As of the morning of September 18, the main new developments since the previous digest are additional EU funding for Ukraine’s defense, new warnings about the risk of Russian hybrid attacks on NATO territory, the appointment of an acting prosecutor general, an important decision by the Bank of Japan, and a new phase of European regulation of social media and AI for children. The world’s attention is also focused on the UN mission’s findings regarding possible US war crimes in Iran and crimes against humanity allegedly committed by the Iranian authorities.
Top stories this morning
EU to transfer €3.3 billion to Ukraine for missiles and drones
The European Union is to transfer €3.3 billion to Ukraine on September 18 to purchase missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. Reuters reported, citing European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The day before, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said after speaking with von der Leyen that the two sides had discussed in detail the issue of funding Ukraine’s defense and preparations for new decisions. They also discussed using the remaining funds from the SAFE program for joint Ukrainian-EU defense projects.
Why it matters: this is not general budgetary support, but direct funding for critical defense needs – missiles and drones. Amid intensified Russian air attacks, it could directly affect the pace of weapons procurement and production.
Poland warns of possible Russian strikes on NATO territory
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that Russia may be preparing hybrid attacks involving drones or missiles against NATO states that support Ukraine. According to the Associated Press, Tusk cited information Poland is receiving from its allies, Ukraine, and the United States.
According to Tusk, Moscow may try to portray such incidents as accidental in order to weaken NATO’s readiness to respond jointly. Tusk also announced a trip to Kyiv for talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump said progress had been made toward establishing a permanent US Army base in Poland. Reuters notes that the final decision and the base’s location have not yet been announced.
Why it matters: following a series of drone incidents near NATO borders, the issue is already moving beyond the protection of Ukrainian airspace. Poland is explicitly preparing for a scenario in which Russia tests the limits of the Alliance’s collective response.
Zelenskyy appoints acting prosecutor general
On September 17, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Decree No. 946/2026, appointing Anton Kovalskyi to serve as acting prosecutor general.
The personnel decision was made after the dismissal of Ruslan Kravchenko amid a public conflict between the Prosecutor General’s Office, NABU, and SAPO. Before his appointment, Kovalskyi headed the Khmelnytskyi Regional Prosecutor’s Office.
Why it matters: the change in the prosecutor’s office leadership comes at a time when the state of anti-corruption institutions and cooperation among law enforcement agencies remain important to Ukraine’s partners’ trust and the country’s European integration process. The appointment itself does not mean the conflict is over – the key issue will be how the new leadership builds relations with NABU and SAPO.
UN mission reports possible US war crimes in Iran
The UN fact-finding mission on Iran said it had sufficient grounds to consider certain US strikes on civilian sites in Iran war crimes. Reuters reports that the strikes included attacks on a school and a sports facility.
In the same report, the mission concluded that the Iranian authorities may have committed crimes against humanity while suppressing protests, including unlawful killings, torture, and arbitrary detentions.
These are the findings of an international investigative mission, not a court verdict. They are to be presented to the UN Human Rights Council and may serve as evidence for future legal proceedings.
Why it matters: the UN findings increase international legal pressure on both sides of the conflict at once and may affect the diplomatic positions of the US, Iran, and their partners.
Bank of Japan raises rate to highest level in 31 years
On September 18, the Bank of Japan raised its key interest rate from 1% to 1.25%. This is the highest level in 31 years. According to Reuters, the decision was approved by seven votes to two.
Japan’s central bank says that further policy normalization is necessary to contain inflation risks after many years of ultra-loose monetary policy.
Why it matters: Japan is one of the world’s largest economies and financial systems. Higher interest rates may affect the yen’s exchange rate, global capital flows, borrowing costs, and investor behavior far beyond the country’s borders.
European Commission proposes banning social media for children under 13
The European Commission presented the EU KIDS Act – a legislative proposal that would ban access to social media for children under 13 and independent accounts for those under 15.
For children aged 13-14, parent-controlled accounts are proposed. Platforms would also have to demonstrate that their services are safe by design, rather than shifting this responsibility onto users. The proposal also covers AI services: additional restrictions would apply to minors regarding chatbots, personalization, and features that encourage excessive use.
The document still needs to be approved by EU member states and the European Parliament, so the final version may change.
Why it matters: if adopted, the KIDS Act would become one of the world’s strictest regulatory regimes governing children’s access to social media and AI services, forcing major platforms to overhaul age-verification, recommendation, and interaction mechanisms for minors.
What to watch today
The key issues of the day are the actual transfer of €3.3 billion in EU defense assistance to Ukraine, NATO and Moscow’s reactions to Poland’s warning about possible hybrid attacks, Anton Kovalskyi’s first steps as acting prosecutor general, and signals from the Bank of Japan regarding further rate increases.