News compact: Zelensky demands 70 billion euros from the EU

News compact: Zelenskyy demands 70 billion euros from the EU October 17, 2026 To defend his country against Russian attacks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is relying on additional financial support from the European Union. At the EU summit in Brussels, he demanded a further 70 billion euros for the coming year. The money is necessary "for defense, for weapons, and for our resilience," Zelenskyy said in a speech to the heads of state and governments. Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz had already demanded an increase in funds for Ukraine at the beginning of the summit but did not specify an amount. At his final press conference, Merz said there is a large agreement in the EU to continue helping Ukraine through the winter and next year. Trump stops sanctions package against Russia The US is not currently implementing its drastic sanctions against Russia in connection with the Ukraine war. President Donald Trump has stopped a sanctions package, which was particularly aimed at the Russian energy sector. The sanctions were adopted by both houses of the US Congress in mid-September. Trump justified his action by stating that it is "in the national interest" of the United States at this time. The reversal occurs a few days after the controversial agreement between Trump and the leaders of Russia, Vladimir Putin, on the delivery of Russian diesel with the aim of stabilizing fuel costs in the United States. During the midterm elections in two weeks, Trump's Republicans are under pressure due to the rising cost of living and, in particular, high fuel prices. Many Deaths in Drone Attack in Darfur A livestock market in the Darfur region in Sudan has become the target of a drone attack. The attack in the city of Nyala, controlled by the RSF militia, took place on the busiest market day of the week. According to information from hospital districts, at least 30 people were killed. Another 47 were injured in the attack on Friday, said a representative of the local hospital to the news agency AFP. According to Emergency Lawyers, an organization that documents violence against civilians in Sudan, the attack is attributed to the Sudanese forces. The army and the RSF militia have been engaged in bitter fighting over their leaders' personal power struggle for more than three years. France prepares for new protests Further demonstrations are expected in France this Saturday. They are directed against the high cost of living and fuel prices as well as low wages in the Western European country. There are also demands to better equip schools. In addition to demonstrations, there may be blockade actions. The French government fears unrest and has announced a tough crackdown on troublemakers. The protest call is not clearly attributable to any organization. The major trade unions are not participating. However, some politicians from the left in France support the call. Eurowings cuts flights and examines short-time work High kerosene prices are putting the German airline Eurowings under pressure. The Lufthansa subsidiary is examining whether to send employees on short-time work in the winter. To avoid layoffs, companies can temporarily reduce the working hours of their employees in an exceptional situation, while the German state covers part of the resulting wage loss. According to its own statement, Eurowings is already in talks with the Federal Employment Agency regarding the short-time work regulation. In addition, the airline has already canceled some flights. Flights from Cologne/Bonn and Stuttgart to Dubai, which had just been booked due to cost pressure, are among those affected. However, the Arab hub is to continue being flown from Berlin. In total, Eurowings wants to cut five percent of the planned flight offer. High kerosene prices due to the Iran war are putting airlines worldwide under pressure. The entire aviation industry is trying to counteract this. Oktoberfest Tents: Allocation Practice Remains The festival tents at the Munich Oktoberfest do not need to be advertised across Europe. The Upper Bavarian Regional Court rejected the complaint of a vendor on Friday. He had not received a standing place at the folk festival in the metropolis in southern Germany this year and felt his rights were violated. With the court decision, the allocation of the festival tents can continue as usual. The procedure is based on a historically developed tradition, supplemented by an assessment procedure adopted by the city council. Munich's Mayor Dominik Krause reacted with relief: "Today is a good day for the Wiesn and for Munich." The folk festival will remain as it is loved worldwide. AR/fab/jj (afp, dpa, rtr, ap) This article was created at 9:00 AM (MESZ) and will not be updated further.