Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to attend the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, on October 10, with discussions focused on strengthening trade and security partnerships, as confirmed by Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov. Concurrently, Putin announced the successful test of the nuclear-powered 'Poseidon' unmanned underwater vehicle, claiming it surpasses the Sarmat missile and is "impossible to intercept," amid rising tensions with NATO.
European stock markets exhibited caution, closing mostly flat or mixed. On Tuesday, indices like the DAX, CAC 40, and FTSE 100 ended near unchanged, with the Euro Stoxx 50 dipping 0.27%. On Wednesday, the DAX fell 0.64% while the FTSE 100 rose 0.61%, as investors awaited key central bank decisions from the US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank.
The European Commission proposed doubling steel tariffs from 25% to 50% to protect domestic industries, a move described by Executive Vice-President Stephane Sejourne as part of a strategy to "save our European steel plants and jobs." This policy requires approval from the European Parliament and member states.
The United States confirmed plans to scale down troop presence in NATO's eastern flank, affecting Bulgaria, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania, with the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team returning to Kentucky. Officials emphasized continued commitment to NATO's defense clause.
Additional developments included a partial building collapse in Madrid leaving four missing and ten injured, a knife attack on German Mayor Iris Stalzer, and Polish jets intercepting a Russian Il-20 reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea, highlighting ongoing regional tensions.
