Statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, debates over the use of frozen Russian assets, and fresh incidents involving Kremlin aircraft and drones at NATO’s borders are shaping the Western agenda. Against this backdrop, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has suffered its tenth blackout.
Europe Concerned About Trump’s New Rhetoric
The Financial Times reports growing concern in Europe over Trump’s latest remarks on Ukraine. The U.S. President stated that Ukraine could “take back all its land.” In Brussels, these words were seen as a signal that Washington expects Europe to assume greater responsibility for Kyiv’s defense.
European capitals are uneasy: demands to end energy purchases from Russia or impose trade tariffs on China and India appear unlikely in current political realities—especially given blockages from some countries, like Hungary.
In Kyiv, however, the remarks are seen differently: Trump’s words are viewed as the result of long consultations with Ukrainian, European, and U.S. officials, not as an impulsive statement. Officials argue Europe has sufficient resources to strengthen support for Ukraine.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Trump’s shift came after a briefing on a planned Ukrainian counteroffensive that would require U.S. intelligence support. American officials advocating a tougher stance against Moscow informed him of the true battlefield situation. The paper also suggests Trump’s sharper rhetoric must be backed by concrete action against Russia. The paradox, they note, is that U.S. support has weakened Russia’s army but also driven the Kremlin to take more aggressive steps, increasing risks for NATO’s eastern flank—making it vital for Washington to avoid Kyiv’s defeat.
A senior Trump administration official saidthat the aim of the president’s radical statements was “to pressure Russia publicly to bring them to the negotiating table for a deal.”
NATO Secretary General: U.S. Weapons Will Flow to Ukraine “Steadily”
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte saidthat American weapons will be supplied to Ukraine continuously under the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL).
“Already $2 billion has been allocated in aid packages for Ukraine. Other packages are now awaiting review. And you will see a steady flow of American weapons into Ukraine, paid for by the allies,” Rutte emphasized.
He noted that the combination of massive sanctions against Russia and the Allies’ decision to spend no less than 5% of GDP on collective defense is creating serious pressure on the Kremlin. In his view, “this will ultimately force Russia to end this terrible war.”
Rutte also pointed out that Russia’s monthly losses in Ukraine are now comparable to the Soviet Union’s total losses during its 10-year war in Afghanistan.
Frozen Russian Assets to Fund a Loan for Ukraine
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz proposed using frozen Russian Central Bank assets in the EU to provide large-scale financial support for Ukraine. He suggested a loan of about €140 billion, interest-free and repayable only after Russia compensates Ukraine for damages. Until then, the assets would remain frozen.
This proposal may become a key issue at the informal EU summit in Copenhagen next week. Currently, the EU only uses profits from frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine, but the European Commission is already pushing for use of the principal sum.
Merz acknowledged that Germany has traditionally been cautious about direct confiscation of Russian Central Bank funds but urged swift action:
“We must think about how to channel these funds into Ukraine’s defense... Germany is already the largest donor to Ukraine in Europe. Now I advocate mobilizing resources on a scale that will ensure Ukraine’s military resilience for several years.”
Russia Violates NATO Airspace
The U.S. scrambled fighters to intercept four Russian aircraft—Tu-95 bombers and Su-35 fighters—near Alaska. The mission involved an E-3, four F-16s, and KC-135 refueling planes, which escorted the Russian aircraft without incident.
Meanwhile, two Hungarian Gripen fighters intercepted five Russian military planes over the Baltic Sea: Su-30s, a Su-35, and three MiG-31s flying near Latvian airspace. The jets took off from a Lithuanian base as part of NATO’s Baltic air policing mission.
At the same time, Denmark closed Aalborg Airport in the north of the country due to drones in its airspace on the night of September 25. It was the second such closure in a week after Copenhagen Airport was also shut down. Danish authorities called it a “hybrid attack” by a professional actor aimed at creating fear and division. Unidentified drones were also spotted over a French military base.
UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper warnedthat Moscow risks triggering “direct armed confrontation between NATO and Russia.” She stressed that NATO is defensive but made clear the alliance is ready to act against unauthorized aircraft in its airspace. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also did not rule out shooting down Russian planes that irresponsibly intrude into European skies.
“My view is that we must defend every square inch of territory,” she said.
European diplomats further warned the Kremlin that NATO is prepared to respond to further violations of its airspace with full force, including shooting down Russian aircraft.
Blackout at Zaporizhzhia NPP
The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Enerhodar experienced its tenth blackout since Russian occupation. The plant was forced to switch to diesel generators after losing external power supply. This creates a critical situation that threatens nuclear safety not only for Ukraine but for Europe as a whole.
According to Ukrenergo, the line damaged by Russia remains intact on Ukrainian-controlled territory, with no technical obstacles to its use. However, the occupiers have deliberately left the plant disconnected for more than two days. Diesel generators are intended only for emergency backup and cannot power the plant for long. If they fail, control over nuclear safety could be lost.
Photo: cnscdn.com
Author: Inna Mikhno