Ukraine halts Russian push on Sumy, EU extends sanctions against Moscow - Friday brief

Ukrainian forces crush Russian offensive on Sumy, says Zelenskyy

Ukrainian forces have completely thwarted the Russian offensive operation on Sumy. The enemy suffered heavy losses.

"There are results in the Sumy region: as of today, we can state that the Russian offensive operation on Sumy has been completely thwarted by our forces. Fighting continues in the border areas of the Sumy region, but the Russian grouping in the Sumy direction has lost its offensive capabilities due to the losses it has suffered," the President reported.

EU extends sanctions on Russia

European Union countries have agreed to extend sanctions against Russia for another 6 months, imposed for its aggressive war against Ukraine.

In the context of the sanctions review, the Council also decided not to renew the listing of one individual and to remove one deceased person from the list.

The European Commission is set to present the 19th package of sanctions against Russia on Wednesday, September 17. The measures will target Russia’s shadow fleet, its banking system, and impose additional restrictions on the sale of Russian oil.

NATO launches Operation Eastern Sentry after drone attack on Poland

NATO begins Operation Eastern Sentry to strengthen the defense of Europe's eastern flank in response to the incursion of Russian drones into Polish airspace on September 10.

The mission, which will begin this evening, will include a range of resources, including air and ground bases.

Allies, including Denmark, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany, have already committed to participating in the mission, and others also plan to join.

The operation Eastern Sentry does not include integration with Ukraine’s air defense.

New €375 million integration program launched for Ukraine: Key details

As part of Ukraine’s EU accession process, a new program is being launched. It is called the Ukraine Transition Program and is planned for three yearsю

With a budget of €375 million, the program will focus on three key areas.

"The three key areas are resilience support and early recovery, energy security and the transition to green energy, and the development of democratic institutions," Sybiha added.

US drafts G7 plan to tighten pressure on Russia – Bloomberg

The United States will propose to the members of the Group of Seven to strengthen sanctions and tariff pressure on Russia. In particular, a mechanism is planned to be developed for the confiscation of Russian assets.

Ukraine’s drones hit key Russian oil hub, exports halted

Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) drones struck Russia’s largest oil-loading port on the Baltic Sea - Primorsk. Fires broke out at the port and at a pumping station, and oil shipments were suspended.

“Primorsk is a key hub for loading the shadow fleet Russia uses to bypass international sanctions and sell oil abroad. Around 60 million tons of oil pass through the port annually, generating about $15 billion for Russia,” the source said.

UK introduces new package of sanctions against Russia

The United Kingdom announced a new package of sanctions against Russia. The list has been expanded by 30 items.

According to a government statement, it includes 70 new specifications and 30 new designations.

The restrictions are aimed at increasing economic and political pressure on the Kremlin in response to its aggressive actions.