Hungary advocates for increased economic collaboration with Russia at 15:26.
Hungary's Foreign Minister Pushes for Economic Collaboration with Russia Outside of EU Sanctions Limits Hungary's Foreign Minister, Peter Szijjarto, advocates for increased economic partnership with Russia in sectors not impacted by EU sanctions. He expressed this perspective during a joint press conference with Russia's Health Minister, Mikhail Murashko, held on the sidelines of a business forum between the two nations in Hungary. Szijjarto reiterated his position that the EU sanctions, as viewed by the Hungarian government, are ineffective. Hungary is a member of both the EU and NATO. Visits by Russian cabinet officials to such countries have become less frequent subsequent to the commencement of the Ukraine conflict.
14:57 Alleged American Pro-Russian Fighter Killed by Russian Soldiers Reports from Moscow suggest that an American citizen involved in pro-Russian separatist activities in eastern Ukraine was brutally murdered by Russian soldiers. An investigative committee dealing with serious crimes reportedly revealed that the homicide was carried out by three Russian soldiers in April, with a fourth soldier accused of aiding in the concealment of the body. No known motive was disclosed. Russell Bentley, also known as "Texas" or "Donbass Cowboy," joined the Moscow-backed pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine in 2014. He continued to fight alongside them until 2017 and afterwards remained in eastern Ukraine.
14:43 Zelensky Seeks Biden's Swift Support for 'Victory Plan' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hopes to secure backing from US President Joe Biden for his plan to bring an end to the Ukraine war during an upcoming trip to Washington. "I truly hope he supports this plan," Zelensky declared on Friday in Kyiv at a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The "victory plan" entails swift decisions from allies, which need to be made between October and December, he claimed. "We have confidence in this plan's success," Zelensky added.
14:28 Russia to Regain Control over Kursk Soon Russia asserts it will soon reclaim control over the contested border region of Kursk currently occupied by Ukrainian troops, as per their own assertions. "Our soldiers are doing an excellent job, and ultimately, they will succeed. Control will be restored," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. Although the situation in the seized Russian regions is currently dire, Peskov predicts a positive shift favoring Russia in the near future. No specifics on the army's strategy were disclosed, while Peskov declined to set a timeline.
14:03 Russia Appeared Aware of Ukrainian Move towards Kursk
According to a report by The Guardian citing alleged Russian documents reportedly seized by the Ukrainian military during their Kursk offensive, authorities and military in the Russian region of Kursk may have been apprised of the Ukrainian advance. The authenticity of the documents has yet to be verified, but they showcase characteristics common in genuine Russian military communications. The report suggests that warnings of particular Ukrainian advances onto Russian territory were issued within Russian authorities and the military, but these warnings date back to January 2024. Measures to bolster border defense were reportedly ordered as early as mid-March, although concerns persisted about understaffed units made up mostly of poorly-trained reservists. Ukrainian forces initiated a surprise attack on the Kursk region at the beginning of August.
13:30 BBC: Over 70,000 Russian Soldiers Killed in Ukraine Identified
A Russian news portal and the BBC have reportedly identified more than 70,000 Russian soldiers who perished in Ukraine, as per their own reports. The BBC's Russian service confirmed the names of 70,112 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine, although the actual number is believed to be higher. This count is derived from a review of official statements, online obituaries, death notices, and observation of graves in Russian cemeteries, covering the period from the start of the war in February 2022 to September 19. Mediazona, an independent Russian news website, estimates that at least 120,000 Russian soldiers have been killed in Ukraine. The Russian government maintains statistical information regarding Russian soldiers killed in war as a classified matter.
12:50 Ukraine Prohibits Telegram Use for Officials and Military
Ukraine has mainly restricted the use of the telecommunication platform Telegram for government, military, and security personnel. The National Security and Defense Council announced on Facebook that the installation and utilization of Telegram on official devices of government officials, military personnel, employees in the security and defense sectors, and firms operating critical infrastructure are now forbidden. The restriction is motivated by concerns for national security.
12:23 Raiffeisen Bank Sells Belarus Subsidiary
Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) has agreed to sell its Belarusian subsidiary and disengage from the market there. The Austrian bank announced the signing of a deal to sell its 87.74 percent stake to Soven 1 Holding Limited. The sale will significantly impact the bank's financial performance. Raiffeisen Bank International has already remarkably reduced its business presence in Russia due to pressure from the European Central Bank. However, a Russian court has issued a preliminary injunction preventing RBI from selling its subsidiary bank in Russia.
12:01 Report: EU Plans €35 Billion Loan for Ukraine
The European Commission is reportedly planning a €35 billion loan for Ukraine as part of the financial aid plans of the seven leading Western industrialized nations (G7), according to the Financial Times, citing three sources familiar with the matter. The loan is part of the G7's objective to provide Ukraine with $50 billion (approximately €46 billion) through the utilization of profits from frozen Russian state assets.
Upon this, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen publicly announced financial aid of up to €35 billion through her X-account.
11:33 Russia Warns the West: Don't Disregard Warnings About Extended Weapon SuppliesThe Russian administration advises the West not to disregard alerts concerning the provision of weapons with increased reach to objectives within Russia's territorial expanse. Such a scenario could significantly alter the nature of the conflict, elaborates Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova. She deems such actions as playing with fire, asserting that the conflict could take a completely different shape with potentially disastrous consequences worldwide. Zakharova perceives no room for dialogue with the U.S. at this juncture. Subsequently, a summit between Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his American counterpart Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York will not materialize, as "neither side has anything concrete to discuss." Previously, the departing NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg had underscored that numerous red lines have already been drawn by Russian President Vladimir Putin that he has refrained from crossing. "He hasn't crossed these lines because he understands that NATO is the most powerful military alliance globally," Stoltenberg expressed.
10:53 EU: Forced Removal of Conscription-Aged Ukrainian Men "Impossible"The European Commission has reaffirmed that Ukrainian conscription-aged males cannot be compulsorily expelled from EU countries. This is unfeasible following the directive on temporary protection, EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson clarifies, as reported by "Ukrajinska Prawda". She declares that they will support those intent on returning to Ukraine and will engage with Ukrainian authorities and the Ukrainian government to devise the most effective measures for this purpose. She underscores that no one will be expelled from the EU. Previously, Poland's Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski had urged Western European countries to inspire Ukrainian conscription-aged males to return to Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha reportedly endorsed this idea.
10:12 General Freuding Finds "Loopholes" in Russia SanctionsThe military coordinator of German Ukraine aid, Christian Freuding, observes that Russia's weapons production has become more challenging due to its complicated components supply chain; however, they have managed to persevere. They achieve this by employing detours and relying on assistance from partners like China, North Korea, and Iran. Whilst sanctions show signs of effectiveness, there exist possibilities to "discover loopholes or even legal evasion paths."
09:03 von der Leyen Pledges Additional Support for Ukraine's Energy SupplyEU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has vowed further support for Ukraine's energy supply during the upcoming winter period during her visit to Kyiv. "My eighth visit to Kyiv comes as the heating season is about to commence, with Russia continuing to target energy infrastructure," she wrote on the online service X. She also shared an image of her arrival at Kyiv station. "We will reinforce Ukraine's tenacity. I am here to discuss Europe's assistance, encompassing winter preparations, defense, EU membership, and advancements on G7 loans."
08:20 EU Ponders Suspending Visa-Free Travel for GeorgiansBrussels is contemplating revoking visa-free travel privileges for Georgians in the EU, citing democratic backsliding under the Georgian Dream party. "All avenues are under consideration" if Georgia does not alter its course towards authoritarianism, including "the possible temporary interruption of visa liberalization," a nameless EU spokesperson reveals. Recently, the ruling Georgian Dream party enacted a law on foreign agents that mirrors oppressive Russian legislation utilized against Kremlin critics.
07:42 Ukraine Condemns Poland's Crimea ProposalThe Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has denounced a Polish suggestion concerning the status of Crimea, emphasizing that compromises are out of the question. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski had advocated for holding a referendum as part of a potential negotiation strategy with Russia. "All efforts should be focused on liberating the peninsula, rather than appeasing the Kremlin's hunger at the expense of Ukraine's interests and international law," the Kyiv-based ministry explained.
06:29 von der Leyen Set to Visit Kyiv - Talks with ZelenskyjEU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is due to pay a visit to Kyiv today. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced discussions with her concerning winter preparations. "Naturally, the energy issue is a priority concern," he stated. The situation on the front lines, weapon deliveries, and joint armaments projects will also be discussed, in addition to Ukraine's path to EU membership and further financial assistance for the beleaguered nation.
05:32 Ukraine Partakes in NATO Exercise for the First TimeUkraine is participating in a NATO exercise under Dutch leadership for the first time. The exercise, which tests anti-drone systems, is ongoing, according to NATO's press office. "More than 60 anti-drone systems and technologies, including sensors, drone-to-drone systems, jammers, and cyber-surveillance tools, were tested in a live setting," the alliance revealed. Ukraine's involvement is part of the NATO-Ukraine action plan for technological collaboration, which was established at the summit in July.
In Georgia, following the enactment of a controversial global LGBTQ rights controversy law, a prominent transgender activist has met their end. As per the Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs, Kesaria Abramidze, who worked as a model, actress, and influencer, was fatally stabbed in her residence on a Wednesday. The police have detained Abramidze's boyfriend as a prime suspect, accusing him of committing homicide with extreme brutality and malice due to the victim's gender. The incident took place a day after the passage of a "family values" law, which was denounced by the EU and human rights organizations as a repression of LGBTQ rights. The law, akin to Russia's restrictive legislation on LGBTQ rights, bans gender reassignment procedures and other activities.
03:25 Lufthansa Contemplates Suspending Frankfurt-Peking Flights due to Russia Sanctions
Lufthansa is deliberating over its regular service between Frankfurt and Beijing's Chinese capital. A conclusion will be reached in October. A company representative pointed out an "extremely unbalanced market setting" for European airlines relative to Chinese and airlines from the Gulf and Bosporus regions, which reap benefits from low workforce costs, low living standards, and substantial government investments in aviation. Moreover, these airlines can still traverse Russian airspace, which has been closed off for European and American airlines since the implementation of sanctions against Russia due to the conflict in Ukraine. As a consequence, they are compelled to circumnavigate Russia, leading to increased fuel costs.
02:27 Russian Forces Assail Energy Center in Sumy
Russian forces initiated a renewed series of aerial attacks in the evening, bombing a retirement home in the Ukrainian city of Sumy along with targeting its energy sector. One civilian was reported dead by Ukrainian authorities. A monitoring body affiliated with the United Nations asserted that the attacks on the power grid most likely violated international humanitarian law. The International Energy Agency declared in a statement that the power supply gap in Ukraine could swell to a third of peak demand during the critical winter months.
01:25 Approximately 1.18 Million Ukrainians in Germany
The number of refugees residing in Germany has reached a new peak. According to the Foreigner Central Register, the refugee population in the nation stood at around 3.48 million by the end of the first half of 2024, marking an increase of around 60,000 compared to the end of 2023. This is the highest figure since the 1950s, as reported by the "New Osnabrücker Zeitung," citing a response from the German government to a parliamentary query posed by the Left party. Of the 3.48 million refugees, around 1.18 million hailed from Ukraine, representing an increase of around 45,000 compared to the end of 2023. The aforementioned tally encompasses every individual, regardless of their status as an asylum seeker, recognized refugee, or tolerated resident.
00:22 Lindner: Ukrainian Aid Not Justification for Debt Brake Suspension
SPD and Green politicians often profit from an agreement within the traffic light coalition to temporarily disregard the debt brake for extensive aid to Ukraine in the budget dispute. Finance Minister and FDP leader Christian Lindner counters such propositions: "I am unaware of such an agreement. I would not have consented to such a resolution." The war in Ukraine is dire, but it does not constitute a state of emergency under the Basic Law. "For Ukraine, we are actively promoting a 50-billion-dollar joint aid program by the G7 nations in addition to our individual aid," Lindner shares.
23:23 Bulgaria Proposes EU Ban on Ukrainian Egg ImportsBulgaria will advocate for a suspension of egg imports from Ukraine at an EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting set for September 23 in Brussels. This announcement was made by Bulgarian Minister of Agriculture Georgi Takhov. The ban is a consequence of ongoing disagreements between Ukraine and the eastern EU member states regarding agricultural trade. These disagreements have given rise to border blockades at the Ukrainian-Polish border, import bans on Ukrainian corn and wheat, and farmer protests in Poland and Bulgaria.
22:13 Merz Sees 'No Prospect of Peace Process' with RussiaCDU leader Friedrich Merz expresses apprehension concerning the situation in Ukraine and states: "I do not foresee the possibility of initiating a peace process at present." Russia will only desist when further military action appears futile or if Kyiv succumbs. In the long term, Germany will need to continue to militarily support Ukraine. "I am convinced that we must defend freedom and peace from Russia, not with Russia," Merz says. This is a painful reality. "There is no alternative at present, at least until Putin and his regime are deposed."
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The European Commission, being a key player in the international community, could potentially engage in discussions with The Commission about the EU's stance on Hungary's proposed economic collaboration with Russia outside EU sanctions limits.
In the context of diplomatic relations between nations, it is crucial for The Commission to maintain open lines of communication regarding international sanctions and their impact on various industries, as Hungary's intentions could have far-reaching implications beyond its borders.
