At 12:50, Usage of Telegram is prohibited for Ukrainian authorities and military personnel.
12:23 Raiffeisen Bank Abandons Belarus Subsidiary
Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) is relinquishing its Belarusian subsidiary and departing from the market there. The Austrian bank declared that it has sealed a deal to sell its 87.74% stake to Soven 1 Holding Limited. This sale will have a substantial impact on the bank's results. RBI has already reduced its business significantly in Russia due to pressure from the European Central Bank. However, a Russian court has imposed an injunction, hindering RBI from selling its subsidiary in Russia.
12:01 Report: EU Prepares €35 Billion Loan for Ukraine
The European Commission is planning a €35 billion loan for Ukraine, as per a media report. This forms part of the aid plans of the seven leading Western industrialized nations (G7), as reported by the "Financial Times," quoting three individuals familiar with the matter. This loan is part of the G7's intention to provide Ukraine with $50 billion (around €46 billion) through the use of proceeds from frozen Russian state assets.
At this juncture, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen formally announced the financial aid of up to €35 billion from her X-account.
11:33 Russia Warns West: Do Not Challenge Boundaries
The Russian government advises the West to avoid challenging boundaries on weapons with extended ranges that may threaten Russian territory. In such a scenario, the nature of the conflict would shift, explains Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. "They are playing with fire," she adds at a press conference. The conflict could evolve into a completely different one, posing dangerous consequences for the world. Zakharova sees no chance for negotiations with the USA at present. At the UN General Assembly in New York, there will be no encounter between Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his American counterpart Antony Blinken, as both sides "have nothing to discuss." Previously, outgoing NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg had emphasized that Russia has already crossed several red lines drawn by President Vladimir Putin. "He did not do so because he knows that NATO is the strongest military alliance in the world," said Stoltenberg.
10:53 EU Rules Out Forced Departure of Ukrainian Men
The European Commission has clarified that male Ukrainian citizens of conscription age cannot be forcibly expelled from European Union countries. This information is available from "Ukrajinska Prawda." This is not feasible due to the Directive on temporary protection, says EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson. "We will assist those who wish to return to Ukraine, and we will discuss with Ukrainian authorities and the Ukrainian government how this can best be done. We will not expel anyone from the EU," she emphasizes. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski had earlier urged Western European countries to encourage Ukrainian men of conscription age to return to Ukraine, according to the report. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha reportedly supported this idea.
10:12 General Freuding Spots Loopholes in Russia Sanctions
The military coordinator of German Ukraine aid, Christian Freuding, says regarding Russia's arms production: "We assess the situation as having become more challenging for the Russians to maintain their defense industry with its intricate component supplies, but they still manage to do so. They achieve this by taking detours and by being able to rely on the support of partners like China, North Korea, and Iran." While it is clear that sanctions are exerting an impact, there are possibilities for "discovering loopholes or even entirely lawful ways of bypassing the restrictions."
09:03 von der Leyen Pledges More Aid to Ukraine's Energy Supply
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has pledged further support for Ukraine's energy supply during the winter, commencing her visit to Kyiv. "My eighth visit to Kyiv comes at a time when the heating season is about to begin and Russia continues to target the energy infrastructure," von der Leyen writes on the online service X. She publishes a photo of her arrival at Kyiv station. "We will aid Ukraine in its valiant efforts. I am here to discuss Europe's support. From winter preparations to defense, to membership (of the EU) and progress on G7 loans."
08:20 EU Considering Curbing Visa-Free Travel for Georgians
Brussels is mulling over curbing visa-free travel for Georgians to the European Union. An anonymous EU spokesperson told Politico that this is due to democratic backsliding under the ruling Georgian Dream party. "All options are on the table" if Georgia does not reverse its trend towards authoritarianism, including "the possible temporary suspension of visa liberalization," the spokesperson said. Recently, the ruling party "Georgian Dream" passed a law on foreign agents that mirrors repressive Russian legislation used against Kremlin regime critics.
07:42 Ukraine Rebukes Poland's Crimea Proposal
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has condemned a proposal by Poland regarding the status of Crimea, emphasizing that compromises are unacceptable. Previously, Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski had suggested holding a referendum as part of a possible negotiating solution with Russia. "All efforts should be directed towards liberating the peninsula, not towards satisfying the Kremlin's appetite at the expense of Ukraine's interests and international law," the Foreign Ministry in Kyiv explained.
6:29 von der Leyen Scheduled in Kyiv - Discussions with Zelenskyy EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to arrive in Kyiv today. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced discussions with her concerning winter preparations. "Naturally, energy issues are a top priority," he stated. Discussions will also cover frontline situations, weapon deliveries, joint defense projects, Ukraine's path to the EU, and additional financial support for the country under Russian attack.
5:32 Ukraine Involved in NATO Drone Exercise for the First Time For the first time, Ukraine is participating directly in a NATO exercise, led by the Netherlands. The mission focuses on testing anti-drone systems, as indicated by NATO's press service. "More than 60 anti-drone systems and technologies, such as sensors, drone-to-drone systems, jammers, and cyber-detectors, were tested live," the alliance reported. Kyiv's engagement is part of NATO-Ukraine's action plan for innovative cooperation, adopted in July.
4:28 Transgender Activist Loss in Georgia A prominent transgender activist named Kesaria Abramidze lost her life in Georgia following the controversial passing of an LGBTQ law. According to the Georgian Interior Ministry, Abramidze, a model, actress, and influencer, was stabbed multiple times in her apartment on Wednesday. Her partner was arrested on charges of murder with "exceptional cruelty and based on gender," reported the ministry. The killing occurred a day after the law on "family values" was passed, criticized by the EU and human rights organizations as a restriction on LGBTQ rights. It mirrors Russian legislation restricting LGBTQ rights, banning, for instance, gender reassignment.
3:25 Lufthansa Ponders Frankfurt-Peking Flight Suspension Due to Russia Sanctions Lufthansa is considering halting its daily flight from Frankfurt to Beijing, Peking. A decision will be made in October, according to a company representative. The spokesman cited "disproportionate competition" between European airlines and those from the Persian Gulf and the Bosphorus, benefiting from low location costs, low social standards, and high aviation investments from their governments. Additionally, these airlines continue to utilize Russian airspace, closed to European and American airlines due to sanctions against Russia due to the Ukraine conflict, forcing them to fly an extra route, resulting in higher fuel expenses.
2:27 Sumy Attack: Russians Target Power Grid Russian forces carried out an air raid in the evening, striking a geriatric center in Sumy and attacking the city's power grid. At least one civilian was confirmed dead, according to Ukrainian officials. A UN monitoring body asserts that these attacks on the power grid may violate international humanitarian law. The International Energy Agency estimates that power shortages in Ukraine could surpass one-third of peak demand during winter's critical months.
1:25 Record Number of Ukrainian Refugees in Germany The number of refugees residing in Germany has reached a new record. According to the Foreigner Registration Office, there were approximately 3.48 million refugees in Germany by mid-2024, an increase of around 60,000 from the end of 2023. Representing the highest number since the 1950s, according to the "New Osnabrücker Zeitung," these figures include all refugees, regardless of their residence status, ranging from asylum seekers to recognized refugees to tolerated individuals. Of these, around 1.18 million are Ukrainian refugees, an increase of approximately 45,000 compared to the end of 2023.
0:22 Lindner: Ukraine Aid Not Reason to Suspend Debt Brake SPD and Green politicians often reference an agreement that would suspend the debt brake for substantial Ukraine aid in the budget dispute. However, FDP leader and Finance Minister Christian Lindner denies any knowledge of such an agreement: "I have not been made aware of such an agreement. I would not have endorsed it," Lindner told the "Rheinische Post" in an interview. Lindner claims that the tragic situation in Ukraine is not a state of emergency, as per the German Constitution's guidelines. "We are, nonetheless, working extensively on a 50-billion-dollar G7 aid program for Ukraine, in addition to our bilateral aid," Lindner said.
23:23 Bulgaria Advocates EU Ban on Ukrainian Egg Imports Bulgaria will propose a ban on Ukrainian egg imports at an upcoming EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting in Brussels on September 23, announced Bulgarian Agriculture Minister Georgi Takhov. This call for a ban reflects ongoing contentions between Ukraine and Eastern EU member states regarding agricultural trade. These disputes led to border blockades on the Ukrainian-Polish border, import bans on Ukrainian corn and wheat, and protests among farmers in Poland and Bulgaria.
22:13 Merz Questions the Prospect of Peace Talks with RussiaCDU head Friedrich Merz voices worries concerning Ukraine's predicament and states, "I'm not convinced that we can kickstart a peace negotiation process right now." Russia will cease only when it perceives further armed conflict as futile or if Kyiv succumbs. Over the long haul, Merz suggests that Germany will need to maintain military aid to Ukraine. "In my opinion, we'll need to safeguard freedom and tranquility against Russia, not with Russia, for the immediate future." This observation brings Merz bitter regret, he notes. "There's no alternative at hand, at least as long as Putin stays in power and his administration remains strong."
[You can refer to all prior events here.]
The European Commission's plan to provide Ukraine with a €35 billion loan could be influenced by the ongoing Ukrainian conflict. The Russian government has advised the West to avoid challenging boundaries related to weapons that may threaten Russian territory, potentially escalating the conflict.
