Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever doubts the legal basis for using Russian assets for Ukraine and demands guarantees from all EU member states. He warns of risks for Belgium and threatens to block the decision without proper risk sharing.
Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson stated that payment for 100-150 Jas Gripen fighter jets for Ukraine is possible using frozen Russian assets. The cost of 100 Jas Gripen E model aircraft is estimated at $8.5 billion.
The Swedish Embassy in Ukraine published a funny photo of a cat at the controls of a Gripen fighter, commenting on the future supply of these aircraft. This was a reaction to the signing of a letter of cooperation between Ukraine and Sweden on the development of air capabilities.
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated that the delivery of JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets in the E modification to Ukraine is possible within three years. This is due to the fact that the production of these aircraft is only just beginning.
President Zelenskyy stated that he is more optimistic about the end of the war compared to 9 months ago. He noted the significant work done and improved relations with the United States.
Filashkin reported that approximately 1,200 and 5,000 people remain in the frontline cities of Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka, respectively.
Ukraine and Sweden have signed a letter of intent on cooperation in the development of air capabilities. As part of a future agreement, Ukraine will be able to purchase up to 150 JAS 39 Gripen aircraft in the E modification.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska arrived in Norway. They were met by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who declared support for Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is on a visit to Sweden. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson welcomed him, emphasizing the importance of a strong Ukraine for Sweden.
Lithuania and eight other NATO countries are organizing the training and equipping of a Ukrainian brigade in Poland, supplying weapons and equipment. The initiative involves training servicemen according to NATO standards and strengthening support for Ukraine in long-range operations.
Sweden is providing Ukraine with an additional 33. 5 million euros to strengthen support during the winter period. The funds will be directed to the World Bank's Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction, and Reform Trust Fund.
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.
The European Union is considering a proposal to allow new countries to join the EU without full voting rights, which could make leaders like Viktor Orban more amenable to Ukraine's accession. This initiative would allow countries like Ukraine to enjoy many of the benefits of EU membership, but without veto power.
Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson called on European countries to prepare for war to ensure peace and security on the continent. He emphasized the need for a change in mindset and readiness for new challenges, stressing that support for Ukraine in Sweden is extremely high.
Military support for Ukraine from Western countries has significantly decreased, especially from the United States. Europe partially compensated for the deficit, but the volume of aid decreased by 57% in the summer.
Over 30,000 participants from 150 countries gathered at SBC Summit Lisbon 2025 to discuss trends in the gaming industry. The Ukrainian delegation studied the experience of player protection and problem gambling prevention for the implementation of a national program.
Military aid to Ukraine in July and August decreased by 43% compared to the first half of the year. This is due to a change in the structure of support, with most aid now coming through the PURL program.
The Ukrainian national football team moved up to 27th place in the FIFA rankings after victories over Iceland and Azerbaijan. Spain remains the leader, Argentina is in second place.
At the meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense, agreements were reached on new contributions totaling at least $422 million to the PURL initiative. Also, $715 million was declared for procurement from the Ukrainian industry and additional military assistance from allies.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced that 17 NATO member countries have joined the PURL program, which allows the supply of American weapons to Ukraine. Initially, there were six countries, but after a meeting with Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal, their number increased to 17.
Ukraine, together with nine Scandinavian and Baltic countries, is launching an initiative to train and equip Ukrainian military personnel. The program provides for the training of units, the supply of weapons, and the strengthening of defense cooperation.
NATO is implementing additional measures to combat Russian drones, testing the latest integrated systems. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced the expansion of the Alliance's efforts to detect, track, and neutralize aerial threats.
Sweden, Estonia, and Finland have pledged to increase spending on American weapons for Ukraine. Spain, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom have faced criticism for their restraint.
The 11th meeting of the IT Coalition in Stockholm will accelerate technology procurement for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and increase funding for digital projects. Since September 2023, the coalition has raised over 1.2 billion euros for the development of technological capabilities of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson said that the country is ready to make new contributions to the PURL initiative on armaments. He called on other countries to increase aid to Ukraine, as its support is declining.
The Swedish government has instructed the Ministry of Agriculture to start purchasing emergency grain reserves this year for the northern regions. The north of the country is strategically important for military purposes and is a special priority for overall defense.
The President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Pere Joan Pons Sampietro, has appointed Carina Ohdebrink as Special Representative on the Abduction and Deportation of Ukrainian Children. She is the author of the OSCE PA report on the abduction of Ukrainian children by Russia.
The Swedish Football Association has fired 49-year-old Dane Jon-Dahl Tomasson from his position as head coach of the national team after defeats to Switzerland and Kosovo. The decision was made due to consistently poor results in the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches.
In recent months, at least ten European countries have reported drone incursions into their airspace, raising concerns and leading to increased security measures. Romania, Poland, Denmark, Finland, Norway, France, Germany, Lithuania, Estonia, and Belgium have witnessed these incidents, some of which are linked to Russia.
Ukraine is studying the Swedish experience of creating conditions for an active life for older people. Minister of Social Policy Denys Uliutin visited the Stiftelsen Silviahemmet institution, which cares for people with dementia, and discussed joint pilot projects.
