Ukraine has imposed an entry ban on three high-ranking Hungarian military officials. This is a mirror response to Hungary's previous unfounded ban on the entry of Ukrainian military personnel, including Robert Brovdi.
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.
Microsoft and Asus have officially opened pre-orders for the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, which will go on sale on October 16. Prices for the consoles range from $499 to $1599 depending on the model and region.
Bulgaria will suspend the transit of Russian gas under short-term contracts in 2026, joining EU plans. The country will replace Russian gas with Azerbaijani gas and LNG from the US, aiming to become a transit country for gas from American terminals.
Two Hungarian Gripen fighter jets intercepted five Russian military aircraft on September 25. This happened near Lithuanian airspace, demonstrating Hungary's commitment to protecting the Baltic states.
US President Donald Trump had a phone conversation with Hungarian leader Viktor Orban, where he discussed Hungary's consumption of Russian oil. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó confirmed that the conversation took place on Wednesday.
Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas expressed regret that some EU countries continue to buy Russian oil and gas, financing the war. She agreed with Trump's criticism, who called on Europeans to abandon cooperation with Moscow in the energy sector.
India has appealed to the United States to allow the import of Iranian and Venezuelan oil to compensate for reduced purchases of Russian crude. New Delhi emphasizes the need to maintain the country's energy security and curb the rise in global energy prices.
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.
US Energy Secretary Christopher Wright stated that America is ready to replace all Russian gas and oil products flowing to Europe. He spent six days in Europe, assuring leaders of the US's readiness to meet their needs.
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov stated that the country will begin terminating contracts for the transit of Russian gas next year. By 2028, Russian gas will be completely excluded from the Bulgarian energy market.
Slovakia will join the EU-initiated meeting on the "drone wall" on September 26, chaired by European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius. The European Commission expects concrete results and firm commitments from member states regarding this initiative.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that the country will not stop buying Russian oil due to geographical limitations. This came after Donald Trump expressed his intention to ask Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to stop the purchases.
US President Donald Trump intends to talk to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to get Hungary to stop buying Russian oil. Trump believes Orban may agree to this if he discusses the issue with him.
Serbia plans to sign a three-year agreement with Russia for the import of 2. 5 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually. The country already receives gas from Azerbaijan and Russia, and also has significant reserves in its gas storage facility.
Hungary will not give up Russian oil, citing a lack of infrastructure for alternative supplies. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó called Western European officials "fanatics" who criticize Budapest's position.
September 21 marks the International Day of Peace, as well as the Day of Peace in Ukraine, established in 2002. Stanislav Zhelikhovsky, a candidate of political sciences, spoke about world initiatives and Ukraine's contribution to peace, as well as diplomatic steps and challenges.
The European Union is considering introducing trade measures targeting the remaining imports of Russian oil, in particular via the Druzhba pipeline to Hungary and Slovakia. These measures may be applied if Budapest and Bratislava do not present plans for supply diversification.
The European Commission plans to unfreeze approximately €550 million in EU funds for Hungary. This comes amid attempts to overcome Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's veto on imposing additional sanctions against Russia.
As of early August 2025, the volume of loans issued to Ukrainians and businesses reached UAH 1. 23 trillion, which is 15% more than in 2024. Loans are growing faster than deposits, which amount to UAH 2.79 trillion, but the growth rate of deposits has slowed down.
The European Union is discussing using frozen Russian assets for a "reparation loan" to Ukraine to avoid a Hungarian veto. This would allow Kyiv to receive compensation for war damages.
In Zakarpattia, in 2025, an ancient wooden synagogue from the village of Velyki Komyaty will be moved and restored to the Zakarpattia Museum. A memorandum of cooperation was signed by representatives of the Zakarpattia OVA, the Hungarian Consulate General, the Uzhhorod rabbi, and the museum's management.
Slovakia and Hungary have stated that they will resist pressure from US President Donald Trump to reduce imports of Russian oil and gas until alternative suppliers are secured. Slovak Economy Minister Denisa Sakova and Hungarian Government Minister Gergely Gulyás confirmed that their countries would not take steps that threaten their energy security.
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.
Ukraine has accumulated over 80% of the necessary gas volume, which is about 11-12 billion cubic meters. To achieve the target indicators and ensure a stable heating season, it is necessary to purchase gas for $1 billion due to the risks of Russian attacks.
Poland has called on EU countries to completely abandon imports of Russian oil by the end of 2026, two years earlier than planned. This decision will strengthen coherence and demonstrate determination to become independent of supplies that create political and strategic risks.
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.
The German Foreign Ministry confirmed the tightening of visa rules for Russians, increasing the fee to 80 euros and extending the processing time. Germany insists on uniform restrictions for Russians throughout the Schengen area, despite the lack of a unified position in the EU.
The SBI has completed its investigation into a law enforcement officer and a former employee of the Donetsk region TCC who helped men avoid mobilization for $20,000. They forged documents of unsuitability for service and entered false data into the register.
