Slovakia
Ukraine's allies are seeking to strengthen its position ahead of Trump-Putin talks, fearing a bad deal. They are preparing a support package that includes funding, weapons, and new sanctions against Russia, and plan to involve Zelenskyy in any negotiations.
The Czech Republic has offered Slovakia accelerated gas support after the EU approved a phased withdrawal from Russian gas by January 2028. Hungary and Slovakia disagreed with the plan, citing energy security risks, but the Czech Republic is ready to help.
72-year-old Juraj Cintula was sentenced to 21 years in prison for the attack on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. The court took advantage of the possibility of an extraordinary reduction of the sentence, although the attack was recognized as an act of terrorism.
Cyprus criminalizes the provision of economic resources to sanctioned individuals, which may include accounts in sanctioned Russian banks for Russians with Cypriot passports. This is the implementation of a European Parliament directive, which only seven EU countries had implemented by May 20.
European Union energy ministers have agreed on a common position to ban all gas supplies from Russia by the end of 2027. This decision aims to completely end the bloc's dependence on Russian energy carriers.
The Ukrainian authorities plan to find $2 billion to purchase gas in a difficult situation; sources of financing and suppliers have already been identified. President Zelenskyy assured that the gas issue would be resolved.
EU energy ministers are meeting in Luxembourg to agree on a common position regarding a ban on all gas supplies from Russia by the end of 2027. The ban on short-term contracts will begin by mid-June, with the exception of Hungary and Slovakia.
Law enforcement officers in Zakarpattia have uncovered over 270 organizers of illegal border crossing schemes, with 174 indictments sent to court. The total amount of illicit gains exceeds 1.6 million US dollars.
Ukraine will expand its diplomatic presence in Slovakia by opening a Consulate General in Prešov by the end of the year. This will improve consular services for Ukrainians in eastern Slovakia.
Slovakia will transfer a new energy equipment package worth 500,000 euros to Ukraine. The country will also allocate 300,000 euros for the construction of shelters in schools in frontline areas.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated the country's interest in friendly relations with everyone who wishes to cooperate, including Russia and China. At the same time, Slovakia strives to be a good neighbor to Ukraine and help it.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko proposed to her Slovak counterpart Robert Fico to discuss the possibility of opening a Ukrainian school in Slovakia. Fico did not object to this idea.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced Ukraine's readiness to offer alternative sources and synchronize systems with Slovakia. This should protect Slovakia from energy supply risks and create a new regional energy hub.
Kia plans to produce 200,000 units of EV2 and EV4 models annually starting in 2027. This will make electric vehicles affordable and profitable.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated his support for Ukraine's independence and territorial integrity. He also advocated for a meeting between Putin and Trump in Hungary, offering assistance in organizing it.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that his country fully supports a meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Budapest. Slovakia is ready to assist Hungary in organizing this summit, as the main interest is to end the war in Ukraine.
Slovakia plans to provide humanitarian aid and demining support to Ukraine. At the government meeting, they will discuss protection against drones and strengthening Slovakia's defense.
Members of the Slovak and Ukrainian governments will meet in Košice on October 17, 2025, for further mutual consultations. The meeting will include bilateral talks on various issues, including cross-border cooperation, energy, and the reconstruction of Ukraine.
The European Parliament's Energy Committee supported the proposal for a partial ban on Russian hydrocarbons from 2026 and a full ban from 2027. Penalties for non-compliance are envisaged.
The head of a Ukrainian factory tried to import 6. 3 tons of beaver fur from the European Union at an understated value. Slovak customs officers found that the real value of the cargo was significantly higher, which led to the seizure of fur worth 10 million hryvnias.
On October 14, the UNESCO Executive Board adopted a new decision regarding the emergency aid program for Ukraine. The organization reaffirmed its solidarity with the Ukrainian people and condemned Russian aggression.
In Italy, three police officers were killed and 15 people were injured in a presumably deliberate gas explosion on a farm near Verona. The incident occurred during an attempt to evict three brothers and a sister who had previously threatened to blow themselves up to avoid eviction.
Two passenger trains collided in Slovakia near the village of Jablonov nad Turňou. More than 20 people were injured, including a Ukrainian born in 2005.
A 20-year-old Ukrainian was injured in a collision between two trains in Slovakia and is receiving medical assistance. In total, 69 people were injured, and there were no fatalities.
The European Union is considering using about 200 billion euros of frozen Russian central bank assets as the only way to sustainably finance Ukraine. EU leaders aim to reach a political agreement on this at next week's summit, after which work on a legal proposal will begin.
Two high-speed trains collided in Slovakia, one of which derailed. According to preliminary data, about 80 people were injured, and there are no Ukrainians among them.
Near the village of Jablonov nad Turňou, express trains R 913 and R 914 Gemeran collided, resulting in about 100 people sustaining minor injuries, and two being in critical condition. Slovak Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok stated that the cause of the accident was likely human error.
Two express trains traveling in opposite directions collided in Slovakia near the village of Jablonov nad Turňou. At least 20 people were injured, and five ambulances and a helicopter arrived at the scene.
A number of European countries increased their purchases of oil and gas from Russia in 2025, despite a general reduction in dependence on Russian energy. The total amount of Russian energy imports exceeded 213 billion euros since 2022, while aid to Ukraine from the European Union amounted to 167 billion euros.
Austria has suspended the adoption of the 19th package of EU sanctions against Russia, demanding the unfreezing of Rasperia Trading assets to compensate Raiffeisen Bank. The bank seeks to recover 2.1 billion euros it lost due to a Russian court decision.