Ukraine and the World – Against russia’s Aggression. Sanctions in Action

The European Commission has approved new defense procurements for Ukraine totaling EUR 6.1 billion as part of a EUR 90 billion EU loan. The funds will be allocated to air and missile defense systems, missiles, ammunition, and radar stations. “As russia intensifies its attacks, we are stepping up our efforts to help Ukraine protect its people and defend its airspace. Europe stands in solidarity with Ukraine, and we will provide what is needed, when it is needed,” emphasized President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen.

Germany is allocating an additional EUR 50 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine and EUR 10 million to NATO’s CAP (Comprehensive Assistance Package) fund. The funds will be used to help people in frontline areas, support decentralized energy supply for the Ukrainian military, provide vital medical equipment for military hospitals, and finance anti-drone systems.

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Andy Burnham will allow the European defense company MBDA to declassify information about the British components of the Anglo-French Storm Shadow/Scalp missiles to help Ukraine develop its own version.

Finland is preparing the next air defense package, which will consist of some of Ukraine’s most critical needs.

President of France Emmanuel Macron has promised to provide Ukraine with interceptor missiles.

Norway plans to provide Ukraine with an additional 85 billion Norwegian kroner ($9.2 billion) in financial support in 2027.

Ukraine and Norway have signed a joint declaration on strategic partnership, particularly in the fields of defense and energy. The countries have also signed the so-called “Drone Deal”, which will ensure even closer cooperation between the Ukrainian and Norwegian defense sectors and industries.

Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen appealed to Ukraine’s Western partners to supply Kyiv with missiles for the Patriot air defense systems.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the FRG Johann Wadephul plans to persuade US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to take a more active role in diplomatic efforts related to the war in Ukraine.

Congratulations on the Occasion of the Day of the National Flag and the 35th Anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence

“Our goal is to integrate Ukraine into the European Union’s peaceful project: a union of nations that have overcome nationalism, that uphold democracy and the rule of law, and that work together for shared prosperity and development,” said President of the European Council António Costa.

“As we reflect upon Ukraine’s proud history, rich culture and indomitable national spirit, we are reminded of the extraordinary fortitude Ukrainians have shown in defending their homeland and preserving the identity and values which define your nation,” said King Charles III of the United Kingdom.

“The United States is committed to Ukraine’s sovereignty and continues to work toward a negotiated settlement of the Russia-Ukraine war that will ensure a lasting and durable peace,” said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“Romania will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine, steadfastly defending the country’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Ukraine can count on our multifaceted assistance,” said President of Romania Nicușor Dan.

“We will use every opportunity to move as quickly as possible toward opening the remaining negotiation clusters. Currently, two out of six have been opened, and I think there isn’t much time left before the remaining clusters are opened,” President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda assured his support for Ukraine on its path to the EU, but expects Kyiv to actively implement reforms. “We will help Ukraine rebuild destroyed schools, hospitals, and power plants. We will help you in your pursuit of membership in the European Union and NATO,” Nausėda added.

“The strong ties between our countries and peoples are rooted in historical friendship and shared values. I wish you peace, resilience, and prosperity. Long live Ukraine!” emphasized Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze.

“Ukraine can always count on our support. Italy has been, is, and will remain on the side of Ukraine, which is fighting against russia’s invasion,” emphasized Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy Antonio Tajani.

“…Ukraine must have everything it needs to defend itself and determine its own future,” said Prime Minister of Estonia Kristen Michal.

“Both Ukraine and Poland have an interest in seeing russians “finally become a normal people – that is, respect the borders recognized by their neighbors as state borders and begin investing in their own nation”, said Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Radosław Sikorski.

To mark Ukraine’s Independence Day, the buildings of the European Commission, the European Council, and the United Kingdom’s Parliament were illuminated in blue and yellow.

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Prime Minister of Estonia Kristen Michal believes that there is currently no direct threat of russian aggression spreading to the Baltic states or Northern Europe. “This means that NATO and European countries may find themselves in a more advantageous position. But at the same time, it means that we must maintain this momentum – both NATO and European countries must invest more in defense, as well as in Ukrainian technology and the defense industry,” Michal emphasized.

Poland is prepared, if necessary, to completely block all border crossings on its borders with russia and belarus, – stated Minister of Defence of Poland Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. In parallel, according to the Minister, Warsaw intends to deploy missile systems capable of striking targets at a range of up to 1,000 km along its eastern borders as part of the “Eastern Shield” program.

Finland has built a 200-kilometre fence along its border with russia.

“I would be very happy if the organization decided to expel Armenia from the CSTO; at least that would free us from the dilemma of whether to stay or not,” said Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan regarding his country’s future in the CSTO. At the same time, Pashinyan, while presenting the government’s program for the next five years, announced that the process of applying for the country’s accession to the EU is expected to begin in the near future.

The government of Japan will respond in a timely manner and in a way that serves the country’s national interests to putin’s visit to Iturup Island, said Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Toshimitsu Motegi.

The Presidential Council of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) has decided to bar russian grandmasters from participating in the World Chess Olympiad, which will take place in Samarkand from September 16 to 27.

russian wheat exports in August may reach their lowest level for this month in the past 16 years. Grain exporters will be able to ship 2.2 million tons of wheat abroad – half as much as in August 2023 (4.5 million tons) and by 56% less than the five-year average for this month. Currently, all major grain ports on the Black and Azov Seas are paralyzed.

Since early August, russia’s public sector has sharply increased its fuel purchases. Prices in government tenders significantly exceed the average and are on par with those in European countries.

Against the background of a petrol and diesel shortage, jet fuel prices are rising again. At the st. petersburg exchange, the price of fuel reached a record high of 120,000 rubles a ton. Since the beginning of 2026, the price of kerosene has risen one and a half times.

russians have begun to turn to auto repair shops more frequently for vehicle diagnostics amid the fuel crisis and the government’s decision to lower petrol quality. In June–July, the number of engine and fuel system repairs rose by 22% compared to last year – to 120,000.

The “m.video” chain – russia’s largest retailer of electronics and home appliances – has begun delaying payments to sellers on its marketplace.

In the first 7 months of 2026, total railway wagons production in russia fell by 31% compared to the same period last year. The reason is staff reductions.

Production of food industry equipment in russia fell by 17.4%.

Sales of russian semi-trailers fell by 19.2% in the first half of the year. This negative trend is directly linked to the decline in the truck market. At the same time, sales of new heavy-duty trucks fell by 17.3% in the first half of the year.

Printed circuit board manufacturers have stated that it is impossible to produce competitive products using russian raw materials.

The volume of the russian market for contract microchip manufacturing services decreased by 9.4%.

The volume of new office construction in moscow in 2026–2030 may total 5.6 million square meters instead of the 7.3 million square meters planned by developers. Developers are forced to postpone projects launched during a period of office space shortages due to rising construction costs, falling demand for such real estate, and lengthy approval procedures.

In russia’s regions, the problem of illegal landfills and regular disruptions in rubbish collection has worsened. As a result, residents of different cities are forced to deal with rats, overgrown weeds, and the risk of epidemics, while in the north and east of the country, food waste attracts wild animals.

Covert mobilization is becoming increasingly widespread in russia. Over the past month and a half, residents of at least 17 regions have complained of forced detentions and coercion to sign contracts with the ministry of defense.

The Payoneer payment system will stop servicing accounts of customers from belarus in September.

In the rb, the website and social media accounts of “Gosc Niedzielny”, Poland’s largest Catholic socio-political weekly, have been added to the list of “extremist” materials. In early July, the weekly published an interview with former political prisoner and Nobel Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski.

Over the past five years, the share of unprofitable enterprises in belarus has risen to nearly 20%.