EU minister defenses met in Brussels on Sept. 28. EU High Representative kallas
said after the meeting that the Strait of Hormuz, Bab al‑Mandeb and the Black
Sea are key maritime routes and the EU needs to deploy additional forces for the
Red Sea escort operation to strengthen maritime security. Some member states
advancing portions of an EU loan to Ukraine that are scheduled for 2027 to
cover Kyiv’s current funding gap; the EU approved a €90 bln loan package in
April to provide fiscal and military support to Ukraine in 2026–27. Russia has
said European countries that call for a peaceful settlement should stop military
support to Ukraine.