Ashot Manucharyan:

Medical Students in Tbilisi have participated in the campaign LANDMINE FREE SOUTH CAUCASUS 2026. The regional’ Landmine Free South Caucasus’ (LFSC) campaign was initiated by LINKS Europe Foundation in 2018 to address the critical issue of landmine and unexploded ordnance contamination in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. With significant landmine contamination in the region posing an ongoing threat to life and eliciting high economic costs, LFSC advocated for a regional, holistic approach to complete clearance.  Future Doctors Join the Conversation on Friday, 16 October in Tbilisi. "As part of the Landmine Free South Caucasus 2026 campaign, an informative and interactive meeting was held in Tbilisi with medical students. The session was conducted by George Simonishvili, South Caucasus Co-ordinator for LINKS Europe.  The meeting focused on the humanitarian consequences of landmines and other explosive remnants of war in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, with particular attention to the Red Bridge minefield near the borders of the three countries, and emphasised that these dangers remain a current humanitarian challenge. It also underlined that future medical professionals will encounter the long-term effects of explosion injuries and can play a role in awareness and prevention.  Students actively engaged throughout the discussion, showing strong interest in the humanitarian impact and the need for cooperation. Under the slogan "Future Doctors for a Landmine Free South Caucasus," the event encouraged students to support public awareness, solidarity with survivors, and a safer South Caucasus free from landmine threats.  The event was organised by LINKS Europe as part of LFSC26.  "Medical Students Stand for a Landmine Free South Caucasus," "Future Doctors, Safer Futures: Together Against Landmines." "Future Doctors for a Landmine Free South Caucasus".

The European Commission disbursed €1.24 billion to Ukraine on Wednesday (October 7) under the defence component of the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan, earmarked for drones, drone interceptors, ammunition, and missiles produced by Ukrainian entities. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the payment would strengthen Ukraine’s defence industry and its ability to protect people and infrastructure. She described Russia’s ongoing attacks as a deliberate strategy intended to make daily life increasingly difficult for Ukrainians. The Ukraine Support Loan provides an indicative €60 billion for defence and €30 billion for budgetary assistance during 2026–2027. The European Commission plans to disburse €28.3 billion for Ukraine’s defence industrial capacity in 2026, with further payments under the defence component expected in the coming weeks. Funding decisions are based on Ukraine’s evolving requirements and remain subject to agreed conditions and monitoring. According to Ukrainian Prime Minister Serhiy Koretskyi, the latest payment brings Ukraine’s defence financing received through the programme to nearly €13 billion. He said the government would continue working with European partners to ensure the remaining planned funding is delivered on schedule and in full For the remainder of 2026, €32.5 billion in EU financial support remains available to Ukraine. This includes €28.1 billion under the Ukraine Support Loan – €15.4 billion for defence industrial capacity and €12.7 billion in budget support. A further €4.4 billion remains available through the Ukraine Facility, bringing the total budget support available for 2026 to more than €17 billion, subject to Ukraine meeting the relevant conditions. Since 2022, the EU and its member states have provided €228.7 billion in overall support to Ukraine, including €3.8 billion generated from immobilised Russian assets.