Slovakia
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.
On September 12, the Swiss Federal Council approved Ukraine's accession to the CV90 club, which unites countries operating the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle. Kyiv joined the group with observer status in March 2024.
Germany calls for stricter rules for obtaining Schengen visas for Russian citizens, especially for tourist and shopping trips. This is a proposal within the framework of discussing a new package of sanctions against Russia.
Ukrainian airline XENA, specializing in firefighting, plans to double its fleet to participate in European tenders. The company already has two An-32P aircraft and is actively extinguishing fires in Montenegro and Turkey.
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.
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.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico called for an investigation into who controlled the drones that violated Polish airspace on September 10. He expressed solidarity with Poland and offered cooperation in the investigation of the incident.
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.