First ship carrying Ukrainian grain to defy the Russian naval blockade leaves Odessa

The Resilient Africa ship left today loaded with 3,000 tons of wheat from the port of Chornomorsk, in the Ukrainian region of Odesa, thus becoming the first civilian ship to defy the military blockade declared by Russia in the Black Sea on July 20, EFE agency reports.

Ukraine makes gains in eastern Ukraine, liberates two villages

Ukraine announced that it shot down 18 Russian drones and 17 missiles fired by Russian forces. In total, the enemy launched 24 drones in the Odessa and Mykolaiv regions of southern Ukraine.

Death toll from Derna floods in Libya rises to at least 11,300

The death toll from the devastating floods in the eastern Libyan city of Derna has risen to at least 11,300, according to a UN report released on Saturday. Search efforts for the dead are ongoing, while some residents complain that local authorities are not moving quickly to help them.

EU Commission President visits Lampedusa to assess migrant crisis

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited a crowded migrant reception centre on the Italian island of Lampedusa on Sunday, after Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for EU assistance.

Moldova launches free digital skills courses for seniors

In Moldova, seven out of 10 people over the age of 60 cannot use the internet or a high-performance phone. So now older people can sign up for free digital skills development courses and attend various social activities.

NATO chief warns of long war in Ukraine

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg warned in an interview with German media that it will be necessary to "prepare for a long war in Ukraine," according to the Italian news agency Ansa.

Volodymyr Zelensky welcomes the European Union's decision not to extend the ban on Ukrainian grain exports

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, on Friday evening welcomed the decision of the European Union not to further extend the ban on Ukrainian grain exports, calling it an example of true unity and trust, according to Reuters, quoted by Digi24.

Historic moment for Romania, which is getting closer to being admitted to the free movement area

The European Commission announced on September 15 that it formally closed the Cooperation and Verification Mechanism (CVM) for Romania and Bulgaria.

Finland joins Baltic neighbors in banning Russian-registered cars from entering their territory

Finland is joining its three Baltic neighbors in banning vehicles with Russian license plates from entering their territory, a joint move in line with a recent interpretation of the European Union's sanctions against Moscow over its war on Ukraine, AP reports.

New failure of discussions between Serbia and Kosovo in Brussels

The leaders of Serbia and Kosovo failed to reach an agreement for improving bilateral relations during EU-mediated talks in Brussels on September 14, RFE reports.

Ukraine orders civilian evacuation in Kherson region

Ukrainian officials Thursday ordered the evacuation of civilians from the southern Kherson region, partly controlled by Russian forces and regularly hit by shelling, AFP reports.

Over 20,000 Hasidic pilgrims gather in Uman for Rosh Hashanah

Over 20,000 Hasidic pilgrims from Israel, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other European countries have gathered in the Ukrainian city of Uman to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.