The European Union plans to expand sanctions to approximately 2600 Russian individuals and companies. Hungary and Slovakia tried to exclude some oligarchs from the list.
European Commissioner Marta Kos declared the irreversibility of Ukraine's path to the EU, emphasizing that membership is a guarantee of security for Ukraine and Europe. She called on the EU Council to decide on opening the first cluster of negotiations.
France and Germany propose that the EU target Lukoil and other players who help Russia sell oil. This is part of the 19th sanctions package, which aims to reduce the Kremlin's oil revenues.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó denied reports about Donald Trump's demands to stop buying Russian oil. He emphasized that Hungary and Slovakia openly buy Russian oil due to infrastructural peculiarities.
The European Union has begun consultations on a new package of sanctions, which may include restrictions on third countries, particularly China, due to the purchase of Russian energy resources. This comes amid calls from the US for tougher measures to reduce Moscow's revenues from oil and gas exports.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that in Russia's war against Ukraine, in his opinion, there is somehow a "victory for Russia. " The head of the Hungarian government also claims that the European Union, with its policies, is heading towards a state of "disintegration."
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said that Putin allegedly expressed interest in negotiations with Zelenskyy "in any other place. " Fico also stated that Zelenskyy is allegedly ready for such a meeting, despite possible political risks.
Ukraine thanked Slovakia for supporting its European integration aspirations and opening negotiation clusters with the EU. The parties discussed economic cooperation, infrastructure and energy projects, including the Uzhhorod-Chop railway section.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is responding to Russian strikes on energy facilities and will not tolerate darkness. Ukraine is ready to ensure Slovakia's energy stability by offering joint energy projects without Russian resources.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that negotiations with Putin concerned only bilateral cooperation. He denied information about discussing an energy blockade of Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Slovakia's support for Ukraine's accession to the European Union. Kyiv views this as part of security guarantees for Ukraine, as stated by Zelenskyy after a meeting with the Prime Minister of Slovakia.
President Zelenskyy and Slovak Prime Minister Fico held a substantive conversation. Zelenskyy informed Fico about his conversation with Donald Trump and the results of the Coalition of the Willing meeting.
President Zelenskyy announced that 15% of army revenues come from Ukrainian communities. He emphasized the importance of continuing this support.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Robert Fico in Uzhhorod. Fico arrived after negotiations with Putin, intending to discuss attacks on oil infrastructure.
Robert Fico and António Costa met on the border with Ukraine. They discussed Fico's visit to China and the regional situation.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine fulfills all EU recommendations, therefore he sees no grounds for claims from Hungary. He is ready for dialogue and a meeting with Prime Minister Orbán to discuss all issues.
European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jørgensen stated that the EU does not plan to resume imports of Russian energy resources, even in the event of a peace agreement. The USA supports this position.
President Zelenskyy stated that 26 out of 35 countries are ready to provide real security support to Ukraine, including the USA. He also discussed with Trump paths to peace and disappointment with some European countries that finance Russia.
Donald Trump, in a virtual meeting, accused European leaders of financing the war by purchasing Russian oil. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen denied the accusations, emphasizing a significant reduction in imports.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Uzhhorod on September 5. The main topic of negotiations will be energy infrastructure.
President Zelenskyy announced discussions with Trump regarding a new format for protecting Ukrainian skies. This format is intended to ensure independence from Russian attacks.
The President of Ukraine and European leaders discussed with Donald Trump pressuring Russia. It was about economic measures to end the war and deprive Russia of resources.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that American leader Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that two European countries continue to buy Russian oil.
President Zelenskyy stated that Putin fears Ukraine's success and its accession to the EU, as this could set an example for Russians. He also emphasized that NATO expansion is important to Putin, even though the Alliance is a defensive organization.
Hungary and Slovakia are asking the EU to lift asset freezes and visa bans for six Russian businessmen. This is necessary for the extension of current sanctions against Russia.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, at a meeting with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, stated that Russia is not against Ukraine's accession to the EU, but NATO is a "red line. " He also did not rule out joint operation of the ZNPP under "favorable circumstances."
In August, Ukraine increased electricity exports by 60%, reaching 450 thousand MWh. This is the highest figure since integration into ENTSO-E, strengthening energy independence.
Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow is not against Ukraine's European integration, but NATO membership is unacceptable. Robert Fico confirmed his position on Ukraine's EU accession provided all criteria are met and expressed opposition to NATO membership.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on September 5. This will happen after his return from Beijing, where Fico will participate in a parade and meet with the leaders of China and Russia.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico may meet in China. The meeting will take place during a parade in Beijing dedicated to the end of World War II in the Asian theater of operations.
