“Do not repeat the mistakes of World War II.” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has called on international allies to act decisively and resist Russian aggression.

Remembering the lessons of history

Sybiha recalled that on 1 September 1939, Hitler attacked Poland, soon joined by Stalin, initiating the bloodiest war in history.

“Today it is extremely important to remember what led to that day: weakness and naive faith that territorial concessions would ‘appease’ the aggressor,” the Ukrainian foreign minister noted.

Responsibility for the World War II disaster

The minister emphasized that the Nazi Third Reich bears full responsibility for the war, but there were also those who “allowed this evil to grow stronger—avoiding difficult decisions and favoring weakness over strength.”

According to Sybiha, the best way to honor the memory of tens of millions of victims is not to repeat the same mistakes today.

Allies’ unity and support for Ukraine

Sybiga stressed that the unity of allies, pressure on the Russian aggressor, and consistent support for Ukraine are critically important for Europe’s security and long-term peace.

“Strength and determination today are the guarantee of future security and peace in Europe,” he added.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump proposed that Ukraine consider territorial concessions to Russia as part of ending the war. His proposal involved Ukraine relinquishing control over Donetsk Oblast to Russia, in exchange for Russia agreeing to freeze the front lines and halt further advances. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy firmly rejected any proposal to cede Ukrainian land to Russia. He emphasized Ukraine’s sovereignty and constitutional prohibition on surrendering territory to the occupier. 

In a report on 31 August, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) outlined how the Kremlin has intensified its multi-pronged information campaign to weaken Western support for Ukraine and derail the European role in peace efforts in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war.

Russia is now aggressively pushing three narrative lines at once: blaming European states for prolonging the war, reviving nuclear threats, and portraying Russian victory as inevitable.

Kremlin blames Europe for dragging out the war

Kremlin officials have returned to a long-standing propaganda line that paints European states as obstacles to peace in Ukraine. ISW noted that Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov and Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) CEO Kirill Dmitriev recently implied that European countries are deliberately extending the conflict. According to ISW, Russia is using Dmitriev—who frequently represents Kremlin interests on Western platforms—to reintroduce this message into the Western media environment, aiming to erode US confidence in European allies.

Medvedev threatens nuclear consequences for backing Ukraine

On 31 August, Russian Security Council Chairperson Dmitry Medvedev launched a pointed attack against French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Posting on his English-language X account, Medvedev accused the two leaders of having “forgotten the lessons” of World War II. He warned that “things could end up like they did in 1945 – [Macron and Merz] too may end up being identified by their teeth,” directly invoking the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Medvedev also described recent Russian military progress as “bad news” for the European leaders.

ISW assessed that this language is intended to threaten France and Germany with nuclear consequences for their involvement in US-led efforts to end the war, while simultaneously amplifying the idea of unstoppable Russian military momentum.

Moscow promotes image of inevitable victory

Alongside these threats, the Kremlin continues to push the idea that Russian victory in Ukraine is certain. ISW reported that the Russian Ministry of Defense has ramped up its efforts to project battlefield success using large volumes of qualitative data. However, ISW assessed that these claims are inflated and part of the broader strategy to demoralize Ukraine’s allies and reduce Western resolve.

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot has announced his country will provide Ukraine with batch of F-16 fighter jets in coming months, Novini.Live reports. 

Belgium has pledged 30 F-16s by 2028—more than any other single donor. These American-made aircraft symbolize Ukraine’s modernization and its fight to reclaim the skies.

Yet as of mid-2025, none have been delivered. Officially, the delay is due to Belgium’s own transition from F-16s to newer F-35s. 

Ukraine support from Benelux

Prévot’s statements came at the Ukraine–Benelux meeting in Odesa on 26 August with foreign ministers from Belgium, Luxembourg, and a representative from the Netherlands. During the event, the leaders reaffirmed support for Ukraine and emphasized the importance of holding a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression.

Belgium’s contribution: F-16s, drones, and demining

Prévot also said Belgium has trained more than 3,000 Ukrainian military personnel and technicians, provided drones, allocated €20 million to the Ukrainian Grain Initiative, and plans to complete Black Sea demining by 2029.

“I remember the drawings Ukrainian children gave me in Rome. They remind us that this struggle is not just about borders but also the dreams and dignity of a new generation,” Prévot stated.

Joint statement on “grain corridors”

Following the meeting, the officials confirmed in a joint statement:

• Assistance in rebuilding schools, hospitals, and energy infrastructure in Ukraine;
• Financial, military, and humanitarian support “as long as needed”;
• Protection of grain routes in the Black Sea, vital for global food security.

“This is the end of Starlink internet for Ukraine.” Poland’s Digital Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski has sharply criticized President Karol Nawrocki’s decision to veto a law on assistance to Ukrainians who fled Russia’s war. 

According to Gawkowski, the president’s veto effectively blocks providing Ukraine with internet access via Starlink and halts support for storing data from the Ukrainian state administration in secure Polish data centers.

“Karol Nawrocki is shutting down the Internet for Ukraine with his decision… This is the end of Starlink internet, which Poland provides to Ukraine, waging war.

This is also the end of support for storing Ukrainian administration data in a safe place,” says Gawkowski. 

“A gift to the Kremlin”

Gawkowski has stressed that this step plays into Russia’s hands. 

“I can’t imagine a better gift for Putin’s troops than cutting off Ukraine from the internet, which the President has just decided,” he claims. 

Politics versus security

The deputy prime minister appealed to the president, urging him to stop using veto power as a political weapon.

“Mr. President – you must stop blindly throwing punches at the government in the name of political fighting. You are harming people who are fighting for their independence and at the same time helping Russia,” Gawkowski concludes. 

Earlier, Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said Kyiv tested the revolutionary Starlink Direct to Cell technology for the first time.

It allows smartphones to connect directly to satellites without special antennas or equipment. The technology could keep communications running even during massive attacks and blackouts. 

Kyiv sends first wartime text via new Starlink’s tech — no Russian-made blackout can interrupt it

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a $1 billion military assistance package for Ukraine during Independence Day proceedings in Kyiv, with equipment deliveries scheduled to begin in September 2025.

The aid package forms part of Canada’s broader $2 billion military commitment made at the G7 summit in June. Carney specified that the funds will purchase drones, ammunition, and armored vehicles for Ukrainian forces.

“Today I proudly announce that over $1 billion of this amount will be directed to strengthening your weapons arsenal through the supply of drones, ammunition, and armored vehicles, which will arrive as early as next month,” Carney stated during his address.

Beyond military hardware, Canada committed tens of millions of dollars for emergency medical assistance, bomb shelter construction, and democracy strengthening initiatives. The democracy support includes cybersecurity assistance to counter digital attacks on Ukrainian institutions.

Carney outlined Canada’s role in international efforts to address humanitarian concerns, particularly regarding illegally displaced children from occupied territories. As co-chair of the international coalition for returning deported Ukrainian children, Canada plans to coordinate with Ukraine, European partners, and the United States on repatriation efforts.

“On this Ukrainian Independence Day and at this critical moment in the country’s history, Canada is strengthening its support and efforts aimed at achieving just and lasting peace in Ukraine,” the Prime Minister stated.

Carney’s visit to Kyiv represents part of a broader European tour. His itinerary includes meetings with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on 25 August, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on 26 August, and Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa on 27 August.

Since the full-scale invasion began in 2022, Canada has provided nearly $22 billion in aid to Ukraine, including over $12.4 billion in financial assistance to support the Ukrainian government and economy. Canada also committed about $3 billion specifically for military support, supplying infantry fighting vehicles, drones, ammunition, and training for Ukrainian forces.