Ukraine-Russia News
LAST UPDATE: October 2, 2025
EU leaders back ‘drone wall’ to repel Russia after airspace violations
EU leaders are supporting plans for a “drone wall” system of defenses after recent incursions into European airspace, seen as a response to suspected Russian drone operations.
Insight
Strengthening aerial defenses marks a shift toward proactive continental security in the face of evolving threats.
Merz Rebukes Hungary’s Orban as EU Seeks Unity on Defense Plans
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has publicly criticized Hungary’s Viktor Orban amid efforts by EU states to unify on defense and security strategy.
Insight
The disagreement highlights intra-EU tension over defense integration and divergent approaches to Russia.
Hungary’s Orban says he ‘will stand firmly’ by Hungarian position on Ukraine
Viktor Orban reaffirmed Hungary’s independent stance on the Ukraine war, saying he would continue to back Hungarian policy even under pressure.
Insight
His defiant posture may complicate collective EU security decisions and reveals domestic political priorities.
Belgium says EU leaders must share risk to use frozen Russian assets for Ukraine
Belgium’s prime minister urged EU peers to jointly assume legal and financial risks if frozen Russian assets are used to fund Ukraine aid.
Insight
Risk-sharing is key to unlocking collective action, but legal exposure and sovereignty concerns hinder consensus.
France’s Macron: important to put pressure on Russian shadow fleet
President Macron stressed the need to increase pressure on Russia’s “shadow fleet” — vessels that conceal their ownership and support sanctions evasion.
Insight
Targeting the shadow fleet represents a novel front in enforcing sanctions and weakening Russia’s economic flexibility.
US to give Ukraine intelligence on long-range energy targets in Russia
The U.S. plans to share intelligence with Ukraine identifying strategic long-range energy infrastructure in Russia for potential targeting.
Insight
Such cooperation deepens U.S.–Ukraine trust and suggests escalation in energy warfare tactics.
