Ukraine
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy went to a bilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump. The meeting is taking place on the sidelines of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.
Olena Zelenska reported that thanks to the joint efforts of Ukraine and its partners, 1625 children abducted by the occupiers have been returned from Russia. According to her, at this rate, it will take 50 years to return all the children.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter, discussing diplomatic efforts to achieve peace and Switzerland's readiness to host a meeting of leaders with Russia. The parties also noted the expansion of Russian aggression and discussed a cultural project and food security.
According to the Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, schools from all over Ukraine are connecting to the system - offline meetings are held if necessary.
In 2025, Ukraine will present a resolution condemning the abduction and deportation of children and establishing a mechanism for tracking Ukrainian children. President Zelenskyy emphasized the return of 1,625 children and the importance of holding those responsible accountable.
The mayor of Lviv announced the creation of the Defenders' Memorial at Holoskiv Cemetery. It will feature 278 burials in a unified style, with an area for commemorative events, an information center, and a bell tower.
Serbia plans to sign a three-year agreement with Russia for the import of 2. 5 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually. The country already receives gas from Azerbaijan and Russia, and also has significant reserves in its gas storage facility.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in the opening of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. He stated that the voice of Ukraine would sound particularly strong for the return of children, security guarantees, and increased pressure on the Russian Federation.
President Donald Trump stated that India and China are the main sponsors of Russia's war against Ukraine through their purchase of Russian oil. He also noted that NATO countries have not abandoned Russian energy resources.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi held a conversation with the Commander of the US Army Europe and Africa, Christopher Donahue. Syrskyi reported that the Defense Forces thwarted the Russians' offensive plans in the spring-summer campaign, despite the enemy's numerical superiority.
The Seimas of Lithuania adopted amendments to laws that allow the army to respond more quickly to drones that pose a threat to the country's airspace. This provides a new legal mechanism for the use of military force against drones in restricted areas.
The Zaporizhzhia NPP experienced its tenth blackout since the beginning of the occupation, disconnecting from the Ukrainian energy system. The plant switched to power from diesel generators, which is a violation of operating conditions.
Donald Trump stated that the US is ready to impose powerful tariffs against Russia if there is no peace agreement, calling on Europe to join and stop buying Russian energy resources. He noted that Russia miscalculated, and the war has been going on for over 3.5 years, not a week, as expected.
Since the beginning of the year, the State Employment Service has helped 238,000 Ukrainians find a job or start their own business, offering 309,000 vacancies. The most in-demand were unskilled workers, drivers, and food sellers, with demand for some specialties exceeding supply.
Olena Zelenska and Melania Trump will meet at the UN General Assembly, but it will not be a classic meeting.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres praised the diplomatic efforts of the US and other countries to end the war in Ukraine. He emphasized the need for a complete ceasefire and a just peace in accordance with the UN Charter.
Techiia Foundation NGO, founded by Oleg Krot, has undertaken the restoration of the Kyiv City Children's Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital, which was damaged by a missile attack. The organization will also finance the opening of a Mental Health Center and provide the hospital with medicines.
Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson called on Europe to change its approach to security and prepare for potential military threats due to the strengthening of Russian military power. He emphasized the need for coordination among all NATO member states.
The OHCHR published a report on the ill-treatment of civilians deprived of liberty during Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian forces systematically violated international humanitarian law and human rights, and the Ukrainian detention system also faces serious challenges.
In Uman, during the celebration of the Jewish New Year, police seized substances resembling drugs and opened a pre-trial investigation. A ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol is in effect in the pilgrimage area, where a joint detachment of law enforcement officers, including Israeli police, is working.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the US is refraining from tough sanctions against Russia to preserve the possibility of being a mediator in achieving peace. He criticized European countries for continuing to buy Russian fossil fuels.
A series of Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries and export terminals has caused a gasoline shortage in Russia. Reduced oil refining and high interest rates make it difficult to build up reserves, leading to supply disruptions and overall fuel exports.
Ukraine plans to form Space Forces by December 31, 2025, as stipulated in the government's action program. By the end of 2025, Ukraine aims to achieve 60% operational readiness of integrated air and missile defense, cyber and space components.
Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko met with the new FBI attaché Jamie Walkert. They discussed cooperation in combating cyberterrorism and countering the supply of components for weapons to the Russian Federation.
The first day of the celebration of the Jewish New Year 5786 in Uman passed peacefully, with no incidents recorded. About 35,000 Hasidim arrived in the city, and up to 38,000 pilgrims are expected.
Over 30 years, Ukraine's population has decreased by 20%, from 52. 2 million in 1993 to 42 million in 2022. As of early 2025, approximately 31.5 million people reside in the controlled territory, indicating a demographic loss of 10 million due to the war.
The streaming service HBO Max has announced its launch in Ukraine, offering two packages: standard for €7. 99/month and premium for €9.99/month. Additional sports content is available for €3/month.
The Ukrainian delegation, led by the President of Ukraine, held talks with US President's Special Representative Keith Kellogg. They discussed the supply of American weapons, drone programs, and security guarantees for Ukraine's skies.
The government submitted to the Verkhovna Rada the Program of Activities of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, which contains 12 priorities. The document covers national security, integration into the EU, the fight against corruption, and other important areas.
Ukrainian athletes won five medals at the World Armwrestling Championship in Bulgaria. Oleh Zhoh won gold, while Artem Popov, Sofia Onopriienko, and Andriy Dendeberia took home bronze medals.