanbul negotiation process. He also emphasized the importance of dialogue with France and the development of cooperation in trade, energy, and defense.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was stopped in New York to let Donald Trump's motorcade pass. A scuffle broke out between the police and Erdogan's guards when they tried to remove the barriers.
Russian "Shaheds" of the "Geran-2" and "Geran-3" types have a flight range of up to 2500 km and 1600 km, respectively, which allows them to reach European countries, including Great Britain and France. Expert Kostiantyn Kryvolap notes that European air defense systems are effective against high-altitude targets, but may have problems with low-flying drones.
Chief adviser to the President of Lithuania, Deividas Matulionis, stated that the country must be able to use force against aircraft of hostile countries if they violate its airspace. This is a matter of national competence, but NATO may be involved in the event of a serious threat.
Shares of European defense companies surged after US President Donald Trump's statement that Ukraine is capable of regaining all occupied territories. The aerospace and defense index rose by 1.1%, approaching record highs.
The final round of negotiations between European countries and Iran on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly did not yield breakthrough results. The chances of avoiding sanctions are minimal, as Iran has not fulfilled the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated at the UN General Assembly that Russia's invasion of European airspace indicates a threat of destabilization for all European countries. He emphasized the growing "disagreements" that hinder the global order.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated at a meeting of the UN Security Council in New York that UN countries must unite efforts to force Russia to move towards peace. He emphasized that Russia uses its veto power in the Security Council to prolong the war.
The outstanding Italian actress Claudia Cardinale, known for her roles in over a hundred films, died in Nemours, France, at the age of 87. She gained international popularity after the films "8 1/2" and "The Leopard", and was also a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is building a new security architecture together with Great Britain, France, and over 30 countries. This is happening after the Budapest Memorandum, which was supposed to guarantee security, "failed" and turned into "empty words."
Ukraine, the EU, and 36 countries jointly called on Russia to stop the killings and start negotiations with Ukraine. The statement was made at the UN on September 23, 2025.
Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron openly expressed disagreements over the recognition of Palestinian statehood during a meeting at the UN General Assembly. Trump called the move a gift to Hamas, while Macron emphasized the need to resolve the conflict.
Ukraine plans to form Space Forces by December 31, 2025, as stipulated in the government's action program. By the end of 2025, Ukraine aims to achieve 60% operational readiness of integrated air and missile defense, cyber and space components.
French President Emmanuel Macron was blocked by American police after speaking at the UN due to the passage of Donald Trump's motorcade. He called his American counterpart to resolve the situation, and then continued the conversation with him in the middle of the street.
Despite some European countries recognizing the Palestinian state, Israel assures that it will not cease hostilities in Gaza until Hamas releases the hostages.
The 80th session of the UN General Assembly has begun in New York and will last until September 29. It will bring together about a hundred presidents and over 40 prime ministers to discuss global challenges and strengthen international cooperation.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas stated that Hamas will have no role in governing Palestine. He called for complete demilitarization and elections within a year after a ceasefire.
Malta officially recognized Palestinian statehood, emphasizing support for a two-state solution and the exclusion of Hamas from a future government. Prime Minister Robert Abela announced this at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.
Belgium and Luxembourg recognized the independence of the State of Palestine, joining France, Britain, Monaco, Canada, and Australia. The Belgian Prime Minister noted that legal recognition is possible after the release of hostages and the removal of Hamas.
Prince Albert II of Monaco announced the formal recognition of the State of Palestine at the UN summit. This decision supports the existence of Israel and the recognition of Palestine within the framework of international law.
