Ukraine-Russia News
LAST UPDATE: September 23, 2025
Ukraine has drawn $145 bln in intl aid in 3.5 years, needs another $8.7 bln in 2025 – Finance Minister
Ukraine’s Finance Minister stated that the country has received $145 billion in international aid over the past 3.5 years. The minister also indicated that Ukraine will need an additional $8.7 billion in 2025 to meet its financial obligations. The aid has come from various sources including the IMF, EU, and the UK.
Insight
This news highlights the enormous financial burden of the ongoing conflict on Ukraine and its reliance on international support to sustain its economy and war effort. The need for additional funds in 2025 signals that the financial strain is not abating. This information provides a quantitative measure of the scale of international assistance and the challenges Ukraine faces.
Russia to Adhere to Nuclear Arms Pact for Year After Expiry
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia will continue to adhere to the limits of the New START nuclear arms treaty for a year after its expiration. He urged the US to do the same, stating that the termination of the pact would have negative consequences for global stability. The treaty, which limits deployed nuclear warheads and missiles, has been a key pillar of arms control.
Insight
This move by Russia, despite its previous suspension of participation in the treaty, can be seen as a gesture of de-escalation and an attempt to maintain some form of dialogue on nuclear arms control with the US. It suggests that both nations recognize the importance of strategic stability, even amid heightened geopolitical tensions. This could be a starting point for renewed negotiations.
Russia Weighs Flat Spending and More Tax as War Strains Finances
Russia is considering a combination of flat spending and higher taxes to support its military expenditures as the war in Ukraine continues to strain the country’s finances. The government’s reliance on oil and gas revenues has been affected by the conflict. Officials are looking for ways to sustain the high defense budget while managing the broader economy.
Insight
This report indicates the significant economic pressure the war is placing on Russia. The need for tax hikes and spending cuts outside of defense suggests that the Kremlin is struggling to balance its military ambitions with domestic stability. This financial strain could have long-term implications for the Russian economy and its ability to sustain the conflict.
US envoy to UN vows to ‘defend every inch of NATO territory’
The new US ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, vowed to “defend every inch of NATO territory” during an emergency meeting on a Russian incursion into Estonian airspace. This statement comes after Russian fighter jets breached the airspace of the NATO member. US President Donald Trump also condemned the incursion and vowed to defend Poland and the Baltic states.
Insight
The strong statement from the US envoy and the President reaffirms the US commitment to Article 5 of the NATO treaty, which mandates collective defense. This is a direct response to what is perceived as a dangerous escalation by Russia. The unified message from the US and NATO allies is a clear warning to Russia against further territorial provocations.
Poland Threatens to Down Russian Jets Crossing Its Borders
Poland has threatened to shoot down any Russian jets that violate its airspace, a statement made after Russian drones reportedly crossed into Polish territory. This is the first time a NATO country has shot down a potential threat in allied airspace since the start of the war in Ukraine. The incident has led Poland to ask NATO for more air defense systems.
Insight
This aggressive stance by Poland signifies the heightened tensions on the NATO-Russia border. It demonstrates Poland’s resolve to protect its sovereignty and a willingness to take direct military action against Russian incursions. The request for more air defense systems shows a practical need to strengthen its defenses and a potential for further militarization of the region.
White House says Russian offer to extend nuclear weapons treaty sounds good
The White House has indicated that Russia’s offer to extend the New START nuclear arms treaty for one year “sounds good.” The offer was made by Russian President Vladimir Putin and would be a reciprocal action to maintain limits on strategic nuclear weapons after the treaty’s expiration in February 2026. President Donald Trump is expected to address the offer himself.
Insight
This news highlights a potential diplomatic opening between the US and Russia on nuclear arms control, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions over the conflict in Ukraine. The positive initial reaction from the White House suggests a willingness to engage in dialogue to prevent an arms race. It also demonstrates a pragmatic approach by both sides to maintain strategic stability.
EU’s Kallas: If Russia violates airspace, countries have right to defend themselves
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that member countries have the right to defend themselves if Russian aircraft violate their airspace. This statement was made in response to recent incursions. She also noted that Russia is “testing” the EU’s resolve and attempting to sow fear among its societies.
Insight
The statement from a high-ranking EU official underscores the bloc’s increasingly firm stance against Russian provocations. This directly relates to recent events and the heightened tensions along Russia’s borders with NATO and EU member states. It signals that the EU will not tolerate violations of its sovereignty and may take military action in self-defense.
Carney Urges Secondary Sanctions on Russia to Be Imposed Quickly
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for Western allies to quickly impose secondary sanctions on Russia. These sanctions would target third parties that help Russia circumvent existing restrictions. Carney believes this measure is necessary to increase pressure on the Kremlin.
Insight
This news indicates a shift in the strategy of Western allies, moving beyond direct sanctions on Russia to targeting those who enable it to evade economic penalties. This highlights the perceived ineffectiveness of current sanctions and the need for a more comprehensive approach. The push for secondary sanctions shows a renewed commitment to crippling the Russian economy.
