NATO

Former Kosovo president Hashim Thaci has been sentenced to 25 years for war crimes by a Hague tribunal, even as the country faces a political deadlock over electing a new president. The twin crises threaten Kosovo’s domestic stability and its relations with NATO.

Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas says a drone shot down by a NATO fighter jet over southern Lithuania on 15 September appears to have had no explosives. Earlier, bomb disposal experts neutralised a device at the site. The drone, which entered from Belarus, may have originated from Russia, according to Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto. An investigation is under way.

Trump envoys Kushner and Witkoff took a vague peace plan to Moscow and Kyiv, but Russia's terms have hardened. Meanwhile Washington is demanding Europe repay US aid to Ukraine, setting up a tense test for European governments.

Trump demands Europe repay billions in US Ukraine aid as envoys Kushner and Witkoff travel to Russia and Ukraine with a peace proposal that may include security guarantees and a ceasefire.

President Trump demands Europe repay the US for Ukraine aid provided under Biden, while sending envoys Kushner and Witkoff to revive peace talks. Experts warn the demand could fracture Western unity at a critical moment.