Polish forces shot down more than a dozen Russian drones that violated the country’s airspace during a massive attack on Ukraine early on 10 September, marking the first time NATO has engaged Russian military assets over alliance territory since Moscow’s full-scale invasion began.

According to Poland’s Operational Command, the incident occurred between 1:00 and 3:00 am as part of Russia’s broader aerial assault targeting Lutsk and Lviv in Ukraine, cities in the western part of Ukraine. Russia launched 415 Shahed-type attack drones in what Ukraine described as a massive coordinated strike that also involved Kh-101 and Kalibr missiles.

Drone flight path and interception

Polish OSINT analyst Jarosław Wolski reported that the drones entered Polish airspace near Dorohusk-Dubienki and followed a curved path southward, approximately 8 kilometers east of Chelm toward Zamosc and Tomaszow Lubelski. The unmanned aircraft flew roughly 10-12 kilometers east of both cities before continuing south.

“At least two drones were shot down in the vicinity of Czenski-Niewierki, approximately 15 kilometers east of Zamosc,” according to the Polish Operational Command. Unconfirmed reports from observers suggested several drones may have been directed toward Lublin, though this remained unverified.

The drones exited Polish territory several kilometers north of Hrebenne, following what appears to be a deliberate route that mirrors previous incursions into Polish airspace.

NATO response and international reactions

“Our air defences were activated and successfully ensured the defence of NATO territory, as they are designed to do. Several Allies were involved alongside Poland,” NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said in an official communication.

The incident prompted Poland to temporarily close four airports: Warsaw Chopin Airport, Warsaw-Modlin, Rzeszow-Jasionka, and Lublin. Fighter jets were scrambled early on 10 September as more than a dozen drones entered Polish airspace, with NATO allies participating in the defensive operation.

European leaders have condemned the violation, with Poland invoking NATO Article 4, which allows members to request consultations when their territorial integrity or security is threatened.

Analysis of Russian intent

Military analysts suggest the drone incursions were not accidental. The flight path closely follows routes used in previous violations of Polish airspace, indicating deliberate programming rather than navigation errors or electronic warfare interference.

“Russians deliberately set the flight route through Polish territory,” according to the OSINT research, InformNapalm. The route appears designed to bypass Ukrainian air defenses and electronic warfare systems while testing NATO’s response capabilities.

OSINT researchers have established that Russia equipped some drones with Polish and Lithuanian SIM cards, demonstrating the premeditated nature of these hybrid operations. The timing coincides with Russia’s planned “Zapad-2025” military exercises, suggesting the incursions serve as reconnaissance for Polish and NATO defensive capabilities.

Implications for regional security

This marks the first direct engagement between NATO forces and Russian military assets since the invasion began. The incident represents an escalation in Russia’s testing of Western resolve, coming after Poland’s decision to close its border with Belarus.

Military sources anticipate an increase in such incidents as Russia conducts its Zapad exercises, using the operations to study NATO decision-making processes and air defense responses. The violations are expected to impact civilian aviation and regional logistics, with Polish company stocks already showing negative reactions.

The successful interception demonstrates NATO’s defensive capabilities while raising questions about future responses to similar violations of alliance airspace.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a 6 billion euro ($7 bn) advance credit for Ukraine’s drone production, funded through profits from frozen Russian assets.

According to the European Parliament, Von der Leyen highlighted Ukraine’s success with drone warfare, saying that Ukrainian drone operations account for more than two-thirds of Russian equipment losses. “This is not just a battlefield advantage. This is a reminder of the power of human ingenuity in our open societies,” she said.

However, the Commission President warned that Russia is rapidly catching up with Iranian-developed Shahed-type drones and leveraging industrial mass production capabilities.

The EU leader emphasized the bloc’s potential to counter this threat through industrial capacity.

“We can help transform Ukrainian ingenuity into battlefield advantage – and into joint industrialization. That’s why I can also announce that Europe will advance 6 billion euros from the ERA credit and conclude a Drone Alliance with Ukraine,” von der Leyen declared.

She framed the initiative as addressing Ukraine’s scaling needs: “Ukraine has ingenuity. Now it needs scale. And together we can provide it: so that Ukraine maintains its advantage, and Europe strengthens its own.”

Von der Leyen also called for urgent development of new military financing solutions for Ukraine based on frozen Russian assets. In 2024, G7 agreed to provide Ukraine with a joint $50 billion loan backed by Russian assets, with funds formally issued as credit but repaid through revenues from frozen Russian assets. The European Union is set to transfer 18.1 billion euros ($21 bn) within this mechanism.

The Drone Alliance represents a shift from Ukraine’s initial drone warfare innovations to industrial-scale production, positioning European manufacturing capacity as a counterweight to Russia’s mass production advantages supported by Iranian technology transfers.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans for an international summit focused on returning Ukrainian children during her State of the Union address to the European Parliament, Ukrinform reported on 10 September.

“I can announce that together with Ukraine and other partners, I will host a summit of the international Coalition for the return of Ukrainian children. Every kidnapped Ukrainian child must be returned,” von der Leyen told European lawmakers.

The Commission President illustrated the crisis by sharing the story of teenager Sashko and his grandmother Lyudmyla from Mariupol. After learning her grandson was in Russia, Lyudmyla traveled through Europe to reach Russia and successfully brought him back to Ukraine. The European Parliament welcomed both with applause during the session.

“There are still tens of thousands of Ukrainian children whose fate is unknown. They are isolated, threatened, forced to renounce their identity. We must do everything possible to support Ukrainian children,” von der Leyen said.

According to Ukrinform, Ukraine has confirmed the illegal deportation of over 19,000 children as of August this year. The International Coalition for the return of Ukrainian children, established in 2023, includes 41 countries and the Council of Europe. The coalition facilitated the return of nearly 600 children during 2024.

Earlier, US Chargé d’Affaires in Ukraine Julie Davis discussed the issue of returning Russian-abducted Ukrainian children with Ukraine’s Human Rights Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets.

The International Criminal Court in The Hague issued arrest warrants in 2023 for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights Maria Lvova-Belova on suspicion of illegally deporting Ukrainian children from occupied territories. In July 2023, the Prosecutor General’s Office launched an investigation into the Belarusian Red Cross’s involvement in child deportations.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala stated that the large-scale violation of Polish airspace by Russian drones was not accidental but demonstrates Russia’s desire to test NATO countries’ defensive capabilities.

“It is hard to believe that this was a mere coincidence. Putin’s regime threatens all of Europe and systematically probes how far it can go. It is reassuring that Poland’s air defence systems responded effectively. It is clear that Russia is attempting to harm the inhabitants of other European countries,” the prime minister said, expressing solidarity with Poland amid these events.

“Please keep this in mind—especially now, when many extremists are trying to convince you that Russia is not an enemy and that the solution lies in disarmament,” Petr Fiala added.

He continued that this incident provides another argument in favor of NATO and greater defense investments.

The Czech Republic will hold parliamentary elections in early October. Current voter preference leaders include the populist party of former Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, who wants to curtail the Czech “shell initiative” for finding ammunition for Ukraine.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk reported that the military preliminarily counted 19 violations of the country’s airspace. Three aircraft were shot down, which were identified as immediate threats.

Reports indicate drone crashes in a village near the border with Belarus, resulting in damage to a residential building and car.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaya Kallas called Russia’s drone attack on Poland a deliberate and most serious violation of EU member state airspace after the incident.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the Russian drone incursion into Poland “deeply concerning” and Russia’s actions “reckless,” Sky News reported.

The British Prime Minister also called today’s Russian attack on Ukraine “barbaric.”

“This was an extremely reckless move by Russia and only serves to remind us of President Putin’s blatant disregard for peace, and the constant bombardment innocent Ukrainians face every day,” he said.

Starmer added that he contacted Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk “to clearly express our support for Poland.”

“My sincere thanks go to the NATO and Polish forces who rapidly responded to protect the Alliance,” he said.

“With our partners – and through our leadership of the coalition of the willing – we will continue to ramp up the pressure on Putin until there is a just and lasting peace,” Starmer added.

French President Emmanuel Macron called on Russia to “stop the dangerous escalation” after the unprecedented incursion of Russian drones into Poland.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk reported that the country is turning to NATO allies for consultations under Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty after the Russian drone incursion on the night of 10 September.

NATO does not consider the Russian drone incursion into Polish territory this night as an attack on an Alliance member state.

Ukraine has received another €1 billion tranche of macro-financial assistance from the European Union under the ERA Loans program, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced on 10 September.

The funds were financed through profits from frozen assets of the Central Bank of Russia, representing a continuation of the G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) initiative designed to provide Kyiv with financial resources using proceeds from frozen Russian assets.

“This is more than aid – this is a clear signal: Europe is decisively strengthening Ukraine’s defense and resilience against massive missile attacks and attempts at destabilization,” Svyrydenko wrote in her announcement.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis for their leadership.

“These funds mean saved lives, rebuilt cities and a confident European future for Ukraine,” Svyrydenko added.

The payment comes as European leaders intensify discussions about expanding financial support mechanisms using Russian assets. On 10 September, von der Leyen called for urgent development of new solutions for military financing of Ukraine based on frozen Russian assets.

A day earlier, the Socialist and Democratic Group in the European Parliament had urged the EU and United States to impose tougher sanctions against Russia and advocated for the confiscation of Russian assets.

The ERA initiative represents a structured approach to converting frozen Russian central bank profits into financial assistance for Ukraine, providing a steady funding stream while maintaining legal frameworks around asset seizure.

One person died and nine others were injured in a Russian combined strike on Ukraine during the night of 10 September, according to regional officials across multiple oblasts.

The attack involved 415 strike drones of Shahed, Gerbera and other types, and 43 missiles of ground, air and sea-based launch, according to Ukraine’s Air Force. Ukrainian air defenses managed to neutralize 413 targets – 386 Russian drones and 27 cruise/aviation missiles Kh-101/Kalibr/Kh-59(69). About 16 missiles and 21 drones hit their targets across 17 locations.

The fatality occurred in Zhytomyr Oblast, where a local resident died in hospital from burns of varying degrees, reports the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (DSNS). At least five people were injured in Zhytomyr Oblast – four in Zhytomyr city and one in Berdychiv, the DSNS added.

In Khmelnytskyi Oblast, the attack injured three people, destroyed a garment factory and damaged destroyed a gas station, transport, and broke windows. “All injured are receiving medical care,” Tyurin said.

Vinnytsia Oblast saw damage to civilian industrial infrastructure and residential buildings, with one person hospitalized in stable condition, reports first deputy head of the regional administration Natalia Zabolotna. About 30 residential buildings were damaged in the oblast. Windows were broken, roofs and adjacent territories were damaged, she said. Twenty-six drones and 11 cruise missiles reportedly operated in Vinnytsia’s airspace during the attack.

In Cherkasy Oblast, two Russian missiles and about ten drones were neutralized, with no casualties reported but infrastructure damage sustained, according to oblast governor Ihor Taburets. The blast wave partially destroyed a barn in Zolotonosha district, killing two cows and causing a fire, while also damaging windows and roofs in five houses and a car.

Volyn Oblast recorded “several dozen Russian drones” overhead, resulting in a fire at one production facility from debris of a downed target, governor Ivan Rudnytsky said. There are reportedly no dead or wounded.

Lviv came under attack from approximately 60 Russian Shaheds and over 10 missiles, but air defenses prevented casualties, according to Mayor Andriy Sadovyi. “Thanks to our air defense forces for preventing disaster. There are no casualties, no destruction of housing stock. There was debris hitting a civilian warehouse on Aviatsiina street. We are now assessing the damage,” Sadovyi stated.

DSNS psychologists provided assistance to 26 people, including three children, in the affected areas.

During the massive overnight attack on Ukraine, Poland’s Operational Command also confirmed that Russian drones violated the country’s airspace.

This marks the first serious attack on a NATO member country since Russia’s full-scale invasion began against Ukraine. Warsaw called this the incident an “act of aggression,” and the country closed four airports.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha held telephone talks with his Hungarian counterpart Péter Szijjártó on 9 September, discussing Russian escalation and Ukraine’s European integration prospects, according to Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry press service.

“During our call, I informed Péter Szijjártó about Russia’s escalation of terror and reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to peace efforts,” Sybiha said.

He emphasized that Ukraine needs “consolidated support of international community to increase pressure on Russia and advance peace process.”

The ministers addressed upcoming bilateral engagements, including Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka’s planned visit to Budapest and other future contacts between the two countries. Sybiha noted they would hold consultations on Hungarian national minority rights the following day.

“Ukraine is ready to work on all bilateral issues in a mutually respectful manner,” the Ukrainian foreign minister said, according to the ministry’s statement.

Sybiha pressed his Hungarian colleague on Ukraine’s EU accession timeline, underlining “the need to open negotiation clusters in Ukraine’s EU accession talks as soon as possible and secure all EU member states to support this step.”

The Ukrainian minister welcomed Hungary’s recent energy deal, praising the country’s “10-year gas supply agreement with Shell as a milestone step toward strengthening energy security for our region and all of Europe.”

The diplomatic outreach comes after recent tensions between the two foreign ministries over strikes on the Druzhba oil pipeline and Ukraine’s EU membership prospects. Following these public disagreements, Sybiha had called on his Hungarian counterpart to engage in direct dialogue rather than social media disputes.

Poland’s Operational Command confirmed that Russian drones violated the country’s airspace during a massive missile-drone attack on Ukraine on the night of 10 September.

This marks the first serious attack on a NATO member country since Russia’s full-scale invasion began against Ukraine. Warsaw called this the incident an “act of aggression.”

“As a result of today’s attack by the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine, an unprecedented violation of Polish airspace by drone-type objects occurred. This is an act of aggression that poses a real threat to the security of our citizens,” the Polish Armed Forces Operational Command reported on X.

Polish military officials confirmed they intercepted and destroyed multiple drones that crossed into national territory. 

Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed “repeated violations” of Polish airspace and reported that military forces used weapons against the objects. “I am in constant contact with the president and defense minister. I received a direct report from the operational commander,” Tusk wrote on X.

Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced that Poland maintains “constant contact with NATO command” regarding the UAV attack. He confirmed that “aircraft used weapons against enemy objects” and activated Territorial Defense Forces for ground searches of downed drones.

The incident prompted Poland to close four airports: Warsaw Chopin Airport, Warsaw-Modlin, Rzeszów-Jasionka (closest to Ukraine), and Lublin, according to BBC reports. Aviation authorities issued NOTAM notices stating airports were closed “due to unscheduled military activity within the framework of ensuring state security.”

Polish officials described the violations as “unprecedented” and warned citizens in the most dangerous regions—Podlaskie, Mazowieckie, and Lublin voivodships—to remain indoors while the military operation continued.

The Ukrainian publication Nikolayevsky Vanek reported that Ukraine tracked “more than 10 drones that headed to Poland and never returned” during the night attack.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed he received information about Russian drones over Polish territory, telling CNN reporters “Yes” when asked if he was briefed about the incident during a Tuesday evening dinner with President Donald Trump.

Republican Congressman Joe Wilson called the drone attack on Poland “an act of war” that cannot be ignored, while both Republican and Democratic lawmakers urged Trump to respond to what they characterized as an unprecedented violation of NATO member airspace.

Poland scheduled an emergency government meeting for 8:00 am local time (9:00 am Kyiv time) and issued warnings to Territorial Defense Forces members about immediate reporting requirements in several regions. In areas marked red on operational maps—covering Podlaskie, Mazowieckie, Lublin, and Subcarpathian voivodships—reporting time was reduced to six hours, while “yellow” regions required readiness within 12 hours.

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside London’s Royal Opera House demanding the cancellation of concerts by Russian opera singer Anna Netrebko, after organizers ignored calls to remove her from the program, Radio Svoboda reported on 7 September.

Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom Valeriy Zaluzhnyi also spoke out against Netrebko’s participation in the season.

All tickets for the events have already been sold out. Her first appearance at the British Royal Opera in the 2025/26 season is planned for 11 September.

Protesters stood outside the opera house with Ukrainian and British flags, holding cardboard signs calling for the concerts to be cancelled and the soprano to be replaced.

“As an Englishman, I feel ashamed of the Royal Opera’s hypocrisy, and how they have betrayed Ukraine. This is a disgrace to the British nation. This affects me very strongly because Anna is close to Putin, and Russian artists are generally allowed to perform while Ukrainian artists sacrifice their lives,” protester Steven Lacy told Radio Svoboda.

In a column for British newspaper Daily Mail, Valeriy Zaluzhnyi emphasized that Netrebko’s participation is unacceptable for Ukrainians, and the singer herself is not a victim of circumstances as she presents herself:

“Her voice on stage drowns out the real cries – the cries from destroyed maternity hospitals in Mariupol, schools in Kharkiv, kindergartens in Kramatorsk. And while Netrebko will sing about an imagined tragedy, for us these sounds echo a real one. Tosca will be weeping with the tears of Ukrainian children.”

He added that Netrebko’s voice on the international stage is an instrument of cultural influence that “legitimizes murders in Ukraine.”

“This is not just a cultural occasion. This is a test. Will we allow Putin to use art as a curtain to hide his crimes? Will we allow his closest allies to stand on the world’s stages as if nothing has happened? Russia always tries to smuggle betrayal into the very soul. It does so under beautiful words, under music, under the guise of culture. But behind this mask of high art lie blood and ruins,” Valeriy Zaluzhnyi wrote.

Earlier, more than 50 Ukrainian cultural figures, British, French and New Zealand politicians and activists signed an appeal to the opera administration not to allow Netrebko on the London stage.

Among the signatories were diplomat Serhiy Kyslytsia, writers Andriy Kurkov, Serhiy Zhadan, Kateryna Babkina, former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, Holodomor researcher Daria Mattingly, political science professor Olga Onuch, British politician Alex Sobel and many others.

“The Royal Opera now faces a defining choice: between status and responsibility, between profit and values, between silence and conscience. We call on you, as you have consistently done, to remain on the ethical side of art and history,” the letter stated.

About Anna Netrebko

Anna Netrebko is a Russian opera singer who has also held Austrian citizenship since 2006, where she currently lives. She was Putin’s trusted person in elections and received awards from him. In 2014, the singer supported the pseudo-republics “L/DNR” and was photographed with the flag of the so-called “Novorossiya.” In 2022, under pressure from her European agents, she published an anti-war statement, hoping to continue her career in Europe.

In January 2023, she was included in Ukraine’s sanctions list. After the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine, Netrebko was fired from the Metropolitan Opera in New York due to her connection with the Kremlin.

Anna Netrebko filed a complaint against the Metropolitan Opera’s actions with the American Guild of Musical Artists, which represents opera performers. An arbitrator in this case ordered the institution to pay her over $200,000 for 13 cancelled performances. Later, the singer continued to sue, demanding at least $360,000 for discrimination based on nationality, defamation and breach of contract. The Metropolitan was able to challenge her claims.

She was later denied participation in a concert in Stuttgart. The singer was also removed from performances at the Bavarian Opera and Milan’s La Scala.

However, already in autumn 2022, Netrebko continued performing in Europe and worldwide. Her schedule then included performances in Milan, Verona, Belgrade, Baden-Baden, Berlin and other cities.

In May 2023, the famous Milan theater La Scala returned Netrebko to its stage.

But not all countries agree to show audiences performances by Putin’s admirer again. In August 2023, Tallinn, Estonia cancelled a concert by Netrebko and her husband Yusif Eyvazov. Also in early May 2024, a performance by the pro-Putin opera singer was cancelled by the Culture and Congress Centre (KKL) in the Swiss city of Lucern.

In February 2025, Anna Netrebko performed at a gala concert with Palm Beach Opera in Florida. This was her first performance in the United States in over five years.

The Russian opera singer last appeared on an American stage before the pandemic, in 2019. For almost two decades, she was a prima donna of the Metropolitan Opera.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas announced during an address to the European Parliament that European Union member states intend to deliver 2 million artillery shells to Ukraine by October.

“They (EU member states – ed.) have now also provided 80% of our 2 million rounds of ammunition target. We aim [for] 100% by October,” Kallas said.

The announcement comes as EU countries have provided nearly 169 billion euros in financial support to Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion. Kallas emphasized the shells are needed “so that Ukraine can defend itself and its civilian population and repel aggression.”

The October target represents completion of a commitment EU leaders made to supply Ukraine with large-caliber ammunition.

Kallas reported in April 2025 that the bloc had already gathered one-third of the promised 2 million shells.

Czech Republic, which leads a separate procurement initiative, has secured monthly ammunition deliveries to Ukraine through September. The so-called “Czech initiative” involves purchasing ammunition globally for Ukrainian forces.

Czech President Petr Pavel revealed that his country has begun preparing ammunition deliveries to Ukraine for 2026, indicating long-term commitment to sustaining Ukraine’s artillery capabilities.

The 2 million shell target demonstrates EU coordination in addressing Ukraine’s ammunition shortage, which has been identified as a critical constraint in the country’s defense against Russian forces.

A powerful explosion occurred on a main oil pipeline in the Krasnoarmeisky district of the Saratov Oblast at about 1 am local time on 8 September, according to sources in the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense who spoke to Hromadske.

The blast damaged the Kuibyshev-Lisichansk main oil pipeline, which supplied petroleum products to Russian military forces. The affected pipeline has a capacity of 82 million tons per year, according to the intelligence source.

Workers were observed gathering at the site following the explosion to address the damage. Russian media attributed the series of explosions in Saratov Oblast to “planned exercises.”

The pipeline attack represents the third oil and gas infrastructure target hit within 24 hours. Earlier incidents occurred in Russia’s Penza Oblast, where explosions damaged gas pipelines and oil infrastructure on 8 September.

At approximately 4:00 am on 8 September, at least four explosions occurred in Penza’s Zheleznodorozhny district, sources told Hromadske. The blasts put two main gas pipeline tubes with a capacity of 2 million barrels per day out of operation. Two regional gas pipeline tubes at the same location also sustained damage.

Local media described the incidents as scheduled exercises by Transneft Druzhba jointly with emergency and special services. The exercises were described as simulating responses to “man-made accidents at oil and gas infrastructure facilities.” Officials urged local residents to remain calm.

According to the HUR source, both damaged gas pipelines in Penza supported Russian military facilities involved in the war against Ukraine. The intelligence directorate said that all three infrastructure targets attacked within the 24-hour period served Russian military operations.

The explosions follow a pattern of attacks on Russian energy infrastructure since the war began. The incidents occurred as Russian forces continue their invasion of Ukraine.

Polish President Karol Nawrocki declared discussions about Ukraine’s future membership in the European Union and NATO “premature,” prompting a swift response from Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry that such talks are strategically necessary.

In an interview with Lithuanian broadcaster LRT, Nawrocki explained his position on NATO membership: “I believe that a country at war cannot join NATO, because that would mean that Poland and Lithuania would also be at war, so this discussion should be postponed – it’s simply impossible.”

Regarding EU accession, the Polish president referenced the lengthy membership processes of Poland and Lithuania, which lasted “many years” and required consideration of “many factors, including impact on economy and business sectors.”

“Of course, I believe that Ukraine should be part of civilization in the future, if we want to look for adjectives, let’s say Latin or Western civilization. However, in my opinion, today’s discussion about Ukraine’s membership in the European Union is premature,” Nawrocki said, adding that he personally does not participate in such discussions.

When Russia launched its full-scale invasion against Ukraine, Poles were the first to provide Ukraine with significant assistance in military equipment and accepted a million Ukrainians into Poland.

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry responded to Nawrocki, emphasizing that the country’s security future is inseparably linked with NATO, while its political and economic future lies with the EU. The ministry stated that Ukraine’s membership in these alliances serves as “a guarantee of security not only for Ukraine, but for all of Europe.”

The Foreign Ministry said that this position has received confirmation “both in NATO and EU decisions, and in numerous statements by leaders of partner countries, including Poland.” Therefore, the ministry emphasized that discussions about Ukraine’s future membership in NATO and the EU are not premature, but rather “strategically necessary in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war.”

The ministry thanked Poland for the leadership it has demonstrated in supporting Ukraine since 2022.

During his presidential campaign, Nawrocki frequently referenced the Volyn tragedy, stating that Ukraine had no place in NATO or the EU until it “answered for crimes in Volyn.”

The Volyn tragedy refers to the mass killings of Polish civilians by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) in Volhynia and adjacent regions during 1943-1944, part of an ethnic conflict causing tens of thousands of deaths. The number of Polish victims is estimated between 35,000 and 60,000, with Ukrainian casualties also resulting from retaliatory actions.

In the LRT interview, when asked about historical issues between neighboring countries, Nawrocki addressed the Volyn massacre: “My position on this issue is clear: 80 years ago, women, children and elderly people killed by Ukrainian nationalists and their loss of life was also a very painful experience.” He added that Poles “do not demand revenge, they demand graves, memory, names and surnames, and naturally, the President of Poland demands justice.”

In 2025, Ukraine conducted joint exhumation and reburial efforts with Poland for victims of the Volyn tragedy, notably reburial ceremonies held in places like Puzhnyky village in Ternopil Oblast. Ukraine is cooperating closely with Polish authorities to respectfully exhume victims’ remains, perform DNA testing for identification, and reinter them in local cemeteries, in a process seen as a step toward historical reconciliation.

The Polish president also discussed regional security concerns, stating that Russia “remains a constant threat” regardless of changing political regimes.

“We know that Putin is very attached to Soviet traditions, the longing for the Soviet empire in his heart is really strong,” Nawrocki said.

Regarding hybrid warfare from Belarus, Nawrocki confirmed that both Lithuania and Poland face “hybrid attacks from the East,” with concrete numbers and facts supporting this assessment.

The United States has terminated joint efforts with European allies to combat disinformation campaigns from Russia, China and Iran, the Financial Times reported on 9 September, citing three European officials familiar with the matter.

Russia has conducted extensive disinformation campaigns in recent years aimed at undermining support for Ukraine and the western-led global order.

European countries received notification from the State Department last week that the US is ending memoranda of understanding signed under the Biden administration in 2023. The agreements aimed to create a unified approach to identifying and exposing malicious information spread by foreign governments.

The move represents the final step in dismantling the Global Engagement Center (GEC), a State Department agency that tracked disinformation campaigns overseas by US adversaries and terror groups. The center was closed in December after Republican lawmakers blocked efforts to extend its mandate.

“Far from spiking a single plan, we were proud to spike the entire GEC,” said Darren Beattie, acting under-secretary of state for public diplomacy. “Not only was GEC’s infamous censorship activity profoundly misaligned with this administration’s pro-free speech position, it was woefully and embarrassingly ineffective on its own terms.”

James Rubin, who headed the center until December, criticized the decision as a “unilateral act of disarmament” in the information war with Russia and China. “Information warfare is a reality of our time and artificial intelligence is only going to multiply the risks from that,” Rubin said.

The Global Engagement Center was established in 2011 to counter terrorist propaganda and violent extremism online. Its mission later expanded to tracking disinformation campaigns overseas, but it became controversial among Republicans who accused it of censorship and stifling conservative voices.

Approximately 22 countries in Europe and Africa had signed agreements with the US over the past year, according to Rubin’s estimates. The memoranda formed part of the Biden administration’s framework to counter foreign state manipulation and develop coordinated responses with partner countries.

The center had actively tracked Russian disinformation efforts, including accusations in September that Russian-state broadcaster RT was acting on behalf of intelligence agencies and attempting to manipulate presidential elections in Moldova. The US has imposed sanctions on RT and other Russian-state broadcasters over their role in spreading disinformation.

Rubin denied that the center ever engaged in censorship during its operations.

RT was banned across continental Europe and the UK following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Russian forces launched drone attacks on Zaporizhzhia during the night of 9 September, resulting in a fire and one civilian casualty, according to Zaporizhzhia Oblast Governor Ivan Fedorov.

“Russian troops carried out at least two strikes on Zaporizhzhia,” Fedorov said.

The attacks ignited a private house in the city and left a 66-year-old woman injured.

This marks the latest in a series of drone assaults on the southeastern Ukrainian city. On 4 September, Russian forces struck Zaporizhzhia with an unmanned aerial vehicle, injuring four people, reports the regional administration.

The attacks are part of an intensified drone campaign across Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on 6 September that “Russians have used more than 1,300 strike drones against Ukraine since the beginning of the month.”

The night of 6-7 September saw one of the war’s largest drone barrages, with occupying forces directing 805 drones, 13 cruise missiles and ballistic missiles at Ukrainian oblasts, according to official reports. During that attack, the Cabinet of Ministers building in Kyiv was hit for the first time since the war began.

The repeated strikes on Zaporizhzhia demonstrate the ongoing targeting of civilian infrastructure in the region, which lies partially under Russian occupation while remaining a strategic front-line area.

On the night of 9 September, the Russian army attacked with 84 Shahed, Gerbera and other types of attack UAVs. Ukraine’s air defense shot down 60 Russian targets.

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that China will strengthen strategic communications and deepen cooperation with North Korea in a congratulatory message to D​PRK leader Kim Jong Un, North Korean state news agency KCNA reports.

In his letter, Xi stated that “successfully protecting, strengthening and developing relations between China and the D​PRK” remains the consistent and unchanging policy of the Chinese party and government, according to KCNA.

The Chinese leader referenced Kim’s September 3 visit to Beijing and participation in a military parade, noting they jointly “presented a plan for the development of relations between the two countries in the coming years.”

“The Chinese side is ready to join hands in promoting the friendship between China and the D​PRK and the socialist cause of the two countries through enhanced strategic communication, active exchanges and close cooperation with the D​PRK,” Xi stated in the message.

The September 3 military parade in Beijing marked the first public meeting between Xi Jinping, Kim Jong Un, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, KCNA reported.

The United States responded to the Beijing parade by announcing that President Trump had ordered the revival of the army due to the growing alignment between Russia and China. On September 5, Trump declared that the world had “lost India and Russia” through these countries’ rapprochement with China.

President Donald Trump offered condolences to the family of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska during a White House Commission on International Religious Freedom address, after she was fatally stabbed on Charlotte’s light rail system on 22 August.

Zarutska, 23, came to the United States following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and was killed while riding home from work. The suspect, 34-year-old Decarlos Brown Jr., had served time in prison and been briefly committed for schizophrenia.

Trump said he reviewed surveillance footage of the attack, calling it unwatchable due to its severity.

“We’re all people of religion but there are evil people and we have to confront that,” Trump said. “I just give my love and hope to the family of the young woman who was stabbed this morning or last night in Charlotte by a madman, a lunatic just got up and started. It’s right on the tape. Not really watchable because it’s so horrible, but just viciously stabbed. She’s just sitting there.”

The President connected the incident to broader violent crime patterns in American cities.

“They’re evil people. We have to be able to handle that. If we don’t handle that, we don’t have a country,” Trump said during the religious freedom commission meeting.

Trump announced the creation of what he described as “the first ever Department of Justice task force to eradicate anti-Christian bias.” He characterized anti-Christian prejudice as widespread but underreported.

“For those people that are a little bit naive or not well read, there is a tremendous anti-Christian bias. We don’t hear about it. We don’t think about it. You hear about anti-semitic, but you don’t hear about anti-Christian. Now, you have a strong anti-Christian bias, but we’re ending that rapidly.”

The President said that his administration’s position on violence: “The Trump Administration will not tolerate terrorism or political violence, including hate crimes against Christians, Jews or anyone else. We will not allow this.”

Brown faces first-degree murder charges and has 14 prior criminal cases on his record. Zarutska suffered three stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:05 pm. The motive for the attack remains unknown as the investigation continues.

A ceremony to re-bury the remains of 42 people discovered during exhumation work in the former village of Puzhnyky has commenced in Ternopil Oblast, with Ukrainian and Polish officials and approximately 40 descendants of former village residents participating, reports Ukrinform correspondent from the scene.

The Ukrainian delegation includes acting Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications Tetyana Berezhna, Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Olena Kondratiuk, Deputy Foreign Minister Oleksandr Mishchenko, and Ukrainian Institute of National Memory head Oleksandr Alfyorov.

Poland’s delegation is led by Senate Marshal Malgorzata Kidawa-Blonska and includes Culture and National Heritage Minister Marta Cenkowska, Acting Charge d’Affaires Piotr Lukasevich, and Consul General in Lutsk Anna Nowakowska.

“Today we are not talking about history, not about politics – today we are talking about humanity and that we are taking a step towards each other in an extremely complex historical topic. Ukraine ensures dignified commemoration of all war victims – regardless of nationality or the antiquity of the tragedy,”  UINM head Oleksandr Alfyorov said.

The ceremony included a Roman Catholic holy mass. Memorial markers will remain unnamed for now as DNA research continues, according to Professor Andrzej Ossowski, a geneticist from the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin who leads the Polish scientific team.

“We should receive the first identification results by the end of this year. We have DNA profiles of all remains, we are still examining individual ones, and we also have DNA from their family members living in Poland. Given that there are close relatives among the victims, personal identification of remains requires very complex mathematical calculations,” Ossowski explained.

The geneticist noted that while they know they have remains from specific families, personal identification requires time.

“Further identification results will depend on whether we find their relatives (meaning living ones), because without them there will be no way to identify everyone. We don’t have relatives of all victims and are currently searching for their families,” he added.

The discovered remains will be re-buried at the original burial site where exhumation work was conducted – at the old cemetery in the former village of Puzhnyky.

Exhumation operations in the territory of former Puzhnyky village lasted from 23 April to 5 May 2025. The joint Ukrainian-Polish expedition worked under professional and security supervision of the Ukrainian side. DNA research on the remains was conducted in Poland.

Negotiations between Ukraine and Poland regarding the exhumation work continued from the previous year. In late November 2024, during a joint press conference by Polish and Ukrainian Foreign Ministers Radoslaw Sikorski and Andrii Sybiha, the lifting of the moratorium on searching for and exhuming remains of Polish citizens buried on Ukrainian territory was announced. The moratorium had been in effect since 2017.

In January 2025, Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications granted permission for the Puzhnyky exhumation.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has once again declared that Budapest will not support Ukraine’s EU membership, emphasizing that the state is not interested in Moscow’s opinion on this matter. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha called for dialogue.

Szijjarto outlined Hungary’s position following a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Council President António Costa on 5 September.

The politicians’ meeting included discussions about EU accession. During a briefing, Zelenskyy said: “If even Putin does not object [to Ukraine’s EU membership], then the positions of some countries, especially Hungary, really look strange.”

According to the Hungarian diplomat, the Ukrainian president was presenting his own reasoning. “Unlike him, our position is not determined from abroad. We are not interested in what they think in Moscow about Ukraine’s EU membership,” he declared.

The minister added that Budapest is interested in what Hungarians think. Szijjarto referenced a referendum by the Hungarian government, in which the country’s citizens allegedly opposed Ukraine’s membership in the bloc due to supposed threats to farmers, the labor market, and security.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha responded to this statement. He emphasized that Ukraine’s EU accession poses no threat to Hungary.

According to him, the Hungarian farmers mentioned by Szijjarto have never blocked the Ukrainian-Hungarian border, and this year they are actively purchasing Ukrainian corn.

EU accession also does not threaten the Hungarian labor market, since before the full-scale invasion by Russia, Hungary’s government actively invited Ukrainians to work to compensate for the shortage of skilled labor.

Furthermore, the Hungarian community of Zakarpattia also supports joining the bloc.

“Instead of quarrels on Twitter, let’s meet and have a meaningful discussion. I am confident that we can reach pragmatic solutions in good faith — for the sake of our peoples’ common interests of peace and security in a united Europe,” Sybiha emphasized.

Ukraine’s EU accession

All 27 EU member states have already given the “green light” to begin negotiations with Ukraine on joining the bloc, however, Hungary is blocking them.

Last year, Budapest presented Ukraine with a list of 11 demands to unblock the path to the European Union. All of them are aimed at strengthening protection of national minority rights in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian side traveled to Budapest with additional proposals for resolving the entire complex of issues. Ukraine and Hungary then agreed from 12 May to organize regular consultations to work on the stated demands. However, Budapest postponed such consultations due to the detention of Hungarian spies by Ukraine’s Security Service in early May.

Hungarian authorities conducted a so-called consultative referendum in their country regarding Ukraine’s EU membership, following which they announced that 95% of votes were against. Orbán himself claimed that Ukraine’s EU membership would cause “the destruction of the European Union” and war with Russia on EU territory.

Lithuania proposed starting negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova on the first chapter of EU membership without Hungary’s consent. It is proposed that after approval by 26 member states, negotiations would take place at a technical level, de facto, and later an official agreement would be reached legally when all 27 EU states approve it, if Viktor Orbán’s position or that of the entire Hungarian government changes.

Polish protesters have ended their blockade of truck traffic at the Medyka-Shehyni border crossing, according to State Border Guard Service spokesman Colonel Andriy Demchenko.

“The Polish side reported the cessation of truck traffic blockade by protesters and the resumption of truck processing at their checkpoint at 15:30,” Demchenko told Ukrainska Pravda.

The blockade began Saturday at 12:50 Kyiv time when Polish demonstrators launched an action blocking traffic before the Medyka checkpoint, opposite Ukraine’s Shehyni crossing point.

Restrictions will reportedly last at least 6 hours with possible extension.

The protest site was located approximately one kilometer from the Polish Medyka checkpoint. Movement restrictions applied only to freight vehicles – passenger cars and buses continued crossing in normal mode.

At the time of the blockade, 681 freight vehicles were registered in the electronic queue for departure from Ukraine. Around 100 trucks waiting to enter Ukraine were already stationed at a specially equipped parking area, with their processing unaffected by the protest.

Border guards promised to provide additional updates on any changes or complications to traffic flow. The blockade lasted approximately 2.5 hours before Polish authorities announced its termination.

British intelligence has analyzed Russia’s systematic propaganda campaign targeting Ukrainian youth in temporarily occupied territories, according to a September 6 analysis reported by European Truth.

“The forcible political education of Ukrainian youth by the Russian authorities in the illegally occupied territories of Ukraine continues,” the intelligence assessment states. “The Russian Ministry of Defence youth organisation Yunarmiya and the Kremlin youth organisation Movement of the Firsts are amongst those organisations teaching Ukrainian children military skills, and indoctrinating them with pro-Russian and anti-Ukrainian propaganda.”

The British intelligence noted that Russian education authorities aim at countering purported extremism, a term defined broadly by Russian authorities. “A 2022 Russian Ministry of Education manual titled ‘Preventing conflicts, manifestations of extremism and terrorism in a poly-cultural educational environment’ claimed the expression ‘Slava Ukraine’ (Glory to Ukraine) to be an indicator of extremism,” according to the analysis.

Since 2022, Russian authorities have implemented what they call “University Sessions” programme, transporting children from occupied Ukrainian regions to Russian universities for so-called patriotic education. “This aims to inculcate the children with an anti-Ukrainian outlook, as well as glorifying Russian military exploits. Since 2022, around 50,000 Ukrainian children have attended these sessions at 116 Russian universities,” the intelligence report reveals.

British intelligence recently reported that Russia conscripts young Ukrainians into the Russian army upon reaching age 18, with many having been abducted from occupied Ukrainian territories during childhood.

In related developments, the British government imposed sanctions on September 3 against individuals involved in the abduction of Ukrainian children by Russia.

Russia has reached monthly production capacity of 2,700 Shahed-type drones, according to Andriy Yusov, representative of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, in an interview with Novyny.LIVE.

The intelligence official specified that Russia manufactures “Geran-2” drones, which are modified versions of standard Shaheds equipped with warheads. Most production takes place at the Alabuga Special Economic Zone in Yelabuga, Republic of Tatarstan, Yusov reported.

Despite this production volume, Russia cannot deploy thousands of drones daily. “They cannot physically launch such quantities toward the country every day. But we see these hundreds of Shaheds and combined missile-drone strikes they carry out – these are truly massive attacks. This is a serious challenge for our air defense and anti-missile defense forces,” Yusov said.

The intelligence representative addressed claims by military radio technology specialist Serhiy Flesh that Russian forces launch Shaheds equipped with cameras and radio control systems. According to Yusov, such modifications remain experimental.

“They can modify something, but going from such limited quantities to mass production is also a certain path. Therefore, they try different means. How much they will be able to put them into full mass production depends, among other things, on access to foreign components and many other factors,” he explained.

Previous intelligence reports indicate Russia’s broader drone ambitions. In September, Ukrainian intelligence disclosed Russia’s current stockpile of “Grom-1” hybrid missiles and annual production plans. On 21 August, LIGA.net reported that Russia plans to manufacture 4,000 turbojet drones by the end of 2025, according to intelligence sources.

Russian forces scattered leaflets disguised as 100-hryvnia banknotes ($2.42) across a Chernihiv district on the morning of 6 September, urging residents to share coordinates and assist in directing artillery fire at Ukrainian Armed Forces positions in exchange for money, according to Chernihiv region police.

“These leaflets were dropped by Russians using a drone,” police reported. The fake currency contained calls for locals to collaborate with Russian forces by providing intelligence on Ukrainian military movements and positions.

Law enforcement dispatched an investigative team to the scene immediately after discovering the propaganda materials. Police have registered the incident and are determining appropriate legal charges for the case.

The Chernihiv police issued warnings about criminal liability for collaborating with Russian forces, specifically highlighting penalties for “spreading information about the location and movement of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.” Authorities instructed residents to destroy any Russian leaflets they encounter.

The incident represents another attempt by Russian forces to recruit local informants through monetary incentives, using deceptive materials designed to resemble legitimate Ukrainian currency. Police emphasized that cooperation with occupying forces carries severe legal consequences under Ukrainian law.

US President Donald Trump clashed with Polish journalist Marek Wałkuski during a press conference, suggesting he “find a new job” after the reporter questioned why no concrete actions had been taken to end the war in Ukraine despite repeated promises, reports Polsat News.

Wałkuski asked why Trump had repeatedly said he would quickly end the war in Ukraine but had not taken measures to do so. Trump responded by citing sanctions against India, “the largest buyer [of Russian products] after China,” which he said cost Moscow “hundreds of billions of dollars.”

“Is this a lack of action? We have not yet moved to the second and third phases, but if you say there are no actions, then you should probably find a new job,” Trump said.

The journalist told The Hill he appreciated the president’s advice, but Trump’s reaction justified his career choice. “I got an answer from the US president to my question that is worthy of media attention, and that’s my job as a journalist. But I’m grateful for his advice,” Wałkuski said.

Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski defended the journalist, saying his question to Trump was one “that we all ask ourselves.”

“I would not fire you from your job,” Sikorski added during a press conference in Washington.

Wałkuski is the author of four books about the White House and the United States. He previously served as president of the White House Foreign Press Group from 2024 to 2025 and has been a member of the White House press corps since 2018.

In February, Wałkuski asked a question that provoked a dispute between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump, and US Vice President JD Vance. The journalist asked Trump to comment on being “too closely associated with Putin.” Trump replied that he was not associating with anyone and wanted to bring Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table.

Vance then intervened, praising Trump’s diplomatic efforts. When the Ukrainian leader said that diplomacy with Putin was pointless, the situation escalated into an argument.

Sikorski commented on Karol Nawrocki’s visit to the White House, saying he would have an argument the next day at the Pentagon. “I will tell [Under Secretary of Defense] Colby: Listen, your president has already decided,” the foreign minister said, referring to Trump’s assurance that US troops would remain in Poland.

During Wednesday’s meeting between Nawrocki and Trump, the American leader assured that the United States would not withdraw troops from Poland and was ready to increase its presence if Poland expressed such a desire.

President Donald Trump stated that European countries should take the lead in providing security guarantees for Ukraine while confirming Washington’s willingness to assist, according to his remarks to journalists at the White House.

The US president emphasized that America will not abandon Ukraine but stressed the primary role of European partners in the process. “We’ll help them. But we want to save a lot of lives, so we’ll do something with that. I think people expect that. We’ll help them,” Trump said.

However, he underscored that Europe should be first in providing guarantees. “Europe will be first in, by far. And they want to be first in. They want to see it end. Europe wants to see it end,” the American president declared.

Trump’s comments follow recent developments in European security discussions. On 4 September, French President Emmanuel Macron announced after a meeting of the “coalition of the willing” that 35 leaders were ready to provide Ukraine with security guarantees, with 26 countries expressing willingness to either send troops or provide certain means to support guarantee forces.

Macron indicated that the US contribution would be finalized in the coming weeks. The following day, NBC News reported, citing several sources, that the United States might take a leading role in controlling a large buffer zone created to protect Ukraine from Russian aggression in case of a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia.

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz believes that Russian President Vladimir Putin currently has no grounds for ending the war or concluding a peace agreement with Ukraine.

The statements come as international discussions intensify around potential frameworks for Ukrainian security arrangements and the respective roles of transatlantic partners in any future peace process.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a September 5 briefing that US President Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with European countries continuing to purchase Russian gas and oil, thereby supporting Russia’s military machine. Hungary and Slovakia are among such countries, according to Zelensky.

European Council President António Costa emphasized that the EU has already reduced purchases of Russian energy resources by 80%. A significant portion of the remaining 20% falls on Hungary, which is currently blocking Ukraine’s EU accession.

Hungary explains this position by stating it disagrees with accepting Ukraine into the EU during wartime. But in that case, peace must be accelerated and the war stopped, Costa stressed.

“And for this it is necessary to continue supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine, not to block the use of the Ukraine Facility fund. On the other hand, as President [of the US Donald] Trump said — it is very important to stop allowing the Russian Federation to continue waging this war by buying oil and gas,” Costa said.

Costa reported he will visit Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban in the near future. President Zelensky also assured that contacts exist between Kyiv and Budapest.

Zelensky stated he sees no foundation for Hungary’s accusations but emphasized that Ukraine is ready for dialogue.

“We are ready to meet with Orban. To discuss what else they are dissatisfied with. And how else we can help so that they are finally satisfied. President Trump heard a signal from our side regarding the blockade. America and President Trump said they would work to unblock this process, to help Ukraine with this,” Zelenskyy said.

Costa emphasized that Ukraine must meanwhile continue working on EU accession.

“The negotiation process continues. Ukrainian authorities continue working with the European Commission. We cannot lose this path. We must continue working on reforms, because in any case this must be done. We don’t need to wait for Hungary, or anyone, to continue our work. Because Ukraine’s future is in the EU,” he said.

Costa believes the Russian-Ukrainian war will end before Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations conclude, so “there are no reasons to waste time in this process.”

“If even Putin does not object [to Ukraine’s EU membership], then the positions of some countries, especially Hungary, really look strange,” Zelenskyy said.

EU membership process

All 27 EU member states have given the “green light” to begin negotiations with Ukraine on joining the bloc, however, Hungary is blocking them.

Last year Budapest presented Ukraine with a list of 11 demands to unblock the path to the European Union. All are aimed at strengthening protection of national minority rights in Ukraine.

The Ukrainian side traveled to Budapest with additional proposals for resolving the entire complex of issues. Ukraine and Hungary then agreed from 12 May to organize regular consultations to work on the stated demands. However, Budapest postponed such consultations due to the Security Service of Ukraine’s detention of Hungarian spies in early May.

Hungarian authorities conducted a so-called consultative referendum in their country regarding Ukraine’s EU membership, based on which they announced that 95% of votes were against. Orban himself claimed that Ukraine’s EU membership would mean “destruction of the European Union” and war with Russia on EU territory.

Lithuania proposed starting negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova on the first chapter of EU membership without Hungary’s consent. It is proposed that after approval by 26 member states, negotiations would take place at a technical level, de facto, and later an official agreement would be reached legally when all 27 EU states approve it, if Viktor Orban’s position or that of the entire Hungarian government changes.

The main pyramid at Burning Man festival in Nevada featured Ukrainian symbols including sunflowers, wheat, and blue and yellow colors through an AI-generated video created by director Olha Navrotska, Suspilne Culture reported on 4 September.

The audiovisual animation was conceived by philanthropist and initiator of educational projects “Skarb” and “War Diaries: Unheard Voices of Ukrainian Children” Khrystia Khranovska and displayed on the festival’s central pyramid structure used for projections, performances and light shows.

“My idea was to make Ukraine visible even in the middle of the Nevada desert. With this video, I wanted to show our country as modern, noble, intelligent, authentic, unique and understandable to the world. We must be heard everywhere,” Khranovska said.

Director Olha Navrotska brought the concept to life using artificial intelligence. The video incorporated Ukrainian cultural symbols: blue sky colors, sunflowers as signs of life, wheat ears and horses as images of freedom and fertility, along with figures of Ukrainian women and brave men.

The musical component features an ethno-house track “Skarb” by Fahot, leader of the band TNMK.

“This video is another opportunity to remind the world about ourselves, and to do it at a huge international festival. We chose yellow-blue colors both because it’s our flag and because it’s an incredibly powerful color combination that should immediately be associated with us and create a bright picture in the night,” Navrotska explained.

According to Suspilne Culture, the animation on Burning Man’s main pyramid served as a tribute to the 34th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.

Burning Man, an annual eight-day independent art event in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert, runs from 24 August to 1 September under this year’s theme “Tomorrow Today.” Organizers define it as an experiment in creating a community of radical self-expression, culminating in burning a massive wooden human statue on the final day.

Forbes reported that Ukraine was represented by five artworks at the festival: “Black Cloud” by Oleksiy Say, “The Point of Unity” by Mykola Kabluka, “Death Conquered Death” by Volodymyr Semkiv, “Merman” by Merman Team, and “Blue Bull” by “Workshop of Wonders.”

Pragmatika reported that an additional installation called “HeyDay” by Kharkiv artist Volodymyr Ponomarenko – a mirrored flower made of stainless steel.

Say’s original installation was destroyed by a storm on the festival’s first day, leading the artist to transform it into a new work titled “No Fate” – shortened from the phrase “No fate but what we make,” borrowed from Sarah Connor’s line in the “Terminator” franchise.

The new installation continues the message “Get Ready!” from “Black Cloud”: invisible threats are real, but the future is not predetermined and remains in human hands, emphasizing the choice to resist threats rather than become accustomed to them.

Russian President Vladimir Putin told the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok that he was ready for contact with Ukraine but questioned whether Kyiv has the political will to reach agreements on key issues, according to Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation.

Putin claimed Ukraine had previously excluded direct contacts with Russia but now “asks for them.” He dismissed peace negotiations in a third country as an “excessive request from Kyiv” and suggested Moscow as the preferred meeting location.

“Ukraine wants a meeting, I’m ready, come, we will provide working conditions and security,” Putin said at the forum.

The Russian leader declared that Russia would consider any foreign troops on Ukrainian territory “legitimate targets for destruction.” He added that security guarantees for both Ukraine and Russia had not been seriously discussed with Moscow at a high level.

Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation said Putin’s statements confirmed he rejects peace proposals while using rhetoric about readiness to negotiate as a stalling tactic.

“Putin continues to stall, putting forward deliberately unacceptable demands for negotiations, but almost no longer hides that he does not intend to agree on anything. Sanctions and pressure on Russia must be strengthened,” the Center concluded.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded that Putin pretends he does not need peace or agreements, but global pressure can shape Russia’s interest in ending the war.

Zelenskyy reacted to Putin’s Moscow invitation, saying: “If you want there to be no meeting, invite me to Moscow.”

Recent diplomatic developments include Donald Trump’s 25 August statement that he would observe for two weeks before intervening “very decisively” in potential Zelenskyy-Putin talks. On 4 September, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that 26 countries would provide peacekeepers or assistance as part of security guarantees for Ukraine.

Trump said he plans to speak with Putin soon after his conversation with Zelenskyy, calling Russia’s war against Ukraine “the most difficult of everything” for him.

Russian forces launched 157 drones and 7 missiles of various types against Ukraine during the night of 5 September, according to the Air Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. All seven missiles reached their targets.

The missile arsenal included six S-300 surface-to-air guided missiles and one X-59 guided aviation missile, the Air Forces reported. Ukrainian aviation, anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare units, unmanned systems, and mobile fire groups of the Defense Forces repelled the air attack.

By 9:00 AM, Ukrainian military forces had shot down or suppressed 121 Russian Shahed-type UAVs and various decoy drones in the northern and eastern oblasts of the country. However, 7 missiles and 35 strike drones hit 10 locations. One enemy drone remained airborne at the time of the report.

The Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration reported that their region bore the brunt of the massive Russian drone attack. In Dnipro, Russian forces hit an enterprise, causing fires that emergency services have since extinguished. No casualties were reported.

“Defenders of the sky eliminated 15 of them,” the Air Defense Command said regarding the drones targeting Dnipropetrovsk Oblast overnight.

The attack pattern varied across the oblast. In Dnipro, “the aggressor hit an enterprise. Fires broke out there, and rescuers quickly began extinguishing them,” according to regional authorities. Meanwhile, “the enemy struck the Pokrovsk community in Nikopol district with an FPV drone.”

The strikes caused significant property damage beyond the targeted enterprise. Private houses near the drone impact sites in Dnipro were damaged, with windows shattered in apartment buildings. Specialists are now inspecting the homes and documenting the damage while accepting residents’ claims to calculate losses accurately.

Local charities are distributing building materials at the sites, providing OSB boards and film for residents to temporarily cover damaged roofs, doors, and windows. The state assists in rebuilding through the “eRecovery” program, with applications available through the Diia platform.

All relevant emergency services are working at the affected locations alongside local volunteers providing immediate assistance to residents.

Ukrainian forces attacked an oil refinery in the Russian city of Ryazan and an oil depot in occupied Luhansk during the night of 5 September, Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, said.

The Ryazan Oil Refinery, one of Russia’s four largest refineries, was struck by Ukraine’s 14th Unmanned Systems Regiment together with Special Operations Forces, Main Intelligence Directorate, and other Defense Forces components. The same regiment targeted the Luhansk oil depot.

Russian Telegram channel Astra earlier cited eyewitnesses reporting that the Ryazan refinery was burning following drone strikes. Ryazan region governor Pavel Malkov claimed that eight drones were shot down over the region overnight, with debris falling on an industrial facility.

Russian media and Telegram channels reported a large fire in occupied Luhansk on the evening of 4 September. The strike reportedly hit a key oil depot that supplies fuel to Russian forces.

Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries have occurred regularly since the beginning of 2024. Some facilities have sustained damage to primary oil processing units requiring repairs.

Ukraine’s General Staff has confirmed most attacks, stating that the Defense Forces “systematically implement measures aimed at reducing the combat potential of Russian occupation forces, as well as forcing the Russian Federation to cease armed aggression against Ukraine.”

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Uzhhorod on 5 September, with energy infrastructure set as the primary agenda item, the Slovak government’s press service reported to the TASR agency.

The meeting in Uzhhorod represents a critical juncture for Slovak-Ukrainian relations, particularly as both countries navigate competing energy security priorities while maintaining their positions on the ongoing war.

The Slovak government press service confirmed that Fico will arrive in Uzhhorod on 5 September. Besides meeting with Zelenskyy, he will also hold talks with Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. His delegation includes Economy Minister Denisa Sakova and Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar, with energy infrastructure discussions expected to dominate the talks.

“The Slovak premier and Ukrainian president will inform about the meeting’s conclusions at a joint press conference,” the government added, according to the report.

This marks the first bilateral meeting between Fico and Zelenskyy since the Slovak premier returned to office in 2023. The timing comes amid escalating tensions over energy transit routes that directly affect Slovakia’s oil supplies.

Hungary and Slovakia continue receiving Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline, which Ukraine has targeted in recent attacks. Slovak and Hungarian foreign ministers have complained to the European Commission about these attacks, highlighting the regional energy security concerns.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban escalated the diplomatic response by writing to Trump about Ukraine’s attacks on the Druzhba pipeline, with the former president reportedly expressing anger over the situation. However, on 4 September, American President Donald Trump told European leaders that Europe “should stop purchasing Russian oil,” which he said helps Moscow finance the war against Ukraine.

NATO member countries will contribute to the construction of new air bases where F-35 fighters will be stationed, Yle reported on 4 September.

The NATO Investment Committee will decide the size of each country’s contribution. Defence Properties CEO Matias Warsta expressed hope that the funding will reach over 100 million euros ($116 mn)

“I hope that we reach a three-digit figure, over one hundred million euros,” Warsta said, emphasizing this was his personal assessment.

Finland’s Ministry of Defence declined to provide forecasts on the amount other NATO countries might contribute.

According to Yle’s calculations, the potential 100 million euros ($116 mn) would represent one-fifth of the construction program worth approximately half a billion euros. The plan includes building shelters, maintenance facilities, and storage for new F-35 fighters in Rovaniemi, Siilinjärvi, and Tikkakoski.

NATO approved almost the entire Finnish F-35 infrastructure construction program as eligible for funding earlier this spring. The first F-35 fighters are expected to arrive at the Rovaniemi air base in late 2026, where construction work has already begun.

Finland has ordered 64 new F-35s from Lockheed Martin to replace aging F/A-18 Hornets.

Finland receives NATO co-financing for the first time

NATO provides funding through its investment program when a project is deemed to generate capabilities for the entire defense alliance and exceed national needs. According to Warsta, access to NATO co-financing was not guaranteed when construction began.

“This is an educated expert assessment. But the sum could be larger or smaller,” Warsta said.

Special adviser Arjo Kaarre from the Ministry of Defence noted that determining which aspects of fighter base equipment exceed Finland’s needs is not straightforward.

“It’s a matter of negotiation and partly interpretative,” Kaarre said.

Each NATO country’s payment share is determined in the same proportion as membership fees. Kaarre indicated the first funding decisions will likely be made next year.

Finland has not previously received NATO co-financing for its construction projects.

Manufacturer sets new requirements mid-construction

The first F-35 fighters will arrive at the Lapland Squadron in Rovaniemi in late 2026. Construction work continues at the site.

Cost estimates for the Rovaniemi base have increased from 150 million to 200 million euros (from $174 mn to $232 mn), though Warsta said they remain within agreed frameworks.

“In addition to rising construction costs, the equipment manufacturer (Lockheed Martin) has also set additional requirements for the work,” Warsta explained.

Both Lockheed Martin and the US administration have imposed strict security requirements and regularly inspect compliance.

Construction at Rovaniemi includes underground spaces for fighters and information systems, a 3,000 square meter storage facility for spare parts, maintenance facilities, and training facilities with simulators.

The airfield will see increased use as training activities with NATO allies intensify. In real situations, allied fighters could also rely on Finnish bases.

The employment gap between men and women in the Czech Republic has narrowed to a record low, with experts attributing the shift primarily to Ukrainian refugee women entering the workforce, Novinky reported on 4 September.

Czech Statistical Office data shows that as of June 2025, employment among men stood at 80.2%, while women’s employment reached 71.2% – a difference of nine percentage points.

This marks a dramatic change from July 2023, when women’s employment was 68.2% compared to men’s 81.5%, representing a gap of over 13 percentage points.

“We are seeing things that have never happened historically,” Dalibor Holý, director of the labor market statistics and equal opportunities department at the Czech Statistical Office, told Novinky.

The statistics reveal the scale of Ukrainian women’s integration into the Czech labor market. In June 2025, nearly 166,000 refugees were legally employed in the country, with 101,000 of them women. According to Jakub Augusta, spokesman for the Czech Ministry of Labor, “this is the highest number since the beginning of the war.”

Holý explained that Ukrainian refugee women “have a very high employment rate, which contributes to the growth of women’s employment.”

Beyond refugee integration, experts point to broader economic factors driving the employment shift. The rising cost of living has pushed more women into the workforce, while traditional male-dominated industries have shed jobs. Manufacturing, historically employing more men, has contracted, while the service sector – where women are more represented – has remained stable.

The employment pattern also reflects changes in work arrangements. Experts suggest that support for part-time employment, which women use more frequently than men, has contributed to the narrowing gap.

The Czech Republic has taken other steps toward gender equality in recent months. The country recently allowed women to use the masculine form of their surnames in official documents.

However, Czech intelligence services have warned of potential challenges ahead. They cautioned about a scenario where thousands of Ukrainian war veterans might travel to the Czech Republic to reunite with their families after the war ends, though the implications for the labor market remain unclear.

The employment figures represent a significant shift in Czech demographics and labor patterns, with Ukrainian refugee women emerging as a key factor in reshaping the country’s workforce composition.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that geographical distance provides no security guarantee against Russian threats, citing missile technology that can reach European capitals within minutes.

“We are all very close, particularly in the context of the latest Russian missile technologies. For example, the difference now between Lithuania and Luxembourg, The Hague or Madrid is five to ten minutes – that’s how long it takes for a missile to reach these parts of Europe,” Rutte said during a joint press conference in Luxembourg with Prime Minister Luc Frieden and Defense Minister Yuriko Backes, according to Ukrinform.

The NATO chief emphasized that member states should abandon any sense of safety based on distance from Russia. “We are all under direct threat from the Russians. We are all now on the eastern flank, regardless of whether we live in London or Tallinn – there is no longer any difference,” he added.

Rutte’s comments came as he confirmed US commitment to NATO interests and Washington’s recognition of “the existence of a long-term Russian threat to the entire Alliance, to the entire Euro-Atlantic.”

The Secretary General described deep American understanding of interconnected security concerns. “They deeply understand, and I feel this from all my conversations in Washington, that safe United States needs a safe Atlantic, safe Europe and safe Arctic, because otherwise the United States itself, even the mainland, will be under threat,” he said.

Rutte also addressed the incident involving European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s aircraft, which experienced navigation problems due to suspected Russian interference. The NATO chief stressed that the Alliance takes this “very seriously” and is “strengthening the response to hybrid and cyber threats.”

Financial Times and Reuters reported that on 31 August, the aircraft carrying von der Leyen to the Bulgarian city of Plovdiv lost electronic navigation systems while approaching the city airport. According to unnamed officials, the GPS signal in the entire airport zone was disabled, which was interpreted as a Russian interference operation.

Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden announced his country’s intention to join NATO’s PURL initiative (Priority Ukraine Requirements List) to purchase weapons in the US and transfer them to Ukraine, Ukrinform reported.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz escalated his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him “perhaps the most serious war criminal of our time” in an interview with Sat.1 television, according to ntv.

“He is a war criminal. He is perhaps the most serious war criminal of our time that we are currently seeing on a large scale,” Merz said in the interview. “And we must simply be clear about how to deal with war criminals. There is no place for leniency here.”

The CDU leader’s characterization represents a new level of personal condemnation of the Russian president. While Merz has previously accused Russia as a state of “serious war crimes” and “terrorism against the civilian population” during his tenure as chancellor, his direct personal labeling of Putin as potentially the era’s worst war criminal marks an unprecedented escalation in his rhetoric.

The comments come as international legal proceedings against Putin continue. In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for the Russian president in connection with the illegal deportation of children from Ukraine.

The arrest warrant has complicated diplomatic efforts. Austria’s Foreign Ministry recently stated the country would be willing to host negotiations between Ukrainian and Russian leaders to end the war. Vienna indicated it could conduct consultations with the International Criminal Court to coordinate issues regarding Putin’s arrest warrant and avoid his detention during any potential visit.

Merz’s remarks reflect the ongoing international debate over how to engage with Russian leadership while war crimes proceedings remain active. His insistence that “leniency” has no place in dealing with war criminals signals Germany’s hardening stance toward diplomatic accommodation with Moscow.

The interview represents one of the strongest personal condemnations of Putin by a major European leader since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began.

Ukrainian forces have successfully cleared Russian troops from the village of Udachne in Donetsk Oblast and raised the Ukrainian flag over the settlement, the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces announced on 2 September.

The village sits approximately 10 kilometers west of Pokrovsk, a strategic town that has emerged as one of the most contested areas along Ukraine’s eastern front line.

“Defense forces ‘cleared’ the village of Udachne on the Pokrovsk direction and installed the Ukrainian flag,” the General Staff reported on Facebook.

Military officials confirmed that all Russian strongpoints in the area were destroyed during the operation.

“Over two weeks, assault groups gradually cleared house by house and raised the Ukrainian flag over the village,” according to a video statement released by the armed forces.

The liberation of Udachne comes amid intense fighting across the Pokrovsk direction, where Ukrainian forces repelled 46 assault attempts near the settlements of Volodymyrivka, Zapovidne, Novoekonomichne, Myrolyubivka, Lysivka, Zvirove, Kotlyne, Udachne, and Dachne, the General Staff reported in its morning briefing on Facebook.

The village belongs to the Udachne territorial community, which has been under severe pressure from Russian forces. As of 11 June 2024, fighting was already underway in Udachne, Novoserhiivka, and Novomykolaivka, according to Valeriy Duhelny, head of the Udachne village military administration, as reported by Suspilne Donbas.

Duhelny had told Suspilne Donbas on 8 June that combat operations and the “gray zone” had reached the borders of Udachne and Novoserhiivka, though none of the seven settlements in the community were officially occupied at that time. He described the eastern part of Udachne as completely destroyed, with no intact buildings remaining after Russian shelling.

A 39-year-old man crashed his white SUV through the gates of the Russian consulate in Sydney’s eastern suburbs on the morning of 1 September after police attempted to question him about his unauthorized presence on the property, according to New South Wales Police.

Officers responded to reports of a suspicious vehicle parked in the consulate’s driveway in Woollahra around 8:30 AM. When police tried to speak with the driver, “the man allegedly drove his vehicle into the gates of the property” and continued onto the lawn, police said, according to The Guardian.

Helicopter footage captured the aftermath: the vehicle with doors open and smashed front windows positioned near a large flagpole on the consulate grounds.

An eyewitness described the confrontation to local media: “I came out and I saw a policeman with a gun, his glock, pointing at the man in the car, asking him to get out of the car. He didn’t [get out], rammed through the gates, drove onto the property and stopped again.”

The incident injured a 24-year-old constable who sustained a hand injury and received treatment from NSW Ambulance paramedics, according to police reports.

Pro-Kremlin influencer Simeon Boikov, known online as Aussie Cossack, witnessed the events from inside the consulate where he has been staying for 1,000 days while facing assault charges. “From my side, it looks like a diplomatic asylum attempt,” Boikov told reporters from within the building.

The driver was arrested and taken to Surry Hills police station for questioning. Federal police detectives launched an investigation, with the Australian Federal Police’s Diplomatic Protection Unit also involved. The vehicle was towed from the premises around 10 AM.

Minor damage to the front gate was quickly repaired, and federal police officers maintained security around the area. The Russian consulate has not responded to requests for comment, reports Guardian Australia and ABC News.

Boris Kragen, a 77-year-old Russian national from Moscow, arrived at the consulate for paperwork but found the leafy street cordoned off with police tape and multiple patrol cars blocking access. 

Video footage from witnesses captured police shouting commands at the driver: “Get out of the car immediately” and “Get on the ground,” according to media reports. The damaged driver-side windows suggested police used batons to gain access to the vehicle.

New South Wales Police confirmed the investigation remains ongoing.

Jens Spahn from the CDU/CSU and Matthias Miersch from the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) arrived in Kyiv on 1 September, DW reported.

The visit marks the first joint trip to Ukraine by the parliamentary group leaders of the CDU/CSU and SPD. Both Spahn and Miersch are making their inaugural visits to Ukraine.

The German politicians plan to discuss continued German support for Ukraine and diplomatic efforts to end the war during their stay in Kyiv, according to the report.

“Matthias Miersch and I are here to send a clear signal: the government factions CDU/CSS and SPD stand now and in the future on the side of Ukraine, the brave Ukrainians who defend their homeland, their country, and also Europe,” Spahn said.

When asked about possible security guarantees for Ukraine, Spahn emphasized that the best guarantee is a well-equipped Ukrainian army. “The first and most important security guarantee for Ukraine is the Ukrainian army. Above all, we want to equip it as well as possible,” he said.

The visit follows German Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil’s trip to Kyiv on 25 August. During that visit, Klingbeil announced Germany’s commitment to provide Ukraine with nine billion euros annually over the coming years.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto announced on 30 August that Budapest will block the opening of substantive negotiations on Ukraine’s EU membership, citing concerns over agriculture, security, and energy costs.

Hungary, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, has been actively vetoing Ukraine’s accession process to the European Union. Viktor Orbán is widely regarded as a close ally of Vladimir Putin, positioning Hungary as a key supporter of Russian interests within the EU. 

Speaking after an informal EU foreign ministers meeting in Copenhagen, Szijjarto said Hungary “will not allow the substantive part of the accession negotiations, i.e., the specific rounds of the negotiations, to be opened,” according to Hungarian media reports.

The minister justified the position by claiming Ukraine’s EU membership “would destroy Hungarian farmers, Hungary’s food security, and allow the Ukrainian mafia to enter Hungary.”

Szijjarto accused Brussels and most EU member states of prioritizing war continuation over peace negotiations.

“Brussels and most European Union member states are preparing for the long-term continuation of the Ukrainian war, are not interested in the success of peace negotiations, and are ready to send many more thousands of billions of forints to Ukraine,” he said.

The Hungarian official criticized the European Commission for acting “practically as a Ukrainian Commission, completely representing Ukraine’s interests, contrary to the interests of member states” during the Copenhagen discussions.

Hungary outlined four specific areas where it will maintain opposition to EU policy on Ukraine. The country will continue supporting US President Donald Trump’s peace efforts, as “only an American-Russian agreement can bring about a settlement,” Szijjarto said.

Ukraine applied for EU membership shortly after Russia’s invasion in 2022 and received candidate status within months. However, Hungary’s veto power as an EU member allows it to block further progress.

The Hungarian position comes amid broader EU discussions about Ukraine’s integration path and continued financial support. Hungary has consistently opposed aid packages to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia throughout the conflict.

On 13 August, Szijjarto condemned a Ukrainian drone strike on a distribution station of the Druzhba oil pipeline in Russia’s Bryansk Oblast. Hungary relies on this pipeline for most of its crude oil imports and remains one of two EU countries, along with Slovakia, still importing Russian oil via Druzhba under EU sanctions exemptions.

Polish Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński announced the deportation of a Ukrainian citizen who posted video threats of arson attacks online.

“A Ukrainian citizen who threatened to commit arson in videos posted on the Internet was forcibly taken and deported to Ukraine by border service officers,” Kierwiński wrote on X.

The minister published footage showing the Ukrainian being handed over to Ukrainian border guards. Polish authorities had detained the individual on 29 August, according to Kierwiński’s earlier statements.

The deportation comes amid broader Polish security measures targeting Ukrainian nationals. On 30 August, Poland expelled 15 Ukrainian citizens who authorities claimed posed threats to public safety.

Border service officials reported that several of the deported Ukrainians had prior criminal convictions. The charges included possession of narcotic and psychotropic substances, theft, robbery, document forgery, drunk driving, and organizing illegal border crossings into Poland.

The cases highlight growing tensions as Polish authorities increase scrutiny of Ukrainian residents amid ongoing security concerns.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of deliberately choosing war over peace negotiations as Vladimir Putin traveled to China for a regional security summit. The Ukrainian leader criticized Moscow for ignoring widespread international calls for a ceasefire that have emerged from leaders across multiple continents.

Zelenskyy said in his evening adress that peace talks at the leadership level were proposed in Washington two weeks ago, adding Ukraine remains prepared for such discussions. However, he said Russia has chosen a different path by continuing to invest in military operations rather than diplomacy.

“All signals from Russia indicate only the continuation of aggression,” Zelenskyy said, according to his statement. “During his visit to China, Putin will again seek ways to avoid responsibility – this is his usual tactic.”

The Ukrainian president emphasized the breadth of international opposition to the war, citing calls for peace from major global powers and religious leaders.

“The world unanimously demands a ceasefire: China says this, and India’s Prime Minister, and the leaders of Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan. Today an important statement was made by the Pope. The only one who wants war is Russia,” Zelenskyy said.

Putin’s visit to China comes amid what sources describe as a “crunch moment” in peace talks over the Ukraine war, with the Russian leader attending a regional security summit alongside other leaders.

Zelenskyy argued that international pressure on Moscow must intensify, warning that the war’s continuation destabilizes the global situation. Ukraine expects firm positions from the United States, European Union, and G20 nations, he said.

The Ukrainian president also thanked partners who joined the PURL special program, which enables weapons purchases in the United States for Ukrainian defense forces. He announced that the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Canada, Belgium, and Latvia joined the initiative in August.

“The total amount in the program has already exceeded $2 billion. Our goal is to add at least one billion monthly. These are funds for purchasing modern weapons – Patriot missiles, HIMARS and other systems that protect our cities,” Zelenskyy said.

The president previously reported that Ukrainian Defense Forces are containing Russian advances in Donetsk Oblast and toward Pokrovsk.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that Ukrainian capitulation would lead to Russian aggression against other states, according to his interview with ZDF channel.

Merz said the war between Russia and Ukraine could continue for an extended period. “We are trying to end it as quickly as possible. But certainly not at the price of Ukraine’s capitulation,” he added.

The Chancellor explained that while the war could end tomorrow if Ukraine surrenders and loses its independence, such an outcome would have dangerous consequences. “Only then the day after tomorrow it will be the turn of the next country. And then the day after that it will be our turn. That is not an option,” Merz said.

The German leader emphasized his government’s position on avoiding Ukrainian surrender despite the war’s potential duration. 

Regarding the possibility of a ceasefire next year, Merz expressed cautious optimism: “I don’t give up hope that we can make it happen. But I’m also not deluding myself.”

On the question of ground troops in Ukraine, Merz opposed such deployment at present. “Nobody is talking about ground troops in Ukraine at this time,” he said. 

This interview follows Merz’s earlier statements on Ukraine. On 27 August, the Chancellor argued that Ukrainian capitulation would only give the Russian dictator time to prepare for a new war. Two days later, on 29 August, Merz said Russia’s war against Ukraine could last “many months” as Putin refuses negotiations.

Most Ukrainians favor ending combat operations through negotiated settlement while demanding concrete security assurances from Western allies, according to new polling data from the Rating Sociological Group.

The survey, conducted 21-23 August, found 59% of respondents support “cessation of hostilities and search for compromise,” while 20% back continuing the war until Donbas and Crimea are returned and 13% favor fighting until 23 February 2022 borders are restored.

Security guarantees emerge as the central precondition for any ceasefire agreement. When asked whether Ukraine should agree to stop fighting, 75% said “Yes, but only if Ukraine receives security guarantees from the USA and European countries,” according to the polling firm. Just 19% said Ukraine “should not agree under any conditions,” while 3% supported an unconditional ceasefire.

Ukrainians identified three priority security mechanisms: continued military financing and weapons supplies from partners (52%), allied commitments to enter combat if Russia attacks again (48%), and international air and sea patrols (44%).

The preference for multilateral negotiations over bilateral talks with Moscow was pronounced. The Rating group found 62% view “search for compromise with involvement of other countries” as realistic, compared to 20% who favor “direct negotiations with Russia.” Only 11% support rejecting talks entirely and “fighting until liberation of all territories.”

When asked about current priorities, 58% chose securing Western commitments for future army financing and adequate weapons supplies, while 31% prioritized territorial recovery.

Respondents most commonly said Ukraine fights Russia for “children’s future” (60%) and “freedom” (44%).

The telephone survey interviewed 1,600 adults across all oblasts except occupied Crimea and Donbas territories and areas without Ukrainian mobile coverage. The margin of error is 2.5% with 95% confidence level.

A forest fire that burned for four days near Russian President Vladimir Putin’s reported Black Sea residence has been extinguished, according to Krasnodar Oblast Governor Veniamin Kondratyev. The blaze, which spread to 41.5 hectares, started after drone debris fell in the area during Ukrainian strikes on 28 August.

The fire occurred near the village of Krynitsa, located approximately 10 kilometers from Putin’s palace on Cape Idokopas, Medusa and Astra reported, citing local authorities. One fire center burned less than one kilometer from Putin’s Krynitsa winery, according to The Insider.

“Through the fall of debris, one of the oil refinery installations caught fire, and forest fires also occurred in the area of Krynitsa village,” the Krasnodar Oblast operational headquarters said.

The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed that Ukrainian forces attacked Russian oil refineries overnight on 28 August, including the Afipsky refinery in Krasnodar Oblast. The forest fire began on the morning of 28 August, expanding from its initial size to 41.5 hectares by 29 August.

NASA FIRMS mapping data shows the blaze located just 850 meters from the winery facility, The Insider reported. The winery gained attention in a 2021 Anti-Corruption Foundation investigation, where it appeared under the name Old Provence. The FBK documentary detailed luxury purchases for the facility, including “gilded Italian toilet brushes.”

Governor Kondratyev announced on August 31 that the forest fires in Gelendzhik had been extinguished. More than 500 people, more than 100 units of equipment, including BE-200 aircraft, IL-76 and 2 Mi-8 helicopters were involved in extinguishing, he said.

Russian media outlet Important Stories reported that the fire center may have been 3-4 kilometers from the presidential residence. The palace complex became widely known in January 2021 following the FBK investigation, though journalists noted that Putin has largely stopped flying to Sochi, where he previously spent much of spring and autumn.

The drone attack was part of broader Ukrainian strikes on 28 August, with Russian authorities reporting drone attacks across multiple oblasts and local residents documenting fires at two oil refineries and a railway junction

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk visited the Polish-Belarusian border to demonstrate European solidarity, according to Tusk’s statement on X.

The Polish Prime Minister said that Belarusian border guards “listened attentively” to their press conference at the frontier. Tusk wrote that the European Commission head had the opportunity to see the situation at the EU’s eastern border firsthand.

Since 2021, self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has refused to control the flow of refugees through his country to EU states, triggering a migration crisis. Poland responded by constructing a 5-meter electronic barrier along the Belarus border, equipped with thousands of cameras and surveillance technology designed to prevent illegal border crossings.

“I am here today to express Europe’s full solidarity with Poland as a frontline state. For many years now, you and the Polish people have faced deliberate and cynical hybrid attacks. I want to emphasize that Europe supports you in every possible way,” von der Leyen said during the visit.

The Commission President announced that the EU’s budget proposal for the next seven years would triple investments in migration, border management and protection. EU member states that share borders with Russia and Belarus will receive additional EU funding under the plan.

“I want to emphasize: Europe’s borders are a shared responsibility. Here we are at the Polish border, but also at the European border, and this is a shared responsibility,” von der Leyen said.

The visit comes as Poland continues to manage migration pressure along its eastern border, where the electronic barrier system represents one of the EU’s most technologically advanced border protection measures.

Several hundred people gathered in Kyiv to bid farewell to 24-year-old Nadiya Halych and her two-year-old daughter Angelina, who died in Russia’s massive attack on the capital on the night of 28 August, reports Suspilne Kyiv.

The funeral service drew residents from the destroyed building in Darnytskyi district, neighbors, relatives, friends and classmates of the deceased Nadiya. 

Nadiya’s former homeroom teacher Natalia remembered her as a good student. “She was a cheerful and kind person who loved her younger sister,” the teacher said.

Near the damaged building, Kyiv residents created an improvised memorial where they bring flowers and toys alongside other tributes.

The attack occurred during Russia’s massive strike on Ukrainian cities on the night of 28 August, when Moscow deployed 629 aerial attack weapons. Residential high-rises in Kyiv sustained damage, particularly in Dniprovskyi district, where the attack destroyed an entire building entrance.

In the capital, 21 adults and four children died. Dozens more sustained injuries.

Russian forces targeted Kyiv with drones and missiles during the nighttime assault. The Darnytskyi district suffered the heaviest damage, with an entire entrance of a five-story building completely destroyed.

Rescue operations at the partially destroyed five-story building in Darnytskyi district concluded on the morning of 29 August. Search and rescue teams worked for over 30 hours. Twenty-two building residents died, including four children. The total death toll from the Russian attack in Kyiv reached 25 people.

On the evening of 29 August, the State Emergency Service announced that consequences of the rocket-drone strike in Kyiv had been eliminated. Rescuers operated at 19 locations across six districts of the capital, involving over 700 rescue workers, nearly 150 pieces of equipment and seven dogs. They managed to save 15 people, including four children.

A fire broke out at warehouse facilities in Balashikha, a Moscow suburb, with the blaze covering 4,000 square meters, according to Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations.

The affected buildings belong to the Balashikha Experimental Chemical Plant and TDK company, which sells household chemicals, Baza reported.

Over 80 specialists and 30 units of equipment have been deployed to combat the fire, along with Mi-8 and Ka-32 helicopters.

Eyewitnesses report that flames have spread to neighboring buildings.

“Firefighters have not yet been able to extinguish the fire in the warehouse premises in Balashikha,” according to local observers.

No casualties have been reported, according to the Emergency Ministry. The warehouse facilities housed operations of both the Balashikha Experimental Chemical Plant and TDK, a company specializing in household chemical products sales.

The fire response involves aerial support, with helicopters assisting ground crews in the firefighting operation across the 4,000-square-meter area.

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi reported to President Zelensky on 31 August that Russian forces have sustained over 290,000 killed and injured across the entire front line since the start of 2025.

The heaviest Russian casualties occurred in Donetsk Oblast, particularly on the Pokrovske direction where Moscow concentrated its main efforts but failed to achieve any strategic objectives, according to Syrskyi.

“Throughout the front, in just eight months of this year, the Russians lost over 290 thousand of their military personnel killed and seriously wounded,” Syrskyi said in his report. “They suffered the heaviest losses precisely in Donetsk region, without realizing any of their strategic tasks.”

Ukrainian units continue executing assigned missions in Donetsk Oblast and systematically destroying occupying forces. Stabilization measures are currently underway on certain sections of the front.

President Zelenskyy highlighted that Ukrainian units weekly replenish the “exchange fund” with Russian prisoners of war. The briefing also analyzed the situation on the Zaporizhzhia direction and in border areas of Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts, with Ukrainian forces prepared for new attacks.

“We analyzed in detail the situation on the Zaporizhzhia direction and the Russian intentions. Also the situation in the border areas of Sumy Oblast and in Kharkiv Oblast,” Zelenskyy said. “We will continue our active actions exactly as needed for Ukraine’s defense. Forces and means are prepared. We have also planned new diplomatic strikes.”

The report comes after Ukraine’s General Staff previously said that Russia’s seasonal offensive campaign ended with no results.

Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, Inspector of the German Navy, has warned of “increased aggressiveness” from Russian units and their potential consequences, according to Spiegel as reported by Evropeyska Pravda.

“There are drone overflights, we have infiltration attempts, sabotage attempts,” Kaack said, Deutschlandfunk reported on 30 August. He added that Bundeswehr soldiers are being specifically contacted outside of duty hours, alongside threats to maritime infrastructure.

The warning comes after The New York Times reported that Russia or Russian supporters are using reconnaissance drones to monitor routes in eastern Germany used by the US and allies to transport military cargo to Ukraine, citing sources from US agencies and other Western states.

Kaack emphasized the risk of unintended escalation. “All this also carries the danger that there could be an escalation by accident,” he said. The navy has significantly strengthened its security measures in response, with precise rules of engagement designed to prevent such scenarios.

“We are working to better protect these bases in the air, underwater and above water, including with our own drone systems,” the inspector stated. Reports about increased flights of Russian spy drones serve as “a small wake-up call that we need to do more,” according to Kaack.

“The services assume that by 2029 at the latest, a potential adversary would be ready to cause trouble,” the Vice Admiral said, referring to intelligence findings. “And we want to prevent that by being defense-ready and capable of deterrence.” This applies to the Baltic Sea region as well.

In recent months, underwater cables have been repeatedly damaged by ships dragging anchors across the seabed. Ships from Russia’s so-called shadow fleet are primarily blamed for such incidents, though Chinese vessels have also faced accusations.

The German military has documented escalating drone activity throughout 2024. In February, German forces detected suspicious drones over a base where Ukrainian soldiers were training and investigated possible espionage. In May, unofficial reports indicated unknown drones circled near a German police patrol vessel in the North Sea that was monitoring a Russian cargo ship.

By early July, German government agencies finally began acquiring countermeasures against unknown drones occasionally spotted near sensitive facilities. In early August, reports indicated that 536 drones were detected over important facilities in Germany between January and March of this year.

Kaack praised the planned military service model approved by the cabinet on Wednesday. He expressed confidence that the planned voluntary military service solution would massively help the navy address its recruitment problems. “The new military service will be the game-changer,” Kaack said.

The inspector acknowledged being “always a friend of military conscription” but noted that the time since conscription was suspended in 2011 cannot be undone. The Bundeswehr will need time to restore capabilities abandoned at that time. The goal is to develop into a training navy that massively and regularly inspires large numbers of young people to commit for longer periods. “And that also takes time,” he said.

The German Navy is also investing in new equipment for enhanced security. The first Boeing Poseidon P-8 reconnaissance aircraft is scheduled for delivery in September, Kaack announced. Eight aircraft of this type have been ordered so far, with four additional orders under discussion. The navy will also soon have an underwater drone at its disposal.

However, Kaack warned that complete protection would never be possible.

Former Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) Andriy Parubiy was shot and killed in Lviv on 30 August, according to confirmation from Lviv Oblast Governor Maksym Kozytskyi.

The victim died at the scene from his injuries, police confirmed. The National Police reported that the shooting occurred around noon in the Sykhiv district of the city at 12 pm.

“Sincere condolences to the family of the deceased,” Kozytskyi wrote.

The assailant who shot at Parubiy was dressed as a delivery service courier, Suspilne sources report.

The manhunt for the shooter continues across the Lviv Oblast, with all security services mobilized for the search operation.

President Zelenskyy confirmed Parubiy’s death, with Interior Minister Klymenko and Prosecutor General Kravchenko briefing on the initial circumstances of the killing.

The incident marks another high-profile killing in Lviv, following the July 2024 assassination of former MP Iryna Farion in the same city.

The 54-year-old politician served as Speaker of Ukraine’s parliament from April 2016 to August 2019 and played a key role during the 2014 Ukrainian revolution as Secretary of the National Security and Defence Council. 

Parubiy gained prominence during the 2013-2014 Euromaidan protests as commandant of the tent camp and head of self-defense detachments. During the February 2014 revolution, after the ousting of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych, Parubiy led forces that took control of the government quarter in Kyiv, including the Verkhovna Rada, Presidential Administration, Cabinet of Ministers, and Interior Ministry buildings.

Poland’s border guard has expelled 15 Ukrainian nationals from the country, citing repeated criminal convictions and threats to public order, according to RMF 24 and official statements from Polish authorities.

The expelled citizens had been repeatedly convicted of theft, robbery, and driving under the influence, reports the border guard service. 

“The persons covered by the procedure were repeatedly punished for crimes and misdemeanors. These include possession of narcotic and psychotropic substances, theft, robbery, forgery, driving vehicles while intoxicated, as well as organizing illegal crossing of the Polish border,” the border guard reported in an official communication.

One individual was already listed in the registry of persons whose stay in Poland is considered undesirable, according to the border service announcement. The authorities placed all expelled individuals on this registry and imposed re-entry bans ranging from five to ten years.

The Ministry of Interior Affairs defended the deportations through spokesperson Karolina Gałecka, who emphasized Poland’s stance on law enforcement regardless of nationality.

“Poland is a country friendly and open to foreigners. However, there is no and will never be consent to breaking the law by them, regardless of the country of origin. The Ministry of Interior Affairs services will firmly respond in cases of violations of our legal order,” Gałecka said.

The deportations represent part of a broader enforcement pattern. Since the beginning of 2025, 1,100 foreigners have been forcibly expelled from Poland, the ministry reported.

The border guard cited national security concerns as the primary justification for the expulsions, pointing to the individuals’ criminal histories spanning drug possession, property crimes, document fraud, and human trafficking activities related to border crossings.

As of February, the Office for Foreigners reported nearly 1 million Ukrainian citizens, predominantly women and children, using temporary protection in Poland. A total of 1.55 million Ukrainians held valid residence permits.

Ukrainians represent the largest foreign population in Poland, comprising 78% of all foreigners who have settled in the country, according to official data.

The State Department has approved a potential $179.1 million Foreign Military Sale to Ukraine for Patriot Air Defense System sustainment equipment and services, according to an announcement from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency on 29 August.

The package includes classified and unclassified spare parts, maintenance support, software updates, system modifications, test equipment, and communication accessories. Additional components cover integration services, repair capabilities, technical assistance, training programs, and engineering support.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe,” the State Department stated in its transmittal notice.

The deal aims to enhance Ukraine’s air defense capabilities through sustained operational readiness of existing Patriot systems. RTX Corporation of Arlington, Virginia, and Lockheed Martin of Bethesda, Maryland, will serve as principal contractors for the program.

Implementation requires approximately five US Government representatives and fifteen contractor personnel to travel to US European Command for training and coordination meetings. The State Department emphasized that “there will be no adverse impact on US defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”

In a separate approval, the State Department authorized a $150 million sale of Starlink satellite communication services and related equipment to Ukraine, according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announcement.

The Patriot sustainment package represents ongoing US efforts to maintain Ukraine’s defensive systems rather than expanding its arsenal.

Actual costs may be lower than the estimated $179.1 million depending on final requirements and budget authority. The State Department indicated that “Ukraine will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.”

The announcement specified that no offset agreements are currently proposed, though any such arrangements would be negotiated between Ukraine and the contractors. Congress received the required certification notice as part of the standard Foreign Military Sale process.

Poland’s Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed on 29 August that work is underway on new legislation to regulate the legal status of Ukrainian citizens following President Karol Nawrocki’s veto of an amendment that would have extended temporary protection.

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Maciej Duszczyk met with Ukrainian Ambassador Vasyl Bodnar on 29 August at the Ukrainian side’s initiative, according to ministry spokesperson Karolina Gałecka.

“The minister informed the Ambassador that the Polish side is working on a bill to regulate the legal situation of Ukrainian citizens. He also presented the Ukrainian side with a schedule of work on the bill,” Gałecka told PAP.

The meeting followed Ambassador Bodnar’s Facebook post stating that “the rights of Ukrainians to stay, work, education, social assistance and medical care in Poland will be guaranteed also after 1 October 2025.”

Bodnar emphasized that Polish officials assured him “the rights of Ukrainian citizens to stay, work, education, social assistance and medical care will be guaranteed also after 1 October 2025,” though some practical issues would require clarification.

The ambassador said that legal uncertainty surrounding Ukrainian lives in Poland had generated significant response in both countries. He added that “Ukrainian citizens who legally reside in Poland will still remain within the legal framework of this state and the entire EU. Even in the case of no new law, transitional solutions will be adopted that will allow avoiding a legal vacuum.”

However, the Polish ministry spokesperson cautioned that “what the legal situation of Ukrainian citizens will look like after 1 October, we will know after the decision of President Karol Nawrocki,” according to PAP.

Presidential veto triggers legislative scramble

President Nawrocki vetoed the amendment to Ukraine assistance law on 25 August. The blocked amendment would have extended temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until 4 March 2026.

Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that blocking the legislation could have destructive consequences for Polish companies, reports PAP.

The stakes are considerable for Poland’s economy. According to TVN24, Ukrainian citizens living in Poland contributed approximately 18.7 billion zloty to the Polish budget in 2024 through taxes and insurance contributions. Their presence also boosted Poland’s GDP by over 2% – nearly 99 billion zloty.

Despite the economic impact, polling conducted for Onet portal showed majority Polish support for Nawrocki’s veto decision.

Ukrainian presence in Poland by numbers

As of February, the Office for Foreigners reported nearly 1 million Ukrainian citizens, predominantly women and children, using temporary protection in Poland. A total of 1.55 million Ukrainians held valid residence permits.

Ukrainians represent the largest foreign population in Poland, comprising 78% of all foreigners who have settled in the country, according to official data.

Estonia handed over to the United States an Estonian citizen accused of illegally supplying strategic goods to Russian defense enterprises and government agencies, according to ERR.

Estonian police and border service transferred Estonian citizen Andrey Shevlyakov to the US on 28 August 2025, who faces charges of illegally transporting strategic goods from the US to Russia using complex supply chains and networks of shell companies.

The US has charged Shevlyakov with 18 counts related to acquiring and supplying US electronics to Russia in violation of sanctions. The charges stem from his alleged role in helping Russian government and military entities procure American-made electronics through deceptive practices.

Shevlyakov was added to the Entity List in 2012, after the US government identified him as a procurement agent charged with pursuing US technology for Russian government and military end users. The designation prohibited him from exporting any goods from the US without proper licensing.

According to the report, Shevlyakov was detained in March 2023 in a joint operation by the FBI and Estonia’s Constitutional Protection Service. He remained under electronic surveillance from May 2024 until his extradition. Legal proceedings against Shevlyakov are ongoing in the United States.

Authorities allege Shevlyakov used false names and a web of front companies to evade Entity List restrictions, misleading suppliers and circumventing federal Department of Commerce restrictions and US export controls. The scheme allegedly involved travel between Russia, Estonia and Finland to make deliveries.

When apprehended in Estonia, authorities found inbound shipments that included about 130 kilograms of radio equipment, demonstrating the scale of the alleged operation.

The extradition represents part of Estonia’s broader security efforts. In late May, Estonia expelled and transferred to Ukrainian authorities a Ukrainian citizen who maintained contacts with the Russian FSB. In July, Estonian internal security services expelled a Russian citizen who potentially posed a security threat to the country.

Ukrainian defense forces struck two Russian oil refineries overnight on 30 August using unmanned aerial vehicles, targeting facilities in Krasnodar Krai and Samara Oblast, according to the General Staff of Ukraine.

The strikes hit the Krasnodar refinery in Krasnodar Krai and the Sizran refinery in Samara Oblast. Ukrainian forces conducted the operations “within the framework of reducing the Russian offensive potential and complicating fuel supplies to occupying forces’ military units,” the General Staff reported.

The Krasnodar refinery produces 3 million tons of light petroleum products annually, including gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel, and “participates in supplying the Russian Armed Forces,” according to the General Staff. The facility sustained damage to one technological installation and a fire covering approximately 300 square meters, regional emergency services reported.

According to the regional operational headquarters, due to falling drone debris on the territory of the Krasnodar refinery, one of the technological installations was damaged, a fire occurred over an area of about 300 square meters.

The Sizran refinery was struck for the second time, military officials said. The facility produces gasoline, diesel fuel, aviation kerosene, fuel oil, and bitumen, with processing volumes reaching 8.5 million tons annually as of August 2025, the General Staff reported.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warns that Russia’s war against Ukraine could continue for “many months” as Vladimir Putin refuses to engage in negotiations, Guardian reported on 29 August.

Merz made these comments during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, questioning Putin’s commitment to peace talks. The German chancellor said that initial discussions centered on organizing a bilateral summit between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy within two weeks, but the Russian leader “clearly unwilling” to proceed with this timeline.

“Frankly, this doesn’t surprise me, because it’s part of the Russian president’s strategy to proceed in the same way,” Merz said.

The chancellor emphasized the need for coordinated action within what he termed the “Coalition of the Willing” to increase pressure on Russia and force Moscow to return to the negotiating table.

Merz’s assessment builds on his recent statements regarding Russian tactics. On 26 August, he suggested that Moscow was deliberately stalling by linking any potential Putin-Zelenskyy meeting to specific conditions. The following day, the German chancellor argued that Ukrainian capitulation would only provide Putin time to prepare for future conflicts.

The comments reflect growing European concern about the prolonged nature of the war and questions about Russian willingness to engage in meaningful diplomatic efforts.

Denmark will invest approximately 1.4 billion euros ($1.6 bn) in Ukrainian defense companies this year under the so-called “Danish model,” European Pravda reported on 29 August.

Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced this figure while advocating for expanded implementation of the financing mechanism.

The Danish model involves allied nations funding weapons production needed by Ukraine through Ukrainian enterprises rather than purchasing from their own defense contractors. According to Poulsen, Denmark allocated 600 million euros ($702 mn) in such contracts last year.

“Ukrainian defense industry works very quickly compared to European companies. They can do this in months, not years. And secondly, it is financially efficient,” Poulsen said.

The minister expressed optimism about broader international adoption of this support format. “Today we heard a lot of words of support for doing more through the ‘Danish model,’ so I’m pleased to see that,” he added.

Poulsen emphasized Ukraine’s continued need for increased military assistance, describing it as an urgent requirement. 

The Danish approach represents a shift from traditional military aid models. Instead of donating existing weapons or purchasing equipment from Western manufacturers, participating countries finance production contracts directly with Ukrainian defense firms.

Former Defense Minister Rustem Umerov indicated in June that assistance to Ukraine under the Danish model would reach 1.3 billion euros ($1.5 bn) in 2025. Ukraine regularly calls on partners to increase investments in its defense industrial complex.

The model allows Ukraine to scale up domestic production capabilities while providing allies with a potentially more cost-effective means of supporting Ukrainian defense needs. Danish officials cite the speed of Ukrainian manufacturers as a significant advantage over European alternatives.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans for secondary sanctions targeting companies from third countries that support Russia’s war effort, as European leaders grow impatient with the stalled peace negotiations.

The initiative emerged from a meeting of German and French cabinet members on 29 August, according to Bloomberg. Both leaders called for measures to undermine Russia’s ability to finance its military operations through oil sales.

“We will continue to exert pressure for additional sanctions to be imposed by ourselves — and we are prepared to do so — but also by the US, to force Russia to return to the negotiating table,” Macron said at a joint press conference with Merz at Fort du Cap Brun near Toulon.

The timing reflects mounting frustration with President Donald Trump’s approach to ending the war. Trump’s latest two-week deadline for progress is close to expiring with little visible advancement toward a peace deal. Instead, the Kremlin launched one of its heaviest drone and missile assaults of the year this week, hitting apartment buildings and killing at least four children.

Merz specifically referenced potential US tariffs as a model for action. “In America, right now they’re discussing further tariffs,” he said. “I would welcome it very much if the American government could make a decision on enforcing those on other nations whose purchases of oil and gas finance a large part of Russia’s war economy.”

The Franco-German statement outlined plans to “further extend and develop effective and robust sanctions” through cooperation within the European Union and with Group of Seven partners. The stated goal is to “exert maximum pressure on Russia.”

The EU has already begun preparing secondary sanctions aimed at Russia’s energy sector. These measures target third countries that help the Kremlin circumvent existing penalties, with additional steps planned for Russia’s oil, gas, and financial sectors.

“We are working on the next package, there are several options on the table,” EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said. “Of course, what will hurt them the most is any sanctions on energy and secondary sanctions.”

The EU adopted an anti-circumvention tool in 2023 that prohibits exports, supply, or transfers of certain goods to third countries considered to aid sanctions evasion. However, the bloc has not yet deployed this instrument.

The EU has avoided secondary sanctions, particularly given recent criticism from the Trump administration about such policies. The current push suggests European leaders believe they have reached the limits of direct sanctions against Russia.

Merz has become increasingly vocal about the lack of diplomatic progress. The German leader said on 28 Augusthe no longer expects a meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, despite Trump’s previous suggestions that such talks were possible.

Beyond sanctions, France and Germany agreed to provide Ukraine with “credible security guarantees” that would allow the country to maintain a military “without any limitations” to deter Russia. They also committed to closer defense cooperation and standardizing military equipment between their nations.

The two countries plan to discuss including France’s nuclear weapons in Europe’s overall security architecture, though they postponed a final decision on the troubled FCAS fighter-jet project until year-end.

Kallas indicated broad support among EU defense ministers for expanding the mandate of EU training missions after a ceasefire, allowing training to occur inside Ukraine rather than just outside its borders.

Zelenskyy said he and European leaders will “connect” with Trump next week to discuss security guarantees during meetings where he seeks legally binding commitments from allies as part of peace negotiations.

Macron and Merz plan separate calls with Trump over the weekend, according to Bloomberg.

President Donald Trump moved to cancel nearly $5 billion in congressionally approved foreign aid and peacekeeping spending using a rare “pocket rescission” mechanism not employed for 48 years, The New York Post reported on 29 August.

On 28 August, Trump said Congress of his request to cancel the funds, which had been frozen in a court case until earlier that day. The DC Circuit Court of Appeals lifted an injunction, clearing the path for the first attempted pocket rescission since 1977.

A pocket rescission allows the president to present a cancellation request to Congress so late in the fiscal year that it takes effect regardless of congressional approval. The current fiscal year ends on 30 September.

The cancellation targets $3.2 billion in United States Agency for International Development (USAID) assistance, $322 million from the USAID-State Department Democracy Fund, $521 million in State Department contributions to international organizations, $393 million for peacekeeping activities, and $445 million in separately budgeted peacekeeping aid.

The spending had been designated for nonprofits and foreign governments but was paused earlier this year by the White House Office of Management and Budget, then stuck in legal proceedings following a lawsuit by the Global Health Council.

The Trump administration highlighted what it considers wasteful spending items. These include millions for “climate resilience” in Honduras, for South Africa’s Democracy Works Foundation, and for promotion democracy among LGBT people in the Western Balkans.

The cuts also eliminate $1.5 million designated to market paintings by Ukrainian women.

Ukraine has initiated an emergency session of the UN Security Council following Russia’s massive attack on Kyiv and other cities, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha.

The meeting is scheduled for 29 August at 10:00 pm Kyiv time. Ukraine requested the session with support from its partners as a response to the wave of Russian missile and drone strikes that resulted in dozens of civilian casualties, including children.

“The meeting is a response to another massive wave of Russian missile and drone attacks on Kyiv and other cities of Ukraine. These strikes resulted in dozens of casualties among the civilian population, including children,” Sybiha said.

The Foreign Minister called on Security Council members to use the session to express support for Ukraine against Russian terror and increase pressure on the Russian aggressor.

“Only pressure, including new harsh sanctions, can force Moscow to stop imitating diplomacy and join real efforts aimed at ending the war,” according to Sybiha.

The emergency session follows a massive combined strike by Russian occupiers on the capital during the night of 28 August, which killed 23 people, including 4 children, reports the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Rescue workers in Kyiv concluded operations at the site of a Russian missile strike on a residential building in the Darnytskyi district after more than 30 hours of work, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said on 29 August.

Emergency services dismantled the main structural debris of the destroyed building to ensure no people remained trapped under the rubble. Some bodies have not yet been identified, and 8 people remain out of contact with their relatives, according to officials.

The Russian attack killed 23 people, with 22 deaths resulting from the direct hit on the Darnytskyi district building, authorities confirmed. Four children were among the victims, including a two-year-old girl who was the youngest casualty.

Emergency workers rescued 17 people from the debris, including 4 children. A total of 53 people were injured across the capital during the strike.

Emergency restoration work continues to allow residents of undamaged apartments to retrieve their belongings as quickly as possible, officials said.

The attack occurred during the night of 28 August, when Russian forces launched nearly 600 drones and 31 missiles at Ukraine, including Kinzhal and Iskander missiles. Kyiv recorded two direct missile hits on residential buildings.

The Kyiv City Military Administration described the consequences as record-breaking, with damage recorded in all city districts across 33 locations. The Darnytskyi and Dniprovskyi districts suffered the most damage, with one strike completely destroying an entrance to a five-story building.

The attack damaged offices of Ukrainska Pravda, Radio Liberty, the European Investment Bank, the EU mission, and the British Council.

White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt said President Donald Trump was “not satisfied, but not surprised” by Russia’s attack on Kyiv.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications and Ministry of Foreign Affairs have condemned the presence of the Russian flag at the Venice Film Festival and called for its removal, according to a statement from the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications.

The ministries reported that while the Russian flag remains displayed at the festival, Russian forces continue committing war crimes. On 28 August, Russia attacked Kyiv, killing 23 people including 4 children.

“While Russia has the freedom to choose how to continue killing civilians in Ukraine, providing it with an international cultural stage is not freedom of art, but hypocrisy, indifference and support for even more terror,” the ministries said in their statement.

The Ukrainian ministries called on the Venice Film Festival to eliminate Russia’s presence and the Russian flag from the event.

The Venice International Film Festival, founded in 1932 as part of the Venice Biennale on the initiative of Italian political figure and fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, is the world’s oldest film festival. The 81st Venice Film Festival featured the world premiere of the documentary “Songs of a Land That Burns Slowly” by Ukrainian director Olga Zhurba.

The 82nd Venice Film Festival runs from 27 August to 9 September. Film critic Sonya Vselyubska from UP.Culture has been accredited for the event and will provide coverage.

The statement emphasized that the festival opened with what it described as “the first tragicomedy of its own authorship.” The ministries noted that under the Russian flag, Russian military forces are currently committing war crimes.

The Ukrainian officials stated that even on the same day, Russia carried out attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, killing at least 21 people, including 4 children. The statement criticized festival organizers for choosing to ignore these actions and further damaging the festival’s reputation.

“The only thing the Venice Film Festival should do now is get rid of Russia’s presence and the Russian flag,” said in the statement, using the hashtag #NoStageForRussia while Russia conducts war against Ukraine.

A forest fire reportedly sparked by drone debris has spread to 41.5 hectares near the village of Krynitsa in Russia’s Krasnodar Oblast, with one fire center burning less than one kilometer from a winery linked to Vladimir Putin.

Local authorities reported the blaze on the morning of 28 August after Ukrainian drone fragments fell in the area, according to Gelendzhik mayor and the regional emergency ministry. The fire has expanded from its initial size overnight, reaching 41.5 hectares by 29 August morning.

“More than 330 people are fighting the fire, about 80 units of equipment are working, as well as a helicopter and aircraft of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations,” Krasnodar Oblast governor Veniamin Kondratiev said.

The village of Krynitsa sits just 10 kilometers from Putin’s palace on Cape Idokopas, Agency reported. Russian media Important Stories reported that the fire center may be 3-4 kilometers from the presidential residence.

The Insider said that another fire source burns less than one kilometer from Putin’s “Krynitsa” winery. NASA FIRMS mapping data shows this blaze located just 850 meters from the winery facility.

The winery gained attention in a 2021 investigation by the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK), where it appeared under the name “Old Provence.” The film detailed luxury purchases for the facility, including “gilded Italian toilet brushes,” according to the FBK documentary about Putin’s palace.

The drone attack occurred as part of broader Ukrainian strikes on 28 August. Russian authorities reported drone attacks across multiple oblasts, with local residents documenting fires at two oil refineries and a railway junction.

The Gelendzhik area has strategic significance due to its proximity to Putin’s reported Black Sea residence, which has been the subject of extensive investigative reporting and opposition scrutiny.

The Trump administration has approved an $825 million sale of 3,350 Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) missiles to Ukraine, marking the first major new weapons sale to Kyiv under the current administration, CNN reported on 28 August.

ERAM may provide Ukraine a new, affordable, and precise standoff strike capability with a range up to around 400 km, helping Ukraine engage targets deeper behind the front lines while reducing the risk to its aircraft. Details regarding potential restrictions on the missiles’ use remain unclear.

According to the report, the missiles could be delivered later this year if the sale proceeds as expected. The ERAM missiles have a range of 150-280 miles and will be accompanied by 3,350 GPS/INS navigation systems.

The State Department announced the proposed sale on 28 August, following meetings between President Donald Trump and both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier this month. The announcement came after a night of deadly Russian strikes on the Ukrainian capital.

“Ukraine will use funding from Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway and Foreign Military Financing from the United States for this purchase,” the State Department notice reported. The department emphasized that “the ERAM is an example of working together with our NATO allies to develop a capable and scalable system capable of being delivered on a fast timeline.”

While the Trump administration has previously approved sales of equipment to maintain existing weapons systems, this represents the first major arms sale of new weapons to Ukraine announced by the administration, according to CNN.

The State Department justified the sale by noting it “will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a partner country that is a force for political stability and economic progress in Europe.”

The timing of the announcement coincides with ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict that have yet to produce results.

According to European media reports cited by CNN, the missiles could arrive in Ukraine within six weeks of the sale’s completion.

Nearly half of Americans think the United States is not doing enough to support Ukraine, according to a new Gallup poll.

The consulting firm found that 46% of respondents believe US assistance falls short, while 25% said America is doing too much and 27% consider current support adequate.

The survey revealed that Democratic voters believe the US should increase its support for Ukraine, while Republican voters are split between considering current aid sufficient or excessive.

Since Donald Trump’s administration took office, the polling data shows significant shifts in public opinion across party lines. Among Democrats, the percentage who view aid as insufficient jumped from 48% in December to 77%. Independent voters also showed increased concern, with those calling aid inadequate rising from 32% to 44%.

Republican attitudes moved in the opposite direction. The share of Republicans who consider aid excessive dropped from 67% to 40%, while those rating current support as sufficient increased from 20% to 42%.

Some 52% believe Washington should support Ukraine in returning occupied territories, even if this prolongs the war, the poll found. Meanwhile, 45% favor a quick end to the war, even if Ukraine would have to give up some territory.

The Gallup survey was conducted from 1-15 August, before the US-Russia leadership summit in Alaska. The polling firm did not specify the number of respondents or methodology used.

Recent diplomatic developments have intensified focus on Ukraine policy. On 25 August, reports emerged of an upcoming meeting between American and Ukrainian teams to prepare for possible negotiations between President Zelenskyy and the Russian leader.

The Financial Times reported on 26 August that the US is prepared to provide Ukraine with intelligence resources and aviation battlefield control as part of security guarantees after fighting ends.

Bloomberg reported on 27 August that Ukrainian officials Yermak and Umerov are heading to the United States to discuss security guarantees with Witkoff.

Estonian Defense Forces announced on 28 August the death of Estonian volunteer Olev Roost, who was killed while fighting in Ukraine’s war against Russia.

“With deep sadness, we announce that Estonian volunteer Olev Roost has died fighting for Ukraine’s freedom,” Estonia’s Special Operations Forces said in a statement.

Roost joined Estonia’s Special Operations Forces in 2017 after passing selection and participated in an overseas operation in Mali in 2020. He remained with the unit until 2023, when he voluntarily left service and traveled to Ukraine as a volunteer fighter.

According to the Estonian forces, Roost served with Ukraine’s 3rd Separate Special Purpose Regiment. “He went abroad to protect peace in his homeland, risking his life and giving everything so that war would not reach us. We highly honor his memory and will never forget his contribution,” the statement said.

ERR reports that at least six Estonian volunteers have been killed fighting for Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

The announcement follows recent reports of other foreign volunteer casualties. Italian volunteer Luca Ciecca, who fought alongside Ukrainian Defense Forces against Russia, was killed in recent fighting. In July, reports emerged of a Hungarian volunteer’s death and the wounding of two Romanian volunteers.

Estonia has been among Ukraine’s strongest supporters, providing military aid and hosting Ukrainian refugees since the war began.

Russian forces deployed rocket-propelled Shahed drones during the overnight attack on Kyiv on 28 August, according to Yurii Ihnat, head of the Communications Department of the Ukrainian Air Force Command.

These modified drones exhibit flight parameters resembling cruise missiles, Ihnat told Hromadske.

The Ukrainian Air Force first documented these jet-powered strike drones during summer operations. Ihnat explained that while cruise missiles typically reach speeds of 700 km/h, the rocket-propelled Shaheds operate at 300-500 km/h.

“They are difficult to shoot down,” the military official added.

Russia has not yet deployed these modified drones en masse, according to Ihnat.

“Previous times we recorded eight units. This time there were also some, but not many,” Ihnat said, declining to specify the exact number of rocket-powered drones launched against Kyiv during the 28 August attack.

During the latest attack on Kyiv, Russian forces employed various weapons and different drone types. Beyond conventional and rocket-propelled Shaheds, Russia deployed decoy drones, which they have also begun equipping with explosive warheads.

Russian forces launched 31 missiles and 598 drones against Ukraine during the overnight attack on 28 August. Current casualty reports indicate 18 dead and nearly 40 injured from the nighttime bombardment, including children.

The Russian strikes damaged the European Union representation building in Ukraine and the British Council office in Kyiv. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha declared the diplomatic facility attacks constitute direct violations of the Vienna Convention, emphasizing such strikes require condemnation from the EU and the international community.

Additional damage occurred to the offices of Ukrainska Pravda and Radio Svoboda media outlets, a Nova Poshta sorting depot where three people were injured, Ukrzaliznytsia’s high-speed train park, and other facilities. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russian forces targeted a residential building in Kyiv with two missiles, destroying the structure.

Russian forces struck the Turkish Bayraktar drone manufacturing facility in Kyiv during the night of 28 August, marking the fourth attack on the plant in six months, according to Igor Zinkevich, co-founder of the NGO Varta-1 and Lviv City Council deputy.

“Two hits were recorded, and the production facilities were seriously damaged,” Zinkevich said. Baykar Makina company confirmed the information to Ukrainian media outlet Oborontsi.

The extent of the damage remains unknown, but the strike has dealt a significant blow to production capabilities that were nearing completion.

“Despite previous attacks, the company continued investing tens of millions of its own funds, training personnel and preparing production. Most capacities were almost ready, the main personnel had completed training,” Zinkevich said.

The Turkish manufacturer of Bayraktar TB2 UAVs planned to establish the Ukrainian facility in 2022, with construction launched in early 2024 and expected completion by August 2025. The plant had not yet gone live, but most of the production facilities had already been prepared.

The attack occurred during a massive Russian assault on Kyiv Oblast, where Ukrainian forces shot down 70 Russian drones, setting a record for drone interceptor usage.

US Presidential Envoy Keith Kellogg has described Russia’s overnight assault on Kyiv as one of the largest since the invasion began, warning that such strikes undermine peace efforts.

Trump’s envoy said Russia conducted the second-largest bombardment of Kyiv since the full-scale invasion started, deploying over 600 drones and 31 missiles against the Ukrainian capital.

“The targets? Not soldiers and weapons but residential areas in Kyiv—blasting civilian trains, the EU & British mission council offices, and innocent civilians. These egregious attacks threaten the peace that @POTUS is pursuing,” Kellogg wrote.

The 28 August overnight strike saw Russian forces launch 629 air attack weapons across Ukraine, according to Ukrainian officials. Direct hits were recorded at 13 locations, with debris falling at 26 additional sites.

In Kyiv, at least 18 people died in the attack, including four children. The city declared 29 August a day of mourning.

The bombardment targeted civilian infrastructure rather than military installations, hitting residential buildings, transportation networks, and diplomatic facilities. European Union and British mission offices were among the structures damaged in the assault.

Multiple European nations condemned the Russian bombardment, while the European Union and Britain announced they would summon Russian diplomatic representatives for official protests.

The attack represents a significant escalation in Russia’s targeting of civilian areas in the Ukrainian capital, with Kellogg’s assessment marking it as the second-most intensive assault on Kyiv since February 2022.

Kharkiv will launch seven underground schools and convert six metro stations into educational facilities for the new academic year beginning 1 September, according to Mayor Ihor Terekhov during a television marathon broadcast.

Ukraine builds underground schools to protect children from constant Russian attacks and ensure safe in-person education. These schools are mainly in frontline cities like Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Sumy, with Kharkiv pioneering metro stations converted into classrooms. Ukraine is among the first countries to extensively use metro stations as schools during wartime, creating a unique model of underground education.

Three of the underground schools were constructed during spring and summer 2025, Terekhov said. The city has also retrofitted six metro stations to accommodate students seeking in-person learning alternatives.

“We will hold 1 September celebrations in underground schools. This is important for us because it’s an emotion for our little citizens,” Terekhov said.

The mayor emphasized the necessity of underground education facilities given current security conditions

Approximately 6,000 first-graders will enter Kharkiv schools this academic year, according to the mayor’s announcement. The underground facilities represent the city’s response to demands for safe in-person education.

“We were the first to retrofit six metro stations where children can study today. We are preparing them so that starting 1 September, children will have the opportunity to study in the metro as well,” Terekhov said.

Each underground school accommodates at least 1,000 students across two shifts, according to Olha Demenko, director of Kharkiv City Council’s Education Department, who provided details in earlier statements.

The city council plans to continue constructing underground schools with the goal of establishing multiple facilities in each district, Terekhov said.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin will travel to China to attend next week’s military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Beijing announced on 28 August. The visit marks Kim’s first trip to China in more than six years.

Assistant Foreign Minister Hong Lei confirmed that 26 world leaders will join Chinese President Xi Jinping at the September 3 event in Beijing, with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un among the key attendees.

“On the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, 26 foreign leaders will attend the commemorative activities for the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese people’s war of resistance against Japanese aggression and the end of World War II,” Hong said during a briefing in Beijing.

The parade will feature thousands of soldiers marching through Tiananmen Square alongside displays of the People’s Liberation Army’s latest military hardware. Kim’s attendance represents a significant upgrade from North Korea’s previous participation – the country sent senior official Choe Ryong-hae to China’s last Victory Day parade a decade ago.

The gathering will provide a rare opportunity for Xi and Kim to meet in person for the first time since 2019, when Kim visited Beijing and Xi traveled to Pyongyang. The timing comes as traditionally strong China-North Korea ties have shown signs of strain, with analysts noting Pyongyang’s growing strategic alignment with Moscow.

“China and North Korea are friendly neighbors connected by mountains and rivers,” Hong told reporters. “It is the firm position of the [Communist Party] and government to maintain, consolidate and develop the traditional friendship between China and North Korea.”

Hong added that Beijing was willing to work with Pyongyang to “deepen exchanges and cooperation” and “open a new chapter” in bilateral relations. “The world is fraught with turbulence and instability, and the peace deficit continues to grow,” he said. “Safeguarding world peace remains an uphill battle.”

North Korea has moved closer to Russia in recent years, with a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty taking effect in December that includes a mutual defense pact. The agreement was signed during Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in June last year. North Korea has also deployed troops to fight alongside Russian forces in Ukraine.

The Beijing parade will mark the first time Kim, Putin and Xi appear together in public, presenting what observers see as a show of solidarity against US pressure. Western countries have expressed concerns about the deepening strategic alignment between the three nations.

Among European leaders, only Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico will attend. Both previously participated in Russia’s Victory Day parade in Moscow in May, which Xi attended but Kim did not.

Other confirmed attendees include leaders from Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and presidents from all five Central Asian countries. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not attend the parade but will participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in nearby Tianjin on Sunday and Monday – his first China visit in seven years.

“The collective rise of the Global South is fundamentally reshaping the world landscape,” Hong said. “It is no longer a silent majority or a vast expanse of underdevelopment, but now represents an awakened new force and fresh hope for change in this once-in-a-century transformation.”

Ukrainian intelligence estimates that North Korea has sent 20,000 to 30,000 troops to assist Russia, though Western diplomats suggest the actual number may be smaller. Kyiv has repeatedly accused China of supplying Russia with defense components while North Korea has become Moscow’s primary source of artillery shells and ballistic missiles.

Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) conducted a strike against a Russian Project 21631 “Buyan-M” small missile ship in the Sea of Azov on 28 July, according to HUR reports.

The operation involved joint action between HUR’s Active Operations Department and the special forces unit “Ghosts” near temporarily occupied Crimea, HUR reported. The targeted vessel serves as a carrier for Kalibr cruise missiles.

“Ghosts” special forces fighters damaged the ship’s radar station using an aerial drone strike, while Active Operations Department specialists attacked the Kalibr carrier’s hull, according to the intelligence directorate.

The Russian missile ship sustained damage and was forced to leave its combat duty area in the Temryuk Bay, where it had been positioned for potential Kalibr launches, HUR reported.

The intelligence directorate said that Defense Forces also struck the Afipsky and Kuibyshevsky oil refineries and attacked several Russian logistics facilities during the night of 28 August.

The US Treasury Department has extended through September 2026 its authorization for importing certain Russian diamonds, according to a statement from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

The license permits operations involving the import of specific Russian diamonds, provided they are physically located outside Russia. Under the renewed authorization, the United States allows imports of diamonds weighing 1 carat or more if they were not exported from Russia before 1 March 2024, and diamonds weighing 0.5 carats or more if they were not exported from Russia before 1 September 2024.

However, the import of non-industrial diamonds of Russian origin to the United States remains prohibited, OFAC reports.

The authorization comes nearly two years after G7 countries announced in early December 2023 a phased ban on Russian diamond imports. The group indicated that further restrictions would target Russian diamonds processed in third countries.

The European Union implemented its 12th sanctions package in December 2023, imposing a ban on direct or indirect import, purchase, or transportation of diamonds from Russia. The United States announced its own prohibition on importing Russian-origin diamonds in February 2024.

The Treasury’s General License No. 104A, effective 27 August 2025, specifies that authorized transactions must be “ordinarily incident and necessary to the importation and entry into the United States, including importation for admission into a foreign trade zone.” The license explicitly states it “does not authorize any transactions otherwise prohibited by the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations.”

The document notes that compliance with “any other Federal laws or requirements of other Federal agencies” remains mandatory despite the general license authorization.

President Karol Nawrocki’s veto of legislation on aid to Ukrainian citizens has received backing from 59.8% of Polish respondents, according to a SW Research survey conducted for Onet on 26-27 August 2025.

The poll of 814 adults nationwide found that 25.4% opposed the presidential decision, while 14.7% answered “don’t know/hard to say” when asked whether they supported Nawrocki’s veto of the Ukraine assistance law.

Nawrocki announced his veto citing a key concern about the 800+ benefit program. “The 800+ benefit should be granted exclusively to Ukrainians who take up work in Poland,” the president said. He argued that current provisions do not ensure social justice.

The veto affects legislation that would have extended temporary residence rights for up to one million Ukrainian refugees beyond the September 2025 deadline, potentially leaving them without legal employment options.

The veto triggered strong political reactions across party lines. Politicians from Law and Justice and Confederation supported the presidential decision, while representatives from the Left and Civic Coalition sharply criticized it.

Men showed slightly higher support for the veto at 63.4% compared to 56.5% among women, the SW Research data reveals. The strongest backing came from the 25-34 age group, where 73.5% endorsed the decision. Support was lowest among respondents over 50, at 50.1%.

Geographic patterns also emerged in the polling data. Residents of towns with up to 20,000 inhabitants supported the veto most frequently at 67.8%, while those in cities exceeding 500,000 residents showed the lowest support at 55.5%.

Legal status of Ukrainian refugees at stake

The vetoed legislation addressed temporary residence rights for up to one million Ukrainians who arrived after Russia’s full-scale invasion began on 24 February 2022. Current regulations permit their stay until the end of September 2025. After this deadline, they will face difficulties with legal employment, among other issues.

Alongside his veto, Nawrocki submitted his own version of Ukraine assistance legislation to the Sejm, which has been sent for public consultations. The government announced it will present its own version of these provisions.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration estimates that the presidential veto could cost up to 8 billion zloty. These expenses would result primarily from administrative processing of thousands of residence legalization applications.

The Sejm retains the authority to reject the presidential proposal and pursue alternative legislative approaches to address Ukrainian refugee status and assistance programs.

The European Union delegation building in Ukraine sustained damage during Russian strikes on Kyiv on the night of 28 August, according to Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha. The British Council office was also hit in the same attack.

EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova confirmed the damage, writing that the EU representation “was severely damaged by the shock wave” and published corresponding photos.

“Russian ‘peace’ last night: massive strike on Kyiv using drones and ballistic missiles. At least 10 killed, 30 wounded, many buildings destroyed,” Mathernova said.

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot confirmed damage to both diplomatic buildings. “Another brutal night in Kyiv. Civilian buildings were damaged again, among them the EU Delegation and the British Council. Russia shows, once more, that it has no genuine will for peace. It chooses terror, destruction, and lies over dialogue,” Prevot wrote.

Sybiha said that attacks on diplomatic facilities constitute a direct violation of the Vienna Convention. “We insist on strong international reactions to Russia’s brutal strike on Kyiv and other cities…Whatever Putin said in Alaska, his real actions reject diplomacy, dialogue, and peace efforts.,” the minister said.

The overnight Russian assault involved 31 missiles and 598 drones targeting Ukraine. The attack on the capital resulted in 13 deaths and 48 injuries, with consequences recorded at more than 20 locations across 7 districts of Kyiv. Children were among the casualties.

Russian forces also targeted critical infrastructure in Vinnytsia Oblast, leaving 60,000 consumers without electricity. Mathernova described this as Moscow’s true response to peace efforts.

Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak and Deputy Foreign Minister Serhii Kyslytsia will join the Ukrainian delegation meeting with US President’s special envoy Steve Witkoff in New York this week, an informed government source told Suspilne.

 National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov reportedly will also participate in the meeting.

According to sources, the meeting’s agenda will continue agreements reached during the Ukrainian delegation’s visit to Washington and negotiations with US President’s special envoy Keith Kellogg in Kyiv. The discussions will separately address negative signals coming from the Russian side regarding a possible leaders’ meeting and the negotiation process overall.

US President’s special envoy Steve Witkoff previously announced he would meet with Ukrainian representatives in New York this week.

“I’m meeting with the Ukrainians this week. So I’ll meet with them this week in New York, and that’s an important signal that we talk to the Russians every day,” Witkoff said on Fox News’ “Special Report” program.

On 25 August, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a meeting between Ukrainian and American teams at the end of the current week. The meeting will discuss possibilities for future negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

A majority of Germans now support Ukrainian territorial concessions to Russia in exchange for peace, according to a new poll, as diplomatic efforts continue amid ongoing military tensions.

The Forsa polling institute found that 52% of respondents believe “Ukraine should be ready to cede occupied territories to Russia if necessary to enable a peace agreement,” according to RTL/ntv-Trendbarometer data collected on 18-19 August from 1,002 respondents.

Support for territorial concessions varies significantly by political affiliation, according to the report. Among supporters of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, 72% endorsed the idea. Conservative CDU/CSU supporters showed less enthusiasm at 43%, while Social Democrats registered 48% support.

The polling results emerge as diplomatic initiatives intensify. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy identified potential meeting locations for negotiations with Russia, mentioning Türkiye, Gulf states, and several European countries as possible venues for peace talks.

“From our side, everything will be maximally ready to end this war,” Zelenskyy said in his evening video address on 26 August, while emphasizing the need to maintain pressure on Moscow “to rid the Kremlin of delay tactics.”

Meanwhile, tensions between Washington and Moscow continue. US President Donald Trump criticized Russia following the latest attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, dismissing Moscow’s challenges to Zelenskyy’s legitimacy as posturing.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz accused Putin of employing “delay strategies” regarding peace efforts. Putin considers it appropriate to attach preconditions to a meeting with Zelenskyy that are “completely unacceptable” from Ukraine’s and its Western partners’ perspective, Merz told reporters in Berlin.

The Kremlin echoed these delays, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasizing that any high-level meetings require “good preparation to be effective.” Russian and Ukrainian delegation heads remain in contact, Peskov said, though he could not provide a timeline for potential talks.

On the battlefield, Russian forces continue advancing in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian military analysts reported Russian troops entered Dnipropetrowsk Oblast, marking territory in Zaporiske and Novoheorhijiwka as occupied. Ukrainian forces disputed complete Russian control, with the “Dnipro” army grouping stating they “stopped the advance of Russian forces and continue to control the village of Zaporiske.”

The conflict’s humanitarian impact persists, with over 100,000 consumers losing power across three Ukrainian regions following Russian attacks on energy facilities, Zelensky reported on social media platform X.

Ukraine has adjusted some wartime restrictions, lifting the exit ban for men aged 18-22. Prime Minister Julia Svyrydenko announced that “men between 18 and 22 can cross the border unhindered during martial law,” citing educational opportunities abroad and maintaining connections with compatriots overseas.

The polling data reflects shifting German public sentiment as the conflict approaches its third anniversary, with economic and diplomatic pressures mounting on all parties involved in the ongoing war.

Russia has submitted a peace proposal regarding Donetsk Oblast as part of efforts to end its war against Ukraine, according to Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy for the Middle East.

Speaking in a Fox News interview, Witkoff revealed the existence of the Russian proposal while defending Trump’s diplomatic efforts.

“The Russians have put a peace proposal on the table. It involves Donetsk. It may not be something that the Ukrainians can take,” Witkoff said.

The envoy did not specify the proposal’s details or submission date, but emphasized Trump’s role in advancing negotiations. “No one has done more than this president in narrowing the issues between these two countries and bringing the sides close to a deal,” Witkoff said.

When asked about responsibility for prolonging the war, Witkoff described both parties as challenging. “We’ve got two tough sides here. You heard the President say that he is disappointed in Russia in some respects, and he is also disappointed in the Ukrainians in some respects,” he said.

The disclosure comes after Trump announced reaching an agreement with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on territory exchange following their Alaska talks. Trump said that “President Zelenskyy has to agree” to the arrangement.

According to Bloomberg reports, Putin continues demanding Ukrainian troop withdrawal from Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts entirely, while offering to freeze the front lines in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson oblasts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected these demands.

Reuters previously outlined Russia’s war-ending conditions that Putin presented to Trump during their Alaska meeting on 17 August. Trump has warned of launching an “economic war” against Russia if it avoids negotiations.

Witkoff announced plans to meet with a Ukrainian delegation in New York this week as diplomatic efforts continue.

Trump reports indicate Putin wants immediate discussions on ending the war rather than merely pausing hostilities, with Trump believing this approach would be optimal.

The US continues supplying weapons to NATO allies currently providing military assistance to Ukraine, according to Trump’s statements.

Western countries are discussing a security guarantee system for Ukraine that could be implemented after a peace agreement is concluded, according to Financial Times sources.

The proposed defense structure consists of three distinct layers. The first line of defense would be a demilitarized zone on the border, possibly controlled by peacekeepers from a third country with agreement from both Kyiv and Moscow, sources told the publication.

Ukrainian forces, armed and trained by NATO, would form the second line of defense and provide the main defensive capability. The third line would consist of European deterrent forces deployed deeper in the country with logistical support from the United States.

Coalition of the Willing takes shape

Within the framework of the so-called Coalition of the Willing, Britain has proposed deploying Typhoon fighter jets in western Ukraine and a brigade of 3,000-5,000 military personnel to train the Ukrainian army, according to media reports. France, Canada and Australia could also send troops to western Ukraine.

Czech President Petr Pavel stated that his country “could be part of peacekeeping forces in Ukraine.” Lithuania has also declared its readiness to provide peacekeeping troops for a possible mission in Ukraine.

Bloomberg previously reported that approximately 10 countries are prepared to send their troops to Ukrainian territory after the war.

US position and skepticism

Washington emphasizes it has no intention of sending its troops to Ukrainian territory but is ready to provide intelligence, surveillance capabilities, and participate in developing Ukraine’s air defense system.

However, part of US President Donald Trump’s administration remains skeptical about possible guarantees, fearing the United States could be drawn into a new conflict.

Russian opposition

Russia opposes the deployment of any Western forces. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that negotiations on security guarantees without Moscow are “a road to nowhere.”

According to Lavrov, the security guarantees discussed between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul in 2022 are “a very good example” of what the Kremlin would approve.

The security guarantee discussions for Kyiv have become more active following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s meeting with US President Donald Trump and European colleagues in Washington.

An explosion occurred on 26 August at the main Ryazan-Moscow oil pipeline in Russia’s Ryazan Oblast, halting fuel supplies to the Russian capital for an indefinite period, Hromadske reported, citing an informed source.

The blast happened near the village of Bozhatkovo, according to the outlet’s source. “After a strong explosion on the oil pipeline, a major fire broke out,” the source told Hromadske. Emergency responders arrived at the explosion site several hours later to address the consequences.

The incident has temporarily suspended oil product transportation to Moscow for an unspecified duration. Transneft company representatives are calculating the damage, the source reported.

The pipeline has served a specific military purpose since 2018, when it was repurposed by Transneft to supply automotive gasoline for the Russian army, according to Hromadske’s source.

The Ryazan-Moscow pipeline represents one of the primary sources of petroleum product supplies to Russia’s capital. The explosion’s timing and location have disrupted this critical supply route at a time when fuel logistics remain essential for Moscow’s operations.

US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff will meet with a Ukrainian delegation in New York this week, he announced in a Fox News interview.

Witkoff said that the upcoming meeting with the Ukrainian side “is a big signal.” The envoy revealed he communicates daily with the Russian side and expressed hope that a bilateral meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin could take place soon.

Regarding the Kremlin leader, Witkoff said that during his meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska, Putin told him he “wants peace.” The envoy expressed hope that Moscow “will stick to that.”

“A peace agreement regarding the settlement of the Russian-Ukrainian war is already on the table,” Witkoff said, according to Fox News.

The announcement comes after Witkoff previously met with Ukraine’s security advisors. President Zelenskyy described that conversation as lengthy and highly detailed.

Russian forces killed an 81-year-old woman and wounded three other civilians during morning attacks on Kherson on 27 August, according to the Kherson Regional Military Administration and Regional Prosecutor’s Office.

Artillery strikes hit the Dniprovskyi district at approximately 5:00 am, the Kherson Regional Military Administration reports. “Russian military forces shelled the Dniprovskyi district of Kherson with artillery. A woman born in 1972 who was at home came under enemy fire,” authorities stated.

The woman sustained blast injuries and multiple burns across her body and was hospitalized. The prosecutor’s office later confirmed that the artillery attack killed an 81-year-old woman.

Around 6:30 am, Russian forces launched a drone attack on central Kherson, injuring a 67-year-old resident. The man suffered concussion, shrapnel wounds to his temple, blast trauma, and closed traumatic brain injury. Medical personnel transported him to hospital in moderate-to-severe condition.

A third victim, a 56-year-old man, later sought medical treatment following the drone strike in central Kherson. Doctors diagnosed him with blast trauma, concussion, and facial shrapnel wounds, according to the regional prosecutor’s office.

European Commission spokesperson Marcus Lammert said on 26 August in Brussels that while EU member states must provide Ukrainian refugees with temporary protection, the level of social benefits and medical assistance remains at each country’s discretion.

“Regarding social payments and medical payments. The level of social and family benefits differs from one member state to another,” Lammert said during the press briefing, according to European Pravda.

The spokesperson explained that according to EU directive, “member states must ensure, if beneficiaries do not have sufficient own resources, to provide persons enjoying temporary protection with the necessary assistance in the field of social welfare, medical assistance and means of subsistence.”

However, Lammert noted a crucial limitation: “The temporary protection directive does not provide for amounts or a minimum threshold of social assistance. Its level remains at the discretion of member states.”

“The necessary assistance is provided by the directive, but a threshold or minimum threshold is not provided. That’s what I can say,” he added.

The clarification comes as Poland prepares legislative changes affecting Ukrainian refugees. President Karol Nawrocki’s new bill would restrict aid to Ukrainians, limiting access to services and healthcare only to those citizens who work and pay contributions in Poland.

On 25 August, President Nawrocki vetoed the new version of the law on assistance to Ukrainian citizens. He simultaneously announced a legislative initiative that would equate “Bandera symbols” with Nazi and Communist symbols in Poland’s Criminal Code.

Ukraine has warned Poland about intentions to “react” if the Sejm bans red-and-black symbolism.

Despite these tensions, the EU reaffirmed its commitment to Ukrainian refugees.

“Member states adopted the extension of temporary protection at the Home Affairs Council in July until 2027. By doing so, the EU strengthens its unwavering commitment to support Ukraine as long as it takes,” Lammert said.

The temporary protection directive requires EU countries to provide basic living conditions and medical care for Ukrainian refugees, but sets no minimum financial standards, leaving individual nations to determine benefit amounts and scope of medical assistance.

A local farmer discovered pieces of an attack drone on 25 August around 3 PM in a field in Koruste village, Elva parish, Tartu County, according to Kaitsepolitsei (Estonian Security Police) Director General Margo Palloson.

The incident site also revealed an explosion crater, though no injuries occurred.

“Subsequently, all necessary procedures were initiated,” Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said.

The Security Police launched an investigation in cooperation with the prosecutor’s office to clarify the circumstances. Emergency services responded to the incident.

Palloson said the Security Police believes the drone came down on Estonian territory on early morning of 24 August.

“We have reason to believe that this may be a Ukrainian drone that was targeted at Russian inland objects, but which Russia diverted from its course with its GPS jamming and other electronic warfare means, and it veered into Estonian airspace. Currently, nothing indicates that this could be a Russian drone,” Palloson explained.

The Security Police chief said this was a military drone carrying explosives that detonated. Had it fallen on a residential building, Palloson said, the drone could have caused extensive damage.

Palloson indicated the drone may have entered Estonian airspace from either Russian or Latvian airspace, which is currently under investigation.

Pevkur attributed the drone debris discovery primarily to Russia’s continued war in Ukraine and Ukraine’s self-defense efforts.

Defense Intelligence Service Chief Ants Kiviselg, commenting more broadly on the incident, said Russia’s GPS jamming is directed at protecting Russian strategic objects and is not aimed directly at Estonia or other NATO allies. Kiviselg emphasized that the threat level in Estonia has not changed.

Pevkur revealed Estonia has begun procuring new types of radars that detect low-flying objects. “Is it possible to create general coverage with this? Theoretically yes, depending on how much resource we deploy there. Our capability will become significantly better. Whether it will have 100% coverage, time will tell. At the same time, the Ukraine war shows that there is no 100% coverage anywhere,” Pevkur said.

Pevkur said he also communicated with Ukraine’s defense minister on 25 August.

On the morning of 24 August, the Police and Border Guard Board tracked a drone flying over Lake Peipus, which later crashed into the lake on Russian territory.

Saturday and early Sunday morning saw active drone movement in Russia’s Leningrad Oblast, when Ukraine attacked Russian-based objects with drones. The drones targeted both objects in St. Petersburg and the Ust-Luga port oil terminal near the Estonian border.

The analytical project DeepState reported on 26 August that Russian forces have occupied the villages of Zaporizke and Novogeorgiyivka in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, marking the first occupied settlements in the region.

According to DeepState analysts, Russian troops established control over the two villages, while Russian forces also advanced near Shevchenko, Bila Gora, and in Oleksandro-Shultyne.

The occupied villages lie at the junction of Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts’ borders. They became the first settlements in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast to fall under Russian army control.

This development contradicts earlier intelligence assessments. NATO member countries’ reconnaissance data suggested Russia was not planning a major offensive in either Sumy or Dnipropetrovsk oblasts of Ukraine.

Russian forces had repeatedly claimed incursions into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, but the Ukrainian General Staff consistently denied these assertions. Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate Kyrylo Budanov previously assured that the city of Dnipro faced only threats from Russian missile and drone attacks, with combat operations occurring solely along Dnipropetrovsk Oblast’s perimeters.

The General Staff reported on 2 July that the settlement of Dachne in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast had not been captured by Russians, as claimed by RF propagandists, and remained under Armed Forces control.

DeepState reported on 5 July that the Russian forces had occupied the settlements of Zeleny Kut and Novoukrayinka near the administrative border between Dnipropetrovsk and Donetsk oblasts and was attempting to advance further.

On 11 August, the DeepState analytical center reported that Russian forces had intensified their advance toward Dobropillya over recent days, particularly attempting to establish positions near the Dobropillya-Kramatorsk highway. The “Dnipro” operational-strategic group added that Russian forces were infiltrating in small groups past the first line of Ukrainian positions in this direction.

Germany has committed to providing €9 billion ($10 bn) in annual support to Ukraine over the coming years, German Finance Minister and Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil announced during a meeting with Ukraine’s president.

“As finance minister, I emphasized, and this was also agreed by the Federal Government, that we commit to supporting Ukraine in the coming years, spending 9 billion euros annually,” Klingbeil said.

The German finance minister held separate discussions with his Ukrainian counterpart Serhiy Marchenko to address Ukraine’s financial resource requirements for 2026.

Marchenko revealed that Germany’s direct budget assistance to Ukraine has reached €1.6 billion ($1.9 bn) since early 2022. The Ukrainian minister highlighted additional German contributions through European Union mechanisms.

“Also significant is the support by the German government of the EU’s Ukraine Facility instrument, within which €22.6 billion ($26.2 bn) has already been attracted to the state budget, and the ERA mechanism — we received €9 billion ($10 bn) from the EU,” Marchenko wrote.

Germany’s financial commitment extends beyond budget support to military assistance. The country previously announced it would finance a $500 million package of military equipment and ammunition from the United States for Ukraine. Additionally, Germany and Norway will jointly fund two Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine.

The €9 billion ($10 bn) annual pledge represents a substantial increase from current direct budget assistance levels, signaling Germany’s long-term commitment to supporting Ukraine’s financial stability.