Story perspectives

Von der Leyen Proposes EU Security Council, Emergency Attack Protocol

By Drooid · Oct 21, 2026, 6:08 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

EU Targets Russian Assets

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed a European Security Council and emergency protocol against Russian attacks.
EU officials control over $225 billion in frozen Russian assets that could be seized for Ukraine.
Intelligence chiefs from the UK, Germany, Norway, Denmark and NATO warned of Russian sabotage, cyber and drone attacks.
Europe secured undersea cables, installed drone-detection radar and strengthened cyber defences, but lacks punitive deterrence.

Summary

Witkoff Meets Putin

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Oslo to discuss Ukraine negotiations and a possible prisoner exchange.
The Kremlin said it hopes Witkoff will brief President Vladimir Putin on the talks in coming days.
Putin is expected to meet Witkoff in St. Petersburg to negotiate release of American Stephen Hubbard captured 2022.
Putin backed Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin’s government reshuffle proposal to be submitted to the State Duma.

History

Historical Context

In March 2014 the EU, led by Commission President José Manuel Barroso, imposed its first coordinated sanctions on Russia after Crimea’s annexation, freezing about €1 billion and targeting banks, energy firms and individuals. The measures have been renewed annually, extended to 31 January 2025, and von der Leyen’s European Security Council proposal and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff’s talks with Putin echo those 2014 pressure tactics.

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EU Targets Russian Assets

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed a European Security Council and emergency protocol against Russian attacks.
EU officials control over $225 billion in frozen Russian assets that could be seized for Ukraine.
Intelligence chiefs from the UK, Germany, Norway, Denmark and NATO warned of Russian sabotage, cyber and drone attacks.
Europe secured undersea cables, installed drone-detection radar and strengthened cyber defences, but lacks punitive deterrence.

1 / 3