Germany
The German Bundestag has abolished the simplified procedure for obtaining citizenship. Now, to get a German passport, one must live in the country for five years instead of three.
Following the eighteenth wave of the "Own Business" program in 2025, 344 entrepreneurs will receive almost UAH 99 million in financial support, creating 549 new jobs. In total, since 2022, over 29,000 microgrants have been provided, creating almost 53,000 jobs.
Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service reports that by 2030, Russia will lose hundreds of aircraft due to sanctions that make maintenance impossible. 109 foreign and 230 Soviet aircraft, as well as more than 200 helicopters, will be removed from the carriers' fleet.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine allocated UAH 36. 6 billion for the needs of the Ministry of Defense for programs to develop the defense industry complex and procure weapons. An additional UAH 500 million was allocated to support Ukrainian arms manufacturers.
In Germany, politicians and the Economic Union question the appropriateness of Reformation Day as a non-working day, citing the economic crisis. However, there are also those who advocate for maintaining or even expanding the number of holidays.
From January to September 2025, Ukraine's trade turnover amounted to $89. 6 billion, with imports totaling $60.1 billion and exports $29.5 billion. The largest partners were China, Poland, and Germany.
The German Federal Cartel Office has launched an investigation into the Chinese online platform Temu. The company is suspected of imposing unacceptable pricing requirements on sellers in the German market.
The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) called the EU's plans to ban the sale of internal combustion engine cars from 2035 "very tough. " It called for measures that would give manufacturers greater flexibility, warning that current plans are based on outdated assumptions.
The German cabinet has approved a law allowing police to shoot down drones that violate airspace, including in cases of acute threat. This decision was made after drone incidents at airports, particularly in Munich, and an increase in the number of air traffic violations.
The European company Thales Belgium reports an increase in the number of drones over its factories and demands clear rules for their jamming or shooting down. The company aims to double the production of FZ275 missiles to 70,000 units.
Ukraine's Ambassador to Poland Vasyl Bodnar stated that Ukraine will not interfere in the case of Volodymyr Zh. , whom Germany accuses of blowing up Nord Stream. The final decision will be made by a Polish court, but Ukraine will defend the interests of its citizen.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that incidents involving MiGs and drones in EU airspace are part of a hybrid war. She presented the "Preserving Peace - Readiness Roadmap 2030" with three main points to counter threats.
Belgium is facing increasing pressure to allow the use of frozen Russian assets for a “reparation loan” to Ukraine. This comes after a shift in position by Berlin and other Western capitals, which now support the idea.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the extradition of a Ukrainian suspected of involvement in the Nord Stream pipeline explosions is not in Poland's interest.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal met with the newly appointed German Ambassador Heiko Thoms. They discussed financing drone production, strengthening air defense, and cooperation in the defense industry.
The Austrian Ministry of Interior is considering the possibility of revoking the citizenship of Jan Marsalek, the former head of Wirecard, who fled Austria after Wirecard's bankruptcy in 2020. Marsalek is the main suspect in a $4 billion fraud case. He is also allegedly acting in the interests of the Kremlin.
In Herdecke, Germany, the newly elected mayor, Iris Stahlzer, was allegedly attacked with a knife near her home. Hagen police have launched a search for the suspect, and a large number of law enforcement officers are working at the scene.
Polish and Baltic officials sharply reacted to statements by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who, in their opinion, partially blamed them for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Merkel pointed to the refusal of Eastern European countries to engage in direct negotiations with Putin in 2021.
Kazakhstan will export more oil to Europe. Monthly supplies will increase from 100,000 to 130,000 tons. The agreement has been extended until the end of 2026, covering resources from Karachaganak Petroleum Operating B.V.
Signal messenger head Meredith Whittaker stated that the app is ready to leave the EU if a law is passed that allows authorities to bypass encryption to check private messages. This concerns the fight against the spread of child sexual abuse material, but Signal, WhatsApp, and Threema oppose such measures.
The US has unblocked the possibility of purchasing not only missiles but also Patriot systems for Ukraine. President Zelenskyy announced that this depends on the funding of the PURL program, which the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway have already joined.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof has expressed support for using frozen Russian assets to provide a loan to Ukraine, despite financial and legal risks. He emphasized the need for risk sharing to enable swift action.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs deported over 170 foreign nationals and eco-activist Greta Thunberg, who attempted to break through to the Gaza Strip as part of the so-called "Global Flotilla of Sumud. "
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is approaching a resolution on the use of frozen Russian assets, and the skepticism of partners is decreasing. The funds are planned to be directed towards Ukrainian weapons production, American and European systems, including air defense, as well as social needs of the population.
Johann Wadephul, Germany's Foreign Minister, stated that he sees progress in peace negotiations in Gaza and spoke about Germany's participation in the peacekeeping process in the Middle East.
A Polish court has extended by 40 days the arrest of Ukrainian diver Volodymyr Z. , who is wanted by Germany. He was detained near Warsaw on suspicion of involvement in the Nord Stream gas pipeline explosions.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russian drones and missiles used on October 5 contained over 100,000 foreign-made components. Ukraine expects a systemic decision from this week's meeting of G7 sanctions coordinators.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz supports a return to compulsory military service in the long term. For now, he supports the voluntary model proposed by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
The discussion of the new Military Service Law in the German Bundestag has been postponed until next week. Defense Minister Pistorius criticized the CDU/CSU for delaying the implementation of new military service and military registration systems in Germany.
Next week, a meeting of G7 sanctions coordinators will take place to discuss limiting the supply of foreign components to Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Russian missiles and drones contain critical Western-made components.