5 October: Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will seek the creation of an "Eurasian Union" of former Soviet countries as part of his foreign policy agenda if he is re-elected president next year. (Izvestia)

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.