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 European Commission is preparing new recommendations for member states on stricter restrictions on issuing visas to Russians. The document provides for stricter criteria but will not be mandatory, leaving the decision to national governments.
Lithuania's designated Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene has stated Vilnius' unwavering stance on sanctions against Belarus. This comes after Belarus released 52 political prisoners and the US lifted sanctions on Belavia airline, which sparked discussions about possible pressure from Washington.
Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces Andrus Merilo proposed to ban flights near the eastern border. The ban will be in effect from 8 PM to 7 AM for several weeks, covering the airspace from Pedassaar Island to Estonia's eastern border.
BAE Systems and Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa have entered into a strategic partnership to establish a new 155mm artillery ammunition production plant in Poland. This aims to address the shortage of shells in Ukraine and among Poland's NATO partners.
Germany will strengthen its presence on NATO's eastern border and expand air patrolling over Poland. This decision was made in response to the incursion of Russian drones into Poland.
Belarus released over 50 foreign prisoners, including citizens of six countries. Negotiations for their release were conducted with the participation of a US delegation.
The Saeima of Latvia is considering a draft decision on the temporary complete closure of the border with Russia and Belarus during military exercises. The decision was supported by the majority of deputies but caused discussions regarding economic consequences and real threats.
Latvia closes its airspace in the eastern border region from September 11 to September 18. This decision was made after assessing the NSS and events in Poland, which constitute a violation of NATO airspace.
Poland convened an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council due to the violation of its airspace by Russian UAVs. The Prime Minister of Poland recorded 19 incursions, and Russian drones were shot down during an attack on Ukraine.
Latvia is considering closing its airspace near the eastern border due to increasing threats, including drone provocations. This will allow avoiding risky routes for civil aviation and speed up military response.
Polish Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz held talks with defense ministers of allied countries, including Ukraine. They assured support for Poland's decisive actions after the Russian drone attack.
Poland has begun redeploying military equipment to the Belarusian border. This is a security reinforcement ahead of the joint Russian-Belarusian Zapad-2025 exercises.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that partners will continue to help Ukraine, making it more extensive and systematic. The EU is allocating 6.6 billion euros for weapons. Germany plans to provide Ukraine with Patriot.
Latvia has approved the allocation of 5 million euros to support Ukraine within the framework of the NATO and US PURL initiative. The funds will be used to purchase American weapons and equipment.
More than half of Poles oppose Ukraine's NATO membership. However, attitudes towards Ukraine's EU membership are more favorable.
The Trump administration announced the curtailment of Pentagon programs for training and equipping the armies of Eastern European countries bordering Russia. This decision is intended to force European allies to bear a larger share of the costs of their own defense.
President Zelenskyy announced an agreement with the Nordic countries and the Baltics regarding additional air defense systems and weapons production. This will strengthen Ukraine's defense ahead of winter.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's plane landed in Bulgaria using paper maps due to GPS deactivation. This occurred amid a growing number of GPS jamming incidents in Eastern Europe.
A 24-year-old Kyiv resident died from a high-voltage electric shock received on the roof of an electric train at Darnytsia railway station. The man was taking a selfie when he was electrocuted.
President Zelenskyy thanked partners for participating in the PURL program, which has accumulated $2 billion. The program allows Ukraine to purchase weapons from the United States, with coordination carried out by NATO.
Lithuania has installed concrete "Dragon's Teeth" barriers at unused border crossings with Russia and Belarus. This is part of the planned measures of the Baltic Defense Line, aimed at restricting the entry of military equipment.
Starting September 1, 2025, Latvia will introduce a mandatory online questionnaire for foreigners without a visa or residence permit. This also applies to Ukrainian citizens who do not have Latvian documents.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called on the EU to realize the urgency of resisting Russia. She emphasized the need to strengthen readiness to repel a potential Russian invasion.
EU member states have applied for SAFE loans for defense production for the full amount of €150 billion. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the full subscription to these funds.
The European Commission is developing a mechanism to transfer nearly 200 billion euros of immobilized Russian assets for Ukraine's post-war reconstruction. This option involves moving the assets into riskier investments to generate higher returns, as well as creating a special purpose fund.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held an online meeting with newly elected Polish President Karol Nawrocki. The parties coordinated common diplomatic positions ahead of major diplomatic events.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with President of Poland Karol Nawrocki. As well as a number of other European leaders who supported Ukraine after Russia's massive attack.
From autumn 2025, changes are expected in payments for Ukrainian refugees in the EU, in particular, Germany plans to reduce aid.
From March to July 2025, the Responsible Gambling Center (RGC) team worked on the preparatory stage of implementing a large-scale international experience exchange program on shaping responsible gaming policy.
