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.
The EU is preparing to tighten restrictions on issuing visas to citizens of Russia and other "hostile" countries by the end of the year. New recommendations from the European Commission, to be published in December, will include stricter criteria for the entry of Russians.
The UEFA Champions League final of the 2026/2027 season will take place on June 5, 2027, at the home arena of Madrid's Atlético – the Metropolitano. This will be the second Champions League final at this stadium and the sixth for Madrid overall.
On September 12, 280 passengers departed on direct flights from Uzhhorod to Bratislava, Budapest, and Vienna. This marks the beginning of regular service, which opens up new travel opportunities and integrates Ukrainian infrastructure into the European transport space.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó held a conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, discussing the war in Ukraine and bilateral cooperation. Szijjártó noted Trump's peace efforts and a new phase of friendship between the countries.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that Kyiv is fully responsible for the extraordinary deterioration of relations between the countries over the past 10 years. He also noted that Hungary is interested in good relations, but the situation depends on Kyiv.
Ukraine synchronized sanctions with Great Britain, imposing restrictions against 46 individuals and 79 legal entities that assist the military-industrial complex, shadow fleet, and energy sector of the Russian Federation. Also, 37 individuals and 35 legal entities of the Russian Federation, related to IT solutions and equipment supply for the military-industrial complex, fell under sanctions.
The European Union is considering the possibility of a faster cessation of Russian oil and gas imports. This is due to pressure from the United States, which demands a sharp increase in purchases of American LNG and the equalization of the trade balance.
