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The EU continues to debate how to use €200 billion of Russian central bank assets frozen since 2022. While some member states push for confiscation or riskier investments, Belgium opposes these moves, citing legal risks. The EU aims to keep assets frozen until Russia compensates Ukraine, amid slow progress and political disagreements.
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As the UN General Assembly opens on September 23, 2025, Luxembourg and several European countries plan to recognize Palestine, challenging US and Israeli opposition. The US revoked visas for Palestinian officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas, citing non-compliance and peace undermining. Israel threatens West Bank annexation amid ongoing Gaza conflict, while international debate intensifies over Palestinian statehood and diplomatic representation.
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European powers activated a UN sanctions snapback against Iran over its nuclear program, despite Iran, Russia, and China disputing its legality. The move follows a 30-day diplomatic window for negotiations, with Iran and the EU holding talks on a new deal. Tensions remain high as the international community seeks a resolution.
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On September 17, 2025, the European Commission proposed suspending parts of its trade agreement with Israel and sanctioning far-right Israeli ministers over the Gaza conflict. The EU plans to freeze €20 million in bilateral support to Israel, targeting exports worth €6 billion. However, divisions among member states, including Germany and Italy, threaten the adoption of these measures amid escalating violence in Gaza and recent Israeli strikes in Qatar.
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The EU has suspended multiple-entry visas for Russian nationals, requiring them to apply for a new visa each time they travel. Exceptions are made for certain individuals. The move aims to enhance security amid ongoing tensions, following a decline in Russian visa issuance since 2022.
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The European Commission announced a comprehensive strategy to deepen ties with India, aiming for a free trade agreement by 2025, and expanding cooperation on security, digital innovation, and global governance. The move signals a shift towards greater EU independence amid geopolitical tensions, with the framework awaiting approval from all member states.
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Russian drones entered Polish airspace last week, with at least 19 detected. Poland and Romania reported incursions, prompting NATO to deploy additional jets. Experts see the incident as a deliberate test of NATO defenses, with Russia aiming to gauge response and influence support for Ukraine.
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Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has questioned Russia and China's WWII narratives during the SCO summit and Beijing commemorations. She highlighted China's significant wartime sacrifices and criticized the Western historical focus, emphasizing the importance of accurate global history recognition.
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Ukrainian forces report repelling Russian advances near Pokrovsk, with ongoing fighting in eastern Ukraine. Ukraine claims Russian losses are severe, but Russia continues offensive operations. Western support remains critical as Ukraine seeks artillery and munitions amid ongoing conflict.
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The EU plans to phase out Russian LNG by January 2027, earlier than scheduled, as part of its 19th sanctions package. The move aims to cut Russia's fossil fuel revenues amid ongoing tensions with the US, which is urging Europe to impose harsher tariffs on China and India for buying Russian energy. The package faces delays in approval.
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Russian drones have repeatedly violated Polish and Romanian airspace in recent days, with incidents described as deliberate provocations. NATO responded with increased military patrols, and EU sanctions against Russia were announced. The incidents highlight ongoing tensions linked to Russia's war in Ukraine and its expanding military actions in Europe.
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The EU has proposed sanctions against Israel, including tariffs and asset freezes on ministers and Hamas leaders, aiming to pressure Israel to change its Gaza policies. The move faces resistance from some member states amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian concerns.
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On September 19, 2025, the European Commission proposed its 19th sanctions package targeting Russia, aiming to phase out Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports by January 2027, a year earlier than planned. The package targets firms in China, India, and other countries accused of sanction evasion, expands blacklists of vessels and companies, and includes measures against crypto platforms and export controls on military-related technologies.
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On Friday, three Russian MiG-31 fighters entered Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland for 12 minutes, prompting NATO to scramble jets and summon Russian diplomats. This follows recent Russian drone incursions into Poland and Romania, escalating tensions amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. NATO plans consultations under Article 4, emphasizing readiness to defend member airspace.
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The US under Trump is escalating a culture war targeting Europe, promoting right-wing allies and undermining EU cohesion. Meanwhile, Hungary and other nations are adopting measures to classify Antifa as a terrorist group, aligning with US policies amid rising tensions.
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As of October 8, 2025, the EU is advancing a plan to use approximately €140 billion from frozen Russian assets to fund a loan for Ukraine’s war effort. The loan would be repaid only if Russia pays war reparations. The proposal faces legal and political challenges within the EU and strong opposition from Russia, which calls it theft.
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European leaders met in Copenhagen amid rising tensions from Russian drone incursions and plans to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's reconstruction. The summit discussed strengthening defenses and legal concerns over asset seizures, with Russia condemning the plan as theft. The situation highlights Europe's growing security challenges.
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Negotiations between Hamas and Israel, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the US, have begun in Egypt to discuss a prisoner exchange and ceasefire, on the second anniversary of Hamas's 2023 attack. Talks focus on detainee releases, hostages, and a potential truce, with ongoing Israeli strikes in Gaza.
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U.S. President Biden will speak with Russian leader Putin amid signs of U.S. support for Ukraine, including potential delivery of long-range Tomahawk missiles. Zelensky prepares for a high-stakes meeting with Trump to discuss military aid and energy resilience as Russian attacks intensify on Ukraine's infrastructure.
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On October 17, 2025, President Donald Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House, urging a peace deal with Russia and suggesting both sides accept current front lines. Trump hinted at providing Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk missiles but emphasized avoiding escalation. Zelenskyy sought advanced weaponry, including Tomahawks, offering Ukrainian drones in exchange. Trump and Putin agreed to meet soon in Budapest to discuss peace.
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The EU plans to resume its civilian mission at the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt to support a US-brokered ceasefire. The mission, involving police from Italy, Spain, and France, aims to facilitate border crossings and support peace efforts amid ongoing negotiations and recent Israeli and Hamas prisoner releases. The move follows a series of diplomatic developments and ceasefire milestones.
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NATO ministers are debating lifting restrictions on military equipment to better defend its eastern border amid Russian drone incidents and airspace violations. Western aid to Ukraine has fallen sharply, while alliance members face economic challenges and differing views on military support and defense spending.
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The European Union announced a comprehensive defense roadmap focusing on drone detection, border security, and military cooperation. Key projects include the European Drone Defense Initiative and Eastern Flank Watch, aiming for operational readiness by 2027-2028. The plan emphasizes increased funding and joint procurement to bolster European security amid rising tensions with Russia.
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EU proposes new measures to crack down on Russia's shadow fleet, aiming to enforce sanctions and curb revenue used for Ukraine war efforts. The plan includes signing bilateral agreements with flag states for inspections, targeting vessels registered in countries like Panama. The initiative follows recent enforcement actions and aims to expand checks across the fleet.
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EU energy ministers approved a plan to phase out Russian pipeline and LNG gas imports, with new contracts banned from January 2026 and existing ones transitioning until 2028. The move aims to reduce dependence on Russian energy amid ongoing tensions, with approval pending from the European Parliament.
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As of October 24, 2025, EU leaders have postponed a decision on a €140 billion loan to Ukraine, secured against frozen Russian central bank assets held mainly in Belgium. Belgium demands legal guarantees against liability risks, delaying approval. The European Commission will draft financing options for the next summit. Ukraine urgently needs funds for 2026-27 amid ongoing conflict.
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Since late October 2025, Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized El-Fasher after an 18-month siege, triggering mass displacement and atrocities. Over 80,000 fled to overcrowded camps like Tawila, facing dire shortages of food, water, and medical aid. Reports detail killings, sexual violence, and hospital attacks. The humanitarian crisis worsens amid ongoing conflict and limited safe passage for civilians.
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Ukrainian forces are engaged in heavy fighting across multiple regions amid ongoing Russian missile and drone strikes. Kyiv reports advances and setbacks, while international efforts focus on sanctions and diplomacy. The conflict remains highly active as Ukraine seeks military and economic support today, Nov 20, 2025.
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In late November and early December 2025, Russia intensified missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities including Kyiv, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, and Ternopil, targeting energy infrastructure and civilian areas, causing deaths and injuries. Concurrently, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy engaged in diplomatic efforts with U.S. and European leaders to revive peace negotiations, despite Russia's refusal to participate directly in talks.
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Recent reports highlight concerns over the UK’s military preparedness amid rising threats from Russia and China. Despite government promises to boost defence spending and build new factories, MPs warn that the UK lacks a comprehensive plan to defend itself and its territories, with funding and strategic gaps remaining unaddressed.
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The U.S. and Russia have reportedly drafted a 28-point peace plan for Ukraine, excluding Ukrainian and European input. European leaders emphasize the need for Ukraine's involvement, amid ongoing tensions and recent battlefield setbacks. The plan's details and implications remain uncertain, raising questions about its legitimacy and potential impact on Ukraine's sovereignty.
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Leaders gather in South Africa for the G20 summit, where 19 countries signed a declaration on global issues, including renewable energy and debt relief. The US boycotted, citing disagreements. South Africa's presidency led to a consensus, amid global conflicts and economic challenges.
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U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Rubio and envoy Witkoff, are engaging Ukraine and European allies in Geneva to discuss a 28-point peace plan proposed by Trump. The plan involves territorial concessions and military limits for Ukraine, with deadlines set for Kyiv's response amid ongoing Russian advances and international skepticism.
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Ukraine is under intense pressure as the US proposes a 28-point peace plan heavily favoring Russia, including territorial concessions and military limits. Zelensky warns of a tough decision between dignity and key alliances amid battlefield setbacks and domestic crises. European leaders support Ukraine but express concern over the plan's fairness.
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The U.S. proposes a 28-point peace plan endorsing Russian demands, prompting mixed reactions from Ukraine and European allies. Zelensky warns of a tough choice between sovereignty and support, while Russia signals possible objections. The plan's implications could reshape ongoing negotiations and regional stability.
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Russia announced the capture of Pokrovsk, a strategic city in eastern Ukraine, amid ongoing fighting. Ukraine denies full control, and the situation reflects Russia's slow territorial gains in the Donbas. Peace talks are ongoing, with US envoy visits coinciding with the claims.
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Belgian authorities raided the College of Europe and EU diplomatic offices, detaining Federica Mogherini and Stefano Sannino amid investigations into procurement fraud, corruption, and conflict of interest related to a 2021-2022 EU-funded diplomat training program. Both were later released without charges.