Slovakia
The Hungarian government has changed its position and agreed to ban Russian liquefied natural gas supplies to EU countries. However, Slovakia and Austria remain the main obstacles to approving the 19th package of EU sanctions against Russia.
The third International Defense Industries Forum DFNC³ has concluded in Kyiv, gathering around 2,000 participants from over 20 countries. A number of intergovernmental and business agreements were signed at the forum, opening new opportunities for Ukrainian manufacturers.
EU ambassadors have approved the bloc's plan to end Russian oil and gas imports by 2028. This decision was made despite objections from Hungary and Slovakia.
Slovak Defense Minister Robert Kaliňák stated that the country would not change its position on not providing weapons to Ukraine. Slovakia will continue to provide non-lethal, humanitarian aid, preparing the 14th and 15th packages.
Slovakia will transfer five Bozena vehicles and other demining equipment to Ukraine. An agreement has been signed for the gratuitous transfer of engineering, construction, transport, and medical equipment.
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs deported over 170 foreign nationals and eco-activist Greta Thunberg, who attempted to break through to the Gaza Strip as part of the so-called "Global Flotilla of Sumud. "
The G7+ group held an urgent meeting due to Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Over 100 representatives from countries and international organizations discussed the consequences of the strikes and the immediate needs for recovery.
The European Parliament is considering accelerating the phasing out of Russian oil and gas imports. This involves stopping oil imports from 2026 and gas from 2027, according to amendments to the RePowerEU regulation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that North Korea, BRICS, and other “neutral countries” made efforts for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. He noted that the actions of these countries differ from the behavior of Europe and the United States under the administration of former President Joe Biden.
Ukrainian citizens abroad can provide DNA samples for the identification of missing relatives at SE "Document" units in seven countries. The procedure includes submitting an application and collecting biological material for molecular genetic examination.
In the second quarter of 2025, renewable energy sources generated 54% of the EU's clean electricity, surpassing last year's figure. Solar energy became the largest source of electricity in the EU in June 2025.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico will not attend the summit of EU leaders in Copenhagen due to health problems. It is currently unknown whether this is related to the consequences of the assassination attempt in May 2024.
The meeting on the proposed EU 'drone wall' was a 'productive initial exchange'. The next steps involve discussions with other EU member states in a broader format.
The European Union is planning new restrictions on the travel of Russian diplomats within EU countries to minimize the risks of subversive activities. Russian diplomats must now notify their travel plans in advance and provide route details.
The European Union must radically transform due to Putin's provocations and Trump's semi-detachment. EU countries are looking for ways to counter the Kremlin's aggressive rhetoric.
International sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine have significantly weakened Moscow's position in Latin America. Military-technical cooperation has sharply declined, while Iran and China have intensified their influence in the region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expects the approval of the 19th EU sanctions package and steps from the US. He hopes that Hungary will hear a key NATO ally and respect US President Donald Trump, who criticizes buyers of Russian oil.
EU ambassadors today discussed the package of sanctions against Russia for the first time. Slovakia is currently blocking the decision, preventing its approval before the summits in Copenhagen.
The Slovak Parliament approved a bill enshrining two genders – male and female – in the Constitution, and guaranteeing equal pay. 90 out of 99 present deputies voted in favor.
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.
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.
The President of the European Commission and EU heads of state will discuss drone incursions at an informal meeting of the European Council in Copenhagen next week. This issue will also be considered at the first meeting on the 'drone wall' on Friday, with the participation of representatives from seven border EU member states, Denmark, Slovakia, and Ukraine.
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.
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.
In 2024, the average age at which young people in the EU leave their parents' home decreased to 26. 2 years. At the same time, 9.7% of young people aged 15–29 in the EU lived in households that spent 40% or more of their income on housing.
Ukraine, the EU, and 36 countries jointly called on Russia to stop the killings and start negotiations with Ukraine. The statement was made at the UN on September 23, 2025.
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.
The 80th session of the UN General Assembly has begun in New York and will last until September 29. It will bring together about a hundred presidents and over 40 prime ministers to discuss global challenges and strengthen international cooperation.
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.