Financial Times


WP: Ukraine may be offered “concrete steps” for NATO membership at Ramstein meeting
At the next Ramstein meeting, Ukraine may receive proposals for NATO integration. Western diplomats are considering options for concrete support for Ukraine on its path to membership in the Alliance.

We should have provided Ukraine with more weapons much earlier: Stoltenberg admits his regrets
Former NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg admitted that Ukraine should have been provided with more weapons before the Russian invasion. He believes that earlier and more extensive support could have prevented the invasion or made it more difficult.

Ukraine can be admitted to NATO without de-occupation of territories - Stoltenberg
The former NATO secretary general suggested that Ukraine could join the Alliance without complete de-occupation. He cited the examples of Japan and West Germany, where security guarantees did not cover all territories.

Siberia did not discuss any territorial compromises: Foreign Ministry denies Financial Times article
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson denied the Financial Times' report that territorial compromises with Russia were being discussed. He emphasized that Minister Sibiga's position on Ukraine's sovereignty is unwavering.

Biden may push through Ukraine's NATO bid before end of presidency - Financial Times
The Financial Times reports on Biden's possible advancement of Ukraine's NATO bid by January. Zelensky did not receive permission for long-range strikes against russia and progress on NATO membership during his visit to the United States.

Israel collected data for almost 20 years to eliminate Hezbollah leader - FT
Israeli intelligence had been collecting information for almost 20 years to eliminate Hassan Nasrallah. It used spy satellites, drones, and cyber hacking to obtain data on Hezbollah and its connections.

Serbia plans to reopen its embassy in Kyiv by the end of the year
Ukraine's Foreign Minister announces Serbia's plans to reopen its embassy in Kyiv by the end of the year. Serbia supports Ukraine's sovereignty and participates in the Peace Formula.

EU calls for urgent increase of support to Ukraine's energy system to avoid humanitarian catastrophe in winter
European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson has called for increased assistance to Ukraine to restore the energy system. She outlined 6 key areas of support to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe in the winter.

Without sewage, water and heating: the EU told what awaits Ukraine in winter due to constant power outages
Kadri Simson has warned of a possible humanitarian catastrophe in Ukraine due to attacks on the energy system. Due to the loss of 9 GW of power, some cities may become uninhabitable in winter due to lack of electricity and heating.

Fashion brands cut orders in Bangladesh after unrest caused delivery delays - FT
Leading fashion brands are shifting orders from Bangladesh due to unrest following the fall of the government of Sheikh Hasina. Factories have been closed, some have been burned, leading to supply delays and loss of trust from international companies.

Inflation in the US has fallen to 2.9%, the first time since 2021
Annual inflation in the US fell to 2. 9% in July, the first time it has dropped below 3% since March 2021. This strengthens the arguments in favor of the Fed lowering interest rates at the September meeting.

Government is developing a plan to return orphans to Ukraine for placement in families - Civil Service
More than 2,000 orphans are abroad. A special group at the Ministry of Social Policy is developing a plan for their return and placement in families, with the priority being to reunite siblings.

Due to constant missile attacks by Russia, European traders avoid Ukrainian gas storage facilities - Financial Times
Due to the Russian attacks, European companies have reduced their gas storage in Ukraine to 10% of last year's volumes. Ukraine wants traders to continue using its infrastructure, as it generates important revenue.

Russian Federation fails to push back Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk region, unprecedented Ukrainian army operation continues - FT
Ukrainian troops continue an unprecedented operation in the Kursk region of the Russian Federation, advancing 30 kilometers into the territory. Russian forces have been unable to push back the Ukrainian armed forces, despite attempts to reinforce them and claims of controlling the situation.

FT: US urges Turkey to stop exporting military goods to Russia
The White House has called on Turkey to stop exporting American goods to Russia that could be used for military purposes. The US is threatening consequences if Ankara does not take steps to stop the illegal trade.

EU creates team and develops strategy on trade and support for Ukraine if Trump returns - FT
The European Commission has formed a special group to develop strategies in case Trump wins the US election. The team is analyzing potential consequences for trade, support for Ukraine, and relations with NATO.

Energy crisis in Europe is over, says Shell CEO
Energy prices in Europe have returned to pre-crisis levels in 2022, said Shell CEO Wael Sawan.

FT: US, Europe scramble to prevent war in Middle East after Hamas leader killed
European and American diplomats are holding urgent talks in the Middle East after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Ghani. The goal is to prevent further escalation and a new full-scale war in the region.

“It was not invented in Kyiv": Sijjarto suggests that the EU could ask Ukraine to stop transit of Rosneft oil
The Hungarian Foreign Minister suggested that the EU could have asked Ukraine to stop the transit of Lukoil's oil. He accused the European Commission of inaction in protecting the interests of Hungary and Slovakia.

The largest party in the European Parliament calls on the EU to take urgent countermeasures over Hungary's easing of entry conditions for Russians - FT
The European People's Party calls on the EU to take urgent action over Hungary's decision to ease visa restrictions for Russians. This creates security risks and may allow Russians to circumvent restrictions in the Schengen area.

FT: EU prepares options for cooperation with the US in case of Trump's victory
The EU plans to offer the US a quick trade deal if Trump wins. If he imposes punitive tariffs, the EU is ready to respond with its own duties of up to 50% on American goods.

EU cuts diplomatic staff due to budget overruns - Financial Times
The EU's European External Action Service is forced to cut spending by €43 million due to budget overruns. Diplomats are advised to avoid traveling, parties, and to increase security at their residences.

EU not in favor of lifting sanctions on Russia's Lukoil to restore oil transit - FT
The EU countries have rejected a call by Hungary and Slovakia to lift sanctions against Lukoil in order to resume oil transit through Ukraine. The European Commission said that additional time was needed to assess the situation.

Historic mission: Biden can influence the end of the war in Gaza and guarantee support for Ukraine
Biden's withdrawal from the 2024 elections gives him the opportunity to focus on foreign policy. Key challenges: ending the Israeli-Hamas conflict, and securing Ukraine's support against russia's military aggression.

Scholz travels to Serbia for rare meeting with 'isolated' Vucic to finalize lithium deal - Politico
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is planning a surprise visit to Belgrade on Friday to attend the signing of a cooperation agreement between the EU and Serbia on lithium imports, essential for the EU's digital and green transition.

Italy plans to restore nuclear power in the country - FT
Italy plans to restore nuclear power by adopting a law that will allow investment in small modular nuclear reactors that can be commissioned within 10 years, so that by 2050 nuclear energy will account for at least 11% of the country's total electricity consumption.

Polls give Labour a landslide victory in UK election - FT
As a result of the historic victory, Sir Keir Starmer's Labor Party is predicted to come to power with an unprecedented majority, while Rishi Sunak's Conservative Party will face one of the worst defeats in its history.

The EU suspects Meta of violating the law: the company faces a multibillion-dollar fine
The European Commission has accused Meta of violating the Digital Markets Act with its "pay or opt-in" advertising model, which forces users to consent to the use of their personal data for personalized advertising or pay a subscription fee. The company faces a fine of up to 10% of its global annual revenue.

Concerns grow in Europe over Biden's mental acuity after debate debacle - FT
Concerns are growing in European capitals about Joe Biden's mental acuity and physical limitations after his poor performance in the debate with Donald Trump. Some politicians are calling on Democrats to replace him as their presidential candidate.

FT: US may buy 8 Patriot air defense systems from Israel for Ukraine
Ukraine is negotiating with Israel and the United States to transfer at least eight Israeli Patriot air defense systems to Kyiv, which could strengthen Ukraine's air defense against Russian attacks.