Ukraine is preparing new sanctions against Russian military production and propaganda, and is also synchronizing the 19th package of European Union sanctions. President Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of blocking contacts of Russian entities working for the war.
Lithuania is temporarily closing two border crossings with Belarus, Medininkai and Šalčininkai, for a month, starting on Wednesday. Exceptions will apply to diplomats, EU citizens, and other categories, while Šalčininkai will be completely closed and Medininkai partially open.
Nuclear-armed China has proposed to the US, Russia, France, and Great Britain to begin negotiations on a treaty on the mutual non-first use of nuclear weapons. At the same time, Beijing maintains a moratorium on nuclear tests and supports a policy of self-defense.
British-made military equipment has been found in Sudan, used by militants of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) group, accused of genocide. This was revealed in dossiers reviewed by the UN Security Council, raising questions about the UK's arms export policy.
US President Donald Trump will tighten sanctions against Russia to force Putin to the negotiating table to end the war in Ukraine. US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said this is just the beginning of pressure on the Russian Federation.
Moldova is delaying the accreditation of the Russian ambassador in Chisinau due to his behavior, which does not comply with diplomatic norms. Moldova's acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mihai Popșoi, stated that the ambassador acts as if he is already accredited, but his actions do not always conform to diplomatic customs.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó was in Minsk on Tuesday, where he used Russian in his speech during the Eurasian conference. The Budapest representative met with the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry, after which he announced Russia's openness to a summit with the United States.
Newly elected Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takaichi also promised to nominate the US President for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin said that relations with North Korea are "going according to plan" during a meeting with DPRK Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui.
President Zelenskyy announced that at the Staff meeting, new defense needs were identified, along with tasks for working with partners on air defense supplies. The necessary systems are available from partners, so Ukrainian diplomacy must more actively prepare relevant decisions.
The city of Al-Fashir in Sudan's Darfur has come under the control of the RSF group. This means the RSF has established full control over the region, where the US has accused the group of genocide.
US President Donald Trump is using trade talks, tariff threats, and verbal rebukes to encourage countries to abandon their renewable energy commitments. This promotes the purchase of more American oil and liquefied natural gas.
Lithuania will start shooting down smuggler balloons from Belarus that have repeatedly violated the country's airspace. This decision was made after Vilnius airport was closed four times due to such incidents.
EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib stated that Benjamin Netanyahu is not a convincing leader for establishing peace in the Middle East. She called for pressure on Israel and warned of prolonged suffering for Palestinians in Gaza.
Olena Zelenska met with Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway, discussing humanitarian support, the reconstruction of social infrastructure, and children's mental health. Zelenska thanked Norway for its assistance, particularly highlighting its participation in the Bring Kids Back UA coalition and the creation of mental health spaces for teenagers.
US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker stated that US President Donald Trump is putting equal pressure on Putin and Zelenskyy. Recent sanctions against Russian oil companies "Lukoil" and "Rosneft" were the result of Trump's meeting with the NATO Secretary General.
Two Russian aircraft, a Su-30 and an Il-78, violated Lithuanian airspace for 18 seconds, flying 700 meters near Kybartai. The country's security level has not changed, and Lithuanian services and NATO allies reacted appropriately.
Today, October 24, marks World Kangaroo Day, dedicated to the protection of the largest marsupial mammal. Also celebrated is International Diplomats Day, which honors their role in maintaining peace.
Two Russian military aircraft from the Kaliningrad region violated Lithuanian airspace for 18 seconds. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda called it a blatant violation of international law.
US President Donald Trump will meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping next Thursday, October 30. The meeting will take place before Trump returns to Washington.
The US House of Representatives is considering H. R.5793, a bill that defines US security policy priorities for nine NATO member states. The document provides for providing Ukraine with the necessary security assistance to deter Russian aggression, which could threaten NATO allies.
The team of European Council President António Costa is changing the conclusions to persuade Belgium to support a €140 billion loan to Ukraine. EU leaders are discussing new wording that addresses the red lines of Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
The Official Journal of the EU has published the content of the 19th sanctions package, adopted on October 23. The restrictions apply to 116 vessels of the "shadow fleet" and 44 legal entities from various countries, including Russia, Hong Kong, China, India, and Thailand.
The European Council is preparing a decision on financing Ukraine's needs in 2026-2027, including the procurement of military equipment. European Council President António Costa stated that support would continue "as long as it takes," and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need to increase pressure on Putin.
The US, despite imposing sanctions on two major Russian oil companies, still wants to meet with Russia. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed interest in cooperation to achieve peace.
The European Union has adopted its 19th package of sanctions, targeting Russian banks, cryptocurrency exchanges, and organizations in India and China. The EU is also restricting the movement of Russian diplomats to counter destabilization.
The US has decided on full blocking sanctions against Russian energy companies. This happened after numerous attempts to start negotiations on ending the war.
Of the EU's 185 billion euro reparations credit, 40 billion will cover Ukraine's budget needs, 100 billion will go to military needs, and 45 billion euros will cover the ERA program. The European Commission is working on the implementation mechanism, and the instrument is expected to become available in the first quarter of 2026.
The summit between the US and Russian presidents in Hungary has been postponed, as Moscow refused to consider terms for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine. The American side concluded that there was no chance of a real agreement in Budapest.
European countries, together with Ukraine, are developing a 12-point plan to end the war, which includes a cessation of hostilities, an exchange of prisoners, and the return of deported children. The implementation of the plan will be monitored by a peace council chaired by Donald Trump, and Ukraine will receive security guarantees and a path to the EU.
