At 23:03, Belgorod announces three casualties due to Ukrainian assault
22:09 Ukrainian Legislator Charges Russia with Deliberate School Attacks
Ukrainian parliament member Roman Hryschchuk has accused Russia of escalating assaults on educational establishments in Ukraine at the beginning of the new academic year this week. He stated this during an interview with "The Kyiv Independent", labeling it a deliberate campaign to intimidate Ukrainians. According to the news outlet, at least 12 educational facilities, such as a military institute, an aviation institute, a university, and schools across Ukraine, have been affected by Russian attacks within a span of three days. Several lives have been lost or injured.
21:36 ISW: Putin Persists in Subjugating Ukraine
Experts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin still believes he can dominate Ukraine. Despite the Ukrainian military's advance into Russian territory in the Kursk region, outlined by the ISW, Putin seems to remain unconvinced, writes the ISW. While the offensive may have hampered Russian military operations on a tactical level, it has not yet induced a strategic reassessment by Putin. The ISW concludes that Putin believes Russia can attain its objectives by wearying down Ukrainian forces and outlasting Western support. Consequently, Putin appears in no distant future to be open to peace negotiations not resulting in Ukrainian and Western submission to his demands.
21:03 EU Hopeful Serbia Commits to Putin's Loyalty
In a meeting on the sidelines of an economic forum in Vladivostok, Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin. Russian television reported that Putin noted an invitation to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to attend the upcoming BRICS summit in Russia in October. Vulin emphasized that his country is both a "ally of Russia" and a strategic partner. Serbia is "subject to immense pressure" due to this, yet, under Vucic's leadership, "it shall never join NATO, never impose sanctions on Russia, and never permit any actions against Russia from its territory." Serbia maintains cordial relations with Russia, even while seeking EU membership.
20:29 Thousands Flee from Eastern Ukrainian City
Thousands of residents are leaving the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrowsk, located approximately 10 kilometers from the frontline. Over 20,000 people have abandoned the city within a month, as reported by Interfax Ukraine in a TV broadcast by the Donetsk region's governor, Vadym Filashkin. Pokrowsk currently has about 26,000 residents, including over 1,000 children. Before the conflict, the city had around 65,000 inhabitants and serves as a key logistics hub for Ukraine's army. Ukrainian forces have been retreating from a Russian advance in the region for several months. Recently, pro-Russian military bloggers have reported that Russian troops have entered the towns of Selydove and Ukrainsk and are fighting there.
19:55 US Accuses Russia of Meddling in Presidential Elections
The US has accused Russia of attempting to manipulate the November presidential election through targeted disinformation. According to Attorney General Merrick Garland, Russia has utilized its state media to influence unwitting influencers in the US to disseminate its propaganda. As a result, the US has applied sanctions, filed criminal charges, and ordered the confiscation of internet domains. The Treasury Department in Washington announced penalties targeting 10 individuals and 2 organizations, including representatives of the state-owned Russian broadcaster RT, hackers, and a non-governmental organization linked to the Kremlin. US authorities allegedly implicate them in disinformation campaigns designed to target the US election campaign. Read more here.
19:47 Lithuania Condemns Russian Envoy Over Intensified Attacks
Lithuania has called upon a representative of the Russian embassy in Vilnius to explain Russia's intensified shelling of civilian targets in Ukraine. During the meeting, Lithuania condemned the increased targeting of educational institutions, hospitals, and residential areas, which the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry attributes to Russia's desperation and flagrant disregard for human life and international humanitarian law. At least 7 people were killed and 38 injured in Russian airstrikes on Lviv. Earlier this week, over 50 people were killed and around 270 injured in an attack on the city of Poltava.
19:15 Alleged 'Spy Whale' Shot Dead in Norway
Animal welfare organizations have lodged complaints after the death of an alleged Russian 'spy whale' in Norway. Post-mortem examination revealed numerous gunshot wounds on the whale, according to animal welfare organizations One Whale and Noah. The responsible police department stated that they are now investigating if there is sufficient justification to conduct an investigation. In 2019, the whale was located near Russian waters with a camera mount and the inscription "Equipment St. Petersburg" on its body, leading to speculation that it could be a Russian spy whale. Another theory suggested that it had served as a kind of therapy whale in Russia. The marine mammal was discovered dead in a bay near Stavanger on Saturday.
The federal cabinet has endorsed the "Article Law Pivotal Moment" to enhance appeal in serving the German Military. This includes loosening labor laws with regard to work hours and offering financial incentives, such as for temporary deployments. A representative from the Defense Ministry stated, "Our aim isn't just to keep skilled personnel within our ranks but also draw in new recruits." The approximately 5,000 troops from the Lithuania Battalion, fortifying NATO's eastern front against Russia, will also gain incentives to relocate or return home, especially with families, to and from Lithuania. The representative could only provide an approximate estimate of the financial implication. Estimated expenditure for the Lithuania Battalion is expected to amount to 40 million euros in 2025, 90 million euros in 2026, and 145 million euros in 2027. Parliament will vote on the legislation in November.
18:27 Citizen in Lviv Reports "Unbearable" Cries
Panic, destruction, and loss: This is the consequence of the overnight barrage by Russian forces on Lviv, resulting from rocket and drone attacks. The 27-year-old local resident, Yelizaveta, recollects hearing "painful and inhumane" cries. An Associated Press journalist reports remnants of charred vehicles and debris scattered throughout Lviv's city center. According to Ukrainian authorities, seven people lost their lives and 53 were injured. Over 50 historical buildings in the city center were damaged, including two healthcare facilities and two schools, the Ministry of Education reports.
18:09 USA Prepares to Charge Russia with Election Meddling
The USA is anticipated to publicly point fingers at Russia for interfering with the ongoing presidential election campaign later today, as per media reports. The allegations will center around the utilization of online platforms to disseminate misinformation against US voters, CNN reports, citing sources. The focus will primarily be on the Russian state-owned media network RT. The US Department of Justice had earlier cautioned about Russian posing a threat to the November 5 elections.
17:35 Forest Fire Blazes in Chernobyl's Radioactive Exclusion Zone
A wildfire broke out in the radioactive exclusion zone surrounding the long-deserted Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine. Nearly 20 hectares of land are currently engulfed in flames, according to the Governor of Kyiv region, Ruslan Kravchenko. Radioactive background radiation remains within safer limits. Approximately 200 firefighters, including 50 military personnel, have been deployed to put out the fire. The cause of the fire remains unclear. Due to high temperatures and prolonged drought, the risk of wildfires in northern Ukraine's Kyiv region has increased.
17:07 Market Attack in Donetsk: Blame Game Between Occupiers and Ukrainians
Reports of fatalities and injuries emerged from the Russian-controlled eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk. The occupation authorities claim at least three people were killed and five more injured due to artillery fire on a market. The self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic leader, Denis Pushilin, announced that Ukrainian soldiers shelled the market, resulting in two male and female fatalities as well as damages to a bus. Russian state media broadcasted visuals of bodies and extensive market destruction. These allegations could not be corroborated from independent sources. Ukrainian forces deny responsibility for the attack, accusing the other side, asserting, "Everything is done for the sake of image, human life holds no value to them."
16:43 First Legislative Leavings in Kyiv Recorded, Deputy Sybiha Could Replace Kuleba
Ukraine's parliament approved the resignations of four ministers, as per the chamber's records, yet did not consider Kuleba's resignation request. The president is expected to appoint a successor later today. Foreign Ministry's first deputy, Andriy Sybiha, is apparently a strong contender. Despite the shift in leadership, political expert Volodymyr Fesenko predicts minimal alterations in Ukraine's foreign policy.
16:21 Lukashenko Frees 30 Political Prisoners
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko granted freedom to thirty opposition activists detained for protest actions. According to the presidential administration, all inmates requested pardon and admitted their guilt, expressing remorse and promising to live lawfully. It remains unverifiable if the Interior Ministry is enforcing this commitment. The thirty inmates include twenty-three men and seven women, primarily parents of minors. Russian exile medium, "Meduza," claims that the Belarusian opposition outside of Minsk had previously submitted lists of sick prison inmates to the government. Several inmates from this list were freed. Exiled opposition leaders welcome this release but still express concerns about the continuation of political persecution and torture in Belarus. Political leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, recognized as the legitimate winner of the 2020 presidential election, shares this sentiment. Read more here.
15:55 Lviv Air Strike Claims Entire Family
The vast majority of a family succumbed to a Russian air strike in Lviv, as per Lviv's city authorities. Tragically, seven family members – a 43-year-old woman and her three daughters (7, 18, and 21) – were among the dead. Only the father survived, in critical condition according to the Ukrainian Catholic University. Lviv Mayor, Andriy Sadovyi, wrote in his statement, "In the heart of Europe, Russia is brutally wiping out Ukrainians and their families. Russian forces are killing our children and our future."
Chancellor Scholz voices disapproval towards opponents who oppose the positioning of US missiles in Germany. She explains, "This is all about securing peace here and stopping potential conflicts." According to the SPD politician, the main objective is to deter potential adversaries. Russia has been significantly enhancing its military capabilities, particularly through the production of missiles, for several years now. President Putin has also violated disarmament treaties such as the INF treaty, deploying missiles in Kaliningrad, which is just 530 kilometers away from Berlin by air. She suggests that failing to respond adequately to this would be irrational. She concludes, "Indeed, inaction would pose a threat to peace here. I won't allow that to happen." Consequently, following Russia's attack on Ukraine, Germany and the US have agreed to station US missiles with a broader reach on German soil starting from 2026. The Left Party (Die Linke) and the AfD express their opposition, viewing it as a direct escalation that endangers Germany's security. Criticism also arises from certain sections of the SPD. Read more here.
15:18 Scholz Commits More IRIS-T Air Defense Systems to Ukraine
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has promised additional IRIS-T air defense systems to Ukraine. Eight IRIS-T SLM systems and nine IRIS-T SLS systems will be delivered to Ukraine, with two of each scheduled for distribution this year and the remaining delivery taking place from 2025. Four IRIS-T SLM systems are currently in use in Ukraine, along with a significant number of missiles and three additional IRIS-T SLS systems. Scholz made this announcement during the inauguration of the first IRIS-T air defense system for the German Armed Forces at Todendorf.
14:55 South Korea and New Zealand Urge Russia's "Unconditional" Withdrawal
South Korea and New Zealand have issued a joint statement condensing their condemnation of Russia's attack on Ukraine. In the statement, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon urge Russia to "instantly, completely, and unconditionally withdraw from the internationally recognized territory of Ukraine." They also criticize the intensified military cooperation between North Korea and Moscow. Yoon emphasizes the importance of countries such as South Korea and New Zealand, which share common values, show solidarity "during this critical phase when authoritarian forces continue to pose threats."
14:21 Zelenskyy Explains Government Reshuffle: "We Need Fresh Energy"
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledges the need for "new energy" to enhance Ukraine's state in various areas. He provides an explanation for the comprehensive government reshuffle, stating, "We require fresh energy." These steps are related to strengthening Ukraine's state in various sectors. Ukraine has been defending itself against Russia's attack for two and a half years. Zelenskyy expresses gratitude towards the ministers and the entire cabinet for their contributions.
13:47 Bundeswehr Activates Mechanism: How IRIS-T SLM Protects Europe from Missiles
The IRIS-T SLM is not a new addition in Ukraine. To counteract even more Russian missiles, ten systems are planned to be stationed in Ukraine soon. A delivery is reportedly already in progress, as reported by security sources. In Schleswig-Holstein, the Bundeswehr also intends to use IRIS-T.
13:21 Russia: Yet Another Village Near Ukrainian City of Pokrovsk Falls into Russian Hands
Russia claims to have gained full control of the village of Karliwka, which is located around 30 kilometers from the strategically significant city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine. The Russian Defense Ministry asserts that the Russian army has "completely liberated" the village. Pokrovsk serves as a crucial logistics hub for the Ukrainian army. Ukrainian forces have been retreating from a Russian advance in the region for months.
12:59 Ukraine: Crimea "Loaded with Air Defense Systems"
The Russian occupiers of Crimea are utilizing all means to defend the Kerch Bridge, according to the spokesperson of the Ukrainian Navy, Dmytro Pletenchuk, as reported on Ukrainian national television. A variety of short and long-range systems, including S-300, S-400 Triumf, S-500 Prometheus, and Pantsir-S1, are reportedly being employed. Crimea, according to Pletenchuk, is "overloaded with air defense systems" because it holds both practical and symbolic significance for the occupiers. The Kerch Bridge, a prestige project of Russian President Vladimir Putin, links southern Russia with the illegally annexed peninsula and is a crucial supply route for Russian forces in southern Ukraine. Fights over the bridge continue, and Kyiv has repeatedly expressed its intention to liberate the peninsula. The bridge is a strategically important chokepoint.
12:32 Putin Confirms Xi's Attendance at BRICS Summit in RussiaRussian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed that Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the upcoming BRICS summit in Russia this October. During a meeting with Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Putin said, "As discussed, we anticipate Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS summit." Putin also suggested a "bilateral working session" with Xi. The BRICS group, established in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, has since added South Africa and now includes the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Iran. This year, the BRICS nations see themselves as opposing forces to Western nations. They will convene in the Russian city of Kazan from October 22 to 24, with Putin aiming to expand Russian influence and foster stronger economic alliances. Russia and China have strengthened their strategic partnership since the onset of the Russian invasion in Ukraine.
12:00 Russian Airstrike in Poltava Targets Soldiers and InstructorsThe Russian Defense Ministry revealed that the airstrike in Ukrainian Poltava was aimed at soldiers and foreign instructors. The military training center was the primary target. The ministry stated that the center trains communication and electronic warfare specialists from various military units in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The institute also trains operators of unmanned aerial vehicles involved in attacks on civilian targets within the Russian Federation. The Russian Defense Ministry further claimed to have utilized the hypersonic weapon system Kinzhal against military-industrial facilities in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv. Russian forces have also taken control of two more settlements in eastern Ukraine, Prechystivka and Karliwka. According to the Ukrainian Health Ministry, 50 people were killed in the Poltava airstrike on Tuesday.
11:43 Baerbock Pays Tribute to Outgoing Ukrainian Foreign MinisterGerman Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock paid tribute to her Ukrainian counterpart, Dmytro Kuleba, on social media. She noted their close collaboration, expressing, "I have worked closely with few others than you, @DmytroKuleba." Baerbock honored Kuleba for putting the people of his country before himself and wished him all the best, expressing her hope to meet again when peace and liberty have returned to Ukraine.
11:24 Russia to Revise Nuclear Doctrine Due to Western ChallengesWestern actions are causing Russia to revise its nuclear doctrine, as claimed by the Russian presidential administration. Russia is facing challenges and threats from the West, necessitating a modification of the nuclear doctrine, according to presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov. The possibility of Ukraine employing US long-range weapons in its attacks inside Russian territory is being considered, since the Kyiv government has been urging the US for some time to approve such attacks. "It's undeniable that the Ukrainians will carry out such an attack," Peskov stated to the RIA agency.
10:54 Ukraine Repels Majority of Russian Air StrikesRussia carried out 42 air strikes on Ukraine overnight, according to Ukrainian Air Force reports on Telegram. The attacks involved Ch-47M2 Kinzhal missiles, Kh-101 cruise missiles, and Kh-59M cruise missiles. The Ukrainian Air Force claimed to have downed seven cruise missiles and 22 Shahed drones, successfully repelling 29 air strikes.
10:19 Munz Warns Russia's Poltava Attack May BackfireRussia is attacking the Ukrainian city of Poltava with rockets, with some referring to it as one of the heaviest air strikes since the conflict began. While Russian media praise their success, ntv correspondent Rainer Munz cautions that Russia may be shifting its strategy.
09:52 Ukraine Provides Updated Figures on Russian Troop LossesThe Ukrainian General Staff has released updated statistics on Russian troop losses in Ukraine. Since February 24, 2022, Russia has reportedly lost approximately 620,350 troops, with 1,390 casualties in the previous 24 hours. The report from Kyiv indicates that seven tanks, 30 artillery systems, and 43 drones have been destroyed. In total, Russia has reportedly lost 8,618 tanks, 16,848 artillery systems, and 368 aircraft, 328 helicopters, thousands of drones, 28 ships, and one submarine, according to Ukraine. Western estimates place the losses lower, but these are likely minimum figures.
09:21 Governor: Lviv Region Dealing with Grave Consequences of Russian AirstrikesThe death toll has increased following Russian airstrikes on the western Ukrainian city of Lviv. According to the Lviv region governor's message on Telegram, seven people, including two children aged seven and 14, were killed during the night. The governor wrote, "It's a terrible tragedy for our region." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier reported five deaths and over 30 injuries on social media, expressing his condolences to the victims' families.
08:49 Ukrainian Foreign Minister Steps Down according to parliamentary speaker Ruslan Stefantchuk, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has decided to resign. This resignation will be discussed during the next plenary session, as announced by Stefantchuk on his Facebook page. Similar resignations have been seen recently (see entries 00:47 and 22:06). These departures are part of a significant overhaul of the Ukrainian government. Wednesday will be a day of dismissals, states the leader of the ruling party Servant of the People, David Arachamia, on Telegram. On the other hand, Thursday will reportedly mark the day of appointments.
08:03 Zelenskyy: Residents Still Trapped Under Debris President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed during his evening address that the Russian rocket attack on Poltava is one of the deadliest single attacks since the beginning of the war. Tragically, people are still trapped under the rubble and the President again urged the need for air defense systems.
07:39 Grossi Warns of Looming Disaster at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant During a meeting in Kyiv with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, discussed the delicate situation surrounding nuclear power plants in Ukraine and Russia. Grossi will be visiting the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southeastern Ukraine on Wednesday. In a conversation with Zelenskyy, Grossi expressed concern over the plant's "very fragile" state and warned of the risk of a catastrophe. The plant was seized by Russian forces shortly after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and is now operational. Both parties have maintained accusations against each other of shelling the plant, with both denying the allegations.
07:18 Governor Confirms Deaths in Lviv Attack At least two individuals have lost their lives and 19 have been injured as a result of Russian air strikes in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv, according to Maksym Kozytskyi, the governor of the Lviv region, via Telegram.
06:53 Ukraine Appeals for More Agricultural and Demining Support Ukraine is seeking further assistance for rebuilding its agricultural sector and demining projects, as reported by the German newspaper "Rheinische Post", based on a response from the German government to a request for information. This includes funding for agricultural land near the front line, with the German government considering potential support. Additionally, Ukraine has requested an increase in a safety allowance for personnel and an extension of a program funded by the German Ministry of Agriculture that delivers generators. Ukraine has also requested help with demining operations near the front line, with the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development already engaged in a project to detect and remove mines.
06:17 Lviv Suffers Fire After Russian Drone Attack A fire has broken out near Lviv's main railway station following Russian air strikes on the city in northern Ukraine. According to Maksym Kozytskyi, the governor of the Lviv region, two school buildings were damaged in the attack, with numerous windows shattered and glass scattered on the streets. Kozytskyi confirmed several Russian Shahed drones were involved in the attack. Emergency services are on the scene, and the affected schools have been closed. At least six individuals, including a young boy aged 10, were injured. Lviv is located in western Ukraine close to the Polish border, far from the eastern front lines, but has experienced multiple attacks since the conflict began.
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05:29 Kyiv Hit by Second Wave of Air Strikes Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, has suffered a second wave of Russian air strikes. Air defense systems are active in response, with eyewitnesses reporting multiple explosions at the outskirts of the city. Simultaneously, a drone attack is reported near Lviv, close to the Polish border. The entire Ukraine is on high alert, as the Ukrainian air force reports on Telegram. Poland has deployed its and allied aircraft for the third occasion in eight days to secure airspace due to Russian air strikes and far-ranging activities, as reported by the Operational Command of the Polish Armed Forces.
04:35 Biden Vows to Provide Ukraine with More Air Defense Systems In response to the Russian attack on the Ukrainian city of Poltava, which left at least 51 killed, US President Biden has pledged to supply Ukraine with more air defense systems. "I strongly condemn this heinous attack", says Biden. Going forward, the US will continue to support Kyiv militarily, including the provision of additional air defense systems and capabilities needed by Ukraine to protect its borders. Zelenskyj had called on foreign allies again after the attack to quickly provide Ukraine with new air defense systems and to allow the use of long-range weapons already supplied for attacks on Russian territories.
01:32 Zelensky Desires Permanent Control Over KurskUkraine aims to maintain control over the occupied regions in Russia's Kursk district until Putin agrees to negotiate, asserts President Zelensky during an interview with NBC News. The annexation of these territories is a crucial aspect of their "victory strategy," he mentions. Nevertheless, Ukraine isn't interested in annexing Russian land generically, Zelensky clarifies, without specifying if further Russian territory conquest is planned. The Kursk operation had been kept discrete, even eluding the knowledge of US President Biden.
00:47 Multiple Ukrainian Ministers Step DownBefore an impending cabinet reshuffle in Ukraine, four ministers submit their resignations. They include Deputy Minister for European Affairs Olga Stefanishyna, Strategic Industries Minister Oleksandr Kamyshin, Justice Minister Denys Malyuska, and Environment Minister Ruslan Strilets. The four officials may or may not be assigned to higher-ranking positions yet. "A major government overhaul is imminent this week," confirmates David Arakhamia, leader of the ruling Servant of the People party faction, on Telegram. "Tomorrow will be a day of dismissals, and the next day, appointments," Arakhamia announces, considered a close ally of President Zelensky.
23:16 Zelensky Advocates for Long-Range Weapon Use After Poltava AttackFollowing the lethal Russian rocket assault on Poltava, President Zelensky advocates for authorization to utilize long-range weapons against Russia. "Russian strikes will cease to be feasible if we can annihilate the launching sites of the invading forces and Russian military airfields and logistics centres," claims Zelensky in his daily video message. As per him, the death toll in Poltava has surged to 51, with 271 injured. More individuals are believed to be trapped beneath the debris.
22:06 Zelensky Discards Another High-Ranking OfficialUkrainian President Zelensky has relieved Rostyslav Shurma, the first deputy head of the presidential office, according to his official website. Apart from that, the parliamentary speaker disclosed the resignation of Olha Stefanishyna, who previously served as deputy prime minister and minister for European integration of Ukraine. Several other ministers had earlier tendered their resignations. President Zelensky explained that adjustments are made to fortify the government. "The autumn will be critically important. Our state institutions should be configured in such a manner that Ukraine can attain all the results it necessitates."
21:42 ntv Journalist in Poltava: "Residents Described a Deeply Terrifying Moment"Ukraine experiences one of its heaviest aerial strikes since the war's initiation. Many have perished, and hundreds are wounded. ntv journalist Kavita Sharma reports a "tense" atmosphere and how the residents experienced the rocket assault.
21:25 Ukraine Accuses Russia of Executing CaptivesThe Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office alleges that Russian soldiers have executed captive soldiers. Investigations have been initiated into the assassination of three Ukrainians in Torez, Donetsk region, the agency announced on its Telegram channel. According to the available information, the Ukrainians emerged from a bunker with their hands raised. "The occupiers forced them to lie face down on the ground and instantly executed them with gunshots," the agency stated, referencing circulating online videos.
(Note: The provided English text is already in English, so the translation remains the same.)
The European Union could potentially impose sanctions on Russia for its continued aggression against Ukraine, given its involvement in the deliberate attacks on educational institutions.
In light of the escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, it's crucial for the European Union to consider strengthening its relations with its eastern allies, such as Ukraine, in an effort to counter Russia's influence. The European Union, as a powerful international body, has the potential to strongly condemn and possibly sanction Russia for its actions, influencing other nations to do the same.
