On October 2, an informal summit of European leaders took place in Copenhagen to discuss Ukraine support measures. The main topic was the possible transfer of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine. Despite extensive talks, EU countries did not reach a consensus on providing Ukraine with a 140 billion euro loan from these assets due to Belgium's opposition.
French President Emmanuel Macron proposed a forceful approach to halting Russia's shadow fleet involved in oil transport. French authorities have already detained a tanker suspected of illegal oil transportation. This initiative could decrease Russian state revenues and limit war financing.
EU leaders further debated ways to better control Russian finances and assets, as well as steps to speed up Ukraine's integration and arms support. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban opposed several proposals, sparking disagreements with other leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Internationally, Ukraine and the USA agreed to continue American arms supplies and to export Ukrainian drones, which NATO countries will purchase. Ukraine secured support for joint drone productions, while local politicians also discussed exporting surplus weapons to strengthen the economy.
Meanwhile, Russian attacks on Ukrainian territory intensified in September, with increased missile and drone strikes. The Ukrainian Armed Forces intercepted most of these, and the General Staff assured a symmetric response in case of continued attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
Russia, on the other hand, saw its first worker protests over low wages, and economic growth has nearly stalled, which could impact the country's future developments.
