On September 1, China hosted the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, where leaders from China, India, Russia, and other nations discussed a new international relations strategy and enhanced cooperation. Notably, Xi Jinping announced plans for a postwar world order and proposed establishing an SCO development bank to strengthen economic ties and reduce reliance on the US dollar.
The US administration advised EU countries to stop purchasing petroleum products from India, while European leaders are preparing for a summit to discuss military support for Ukraine and security matters. Nevertheless, Europe continues to cooperate with Russia, India, and China in the energy sector, not implementing all of Washington’s demands.
The summit saw a symbolic meeting between Putin, Modi, and Xi Jinping. India is maintaining close relations with Russia despite international pressure. Modi invited Putin to India for the annual summit.
Security and energy remained key topics. A strike on a substation in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai and attacks on sites in occupied Crimea reflect escalating tensions. Ukraine braces for a difficult winter amid attacks on its power infrastructure but continues to receive Western assistance.
The EU is considering the creation of a military peacekeeping contingent in Ukraine and increasing arms production, particularly in Bulgaria. Poland and Germany announced plans to strengthen their own defense and discussed allocating EU security funds to border protection.
Attention was drawn to the early start of the “West 2025” military exercises in Belarus. According to the Belarusian Ministry of Defense, over 2,000 troops and 450 units of equipment from CSTO countries are involved in the training.
It was also reported that a suspect was detained in connection with the murder of MP Andriy Parubiy. The investigation is ongoing.
