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Reçu aujourd’hui — 31 août 2025Ukraine
Reçu hier — 30 août 2025Ukraine

Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit could shed light on intentions of member states

30 août 2025 à 21:44
Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and leaders of eight other nations are set to meet in northern China for the latest summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

© ASSOCIATED PRESS

Step-by-step approach needed for integrating citizens from de-occupied territories – Budanov

30 août 2025 à 20:25
For the successful future reintegration of Ukrainian citizens from de-occupied territories, a systematic, step-by-step approach must be developed, according to Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR).

Russo-Ukrainian war, day 1284: Key 2014 Euromaidan revolution leader assassinated in Ukraine while Trump doubts Putin-Zelenskyy talks to happen soon

30 août 2025 à 19:18

Exclusive

Ukraine’s missile crews are valuable targets now. Ukraine’s Neptunes and other long-range cruise missiles pose a growing threat. So Russia is targeting them on the ground.

Military

Ukraine strikes Russian underground chemical plant storing military explosives 1000+ km away. Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate targeted the Aleksinsky Chemical Plant storing pyroxylin powder used in ammunition and artillery systems.

Frontline report: Ukrainian tanks destroy Russian infiltrators point-blank after river crossing near Lyman. Geolocated footage captured the entire sequence as thermal drones monitored a Ukrainian tank systematically destroying each building where Russians had taken shelter

Ukraine hits oil refineries in Krasnodar Krai and Samara Oblast – General Staff. Ukrainian drones struck oil refineries producing 11.5 mn tons annually in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai and Samara Oblast overnight, with one facility suffering a 300-square-meter fire

Intelligence and technology

US approves possible sale of Patriot spare parts and Starlink services to Ukraine. Ukraine will receive $179.1 mn in Patriot air defense sustainment support, with an additional $150 mn authorized for Starlink satellite communications services.

International

Lithuanian forces install anti-tank “dragon teeth” barriers at Russian and Belarusian border crossings amid invasion threats. The Lithuanian initiative forms part of a broader regional strategy involving Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Poland, aimed at reducing land invasion threats following Russia’s 2022 full-scale aggression in Ukraine.

Trump doubts on near-term Putin-Zelenskyy meeting despite his previous optimism to end war quickly. The US president once again compared Russo-Ukrainian war to playground children who “have to fight for a little bit before you can get them to stop.”

Trump eyes mercenaries for Ukraine as European allies demand American backing. American contractors would build fortifications and protect business interests under emerging peace framework.

German Navy inspector warns of growing Russian aggression. Russian units are showing “increased aggressiveness” through drone overflights, infiltration attempts, and sabotage efforts targeting German military infrastructure, the country’s navy inspector warned

Poland deports 15 Ukrainians citing “threats to public safety”. Poland expelled 15 Ukrainian citizens and banned them from re-entering the country for five to ten years following convictions for theft, robbery, drug possession.

Poland works to regulate status of Ukrainians as Polish president blocks protection extension. Nearly 1 mn Ukrainian citizens in Poland face potential legal uncertainty after President Karol Nawrocki blocked legislation extending their temporary protection

Estonia extradites Estonian Russian who helped Russia buy electronics to the United States. An Estonian national accused of operating a complex procurement network for Russian military interests was transferred to US custody this week

Humanitarian and social impact

“No laws or morals in Russian army”: Ukrainian drones document alleged execution of unarmed civilian by Russian soldier near frontline Pokrovsk. Ukraine’s aerial reconnaissance captured the killing of an elderly man “clearly visible in civilian clothes and without weapons.”

Russia claims it only targets “military objects” in Ukraine. But recent Russian strike killed toddler born during war and her mom. Moscow’s assertion of targeting exclusively military and defense industry facilities in Ukraine contrasts with the death of civilians spanning ages from toddlers to elderly residents.

Zaporizhzhia blackout affects 25,000 residents after Russian strike. Power outages affected 25,000 subscribers in Zaporizhzhia following a Russian attack that killed one person and injured 28 others

Political and legal developments

Ukraine Parliament ex-speaker Parubiy shot dead in Lviv. Former Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Andriy Parubiy was shot and killed around midday on 30 Aug. in Lviv, with the assailant reportedly disguised as a delivery courier,

Read our earlier daily review here.

Lithuanian forces install anti-tank “dragon teeth” barriers at Russian and Belarusian border crossings amid invasion threats

30 août 2025 à 17:36

Concrete anti-tank barriers known as "dragon's teeth" are positioned at a Lithuania-Belarus border crossing point. The triangular obstacles are part of Lithuania's defensive measures to strengthen border security and restrict vehicle movement as part of the planned Baltic Defense Line.

Lithuanian military forces have positioned concrete anti-tank obstacles known as “dragon’s teeth” at several border control points with Russia and Belarus as part of planned defensive measures.

Lithuania views Russia as a significant security threat, particularly given its geographic proximity and history as a former Soviet republic. Lithuanian officials have substantially increased defense spending, reinstated military conscription, and are actively preparing for potential conflict scenarios as part of their response to what they characterize as a real threat from Russia.

The barriers were installed on roads at unused border crossing points, while at operational checkpoints the obstacles were placed in accessible locations nearby for rapid deployment when needed, according to Lithuanian news agency LRT, citing an announcement from the Lithuanian army.

The military stated that no modifications were made to existing road infrastructure, ensuring that current traffic conditions remain unaffected for residents.

“The installed barriers are only part of a large integrated picture,” said Lithuanian Armed Forces Commander General Raimundas Vaikšnoras. “We start from the tactical level — specific obstacles at the border — and then we will combine the entire engineering scenario into one conceptual system.”

Lithuanian military officials characterized the work as part of a scheduled implementation of counter-mobility measures designed for the planned Baltic Defense Line. This initiative represents a coordinated long-term strategy involving all Baltic states [Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia] and Poland aimed at reducing land invasion threats and limiting potential hostile actions on territory.

Lithuania’s relations with Russia in decline

Lithuania’s relations with Russia deteriorated sharply following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The country condemned the invasion, expelled Russian diplomats, closed the Russian consulate in Klaipėda, and imposed sanctions on Russia. Lithuania also temporarily blocked Russian cargo transit to an exclave of Kaliningrad and ceased purchasing Russian gas entirely.

Recently, Lithuania has also withdrawn from the Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel landmines and plans to begin domestic production next year. Deputy Defense Minister Karolis Aleksa indicated the country will spend hundreds of millions of euros to produce tens of thousands of mines for defensive purposes, with plans to supply both Lithuania and Ukraine.

The country joins Finland and other Eastern European NATO members in exiting the treaty due to security concerns about Russia, which never signed the agreement. Officials stated the mines will be stored for rapid deployment if threatened rather than creating peacetime minefields.

  • ✇Euromaidan Press
  • Trump doubts on near-term Putin-Zelenskyy meeting despite his previous optimism to end war quickly
    President Trump doesn’t think Putin and Zelenskyy will sit down together anytime soon. The two leaders aren’t ready, he told the Daily Caller in a 29 August interview. When asked whether trilateral negotiations involving himself, Zelensky, and Putin would proceed, Trump indicated that timing remains uncertain. “Sometimes people are not ready for this,” the president stated, according to the Daily Caller report. Trump employed his previous analogy comparing the two leaders
     

Trump doubts on near-term Putin-Zelenskyy meeting despite his previous optimism to end war quickly

30 août 2025 à 16:25

axios ukraine nato allies rush high-stakes uk meeting forge united stance before trump meets putin left right presidents volodymyr zelenskyy donald usa vladimir russia sources presidentgovua flickr/gage skidmore youtube/kremlin address_by_president_of_ukraine_volodymyr_zelenskyy_usa-trump-rushka-putin

President Trump doesn’t think Putin and Zelenskyy will sit down together anytime soon. The two leaders aren’t ready, he told the Daily Caller in a 29 August interview.

When asked whether trilateral negotiations involving himself, Zelensky, and Putin would proceed, Trump indicated that timing remains uncertain.

“Sometimes people are not ready for this,” the president stated, according to the Daily Caller report.

Trump employed his previous analogy comparing the two leaders to children in conflict, describing them as figures who “hate each other” on a playground, swinging and fighting until exhaustion forces them to stop.

“Sometimes they have to fight a little before you can make them stop. But this has been going on for a long time. A lot of people are dead,” Trump said.

This marks a shift from Trump’s earlier confidence. After meeting Putin in Alaska on 15 August, he “really thought” the war could end quickly. Not anymore. Ukraine and Russia may need to “fight a little more” first.

Earlier, Trump rated his three-hour meeting with Putin in Alaska a perfect 10 out of 10, despite no deal being reached to end the Russo-Ukrainian war. He emphasized that the meeting went well personally, saying, “We got along great,” but acknowledged that not all issues were settled and there was no agreement on reaching peace anytime soon. 

No American troops for Ukraine as security guarantee

The president also ruled out American boots on Ukrainian soil as part of any peace deal. But he outlined a different kind of commitment—possible air support to help end the fighting.

He noted that European forces would handle most operations, with American assistance. 

European officials are actively working on plans to deploy British and French troops to Ukraine as part of security guarantees following any ceasefire, known as the “Coalition of the willing,” with about ten countries ready to participate.

The European plan involves two stages: initially, European troops would be stationed away from frontlines to train Ukrainian forces and provide reinforcements, acting as military advisors rather than a symbolic presence.

Next, the US would contribute intelligence sharing, border monitoring, additional weapons, and possibly air defense systems, continuing to supply military aid through European partners even without direct American troop deployment.

Zelenskyy previously rejected Trump’s playground metaphor with sharp words:

Putin is “a killer who came to this park to kill children.”

 

“No laws or morals in Russian army”: Ukrainian drones document alleged execution of unarmed civilian by Russian soldier near frontline Pokrovsk

30 août 2025 à 14:41

Ukrainian drone footage shows Russian soldier executing unarmed civilian in Donetsk Oblast yard near the front line on 28 August.

Fighters from Ukraine’s 1st National Guard Corps “Azov” have released drone footage showing what they describe as the execution of an unarmed elderly civilian by Russian forces in Pokrovsk district, Donetsk Oblast, on 28 August.

According to the Azov unit, aerial reconnaissance captured the incident in which a Russian soldier shot and killed an elderly man in his yard. The military unit published the video evidence on their official Telegram channel.

“It is clearly visible that the person was in civilian clothes and without weapons,” the Azov fighters stated in their announcement. 

Russian soldier shot and killed an unarmed elderly man in his own yard near frontline Pokrovsk on 28 August — 1st National Guard Corps "Azov."

Ukrainian drone footage captured the incident during aerial reconnaissance, identifying the alleged perpetrator as a serviceman from… pic.twitter.com/XQAUDhJAJs

— Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) August 30, 2025

The unit emphasized that the alleged act constitutes a direct violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention on the Protection of Civilian Persons during times of war and armed conflict. 

The Ukrainian forces identified the alleged perpetrator as a serviceman from the 95th separate rifle regiment of the 5th separate motorized rifle brigade of the 51st army of the Russian Armed Forces, according to their intelligence.

The Azov unit characterized the incident as “another proof that for the Russian army there exist neither laws nor morals,” though this represents their assessment rather than an independent verification.

This incident fits within a documented pattern of executions carried out by Russian forces against both civilians and Ukrainian soldiers in frontline zones and occupied territories.

Russian soldiers have been recorded executing civilians often under suspicion of collaboration with Ukrainian forces or information sharing. These killings sometimes occur as collective punishment following attacks on Russian positions, with troops assuming local residents aided Ukrainian forces.

International observers have also documented hundreds of executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs), including footage showing captured soldiers killed shortly after surrender.

These documented executions serve multiple purposes according to military analysts, including intimidation tactics, retaliation against resistance, and attempts to undermine Ukrainian military and civilian morale. 

  • ✇Euromaidan Press
  • Ukraine strikes Russian underground chemical plant storing military explosives 1000+ km away
    Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate conducted a nighttime attack on an underground explosives warehouse at the Aleksinsky Chemical Plant in Russia’s Tula Oblast on 30 August, according to various reports of Ukrainian news agencies. Ukraine’s targeting strategy focuses on several key types of Russian infrastructure, including military airfields and aircraft, oil refineries, fuel depots, military bases, and transportation hubs. These attacks aim to degrade Russia’s
     

Ukraine strikes Russian underground chemical plant storing military explosives 1000+ km away

30 août 2025 à 13:38

An explosion at a Russian chemical plant in Tula Oblast used for military purposes that happened due to a Ukrainian drone strike.

Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate conducted a nighttime attack on an underground explosives warehouse at the Aleksinsky Chemical Plant in Russia’s Tula Oblast on 30 August, according to various reports of Ukrainian news agencies.

Ukraine’s targeting strategy focuses on several key types of Russian infrastructure, including military airfields and aircraft, oil refineries, fuel depots, military bases, and transportation hubs. These attacks aim to degrade Russia’s military capabilities, particularly its air power and logistics capacity, thereby reducing its ability to conduct missile strikes and support forces attacking Ukraine. 
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion began, Russian regions and occupied territories have regularly experienced drone attacks as Ukraine emphasizes its work to weaken Russian army rear bases and reduce the aggressor’s offensive potential.

The targeted facility stored pyroxylin powder, a smokeless powder used in small arms ammunition, artillery systems, and certain rocket engines, according to Hromadske.

Ukraine struck an underground explosives warehouse at a Russian chemical plant overnight located 1000+km away— Ukrainian intelligence.

The Aleksinsky Chemical Plant in Tula Oblast stored pyroxylin powder used to make ammunition for rifles, artillery, and rocket engines.

Ukraine… pic.twitter.com/9BpeoszEqW

— Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) August 30, 2025

Residents of Aleksin in Tula Oblast, located over 1000 km (621 miles) from Ukraine, reported hearing loud explosions before emergency services dispatched fire trucks and ambulances to the scene.

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The regional governor confirmed “drone debris falling on the territory of an industrial enterprise” but stated there were no casualties or damage at the site.

However, the emergency response and reported explosions suggest the operation achieved its intended impact on the military supply facility.

The Aleksinsky Chemical Plant represents a repeat target for Ukrainian forces, having previously sustained attacks in January 2025. This pattern reflects Ukraine’s sustained campaign against Russian military supply infrastructure.

Oil refineries targeted on the same night

The 30 August chemical plant strike occurred alongside Ukrainian attacks on two Russian oil refineries the same night. Ukrainian defense forces targeted the Krasnodar refinery in Krasnodar Krai and the Sizran refinery in Samara Oblast using unmanned aerial vehicles, according to the General Staff of Ukraine.

The Krasnodar refinery, which produces 3 million tons of light petroleum products annually and “participates in supplying the Russian Armed Forces,” sustained damage to one technological installation and a fire covering approximately 300 square meters.

The Sizran refinery processes 8.5 million tons annually and produces gasoline, diesel fuel, aviation kerosene, fuel oil, and bitumen.

Russia claims it only targets “military objects” in Ukraine. But recent Russian strike killed toddler born during war and her mom

30 août 2025 à 12:33

Emergency workers in blue uniforms search through debris and rubble of severely damaged multi-story residential buildings in Kyiv, Ukraine, with destroyed walls and broken windows, smoke visible in background

Russian army General Staff Chief Valery Gerasimov announced that Moscow plans to continue delivering massive strikes “exclusively against military targets” in Ukraine, according to his summary of combat operations for the spring-summer period.

However, the pattern of near-daily strikes on Ukrainian cities has consistently resulted in missiles, drones, and their debris hitting civilian areas and non-military infrastructure, producing significant casualty tolls that include children.

“According to the General Staff’s plan, targeted massive fire strikes continue exclusively against military targets and military-industrial complex facilities in Ukraine,” Gerasimov stated.

General of the Russian Army Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces. Photo: RIA Novosti

He added that Russian forces conduct some attacks jointly with the Federal Security Service (FSB) and will continue offensive operations within their stated military objectives.

According to Russian military reports, the priority is given to facilities producing missile systems and long-range unmanned aerial vehicles. 

These announcements come as US President Donald Trump recently expressed optimism about potential diplomatic progress following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska in mid-August 2025. Trump indicated that Putin appeared interested in reaching a peace agreement regarding Ukraine, with many points reportedly agreed upon though no final deal was announced. 

Russian strike killed a little girl born during full-scale war

Russian diplomatic rhetoric contrasts sharply with the reality on the ground, as evidenced by the 28 August attack on Kyiv that resulted in 25 confirmed deaths, according to President Zelenskyy. Russian forces used 31 missiles and 598 drones in the overnight assault, with damage recorded across nearly all districts of the capital.

Among the casualties were four children, including two-year-old Anhelina and her 24-year-old mother Nadiia Yakymenko.

According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the youngest victim “was born under Russian shelling in October 2022 and died from Russian shelling in August 2025.”

Two-year-old Anhelina and her mother Nadiia Yakymenko, 24, who were killed in the Russian missile attack on Kyiv on 28 August 2025.

Civilian lives Russian aggression took

Other victims included 14-year-old Nazariy Koval, a school student, and 17-year-old Maryna Gryshko, a college student.

“This girl was a gentle, bright and creative personality, open to the world and people. She knew how to give kindness, inspire those around her with her talent and sincerity. For her classmates and teachers, she will forever remain a bright ray of joy and kindness,” the college statement about Maryna’s death noted.

Yana Shapoval, whose family resided on the top floor of a five-story residential building that was destroyed in the bombardment, was also killed in the attack. Her husband was critically injured and required hospitalization while their 11-year-old son Maksym sustained a fractured arm.

Civilians killed in the Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv on 28 August 2025. Among the 25 confirmed deaths were residents ranging from a two-year-old child to elderly citizens. Photo: Monitoring organization “Russia killed them.”

The strikes also damaged multiple civilian and diplomatic facilities, including the European Union representation building, the British Council office, and media outlets including Ukrainska Pravda and Radio Liberty. Transportation infrastructure was also affected, with damage to postal facilities and railway equipment.

Following the attack, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the strike as “successful” while simultaneously claiming Moscow’s continued interest in peace negotiations. The European Union summoned Russia’s ambassador in response, and Ukraine called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting.

  • ✇Euromaidan Press
  • Trump eyes mercenaries for Ukraine as European allies demand American backing
    Donald Trump is negotiating with European allies to deploy American private military contractors to Ukraine as part of long-term security guarantees, offering a workaround to his campaign promise against stationing US troops in the country, The Telegraph reports. The contractor plan forms part of a comprehensive European-led security framework involving thousands of troops, air policing missions, and Black Sea naval operations that European officials say cannot proceed wi
     

Trump eyes mercenaries for Ukraine as European allies demand American backing

30 août 2025 à 11:15

President Donald Trump participates in a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Wednesday, June 25, 2025, during the 2025 NATO Summit at the World Forum in The Hague, Netherlands.

Donald Trump is negotiating with European allies to deploy American private military contractors to Ukraine as part of long-term security guarantees, offering a workaround to his campaign promise against stationing US troops in the country, The Telegraph reports.

The contractor plan forms part of a comprehensive European-led security framework involving thousands of troops, air policing missions, and Black Sea naval operations that European officials say cannot proceed without American intelligence, logistics, and command support.

Final details of the comprehensive security framework could be announced as soon as this weekend, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicating that specifics are imminent.

Any proposals are likely to face Russian objection, but Trump has reportedly told European leaders that Vladimir Putin is open to Western allies offering Ukraine security guarantees. 

American contractors could build Ukraine’s defensive lines

The Telegraph reported that US contractors would help rebuild Ukraine’s front-line defenses, construct new military bases.

The American president signaled willingness to support what could become one of the most significant overseas missions since the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Front-line fortifications and nearby bases would be built by American private military contractors using methods deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan, The Telegraph reported, citing European officials.

“The principal aim is to demonstrate to the Ukrainians that we would be in the fight with you if Russia re-invades,” one official told the publication.

Multi-layered defense framework takes shape

The Telegraph outlined a comprehensive three-tier security structure under negotiation between Western allies.

The first line of defense would involve Ukrainian soldiers defending a reinforced border at frozen front lines, with discussions ongoing about a demilitarized buffer zone extending 20 kilometers on either side of the contact line. 

US intelligence support for both Ukrainian forces and any peacekeeping mission is considered highly likely, while NATO or US command of peacekeeping operations remains under negotiation.

Behind Ukrainian forces, a European-led peacekeeping force would provide secondary deterrence, with thousands of European troops stationed deeper in Ukraine. 

Ukrainian forces would continue receiving training from British, French, and other European militaries under arrangements considered highly likely to proceed.

The final backstop would involve US fighter jets and missiles positioned in neighboring countries like Poland or Romania to deter Russian attacks against forces in Ukraine. 

American heavy-lift aircraft would transport European equipment into Ukraine, while a staged approach would reopen Ukrainian airports from west to east as confidence in ceasefire arrangements builds.

European peace plan still needs US backing

The contractor deployment forms part of a broader European-led security framework that includes air policing missions, naval operations in the Black Sea, and training programs moved to Ukrainian soil.

European officials said the presence of American contractors would provide a “major boost” because it puts American passport holders on the ground, creating a deterrent effect against Russian attacks due to fear of US retaliation.

A Whitehall source told The Telegraph that private American contractors “puts American ‘boots’ […] on the ground, which is then effectively the deterrent to Putin.”

The European reassurance force was previously discussed as a 30,000-troop deployment but has been scaled back due to resource limitations and concerns it could appear “too muscular” to Putin, sources said.

US support requirements expose European gaps

Despite European leadership of the security framework, American support remains essential for intelligence, logistics, and command structures. 

European nations lack the satellite capabilities needed to monitor any ceasefire and require US heavy-lift aircraft to transport equipment and troops.

The Pentagon has discussed positioning US General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s top commander, to oversee deployments under the peace plan. 

The White House has already approved his involvement in military planning, which European allies view as one of the greatest signs of Trump’s support for security guarantees.

European governments have requested Trump station fighter jets and missiles in neighboring Poland or Romania to respond to Russian aggression against their forces in Ukraine. 

“The prospect of an American military response is an entirely different prospect to a European response,” one source said.

Business interests drive contractor discussions

The contractor talks coincide with the signing of a joint US-Ukraine deal to extract Ukraine’s vast rare earth mineral wealth. 

Using private contractors would allow Trump to champion another business deal while addressing concerns among his supporters who oppose foreign military intervention.

Russian opposition threatens framework implementation

Russia dismissed Western security guarantee proposals as “one-sided” and “designed to contain Russia” on Friday, adding to European skepticism about Moscow’s willingness to agree to any ceasefire.

Many European officials believe Putin is misleading Trump and prolonging the war to gain more territory, according to The Telegraph. 

Putin’s reluctance to agree to a ceasefire led Trump to withdraw economic incentives previously offered to Russia, including access to Alaska’s natural resources and sanctions relief.

The comprehensive peace plan details could be announced as soon as this weekend, following weeks of diplomatic activity sparked by Trump’s Alaska talks with Putin.

  • ✇Euromaidan Press
  • Russo-Ukrainian war, day 1283: Russia targets Ukraine’s missile crews
    Exclusive Ukraine’s missile crews are valuable targets now. Ukraine’s Neptunes and other long-range cruise missiles pose a growing threat. So Russia is targeting them on the ground. Ukraine’s railway crisis threatens EU reconstruction investments. Passengers boarding Ukrainian trains this autumn encounter women-only compartments, accessibility-friendly carriages, and railway-branded merch. Military Another “Triumf” fails: Ukrainian drone turns Russian air defense rada
     

Russo-Ukrainian war, day 1283: Russia targets Ukraine’s missile crews

30 août 2025 à 09:45

Exclusive

Ukraine’s missile crews are valuable targets now. Ukraine’s Neptunes and other long-range cruise missiles pose a growing threat. So Russia is targeting them on the ground.
Ukraine’s railway crisis threatens EU reconstruction investments. Passengers boarding Ukrainian trains this autumn encounter women-only compartments, accessibility-friendly carriages, and railway-branded merch.

Military

Another “Triumf” fails: Ukrainian drone turns Russian air defense radar in occupied Crimea into scrap. The 91N6E radar, part of Russia’s S-400 anti-air missile system, was hit last night in the Russian-occupied peninsula.

Reuters: Ukraine’s drone strikes force Russia’s Ust-Luga oil port to halve operations in September

. Pipeline damage limits the terminal to 350,000 barrels per day, according to two Reuters sources.

Intelligence and technology

Denmark to spend about $ 1.6 bn this year on weapons production by Ukrainian defense industry. Danish Defense Minister announced $1.6 bn in Ukrainian weapons contracts, favoring manufacturers who deliver “in months, not years” over European competitors.

New Finnish and Polish “green” strategy could sink Russian tanks before they even cross borders. As Russia builds conventional forces, NATO allies discover their most effective barriers might be wetlands that disappeared decades ago.

International

Russia still demands Ukraine’s total elimination, despite Trump’s deadline for Moscow, which expires in three days. While Trump promoted his ability to quickly negotiate peace, Moscow’s identical capitulation terms suggest Putin views the deadline as irrelevant to his war objectives.

Merz: Ukraine war could last “many months” as Putin blocks two-week summit plan. Vladimir Putin is employing his characteristic delaying tactics to avoid Ukraine peace talks, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said

Merz and Macron call for secondary sanctions against Russia’s supporters

. Germany and France announced plans to target companies from third countries that support Russia’s war machine through oil purchases

Trump cuts $ 5 bn foreign aid without Congressional vote, Ukrainian art program included. A $1.5 mn program promoting Ukrainian women’s artwork sits among nearly $5 bn in foreign aid programs that President Trump moved to eliminate.

Zelenskyy details three-pillar security framework as Ukraine pushes West for concrete guarantees. Military support, NATO backing, and sanctions define security requirements; Russia objects.

Yermak meets Trump envoy Witkoff in New York, discusses Ukraine war crimes. Andriy Yermak extended an invitation for Trump’s special representative Steve Witkoff to visit Ukraine following their talks in New York

Humanitarian and social impact

Ukraine convenes emergency meeting of UN Security Council due to deadly Russian attack on Kyiv. Ukraine has convened an emergency UN Security Council meeting for tonight following a Russian attack on Kyiv that killed 23 civilians, including 4 children

Over 10,000 bodies of fallen defenders returned to Ukraine this year. Ukraine’s network of 23 specialized laboratories has begun the complex task of identifying over 10,000 bodies of fallen defenders repatriated in 2025, requiring up to 14 months of forensic work

Kherson’s mayor who survives dog attacks and mock executions, reveals how he stayed loyal to his homeland in Russian captivity

. While Russia presented collaboration as survival, Mykolaienko refused to do it, despite enduring torture three times per day.

Kyiv rescue teams free 17 from rubble as Russia launches massive attack, 8 missing. Rescue operations concluded in Kyiv after 30 hours following a Russian missile strike that killed 23 people, including four children

Political and legal developments

For first time, Ukraine legally defines rashism as totalitarian ideology combining Russian communist and Nazi practices. The legislation provides legal tools other democracies could adopt to counter authoritarian influence operations, transforming ideological warfare from propaganda to prosecutable crime.

Russia rejects Western security guarantees for Ukraine as “strategic provocateur” threat. Moscow warns European proposals risk escalating conflict days before Ukraine finalizes comprehensive framework with allies.

Secret document exposes Hungary’s government-level scheme to export Russian aircraft as European. While Orbán publicly frames his positions as peace advocacy, leaked documents reveal systematic coordination with Russia’s military-industrial complex.

Read our earlier daily review here.

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