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The European Commission has begun preparing a 23rd sanctions package against Russia, with new restrictions possibly presented by the end of 2026. Politico reported this citing sources. The initiative is being pushed by Germany and Poland; at the EU meeting on October 15, plans include discussing strengthening restrictions in the energy sector.
Otabek YusupovDonald Trump, speaking to journalists, denied reports that intelligence sharing with Ukraine had been halted and said the US is helping the parties reach a final truce. He also commented on Ukraine's alleged strikes on Russian energy facilities and promised to later assess the effectiveness of the energy truce. According to Reuters, on October 13 Russia did not strike Ukrainian energy facilities for the first time.
Otabek YusupovOn 12 October, the Namangan regional court heard the appeal against the verdict of Odilkhon Ismoilov, founder of the Rayhon cafe chain, who had been sentenced on 13 July 2026 to eight years of imprisonment. The punishment under the article on embezzlement through appropriation or squandering was left unchanged, but under Article 72 of the Criminal Code it was made suspended with a three-year probation period. After the ruling was announced, Ismoilov was released from custody in the courtroom.
Otabek YusupovOn October 14 in Brussels, an official representative of the European Commission stated that the upcoming winter season could be very difficult, with a risk of energy shortages in Europe. According to DW, fuel supply disruptions are linked to production issues following the start of the war between the US and Israel against Iran: in September, diesel exports from the Middle East and Russia collectively fell by 1.3 million barrels per day. IEA member countries are coordinating the release of 100 million barrels of oil and diesel from strategic reserves.
Otabek YusupovThe Migration Agency together with the Federal Employment Agency of Germany announced the opening of applications for the APAL (Ausbildung) program starting in February 2027. Participants will be offered three-year dual vocational training in floristry and horticulture with a monthly stipend of 724 to 1,100 euros depending on the year of study. Applications are accepted until October 20.
Otabek YusupovOfficers of the State Security Service and the Interior Department of Syrdarya Region carried out operational search activities in Gulistan, where a laboratory for processing potent substances was found in a house. Three local residents born in 2003 and 2005 were detained; pregabalin, empty capsules and electronic scales were seized. A criminal case has been opened and the suspects taken into custody.
Otabek YusupovOn October 8, in the Toshkent mahalla of Mirzaabad district, Syrdarya region, a Damas driver transporting kindergarten children in excess of the permitted limit was stopped. According to Zamon.uz, he was carrying 13 children, although the publication's headline mentions 11. An administrative protocol was drawn up, and the driver admitted the violation.
Otabek YusupovThe FBI and the US Postal Inspection Service are investigating the mailing of letters with suspicious substances to the offices of at least five Democratic senators and election authorities in several states. Some letters were intercepted before delivery. The incident occurred a few weeks before the midterm elections.
Otabek YusupovTashkent regional hokim Zoir Mirzayev on 13 October signed an order imposing a disciplinary sanction on Pskent district hokim Muzaffar Aripov. The grounds were a submission from the Anti-Corruption Agency, a protocol of the ethics commission, and the official's own written explanation. The reason was an audio recording circulated online, in which the hokim allegedly threatened farmers to take away their land and 'shake the soul out of them' if they did not plant potatoes.
Otabek YusupovUS President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that he does not believe China and Russia are helping Iran, and that if any help exists, it is at a very low level and will soon become known. Beijing previously condemned US military actions against Iran, while Moscow warned of the threat of the conflict expanding.
Otabek YusupovThe FSB detained a Japanese citizen, Hokkaido Shimbun correspondent Imai Yuki, as he was attempting to fly out of Russia in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. He is charged under Article 276 of the Russian Criminal Code — according to the FSB, he was collecting data on mobilized men in the Kuril Islands on assignment from Japanese intelligence. On October 13, the Lefortovo court ordered him held in pre-trial detention. He faces up to 20 years in prison.
Otabek YusupovThe four-lane New Yalu River Bridge, 3,026 meters long, has connected Dandong and Sinuiju. Construction was completed in 2014, but the opening was delayed due to unfinished roads and customs facilities on the North Korean side and the pandemic border closure. Beijing and Pyongyang hope to boost trade; experts note the context of North Korea's rapprochement with Russia.
Otabek YusupovAt a meeting with Republican supporters in Ohio, Donald Trump said he would 'very much like' to remain president for a third term. According to the Associated Press, after his remarks about Republicans winning the midterm elections in November, rally attendees chanted 'Four more years!'. Trump's wish contradicts the 22nd Amendment to the US Constitution, which limits the presidency to two terms.
Otabek YusupovSpanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, in an interview with Euronews on the sidelines of the Warsaw Security Forum, said that the snap election on 29 November is a confrontation between a 'progressive majority' and right-wing forces that, in his words, seek to take away fundamental rights. He also admitted elements of foreign interference and called on the EU to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine.
Otabek YusupovThe European Commission plans to create an EU Security Council to coordinate responses to sabotage, cyberattacks and drone incursions. The idea was backed by Ursula von der Leyen; critics doubt its effectiveness without a reform of unanimity.
Otabek YusupovNATO's Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, Alexus Grynkewich, described a three-pronged approach at the Warsaw security forum that would make any attack on the alliance 'absolutely pointless'. Russia was not named, but the statement was reported as being aimed at Moscow. Meanwhile, according to Reuters, Saudi Arabia had not issued public alerts before the attacks on Riyadh airport.
Otabek YusupovOn October 14, US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social plans for large-scale exploration for oil, gas, and minerals in Greenland, calling its reserves very large. He also emphasized the island's importance for the security of the US and Europe. Details of company and US involvement were not disclosed.
Otabek YusupovCustoms at Cologne/Bonn detained a 45-year-old Mexican firefighter who attempted to smuggle 37 live venomous snakes and 55 lizards hidden in bottles, containers and socks. A cocaine test came back positive, but no drugs were found. The man was refused entry, and the animals were handed over to a snake farm.
Otabek Yusupov
