Closing summary

And, on that note, we will be closing the blog for today.

For continued coverage of the UN general assembly week and tonight’s meeting between the US president, Donald Trump, and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy, join my US colleagues over here:

Trump is also meeting with UK’s Andy Burnham right now, and that is being covered by my UK colleagues here:

Meanwhile, here is the summary of the key events in Europe today:

  • Denmark and Greenland have signed a new security deal for Greenland with the US, hoping to end months of bitter disputes over US president Donald Trump’s expansive plans to acquire or otherwise control the territory (17:32, 17:36, 17:39, 17:49, 18:00, 18:02, 18:11, 18:29).

  • Earlier Trump hailed the deal as “an unprecedented agreement” which he said would “also protect Europe in addition to America” (16:57), as he praised Nato as “growing stronger than ever before” (16:59).

  • The US president also said his message to Russia’s president Vladimir Putin would be to “settle the war” (15:44), as he repeated his ambition would be to end the conflict soon (16:49, 17:00).

  • The EU has agreed to remove two Russian billionaires, Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, from its Russia sanctions list, while extending restrictions on nearly 3,000 individuals and companies accused of supporting the war on Ukraine for the next three years (11:15, 16:13, 17:02, 17:24, 18:17).

  • The decision was heavily criticised by Ukraine, which called it unacceptable and “shameful” (18:18), after previously backing the main opposing country – Latvia – in its fight to block the delisting (16:15).

If you have any tips, comments or suggestions, email me at [email protected].

I am also on Bluesky at @jakubkrupa.bsky.social and on X at @jakubkrupa.

Germany's Merz says Greenland deal 'good news for security' and 'strengthens partnership in Nato'

Germany’s embattled chancellor Friedrich Merz, who is absent from New York this week as he is trying to deal with his multiple crises at home (16:08), has joined in the chorus of voices welcoming the new deal between the US, Denmark and Greenland.

“Good news for the security of Greenland: The agreement between Denmark, Greenland, and the USA strengthens our partnership in Nato and security in the High North. Our partners can count on the support of Germany.”

European Council’s António Costa also offers his reaction:

“I congratulate PM Frederikssen [sic!] @statsmin and PM Nielsen of Greenland for the agreement reached with the United States to strengthen security in the Arctic and the North Atlantic.

It is a positive step for transatlantic cooperation and Arctic security, grounded in respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination.

The EU stands ready to continue working closely with Greenland, Denmark and our transatlantic partners for a peaceful, secure and prosperous Arctic.”

Ukraine's foreign minister calls EU's sanction decision 'shameful'

And Ukraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha has just joined his president in criticism of the EU’s decision on sanctions, calling it “shameful.”

“The decision to delist Usmanov and Fridman is shameful and unjustifiable.

Moscow is celebrating because it got what it wanted: a sense of impunity, the humiliation of the EU, and division among Europeans.

But there is still a way to spoil the celebrations in Moscow. I urge all EU member states to announce now that they will impose their own national sanctions on these two individuals.”

Ukraine blasts 'unacceptable' removal of two Russian billionaires from EU sanctions

The EU has agreed to remove two Russian billionaires, Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, from its Russia sanctions list, while extending restrictions on nearly 3,000 individuals and companies accused of supporting the war on Ukraine for the next three years.

With an end-of-Tuesday deadline looming to preserve the nearly 3,000-strong Russia blacklist, the EU’s 27 member states found a compromise that meant delisting the two oligarchs, although very few countries wanted this outcome. EU sanctions have to be approved by unanimity.

France stunned and infuriated EU governments earlier this month when it called for Usmanov, a Russian-Uzbek national, to be removed from the list on “national security” grounds, reported to refer to a prisoner exchange deal involving French nationals and Azerbaijan.

Luxembourg then asked for the same treatment for Fridman, the Russian-Israeli magnate, who is suing the Grand Duchy for $16bn for freezing his assets.

The exemptions angered many EU countries that believe it sets a bad precedent by allowing member states to weaken sanctions in defence of national interests.

Ukraine slammed the removal of the men from the sanctions list as unacceptable.

Shortly after the decision emerged, Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy tweeted “No name on the sanctions list is there by accident: each one represents a reason why this war started and continues to this day,” without direct reference to the EU process or the individuals.

To enable the delistings that many EU member states found unpalatable it was proposed rolling over the sanctions for 36 months, rather than the usual six.

A spokesperson for Ireland’s EU presidency, which brokered the talks, said the bloc had reached “a difficult compromise”.

“Until now, these listings have been reviewed and assessed on a 6 monthly basis; today’s decision to renew on a 36 month basis enhances the durability and predictability of the EU sanctions framework.”

A decision had been expected earlier this week, but Latvia’s government, facing parliamentary elections on 3 October, announced a last-minute objection to the delistings on Monday.

Latvia’s prime minister Andris Kulbergs tweeted late Monday night that he could not accept the proposed compromise and instructed his foreign minister to enter talks with Paris and Brussels to find a solution.

Diplomats said Latvia had finally agreed to abstain on the two delistings. The blacklist includes Vladimir Putin, foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, Duma deputies, Russia’s major banks, energy companies and military industrial complex.

EU senior officials have promised to present around 1,600 new designations - individuals and entities involved in the Russian military industrial complex - to foreign ministers next month.

But the latest standoff over the two listings, which followed the tortuous agreement on the EU’s 21nd round of sanctions in July, suggests the process could be difficult.

Back to Brussels, let’s cross to our correspondent Jennifer Rankin one more time for her final take on today’s sanctions discussions in the EU (11:15, 16:13, 17:02, 17:24).

'It's been a bumpy ride,' Denmark's foreign minister admits, as he welcomes Greenland deal

Denmark’s foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen is also pleased with the deal, even as he explicitly acknowledged that “it has been a bumpy ride.”

On his social media, he posted a picture with fellow chief diplomats of the US, Marco Rubio, and Greenland, Múte B. Egede.

“It’s been a bumpy ride. But here we are – with a deal in hand that we can all be very satisfied with.

We share a long history. And we share a responsibility for the security of our region. Today, we take another important step together – with full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark and the Greenlandic people’s right to self-determination.

History binds us together. Our future demands that we stand together.”

Greenland deal 'enhances our collective security,' Nato's Rutte says

Nato’s Mark Rutte has just responded publicly to the deal (17:49).

“Great to see the deal signed by the United States, Denmark, and Greenland today. We know the threats we face, and greater security in the Arctic and North Atlantic is essential for Europe and North America alike.

This agreement, along with Nato’s growing role in securing this vital region, enhances our collective security and supports a safer and more stable future for us all.”

New US military bases, Greenland's Nato membership - what's in the deal?

We are getting a bit more detail on the deal as signed by the three leaders just now.

In a big win for Denmark and Greenland, it includes a specific explicit provision on “reaffirming the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark, and recognising that the People of Greenland constitute a people pursuant to international law with the right to self-determination.”

The US will “modernise and expand its activities in Pituffik Space Base,” – that’s the base visited by JD Vance last year – and establish military bases in Narsarsuaq (it already had a military base there in the 50s) and in Mestersvig, “in accordance with modalities and technical details to be mutually agreed by the parties.”

“The United States may establish additional defence areas in Greenland and strengthen its military operations or facilities,” the text says.

US aircraft may also “fly over and land in any territory in Greenland,” the agreement stipulates, including the territorial waters.

Denmark and Greenland also agreed to “review requests to establish unmanned military installations in Greenland outside of the defence areas under accelerated governmental approval procedures.”

In what Trump touted as his win, the agreement is explicit in what was anyway believed to be true already when it says that “no state that is not a member of Nato shall be allowed to establish its own manned or unmanned military installations in Greenland nor shall they be allowed a persistent presence of military forces in Greenland, unless otherwise agreed by the Parties.”

There is also a further provision that any investment from a non-Nato member of partner country should not be allowed to “have control, significant influence or access to non-public information that may constitute a threat to national security or public order.”

This paragraph will be seen by the US as an attempt to fend off any interest from China or Russia. A different part of the deal also talks about working together to counter the threat of espionage.

The agreement has no end date, and curiously considers potentially relevant future scenarios, such as Greenland’s independence in the future.

It says the independent Greenland would need to “agree to remain in Nato” and continue all arrangements as agreed in the treaty.

Trilateral Greenland deal helps close damaging episode between Nato allies - snap analysis

As the three leaders sign the deal together, it is impossible not to reflect on the role of Nato secretary general Mark Rutte, who played a key behind-the-scenes part in bringing the parties together back at the height of the Greenland crisis in January.

There is a reason he even got a shout-out in Trump’s UN general assembly speech earlier (16:59).

Often criticised for what opponents call his sycophancy towards Trump, Rutte will feel vindicated today as he gets all sides to sign on the line – and put an end to a damaging episode of political clashes over Greenland between major Nato allies.

Denmark’s Frederiksen and Greenland’s Nielsen appeared relieved as they repeated their key lines on sovereignty and self-determination – their comments on these points felt very pointed - while Trump got to talk up the new provisions on defence.

All got what they wanted, in the end. The three leaders signed the agreement and swiftly departed without taking questions.

Whatever the ultimate merits of this deal, it should at least provide some political closure. For now, anyway.

New US deal 'builds on 85 years of security cooperation,' Greenland's PM says

He says it is “a very important day for our security” that “builds on 85 years of security cooperation” since the second world war.

He stresses that “this is not only an agreement about us, but an agreement with us.”

“It takes into account the people of Greenland, our rights, our livelihoods and the development of our country. This has been a key priority for us throughout this process,” he says, saying this is why Greenland “insisted on engaging in a constructive dialogue.”

“Greenland matters for North American security and for transatlantic security. And this agreement reflects that we understand our responsibility and act accordingly,” he says.

“Nato matters. We believe that it is vital to keep Nato strong, also in the Arctic, where the alliance has a key role to play.

This agreement should put to rest any doubt today and in the future about where Greenland’s loyalty lies.

Our commitment to this alliance and to the security we build together is not in question. We are, have been, and will remain a steadfast friend of the United States and a part of the western alliance. Your security is our security, and our security is your security.”

Danish prime minister Frederiksen is up next.

She says Denmark has “always kept our word” and been the US ally.

“You have always been able to rely on, and this day represents a milestone in our longstanding cooperation,” she says.

She says the parties are signing “an even bigger and better agreement, a deal that can last forever.”

“This deal is good for the United States. It’s good for Greenland, for Denmark, for the Nato alliance, and therefore also good for Europe,” she says.

“In other words, we are strengthening our common security, boosting our common deterrence, showing our adversaries who we are and we are doing it together.”

Frederiksen says any adversaries “will not be allowed to get any control or significant influence in Greenland.”

She also says the agreement “underlines the importance of the Nato alliance.”

In tricky, carefully worded paragraphs, she says the agreement “recognises the US defining historical and ongoing contributions to the security and defence of Greenland,” but it also “respects the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark, as well as Greenland’s right to self-determination.”

“I think everybody knows that we live in difficult times where we have to show our strength. If we let ourselves be divided as allies, then we do our votes a favour. We will do everything we can to prevent that from happening.”

She says the deal is “good for the US, Greenland and Denmark.”

Trump hails 'tremendous' relationship with Denmark, Greenland as he signs Greenland deal

He says it “has been an amazing journey with tremendous people” in Frederiksen and Nielsen.

“We’re going to have a tremendous relationship, a secure relationship,” he says.

He thanks them for the deal, and says they will be working “very hard” on its implementation.

He says the deal has been “long in the making” – “many decades, probably centuries” – and it will be “tremendous for Europe and for the US and for everybody.”

And – I swear to God, I’m not making this up - “Send in the Clowns” proves to be the final song building up to the entrance of Trump, Frederiksen and Nielsen.

As the wait continues, we’re now listening to Judy Collins and “Send in the Clowns”.


My fault, I fear
I thought that you’d want what I want
Sorry, my dear
But where are the clowns?
Quick, send in the clowns
Don’t bother, they’re here.”

(I prefer not to comment. If I comment, I will be in trouble.)

EU confirms 'difficult compromise' on sanctions as two Russian billionaires get delisted

The EU has reached “a difficult compromise” on the rollover of sanctions of people and organisations accused of prosecuting Russia’s war on Ukraine, a spokesperson has said (11:15, 16:13, 17:02).

A spokesperson for Ireland’s EU presidency, which had to broker the agreement, confirmed that a deal had been reached just hours ahead of the deadline, pending further legal rubber-stamping.

“In maintaining the regime we have reached a difficult compromise. The compromise will involve an extension of the regime for 36 months, until 22 September 2029. Restrictive measures related to the Ukraine territorial integrity regime will therefore continue to apply to nearly 3,000 individuals and entities, with many more in the pipeline.


Until now, these listings have been reviewed and assessed on a 6 monthly basis; today’s decision to renew on a 36 month basis enhances the durability and predictability of the EU sanctions framework. The decision was also taken to delist certain individuals under the regime.”

The presidency did not reveal the names of the two individuals, confirmed by anonymous diplomats to be the billionaires, Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman.

The promise of “many more in the pipeline” refers to a pledge to sanction around 1,600 people and entities that make up Russia’s military-industrial complex.

EU foreign ministers are expected to discuss that list next month, but the latest drama over delisting two people, suggests that process could be fraught with difficulty.

As we are waiting for the Greenland event to get under way – with the Ronettes’ “Be My Baby” blasting from the speakers now – let’s go again to our Brussels correspondent Jennifer Rankin for the latest on EU sanctions.

Trump, Danish, Greenlandic leaders to speak at Greenland deal signing ceremony

We should hear from Trump, Denmark’s Frederiksen and Greenland’s Nielsen shortly, as their (delayed) event on the Greenland deal is about to get under way.

The waiting audience is treated to a playlist of classic songs as they wait, with Phil Collins’s “One more night” on now.

Trump celebrates Greenland deal, repeats call to end Russian invasion of Ukraine - snap analysis

Not much targeted criticism of Europe in his speech this year – no doubt, much to the relief of many European leaders in attendance or following from overseas.

His comments on European security (through the Greenland deal, 16:57), Nato and plans to push for an end to the Russian invasion of Ukraine (16:49, 17:00) will likely be seen as a positive development – even if they lack any much detail.

But let’s not celebrate too early and see what he says when he appears with the Danish and Greenlandic leaders shortly.

Trump wraps up his UN speech

Trump ends on an upbeat note of saying he wants leaders to “reject the voices who would have us give in to fear and doubt,” but instead focus on taking “bold action” to “make this world far safer and a far better place.”

Trump dismisses AI warnings as 'hoax' and pushes to rebrand it 'super intelligence'

Back to New York, Trump is now talking about his attempts to rename artificial intelligence as “super intelligence,” as he dismisses warnings about AI as “a hoax” (allegedly coming from the same people as “Russia hoax,” “Ukraine hoax” and climate change) and declares he will “not stifle AI growth.”

“We’re leading now over China by a lot, and everyone else, and we’re going to keep it that way.”

EU agrees to drop two Russian billionaires from sanctions list

Meanwhile, the EU has agreed to drop two Russian billionaires, Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, from its sanctions list, while extending restrictions on nearly 3,000 individuals and companies for the next three years (11:15, 16:13).
With an end-of-day deadline looming it seems Latvia blinked in a standoff with France about the de-listings it had sought to prevent. The Baltic state decided to abstain on the de-listings, according to diplomats.
France stunned EU member states earlier this month when it called for Usmanov, a Russian-Uzbek national, to be removed from the list on “national security” grounds, reported to refer to a prisoner exchange deal involving French nationals and Azerbaijan.

Luxembourg then asked for the same treatment for Fridman, the Russian-Israeli magnate, who is suing the Grand Duchy for $16bn for freezing his assets.
Latvia lodged a last-minute objection to the compromise plan that will see the two men removed from the list in exchange for extending the sanctions for three years, rather than the usual six months.

Without an agreement sanctions on nearly 3,000 people and entities accused of supporting the war on Ukraine would have lapsed at the end of Tuesday 22 September. That outcome was never on the cards, but it created a tense standoff over who would move first.

'Time to stop the killing' in Ukraine, Trump says

Quickly going through a number of issues in short succession, Trump also says he is going to “continue to seek to end the disastrous war between Russia and Ukraine.”

He says he signed into law “a powerful new law” on sanctions, and “if necessary, I will have to use them.”

“It’s time to stop the killing,” he says.

He pays tribute to the First Lady’s work on “securing the safe return of many displaced Ukrainian and Russian children back home to their families.”

On Nato, Trump pointedly praises the alliance’s secretary general Mark Rutte and says Nato is “growing stronger than ever before” as member states ramp up their defence spending.

Much to Rutte’s relief, no doubt, he doesn’t go into all sorts of grievances he has with the alliance.

“I look forward to working with the wonderful people of Denmark and Greenland. It’s been a great experience, amazing experience, and we’ve really formed a bond in doing it.”

That’s one way to describe a period in which he repeatedly threatened to take control of Greenland through whatever means necessary, but hey, it’s the outcome that counts, right?

US will build two 'very major' military bases as part of new Greenland deal, Trump says

Trump is now speaking about the “northern frontier”, which seems to be his new phrase for Greenland.

He says the US has reached “an unprecedented agreement” on this, with the Kingdom of Denmark, “an incredible, beautiful country.”

He says the deal – to be formally signed shortly after his speech – “gives the US permanent control over security and all of the needs on that territory.”

“We will have the complete ability to do what is necessary to defend the American continent, and also Europe and other places. No US adversary will ever be permitted to establish a military presence in Greenland any more, or make sensitive investments there without our express written approval.”

He says the US will build two “very major” military bases in Greenland.

“By expanding America’s footprint in the Arctic and North Atlantic, this deal also protects Europe in addition to America and greatly protects them."

'It's going to happen ... more quickly than people understand,' Trump says on ending Russia's aggression of Ukraine

Trump says he is “working closely with the leader of Russia and Ukraine” to end the war.

He says “it’s going to happen, I think, more quickly than people understand.”

(It’s not the first time he says this, but the war is very much still ongoing.)

Trump is currently talking about Iran, but he makes an assertion that Iran “made a missile that was capable of hitting Europe, and they were very proud of it.”

“I hope the Europeans realise that,” he adds.

But no further comment on the European angle to this story at least for now, despite his (well-advertised) frustrations with Nato. Let’s see if he comes back to it later.

Trump about to address the UN general assembly

Reminder: I will only pick up key lines on Europe, but our colleagues over on the US politics live blog will cover his address in all detail here:

There is a brief moment of awkward silence as Brazil’s Lula has already finished his speech, but Trump is not here yet to deliver his speech.

But members of his delegation are taking their seats now, so it shouldn’t be long before we hear from him.

A US fighter jet reportedly crashes near US air base in Germany

Elsewhere, I am also keeping an eye on reports coming from Germany that a US F-16 fighter jet crashed near a US airbase in Spangdahlem in western Germany.

One person was injured in the incident, n-tv reported, via local authorities, with local residents reporting “a large plume of black smoke” in the area.

The aircraft involved in the incident has not been confirmed.

I will bring you more on this when we have it.

Ukraine's Zelenskyy thanks Latvia for opposing delisting of Russian billionaires from EU sanctions

And it looks like Latvia has the strong backing of Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

In an unusual move, he has taken to X to say:

“Grateful to our Latvian friends @EdgarsRinkevics @AndrisKulbergs and other EU partners for keeping up the legal front against the war of aggression against Ukraine.

\As Russia is escalating the killing of civilians – there have been more attacks overnight and into the day with drones and ballistic missiles – pressure on Moscow must be strengthened. In particular, against enablers of Putin’s war. Against those who benefit from the aggression.

Every crime against peaceful Ukrainians has a name. And as long as this war continues, these names must be on the sanctions lists.

The world needs not a political delisting, but timely and unconditional rollover of individual sanctions, until Moscow engages in serious peace negotiations and takes concrete steps to end its war against Ukraine.

This is the shortest path to peace we all are striving for. Every Ukrainian family is counting on EU unity and solidarity.”

EU still locked in dispute over delisting two Russian billionaires from sanctions

As time runs out ahead of an end-of-day deadline, EU diplomats are still in dispute over delisting two Russian billionaires, Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, from the sanctions list.

Ambassadors from the 27 member states were due to resume talks around now (1600 CET) in the search for a compromise, amid a stand off between Latvia and France.

As we are waiting for Trump’s address, let’s get a quick update on the EU’s ongoing talks about its Russia sanctions list (11:15) from our Brussels correspondent, Jennifer Rankin.

Friedrich Merz misses out on UN general assembly debate as he fights fires at home

Thinking of big names appearing at the UNGA this week, one name is missing from the list: and that’s Germany’s Friedrich Merz.

Last week he cancelled his plans to go to the US amid growing problems domestically, which only got worse at the weekend after his conservative party suffered a drubbing at the polls in two state elections.

As our Berlin correspondent Deborah Cole noted:

“Merz cancelled a planned trip to New York to speak before the UN general assembly, already anticipating he would need to be in Berlin to grapple with the state elections’ aftermath.

Now, more than ever, he will have his work cut out for him after just 16 months in office.”

Instead, Germany will be represented by its foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, who will speak later this week.

Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is speaking next, and then it will be Trump.

In other very important news, the escalators at the UN HQ appear to be functioning absolutely fine on Trump’s arrival, in sharp contrast to last year’s incident.

US ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz also seems to be very happy about this fact.

Let’s hope the teleprompter is ready for Trump’s speech, too.

'Settle the war,' Trump says is his message to Putin

Meanwhile, Trump is arriving at the UN HQ right now.

Our colleagues on the US blog will cover him in more detail here, but I will pick up all his Europe-related comments here.

After very brief doorstep comments – almost exclusively mocking CNN - he answers a reporter’s very loud question by saying his message to Putin is: “settle the war.”

Guterres also talks about the importance and relevance of the UN in today’s world, as he argues that:

“The world does not need the weaker United Nations. It needs the UN strong enough to face the world as it is, and determined enough to build the world as it should be.”

He says that in his 10 years he has learned that “the greatest power is not the power to dominate; [but] the power to build a future that works for everyone.”

“Our shared future will be forged by whether humanity can govern power wisely, by upholding the law before impunity becomes normalised, by ending wars, before they consume generations. By tackling inequality, before societies fracture. By accelerating climate action, before tipping points are crossed, and by governing artificial intelligence before it governs us.

This is the challenge before this General Assembly, the United Nations and humanity itself.”

He signs off declaring his resolve to follow these principles in the last 100 days in the office, and pledging he will always keep championing them even once he left the post.

“I will continue to stand up for the values of the United Nations Charter, and I will never, ever give up,” he declares to warm applause and a standing ovation.

UN general assembly president and Bangladeshi foreign minister Khalilur Rahman is next to speak, with US president Donald Trump expected near the top of the hour.

In a paragraph that would look ridiculous in 2016 – but very much does not in 2026 – UN secretary-general António Guterres has issued a stark warning on the escalation of autonomous technology.

“Artificial intelligence must be shaped by humanity, with humanity and for all humanity. And as we confront the challenges ahead, let us not retreat from two fundamental principles. Let’s say with one voice, children must never become the test subjects for unregulated systems.

And let us resolve that life and death decisions must never be surrendered to machines. Killer robots must have no place in our future.”

Guterres also speaks at length about the prospect of AI, and risks associated with its rapid rise, just as “the very developers building these systems are now pulling the alarm.”

He says that “governments must assume their responsibilities” to scrutinise AI and work on “transparency, trust and cooperation.”

“Not despite geopolitical rivalry, but precisely because of it.

At a pivotal moment during the cold war, strategic rivals came to recognise the need to manage shared existential risks. They built mechanisms to reduce misunderstandings, manage escalation and prevent catastrophe. At that time, it was the nuclear armament. Today, artificial intelligence demands the same clarity of purpose and sense of urgency.”

UN's Guterres speaks about Middle East, Ukraine in opening address

UN secretary general António Guterres is now speaking in the opening debate of the UN general assembly.

He warns that “across the Middle East, conflicts are cascading,” as he urged leaders to use the week in New York “for de-escalation and dialogue.”

Continuing on the Middle East, he says “all the fighting must stop, and humanitarian aid must flow.”

He specifically picks up on “the devastating situation in the occupied Palestinian territory,” saying that in the three years following the “abhorrent terror attacks” on 7 October, “what followed was an onslaught on Palestinians and Gaza” at scale that has no comparison.

“Violence, displacement and settlement expansion by Israel in the occupied West Bank are bulldozing the path to peace and raising the spectre of ethnic cleansing. We cannot allow the two state solution to disappear before our eyes,” he warns.

He then turns to Ukraine, talking about how “Russia’s full scale invasion has subjected a sovereign country to a brutal war, in blatant violation of the charter.”

“Civilians continue to be killed far from the frontlines, mainly in Ukraine, but also more recently in parts of Russia. Homes, energy and water systems and transport have come under repeated attack, threatening food and energy supplies and supply chains globally.”

He also mentions the crises in Sudan and Myanmar, and talks about the need to reform the UN security council by adding a permanent seat for an African nation.

Swedish prosecutors to probe election fraud allegations

Swedish prosecutors are investigating possible election fraud that has raised uncertainty about the recent election there.

A preliminary investigation into potential election ⁠fraud in Borlange, a town in the largely rural county of Dalarna, central Sweden, might still affect the final ​result. Sweden’s election review board could decide on a re-run or recount of the vote, which elects 11 members of parliament, if it decides the result is suspect.

Reuters, citing local media, reports that the prosecutor’s investigation centred on the election of Mohamed Abdukardir Ali, a Left Party candidate for parliament. Ali told Swedish TV that the allegations were false.

Reuters is carrying a Kremlin read-out of a call between Russia’s president Vladimir Putin and Saudi crown prince ⁠Mohammed bin Salman. It said ‌the two ‌leaders held a detailed exchange ‌of views on the situation in the Middle East, and “the ⁠importance of ensuring the safe ​and ​unimpeded passage of vessels ​through the region’s international ​waterways was emphasised.”

Just a quick note with bit of guidance on timings today, as we are inevitably looking at events across the ocean.

Donald Trump’s speech to the UN general assembly is expected around 10am New York time. That’s 3pm UK, 4pm in most of Europe.

Our US blog colleagues will cover it in excruciating detail if you don’t want to miss a single thing, but rest assured I will pick up key bits on Europe here.

The Greenland deal signing ceremony is expected around 10.30am (3.30pm UK, 4.30pm Europe).

And Trump’s sit-down with Zelenskyy will be around 13.15am New York time, so 6.15pm UK, 7.15pm Europe.

Greenlanders feel 'a mixture of hope, scepticism and fear' ahead of signing new Greenland deal with US

Emotions among Greenlanders are a mixture of hope, scepticism and fear ahead of the signing of a new much vaunted deal on Arctic security between the US, Greenland and Denmark.

It has been hailed by many in Denmark as a diplomatic triumph, but with just hours until the three leaders are expected to put pen to paper, the contents of the agreement remain secret.

Julie Rademacher, chair of Uagut, the national organisation for Greenlanders in Denmark, arrived back in Copenhagen on Monday from Nuuk and was in Greenland when news of the deal was first announced on Friday.

After 1.5 years of being “terrorised” by Trump, she said it was a welcome relief that she hopes will mean that Greenlanders can sleep soundly again.

But on the other hand, there is worry about Greenland losing sovereignty and what it will mean in terms of military presence.

“Many people were very sceptical,” she said.

“There have been many different reactions in Greenland because they are talking about a deal but no one can see the deal, we don’t know what it is all about, and what’s in it for us or what’s in it. Also, because we have been terrorised as a people for the last 1.5 years by the American president, so many people feel no trust at all.”

But at the same time there is also a strong sense of pride that Greenland is at the decision-making table.

It was, she said, incredibly emotional when she heard the plane took off from Nuuk carrying Greenland’s prime minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, to New York.

“People hope for the best and they hope this will be over now.” she said.

Trump to meet with Danish, Greenlandic leaders to sign 'Greenland deal' on Arctic security

With much focus on Donald Trump’s speech which will be one of the first ones during today’s morning session, the first big European event will come shortly after his speech.

At around 3.30pm UK time (4.30pm CEST), Trump is expected to meet with Denmark’s Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s Jens-Friedrik Nielsen to finalise the new “Greenland deal” on security in the Arctic.

The Danish and Greenlandic delegations held their final prep meeting at the Danish consul general’s residence in New York last night.

Denmark’s Frederiksen insisted that the agreement reiterated Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland, and the Greenlanders right to self-determine their future – despite Trump’s previous attempts to make the territory a part of the US.

Meanwhile, Denmark’s foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said in an Instagram video this morning that he was looking forward to the agreement being finally signed, and hoped it would close “a destructive chapter in an otherwise excellent story of strong transatlantic cooperation” with the US, DR reported.

The signing ceremony will be closely watched for any further indications on what is actually in the deal that would be fundamentally different from previous agreements over Greenland, and whether Trump is ready to give up on his dreams about the territory.

I will bring you the key lines here, obviously.

New rotation of US troops on its way to Lithuania, president Nausėda says

But there are some good news from Lithuania, too: the country’s president Gitanas Nausėda announced that “the new rotation of US troops is already on its way to Lithuania.”

The decision comes after prolonged uncertainty about the US military presence in the region amid growing speculations that a posture review could see some of them pulled out from Europe including Nato’s eastern flank – despite growing threat from Russia.

“We are grateful to @POTUS Donald Trump and the US administration for this decision, which is important not only for Lithuania, but also for the security of the entire region.”

In a longer statement on his website, the president added:

“The US military presence in Lithuania is an indispensable part of our deterrence and collective defence, and our Allies’ commitment to stand with us sends a clear message: Nato is ready to defend every inch of its territory.”

The statement said “the exact number of U.S. troops in the new rotation has not yet been confirmed, but it will be no smaller than previously,” with up to 1,000 US troops stationed in Lithuania on rotation since 2019.

Trump set to press Zelenskyy at UN to agree energy ceasefire with Russia

Donald Trump is expected to press Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy on an energy ceasefire during a face-to-face meeting later today during United Nations high-level week, as world diesel prices have soared due to the war in Iran, as well as Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Ukraine stepped up its attacks on Russia’s energy sector over the weekend, launching its largest reported strike yet on the Moscow region in a barrage that struck a major Moscow oil refinery and killed three people.

On Monday, Trump said the whole world was suffering due to an energy shortage that he said was being exacerbated by the war in Ukraine.

“Russia has unfortunately lost control of its Diesel Oil Industry due to its War with Ukraine,” Trump said in a Truth Social post on Monday morning. “A large number of their Diesel refineries have been blown up and are, at least temporarily, out of commission.”

“This ridiculous and never ending War with Ukraine must be ended,” Trump said. “The whole World suffers as 25,000 people, mostly soldiers, are being killed each month. What a shame!”

Trump had earlier blamed Kyiv for the escalating energy war even as Russia has decimated Ukraine’s economy and launched night barrages of drones and ballistic missiles against Ukrainian cities.

Zelenskyy on Monday said negotiations were continuing and that that there are “ideas on the table for bringing peace closer, starting with strong de-escalation steps”.

“Ukraine’s energy sector, critical infrastructure, and our food exports must stop being targets for Russia, and this will lead to matching de-escalation steps on our part,” he said in a statement. “Solutions are possible.”

The two leaders are expected to meet on Tuesday during a rare sitdown on the sidelines of the high-level week of the United Nations general assembly.

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov will also be in Washington this week, and is expected to meet with secretary of state Marco Rubio.

Lithuania's PM worries about 'emotional state' of the public amid increased worries about Russia

Lithuanian prime minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius has warned that citizens in his country are increasingly affected by concerns about potential Russian aggression.

Speaking on BBC Newsnight last night, he described the emotional toll on the population, highlighting overnight air raid alarms triggered by drone activity in Lithuanian airspace.

“It’s an alarming thing, you know when you in the middle of the night you receive an alarm and your phone starts alarming, go to the shelter and maybe yellow, red signal of threat. That’s not a good emotional situation,” he said.

Sinkevičius also confirmed that while Lithuania has no plans to surrender, contingency evacuation plans are in place if required:

“There are plans prepared for evacuation. Of course there would be groups of people, handicapped, elderly people, that will be priority groups of citizens that will be needed to be assisted and evacuated. We’re thinking about a variety of scenarios, not all of them are being discussed very much publicly.

Calling for a “shift in mindset” among western allies, Sinkevičius also added:

“When we’re closer to the border and closer to threat, the shift in mindset of political actors is quicker. … We face concrete threats, not on a daily basis, but we’re experiencing them and it’s a true reality for us.”

European spy chiefs warn Moscow is planning more decisive action against Nato

Meanwhile, European leaders attending the UN general assembly in New York will also have the growing concerns about Russia’s aggressive posture in eastern Europe at the back of their mind.

As the Guardian’s Shaun Walker reported over the weekend, European intelligence officials have raised the possibility of an imminent Russian test of Nato, with one saying a potential attack could come in a matter of “months, not years”.

“Michal Koudelka, the head of the Czech Republic’s BIS security service, said that as well as increased drone activity, a small-scale invasion of Nato territory that bordered Russia could be part of the Kremlin’s plans.

“It’s possible. It could involve a limited incursion, false-flag provocations, a massive influence campaign,” he said, in a rare interview at the agency’s headquarters in Prague.

He said this scenario could play out in a matter of “months, not years” but added that “a lot of people are doing everything they can to make sure this doesn’t happen””

Kremlin says all Russia sanctions are illegal, should be lifted

Meanwhile, the Kremlin ⁠said it considered all western ⁠sanctions on ⁠Russian ​individuals to be illegal and that ⁠they should all be revoked.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry ⁠Peskov was answering ​a question about ‌a ‌push by some EU ‌countries to lift sanctions on Russia-linked billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman in return for keeping ‌thousands of other individuals and businesses under ​sanctions related to the war in Ukraine, Reuters reported (11:15).

Macron, Zelenskyy discuss Russia's strikes on energy infrastructure ahead of winter

During their last night’s meeting, France’s Macron and Ukraine’s Zelenskyy discussed Russia’s continuing strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which the French president said “threaten to deprive millions of families of heating and electricity.”

“France will stand by Ukraine to face the winter, and the G7 Energy will also be mobilised at its side,” Macron added.

“We are strengthening its air defence with the signing of a contract for the delivery of radars, as well as the supply of interceptors.

I also discussed this support with President Trump, as well as the prospect of an energy truce and a moratorium in the Black Sea, which we support. This will be a key issue in the negotiations that must resume and that must lead to a just and lasting peace.”

Zelenskyy added that the pair “spoke primarily about security and the winter support package for Ukraine.”

But just hours after their discussions we received further reports of Russian strikes on Ukraine’s oil and gas facilities, including in Poltava region.

Largest Ukrainian oil and gas company, Naftogaz, said the attack using ballistic missiles caused “critical damage” to the site, effectively making it impossible to restore it, Reuters reported.

EU deadlocked over plans to remove two Russian billionaires from sanctions list

The EU is deadlocked over a plan to remove two Russian billionaires, Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman, from its sanctions list as part of a bitterly disputed deal to keep broader restrictions in place on nearly 3,000 people and companies accused of enabling Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine.

Ambassadors from the EU’s 27 member states failed to reach agreement at a meeting early on Tuesday – their third session in around 24 hours on the topic. The senior diplomats will reconvene later today just hours ahead of a legal deadline.

Without an agreement sanctions on nearly 3,000 people and entities accused of supporting the war on Ukraine will lapse at the end of Tuesday 22 September.

The list includes Vladimir Putin, foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, Duma deputies, Russia’s major banks, energy companies and military industrial complex.

The EU can also agree a short-term extension pending a longer agreement and has already prolonged the deadline by one week. One diplomat suggested that was a likely outcome.

Latvia emerged as the last-minute block on an agreement. Like many member states the Baltic state has strong objections to the de-listings, which are demanded by France and Slovakia.

Latvia’s prime minister Andris Kulbergs tweeted late Monday night that he could not accept the proposed compromise – the de-listings of Usmanov and Fridman in exchange for a 36-month extension of the blacklist of nearly 3,000 names, far longer than the usual six-month rollover.

“Extending sanctions for 36 months would be the right step. However, the price for it must not be simply striking both individuals from the sanctions list. Latvia cannot accept SUCH an offer.”

He added that his foreign minister, Baiba Braže, would work with “Brussels and Paris to find a solution SUITABLE for Latvia’s interests. We will seek support in the EUROPEAN UNION for Latvia’s position”.

When details of the expected deal emerged on Monday, Ukraine’s foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, said the delisting was “unacceptable and would send the wrong signal to Moscow at a time when pressure needs to increase”.

France infuriated and stunned EU member states by joining Slovakia’s populist government in petitioning for Usmanov’s de-listing earlier this month. France has told EU diplomats only that the delisting is on national security grounds. The Financial Times has reported that it is linked to a prisoner exchange deal with Azerbaijan involving the release of French nationals.

Azerbaijan, along with the Organisation of Turkic States, has previously lobbied western decision-makers to remove Usmanov from sanctions listings, describing him as “a renowned philanthropist” who has built bridges between the West, Central Asia and wider Turkic world. Slovakia began lobbying for Usmanov and fellow billionaire Mikhail Fridman to be removed from the EU sanctions list in the summer.

Luxembourg has argued that Fridman should come off the list, if Usmanov is removed. Fridman is seeking $16bn in damages from Luxembourg for freezing his assets.

Morning opening: Welcome to New York

Global leaders are gathering in New York this week for the 81st UN general assembly and given the state of the world, it’s likely to be a lively one.

We are expecting to hear today from the US president, Donald Trump, Finland’s president Alexander Stubb, and France’s Emmanuel Macron (in his last UNGA appearance), among others.

Macron got to New York early and already held talks with Trump and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy last night, possibly trying to mediate ahead of the pair’s closely watched meeting later today. Trump and Zelenskyy are expected to sit down together in the late afternoon or early evening.

Outside the main UNGA room, it will also be worth keeping an eye on Trump’s meeting with Denmark’s Mette Frederiksen and Greenland’s Jens-Frederik Nielsen as they meet to sign the new Greenland deal on Arctic security.

Expect potentially diverging interpretations of what the deal actually involves…

Separately, I will also keep an eye on events back in Europe as EU ambassadors meet in Brussels to discuss the latest Russia sanctions list with some controversial attempts to amend it and take some fairly well-known names out of it. More on that shortly.

It’s Tuesday, 22 September 2026, it’s Jakub Krupa here, and this is Europe Live.