Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has steered Kyiv through Russia's war since 2022, coordinating diplomacy, defense, and international aid while rallying global support.
Ukraine faces a tough winter as Russian strikes target energy infrastructure. Officials warn of power and heating shortages while Kyiv seeks to sustain essential services amid a barrage of drone and missile attacks. Ports, grain plans and drone activity shape the broader conflict landscape.
The UK has granted Ukraine access to declassified blueprints for British-made components used in the Scalp missile, the European-produced version of the Storm Shadow. Russia has warned of consequences and highlighted potential threats to UK bases in Europe as Kyiv deepens its defense production.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Russian forces have used ballistic missiles supplied by North Korea in strikes that hit the Zaporizhstal steel plant and other Ukrainian cities, killing at least seven workers and wounding others. Kyiv has also said Moscow is receiving more North Korean missiles and preparing to deploy more North Korean personnel on Russian territory. Allies are being urged to send more air-defence systems.
Ukraine has reported intensified Russian missile and drone attacks across Kyiv and other cities. Zelensky has urged partners to accelerate air-defence deliveries, citing casualties and the mounting strain on Ukraine’s defensive network. NATO and US officials warn the war could intensify this winter.
North Korea has issued a warning of stronger deterrence as the U.S.-South Korea Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises approach. Pyongyang contends that the drills are provocative and vows to respond with a new level of deterrence. Multiple missiles have been fired this week, with experts saying the launches are intended to pressure the allies.
Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian oil facilities deep inside Russia, hitting refineries in Bashneft-Novoil and Slavneft-Yanos, and carrying out Black Sea operations against vessels. The moves aim to disrupt Moscow’s war-financing oil revenues as fighting continues and civilian infrastructure faces pressure.
Distant drone strikes hit multiple Wildberries warehouses across Russia, including Yekaterinburg in the Urals. Evacuations are under way with officials reporting some drone interceptions. Ukraine continues long-range strikes to disrupt Russian logistics and economy, while Russia asserts air defenses have intercepted hundreds of drones.
Zelensky has visited Belgrade to meet President Vučić as Serbia balances Moscow ties with EU aims. Kyiv seeks logistics and energy cooperation, humanitarian aid, and a path toward EU membership, while Belgrade remains cautious on sanctions against Russia. Serbia pledges support for Ukraine’s resilience and studies a possible free-trade deal.
This week long-range Ukrainian drones and Russian missiles have struck cities deep inside Russia and across Ukraine. Attacks on Nizhnekamsk have killed and wounded dozens; Russia says it intercepted hundreds of Ukrainian drones. Kyiv and Moscow have exchanged heavy strikes that have damaged energy and civilian infrastructure and caused multiple civilian deaths and injuries.
Ukraine has expanded its use of long-range drones and ground robots to strike deep into Russia and support frontline operations. Drones pilot from distant centers, while ground robots carry supplies, evacuate wounded, and coordinate with aerial attacks. The shift signals a technological turn in warfare and raises questions about escalation and civilian risk.
Russia's Supreme Court has revoked the registration of Yabloko's federal list for September's State Duma elections after upholding a suit by the nationalist Rodina party that accused it of receiving foreign funding, copyright violations and promoting extremism. Supporters gathered outside the court and dozens were detained; party leaders have vowed legal appeals.
The Washington Post reports that during a July 8 Ankara stop, Trump was secretly moved from Air Force One to a smaller plane to avoid an Iranian threat. Journalists and some aides remained on the decoy aircraft, while security officials say the move was to protect the president. Details of passenger lists and the full sequence remain undisclosed.
A Ukrainian drone attack on Novorossiysk has killed a child and injured several people, with damage reported to dozens of buildings as regional authorities confirm ongoing strikes across southern Russia and Ukraine. Authorities say the broader Krasnodar region has seen multiple casualties and infrastructure damage, while Russia reports counter-drone activity.
Ukraine has handed proposals to US negotiators for a plan to end the war with Russia. Zelenskyy states the US can strengthen Ukraine’s defences, especially air defences, to press Moscow toward peace. Kremlin leaders indicate willingness to negotiate only if Russia’s four claimed regions are fully ceded and root causes addressed. Separately, Washington reports a freed American detainee after a Russian decision to release on humanitarian grounds.
The Kremlin’s campaign has targeted energy facilities and a major refinery in Bashkortostan, with Ukrainian forces striking Salavat and Orsk. The attacks compound Russia’s refining shortages amid the war, while civilian casualties are reported and infrastructure damage grows across multiple regions.
The UN confirms July was the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians since the invasion began, with 437 killed and 2,610 injured. Long-range weapons remain the main cause, and Kyiv calls for more air defences as Ukraine expands long-range strikes against Russian targets.
Since Aug 2026, reports indicate Russia is struggling to replenish its forces in Ukraine. Pressures include coercive recruitment, street roundups, and incentives for volunteers. Western estimates show high monthly casualties, while Moscow relies on contract soldiers and potential mobilisations to sustain operations.
Ukraine has targeted long-range facilities in Russia, including the Progress Center in Samara and an air base in Savasleika, using domestically produced Flamingo missiles. Kyiv says the strikes aim to reduce Russia’s war capacity and bring the conflict closer to Moscow, with reports of fires and damage at multiple sites.
President Trump has ordered a substantial reduction in this month’s Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, citing his "very good relationship" with Kim Jong Un and the drills’ cost. The US and South Korea have agreed to shorten and scale back the exercises; Seoul has said the drills started as scheduled while Pyongyang has dismissed outreach and warned that scaled-back drills remain provocative.
Ukraine has intensified strikes inside Russia, hitting Wildberries warehouses and other military-linked sites. Moscow reports drone activity and airspace disruptions as Kyiv targets logistics to undermine Moscow’s war effort.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine and called for a cessation of hostilities during talks at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek on Monday. Putin has responded that talks are "moving forward" while officials highlighted growing Russia–India trade and energy ties.
The latest wave of Russian strikes targets Kyiv and other Ukrainian infrastructure, intensifying an already brutal conflict. Officials report civilian casualties, power outages, and disrupted daily life as both sides escalate long-range attacks and Ukraine warns of winter-scale challenges ahead.
The drills Ulchi Freedom Shield are being halted ahead of planned meetings with North Korea, following President Trump’s order to scale back the exercise amid regional tensions.
Ukraine has suspended elections under martial law as war with Russia continues. A former defence minister has called for wartime elections, prompting a presidential debate. Zelenskyy says elections during war are a risk that could split the country, while allies discuss conditions to conduct votes safely.
Russian missiles and drones have struck Kryvyi Rih, Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia amid intensified fighting. Ukrainian officials report dozens dead or injured, with rescue operations ongoing and the UN warning of a high civilian toll.
A daytime Russian drone strike has hit a busy shopping mall in Kryvyi Rih, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s hometown, in two waves. Rescue teams have continued searching the rubble; authorities have reported at least 14 dead, about 121–130 wounded and several people missing, including children. Kyiv has renewed appeals for more air-defence support.
Ukraine has launched a 40-day drone campaign to pressure Moscow by striking energy infrastructure and cargo chains, while Russia responds with strikes on Ukrainian energy and grain routes. The two countries are clashing over Black Sea routes, threatening global grain supplies and heightening regional instability.
Russia’s forces are pressing the Donbas front as Zelensky reports potential 2027 mobilization up to 500,000 and warns of winter Russian strikes that could strain Ukraine’s energy grid. Kyiv seeks continued Western interceptors and air-defense support amid funding gaps.
The UK has reaffirmed its support for Ukraine as Prime Minister Burnham travels to Kyiv to chair the coalition of the willing, attend Independence Day events and highlight UK arms and diplomatic assistance. London says Ukraine’s security is Britain’s security, and Moscow warns of consequences as the UK advances defence collaboration.
The UK has announced it will help France set up assembly lines in Ukraine for long-range missiles, declassifying information on UK-made components to aid Kyiv. Leaders visiting Kyiv frame the step as a long-term boost to Ukraine’s weapons capacity, while Moscow warns of consequences for increased involvement in the war.
The president has announced a trip to Ireland for Sept. 12-13, where he will attend events with embassy staff and officials, and visit Trump-owned golf properties. AP, New York Post and Independent note the trip underscores how official travel can intersect with family business interests, including LIV Golf ties and potential political signaling.
Alibaba has priced an HK$80 billion share placement, issuing 710 million new Class B shares at HK$112.70 each to non-U.S. investors. The deal values the company at about US$27 billion and will fund expansion of its AI capabilities and infrastructure. The move comes after a 75% profit drop in the June quarter and a sharp rise in capital expenditure.
Western allies are accelerating support to Ukraine amid intensified Russian strikes. Britain and France are licensing missile production and sharing blueprints, while Ukraine builds local assembly lines. Analysts warn real impact depends on rapid, scalable production and defense-industrial collaboration.
The U.S. and NATO face shortages of Patriot missile interceptors in Europe as inventories shift to the Middle East. Officials warn these gaps could leave NATO vulnerable to ballistic missile attacks, with Ukraine bearing the brunt while allies race to rebound stockpiles by 2030. The issue follows recent moves by Kyiv to secure more air defense and discussions around SCALP missile support from France and the UK.
Leaders from 34 countries are meeting in Kyiv on Ukraine’s Independence Day to pledge additional air defences and military aid. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is co-chairing the Coalition of the Willing, with France and Germany, and will authorize the release of classified blueprints for the SCALP missile to support Ukrainian production. EU funds are also being stepped up to bolster Ukraine’s shield as Russia escalates strikes.
The UK has established an AI partnership with Ukraine to access the Avengers AI Lab database. The goal is to train models that strengthen national security and protect critical infrastructure, with pilots at defence sites and potential rollouts to airports, prisons, railways and energy facilities.
The UK has formalised support for Ukraine by sharing blueprints for long-range Scalp missiles, a French variant of the Storm Shadow. Kyiv is set to produce components domestically. Russia has warned of retaliation, while UK leaders press ahead with allied security cooperation and sanctions enforcement.
A string of drone and missile strikes has hit Wildberries and Ozon facilities across Russia near Belgorod and Lipetsk regions, damaging warehouses, injuring civilians, and prompting evacuations as Ukraine intensifies attacks on logistics sites linked to Russian civilian supply chains.
Ukraine has pressed SpaceX’s Starlink to operate beyond its borders, arguing wider access could sustain long-range drone operations. SpaceX has restricted use inside Russia, while Zelenskyy says expansion would be a significant escalation. The presidency is coordinating with Washington on how Musk’s policy could shift Ukraine’s military capabilities.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe has flown to Moscow for undisclosed talks with Russian intelligence chief Sergey Naryshkin. Moscow says President Vladimir Putin was briefed but did not meet Ratcliffe. U.S. and Russian accounts conflict over whether Ratcliffe warned Russia against attacking NATO or discussed restarting U.S.-mediated peace talks for Ukraine. The visit is the first CIA director trip to Moscow since 2021.
Russian forces have intensified operations around Donetsk’s fortress belt, advancing on Sloviansk and nearby Kostiantynivka and Kramatorsk, while Ukraine reshapes its command to defend the region. Western analysts remain skeptical of Russia’s battlefield gains as Kyiv seeks to hold critical strongholds amid ongoing fighting.
A Russian drone strike on a warehouse near Kyiv’s western suburbs has caused a large fire, damaged dozens of homes and a care facility, and killed dozens of people. Ukrainian officials say criminal negligence is being investigated as evacuations continue and both sides widen long-range attacks.
A Russian drone strike on a Kyiv-area warehouse has killed at least 27 people, injured dozens, and prompted new calls from President Zelensky to hold perpetrators to account. Officials say the blast caused significant damage to nearby infrastructure and prompted mass evacuations in the Bucha district.
As Russia's campaign against Ukraine escalates, Ukrainian authorities report multi-city strikes targeting civilian infrastructure and energy facilities. Kyiv and other regions face ongoing air raids, with civilian casualties and disruptions to daily life. Ukraine says jet-powered drones are now part of Russia's upgraded arsenal, forcing a rapid evolution of interceptors and defenses.
Dan Driscoll has resigned as U.S. secretary of the Army after 18 months in the role. His exit has followed months of reported clashes with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over personnel and modernization, and it leaves the Army with reduced civilian leadership as the United States remains engaged in the war with Iran.
Global grain markets have tightened as attacks on Black Sea grain terminals persist and port disruptions limit exports from Russia and Ukraine. Futures have risen, and importers like Egypt and Indonesia are scrambling to secure supplies amid higher costs.
Volodymyr Zelensky has warned airlines and insurers that growing Ukrainian long‑range drone sorties are making Russian airspace unsafe and that Russia's skies are effectively closing. He has said Ukraine will not target civilian aircraft. Vladimir Putin has called the warning "state terrorism" and Russia is signalling a tougher military response.
The 70-metre Bayeux Tapestry has arrived in London on loan from France and has been previewed by King Charles III, President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The British Museum will open the exhibition on 10 September and the loan will run until July 2027. Bilateral talks between Macron and Burnham will focus on channel migration, Ukraine and Middle East stability.
The Financial Times has reported that Russian missile experts are aiding Iran in developing a ramjet‑propelled cruise missile system codenamed C430L, capable of threatening US carriers in the Middle East. The program began in 2023 and has continued into 2026, with ties between Moscow and Tehran deepening as they face Western pressure.
The envoys Witkoff and Kushner are visiting Kyiv and Moscow amid renewed negotiations, with Ukraine and Russia signaling willingness to pause airstrikes during discussions. Kremlin officials say progress remains uncertain, and expectations for breakthrough are low.