EU defense ministers 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 urged 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

EU defense ministers 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 urged 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.