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.
US Senator Lindsey Graham said that Hungary and Slovakia, which continue to buy Russian oil, will face consequences. He expressed hope that these countries would join the US in stopping the bloodshed.
Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato rejected a US call to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin by imposing higher tariffs on Russian oil imports for China and India. Japan cites WTO obligations that do not allow tariffs to be applied beyond established limits.
In Zakarpattia, a 27-year-old convict was exposed for organizing a scheme for illegally transporting people to Hungary. He was assisted by a 45-year-old acquaintance, who was detained while receiving $6,200 for her services.
The European Union has postponed the official introduction of another package of sanctions against Russia after US President Donald Trump demanded stricter European measures as a condition for the US to proceed with its own sanctions.
Greece, Italy, France, Hungary, and Spain blocked the EU decision to restrict visas for Russian citizens. Greece vetoed this decision for the first time since 2022, citing economic benefits from Russian tourists.
The EU has postponed the presentation of the 19th package of sanctions against Russia. This issue has been removed from the Coreper II agenda without a new date being set.
Poland's new president, Karol Nawrocki, called on NATO to step up efforts to be ready for war and expressed confidence that the Russian drone attack on Poland on September 10 was directed from Moscow. He supported Donald Trump's call for NATO countries to stop importing Russian oil.
The European Union is considering imposing sanctions on companies in India and China that facilitate trade in Russian oil as part of a new package of restrictions. The US proposes tariffs of up to 100% for China and India, and will also affect Russian oil companies.
American military personnel observed joint military exercises of Russia and Belarus, which began amid escalating tensions with NATO. Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin invited them to see "everything that interests them," which became another sign of warming relations between Washington and Belarus.
The European Union is considering tightening restrictions on tourist visas for Russian citizens and imposing restrictions on the movement of Russian diplomats within the bloc.
