Ukraine calendar: What will happen this week
Editor's note: This article is a shortened on-site version of KI Insights' public newsletter, The Week Ahead, covering events from October 13-19. Sign up here to start your week with an agenda of Ukraine-related events delivered directly to your inbox every week.
This week, a Ukrainian delegation led by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko will travel to the United States for negotiations. The delegation includes the Office of the President chief Andrii Yermak, and sanctions commissioner, Vladyslav Vlasiuk. Talks will focus on military assistance to Ukraine, sanctions against Russia, energy issues, and peace negotiations.
President Donald Trump is on the verge of deciding on the delivery of long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles, stating that he wants to understand their real impact. The U.S. government remains in a partial shutdown.
A new selection process for positions on the Constitutional Court of Ukraine will be announced on 13 October by the Parliament’s Committee on Legal Policy. Earlier this week, the Ukrainian parliament failed to appoint four new Constitutional Court judges, as none of the candidates received the required number of votes. Currently, the Constitutional Court has 13 judges, with five vacancies remaining. The minimum number required for the Court to function is 12 judges.
The Constitutional Court could play a key role in preparing Ukraine’s first post-war elections. Since the procedures for such elections are not covered by existing Ukrainian legislation, any decisions regarding them must be confirmed as constitutional by the Court. Any changes to the Electoral Code cannot receive a ruling from the Constitutional Court if fewer than 12 judges are present. Currently, the absence of just two judges (for example, due to illness) can halt the court’s work.
Learn more about the Office of the President’s interest in this issue and the outlook for upcoming elections in the upcoming Weekly Report by KI Insights.
The EU Justice and Home Affairs Council will meet on 13 October. Among the key topics on the agenda is the fight against Russian impunity, including discussions on holding Russia accountable for crimes committed in connection with its aggression against Ukraine. The issue of using frozen Russian assets may also be raised, as the debate on this remains active within the EU.
The Ukraine Defence Contact Group (Ramstein) will convene during the meeting of NATO Ministers of Defence on 15 October. Co-chaired by the United Kingdom and Germany, the group coordinates arms deliveries and broader military support for Ukraine. While the official agenda has not been disclosed, discussions are expected to focus on the continued supply of U.S.-made weapons to Ukraine, funded by European partners, a policy maintained by President Donald Trump. The meeting takes place amid ongoing violations of European airspace by Russian drones.
The Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will take place from 13 to 18 October. Among the events is a speech by Ukraine’s Finance Minister, Serhii Marchenko, scheduled for Thursday. The speech will focus on Ukraine’s recovery, fiscal stability during wartime, and the role of international assistance.
Discussions are underway regarding a new IMF loan program, as the previous $15.5 billion arrangement has expired. Ukraine’s external financing needs are estimated at $65 billion for 2026–2029.
A gas crisis affecting Ukraine and Europe looms in the coming weeks, as 60% of Ukraine’s gas production was damaged by recent Russian strikes. Rising European prices due to increased imports to Ukraine are, however, likely to be partially mitigated by the global gas glut. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is preparing a new financing package for Naftogaz to enable emergency gas purchases and prevent shortages ahead of the winter.
Finally, the political crisis in France could have implications for Ukraine. In the case of a technocratic government, support for Kyiv would remain, but its pace could slow due to budgetary constraints, and rumors of imminent elections pose even greater risks to Ukraine.
Events and Milestones:
Next week:
- 16 October, Kyiv & Online. Hybrid event: Responsible Business for Ukraine’s Recovery: Path to Sustainable Investment and European Integration. With the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive making responsible practices a prerequisite for working with European partners, this conference by the Ministry of Economy and UNDP will outline practical HRDD steps, green finance opportunities, and standards to access EU markets. Register here.
- 16 October. Online event: ESG Reporting and Sustainable Development Webinar (Ukrainian language). BDO Ukraine experts will provide practical guidance on ESG reporting, covering Omnibus and ESRS. GRI standards, and share actionable steps for companies to enhance transparency and comply with upcoming regulations. Register here.
Further ahead:
- 21-23 October, Madrid. Offline event: FIPP World Media Congress 2025. Marking FIPP’s 100th anniversary, this centenary congress will gather media professionals from around the world for three days of keynotes, workshops, and networking, celebrating a century of innovation while shaping the industry’s future. More details & tickets here.
- 23 October. Online event: Where Are Ukraine’s Oligarchs Now? Power, Projects, and Political Futures. Drawing on original analysis by political expert Anatoliy Oktysiuk, this KI Insights briefing assesses the current standing and potential political re-entry paths of Ukraine’s major oligarchs. For KI Insights subscribers only. Read more details & register here.
- 25–29 October, Washington, DC. Offline event: Ukraine Action Summit. One of the largest gatherings of advocates, experts, and community leaders for Ukraine, this five-day summit will feature conference panels, an expo of Ukraine-focused organizations, a networking reception, and direct advocacy on Capitol Hill to keep U.S. support strong. Register here.
- 29 October, London. Offline event: 4th Annual Ukrainian Infrastructure Forum. With the support of the Embassy of Ukraine in the UK and hosted by CMS, the Forum gathers key Ukrainian and international stakeholders to discuss financing, project preparation, PPP models, and Ukraine’s role as a logistics hub. Register here.
- 13–14 November, Warsaw. Offline event: ReBuild Ukraine — Construction & Energy 2025 (Expo XXI). International exhibition & conference convening Ukrainian communities, state energy firms, IFIs, investors and industry to mobilise investment and showcase recovery solutions across infrastructure, energy, industry and housing; includes the EU–Ukraine Investment Conference and sector forums. More details & tickets here.
- 18 November, London. Offline event: 4th UK–UA Defence Tech Forum. Hosted at RUSI with the support of the Embassy of Ukraine in the UK, the forum will showcase 15 leading Ukrainian defence tech companies to international partners and investors, fostering collaboration and innovation. Register here.
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