We have collected the latest news about Ukraine to provide key information about Ukraine and its current situation. The focus is on Ukraine’s war news, including important meetings with international partners and peacekeeping initiatives. Help for Ukraine continues to come from a variety of sources, including military assistance from Romania (Patriot system) and financial support from USAID worth over a billion dollars. Also in the news are diplomatic moves in the international arena and the appointment of a new NATO Secretary General, who has prioritized help to Ukraine.
Foreign Ministers of Ukraine and Hungary meet in Budapest
On September 30, Foreign Minister of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha met with Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó in Budapest.
During the meeting, the ministers discussed Ukraine’s accession to the European Union and NATO, the development of further relations and the Ukrainian Formula for Peace.
The ministers also exchanged views on the protection of the rights of national minorities. Andrii Sybiha emphasized that today ethnic Hungarians are defending Ukraine on the battlefield, and their support is also felt in the rear.
Orbán initiates a “peace summit” between Ukraine and Russia
In New York, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán held intensive talks with China and Brazil to initiate a peace summit between Ukraine and Russia.
As it has become known, Orbán intended to organize a “peace summit” between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin through international partners.
On the sidelines of last week’s UN meeting, the Hungarian prime minister held intensive discussions with China and Brazil on this issue. In total, fifteen “friends of peace” countries support Orbán’s plans.
Mark Rutte officially becomes the new NATO Secretary General
On October 1, former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte officially took office as NATO Secretary General, replacing Jens Stoltenberg.
Speaking to journalists at the ceremony, Stoltenberg said that “Rutte knows NATO well, and the Alliance knows him well”. According to Stoltenberg, his successor has the “perfect background” to become Secretary General.
In turn, Rutte noted that his priorities would include supporting Ukraine, increasing collective security, etc.
Biden may upgrade the status of Ukraine’s NATO membership application
U.S. President Joe Biden may agree to upgrade the status of Ukraine’s application for NATO membership before he leaves office in January.
This was reported to the Financial Times by a Western official informed about the talks of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington.
The media outlet noted that during what may be his last trip to Europe before leaving office, Biden will chair a meeting between Ukraine and its allies in Germany on October 12.
A Western official briefed on Zelenskyy’s talks in Washington said there were preliminary indications that Biden may agree to upgrade the status of Ukraine’s NATO membership application before he leaves office in January, – the FT writes.
The publication also emphasized that NATO membership is still a key goal for Ukraine. But very few of the 32 members of the Alliance believe that this is possible without a full, lasting ceasefire and a clear line on the map that would define which part of Ukraine’s territory is covered by the Alliance’s mutual defense clause.
Newly appointed NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte arrives in Kyiv
Mark Rutte arrived in Kyiv on an official visit after being appointed NATO Secretary General.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Rutte’s first visit as NATO chief is to Ukraine.
This is really important. It immediately makes clear the priorities, where the defense of common values across the Euro-Atlantic is taking place. And it also emphasizes that we in Ukraine can count on Mark’s continued personal leadership, – the president said.
Zelenskyy also added that Ukraine’s key goal is full membership in the Alliance. He said that he had discussed with Rutte the plan for Ukraine’s victory, the situation on the battlefield, the existing needs of our units and Ukraine’s needs for air defense and additional cooperation with its neighbors.
USAID to provide over a billion dollars to Ukraine
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has allocated $825 million to support Ukraine’s energy system this winter.
Last year, USAID allocated half the amount to Ukraine. According to USAID Administrator Samantha Power, the funds will help support those who are repairing, building capacity, and protecting critical infrastructure in Ukraine.
Samantha Power also announced the launch of the Rehab for You program for five years, with $13 million allocated by USAID.
USAID will also allocate $237 million for humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The funds are allocated through the agency and the US State Department.
Patriot system from Romania arrives in Ukraine
The Patriot missile defense system provided by NATO member Romania has arrived in Ukraine. This was recognized by representatives of both countries.
I thank every country that helps us with air defense. Special thanks to Romania for the Patriot system. Together, we can achieve even greater effectiveness – we can put an end to Russian terror by jointly destroying shaheds and missiles, – President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote in the evening of October 2.
The Romanian Ministry of Defense also confirmed the delivery of the Patriot system to Ukraine. It is important to note that Romania provides Ukraine with the right to use the system free of charge.
Slovak Prime Minister would like to restore relations with Russia
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said he wants to restore “normal” relations with Russia if the war in Ukraine ends during his government’s term. In his opinion, the European Union allegedly needs Russia.
If the war ends during the mandate of this government, I will do everything to restore economic and normal relations with the Russian Federation, I will do everything for this. The European Union needs the Russian Federation, the Russian Federation needs, of course, the European Union, – Robert Fico said.
According to him, he also wants “normal friendly relations” with Ukraine. Fico added that every war ends at the negotiating table, and that there is no military solution to conflicts. In his opinion, Ukraine should remain a transit country for raw materials that Europe needs so much.
