Latest overseas news on the Russia-Ukraine, U.S.-Iran, and Israel-Palestine conflicts as of September 16

Thunderous Old Bunny 9:54:18 In July this year, France’s imports of Russian natural gas rose by 42%, once again making it the EU country purchasing the largest volume of Russian natural gas. Thunderous Old Bunny 10:01:34 The Kremlin has set forth conditions for a Russia-Ukraine 'energy ceasefire': cessation of attacks on merchant vessels and lifting of Western sanctions. Thunderous Old Bunny 10:06:59 Reuters reported that Ukraine’s test of unmanned interception drones ended in total failure. Thunderous Old Bunny 10:12:18 Russia’s Human Rights Commissioner stated that after Ukrainian forces invaded Russia’s Kursk region, they branded local residents with the ‘trident’ symbol. Thunderous Old Bunny 10:18:26 The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the U.S. declaration of possessing orbital weapons indicates its intention to deploy such weapons. Thunderous Old Bunny 10:24:02 According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, attacks against Ukrainian ports and maritime vessels continue unabated. Thunderous Old Bunny 10:29:33 Rubio held discussions with Oman’s Foreign Minister regarding de-escalating tensions in the Middle East. Thunderous Old Bunny 10:35:13 The Washington Post: The U.S. government is preparing to sell Israel 40,000 2,000-pound aerial bombs and other weapons, totaling $2.8 billion. Thunderous Old Bunny 10:40:50 Five hundred locomotives have been destroyed—250 alone this year! Ukraine has urgently appealed to Western nations to donate locomotives to counter Russian air raids. Thunderous Old Bunny 10:46:39 An advisor to Zelenskyy stated that Russia is developing an inexpensive cruise missile capable of speeds up to 750 km/h, potentially ready within approximately six months. Thunderous Old Bunny 10:53:10 Ukrainian MP Smahliuk of the Verkhovna Rada said: “There’s no money left in the budget.” As of today, only three areas have received funding: social expenditures, public-sector salaries, and military personnel. Thunderous Old Bunny 10:59:18 Bild: Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party aims to fully normalize relations with Russia and halt military aid to Ukraine. Thunderous Old Bunny 11:08:46 Zelenskyy declared that there is no such thing as an “energy ceasefire.” CBS journalist: Is the agreement to halt attacks on energy infrastructure currently in effect? “No,” Zelenskyy replied. “For the Russians, ‘energy’ means selling oil and gas—but for us, it means providing light for our people.” Thunderous Old Bunny 11:13:54 The Wall Street Journal: The Trump administration in the U.S. is pushing Mexico to introduce new export rules for AI-enabled devices, restricting the use of Chinese AI equipment. Thunderous Old Bunny 11:27:49 Azerbaijani President Aliyev called the European Parliament a hotbed of corruption. Police reportedly seized millions of dollars in cash from a suitcase at the home of its Vice-President—but the entire incident was covered up. Thunderous Old Bunny 11:33:37 The U.S. Department of Justice threatened to demolish the Kennedy Center unless it commemorates Trump. Thunderous Old Bunny 11:40:17 Ukraine’s largest metallurgical company reported a loss of $202 million for the first half of 2026. Thunderous Old Bunny 11:55:43

Trump announces a Russia-Ukraine energy ceasefire; Ukraine expresses shock while Russia remains silent; Zelenskyy sets conditions for holding wartime elections

"Bush" returns to the Middle East, and next month the "Roosevelt" will replace the "Washington," ensuring two U.S. aircraft carriers remain continuously deployed in the region. Given the "Washington"’s limited remaining deployment window, any large-scale U.S. military operation would most likely await the "Roosevelt"’s arrival—i.e., early next month—and by then, midterm election results should already be finalized. 2. A large number of aerial refueling tankers are deploying to Europe. According to tracking by several military bloggers, nearly 20 tankers—including KC-135s and KC-46s—have relocated from North America to Europe over the past 48 hours. Such a concentrated deployment of tankers to the Middle East is rare. Similar surges occurred before Operation "Epic Fury," prompting speculation that the U.S. may launch another large-scale aerial strike against Iran. That’s all for now on Middle East developments. Overall, the Middle East situation is extremely precarious: the Saudi-led coalition and Yemen’s internationally recognized government are jointly resisting Houthi expansion; meanwhile, U.S.-Iran tensions are escalating to the point of inevitability. The Middle East resembles a powder keg—its fuse is sputtering, and a new round of major conflict could erupt at any moment. [Small Sponsorship Ad] Pests driving you crazy? Try this natural plant-extract pest-repelling box! Targets and repels nearly 100 types of pests—completely harmless to humans! I personally tested it: after placing it in my home for 10 days, cockroaches, woodlice, and tiny beetles vanished completely! Click the blue text to view and order: II. Other Global News: [2.1] Trump suddenly announces a Russia-Ukraine energy ceasefire; Zelenskyy is stunned but signals cooperation—yet Russia continues striking Ukrainian power plants: On the 11th, Trump abruptly posted on social media: “Effective immediately, a ‘energy ceasefire’ is in effect in the Russia-Ukraine war. Both sides have agreed. Do not violate it!” This announcement came as a surprise because no reports had surfaced about prior trilateral consultations among the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine. Without negotiations, how could there be a ceasefire? Zelenskyy expressed surprise at the announcement and stated he was seeking further clarification on its specifics. After speaking with leaders from Canada, Finland, and NATO, he posted on social media: “Ukraine supports a ceasefire—but Russia must support it too. That is crucial.” Previously, Ukraine had indicated that if Russia halted attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Ukraine would likewise cease strikes on Russian oil refineries. Ukraine seeks above all to protect its combined heat-and-power plants—vital for ensuring its citizens endure winter smoothly. Canadian Prime Minister Carney, German Foreign Minister Baerbock, European Commission President von der Leyen, and French President Macron all voiced support for the proposed Russia-Ukraine energy ceasefire—and affirmed their solidarity with Ukraine. So far, Russia has issued no official response to the energy ceasefire proposal. Kremlin spokesperson Peskov told reporters: “All parties are still discussing the matter. We will inform everyone as soon as there is any update.” A few hours ago, Zelenskyy stated that Russia had already violated the energy ceasefire announced by Trump—perhaps because Putin simply doesn’t monitor Trump’s social media accounts. Zelenskyy said Russian forces had just attacked a power plant in Kharkiv. [2.2] Western leaders continue strongly criticizing Trump’s easing of energy-related sanctions against Russia: Polish Prime Minister Tusk stated on the 12th that Western countries must take more decisive action to curb Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

Germany and Ukraine Demand Broader Energy-Sector Truce with Russia

Oct 13, 2026

German Chancellor Merz and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy seek a wider energy ceasefire than Trump's proposed deal, citing attacks on critical gas and power infrastructure.

bloomberg

2026-04-19

Merz Sets Crisis Talks to Tackle Energy Price Impact on Germany

2026-04-20

Merz Touts Brazil's Critical Metals Potential, Offers German Technology

2026-04-24

Merz's Economic Renewal Plan in Germany Stalls Amid Energy Crisis

2026-05-13

Merz Coalition Draws Up Road Map for German Reforms by July

2026-07-02

Germany's Merz unveils pension, tax and labour reforms