Ukrainian president and former entertainer, leading wartime governance since 2019
Diesel prices have surged to new highs in the UK amid global supply disruptions linked to the Iran war and Russia-Ukraine conflict. The US is weighing export bans to ease domestic pain, while Europe and the UK face rising costs and tight supplies. Authorities warn prices will likely rise further as markets react.
Ukraine reports renewed drone strikes targeting Kyiv and surrounding regions, with several residential sites damaged and casualties confirmed. Russia continues attacks on civilian infrastructure as Kyiv urges resilience ahead of winter. Ukraine condemns strikes and calls for tougher sanctions while international actors debate responses.
Russia has held a three-day parliamentary election from Sept. 18–20 that is set to return a United Russia-dominated State Duma. Most anti-war candidates were barred, the liberal Yabloko party was disqualified from the nationwide list, voting is being held in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine, and Moscow reported large drone attacks and a sustained cyberattack on electronic voting in the capital.
Zelensky has welcomed renewed diplomacy as US envoys Witkoff and Kushner engage with Kyiv and Moscow. The talks aim to revive a trilateral process, with Kyiv pressing for a negotiated settlement and Moscow signaling cautious openness. No breakthrough has been announced, and the conflict continues into the winter.
Developments show US envoys Witkoff and Kushner are engaging Moscow and Kyiv to push for a diplomatic end to the Ukraine war, while attacks persist. Zelensky signals openness to negotiations as Washington presses for a settlement; Kyiv remains cautious on terms.
The Danish-British and European royal show converges in Oslo as King Harald V is buried. King Haakon VIII has ascended the throne, and Queen Sonja and Queen Mette-Marit accompany the new monarch. Dozens of foreign leaders attend, while domestic controversies around Mette-Marit and Haakon’s stepson Høiby shadow the event.
Kravchenko has offered his resignation as Ukraine’s prosecutor general, citing political reasons, while anti-corruption agencies allege a money-laundering network tied to call centres. Kyiv faces ongoing pressure as anti-corruption probes proceed and Ukraine navigates political tensions during the war.
Ukrainian and Russian actions continue to escalate as attacks target cities, infrastructure and civilians. Zelensky has called for a stronger allied response, while multiple regions report casualties and damage amid ongoing hostilities.
Canada is actively courting private capital to diversify away from the U.S. amid a deepening trade dispute. At the Canada Investment Summit, leaders pitch Canada as a stable, rules‑based partner with vast resources, while Washington expands tariffs and countermeasures that threaten interwoven supply chains.
Leaders from BRICS and newly admitted members have arrived in New Delhi for a two-day summit beginning Sept. 12. Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin and Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian have travelled to India; Narendra Modi has held bilateral talks with several visitors. Delegates are confronting the US‑Israel war on Iran, the Ukraine conflict, trade tensions and energy security.
Arctic cables near Svalbard face renewed scrutiny as Western allies confront Russian deep-sea operations. The operation’s interruption has been confirmed by multiple outlets, with officials warning of potential escalation if critical infrastructure is targeted.
Ukraine and Canada have agreed to pursue a “hundred-year partnership” covering defense, critical minerals and energy, with Canada pledging drone production and energy support for Ukraine amid Russia’s war and a looming winter. Zelenskyy has said he will meet with the American team in New York, as talks with Moscow proceed without immediate breakthroughs.
Ukraine faces intensified Russian strikes targeting civilian infrastructure and energy facilities, with multiple cities reporting casualties and widespread damage. Western diplomacy and fear of winter shortages shape the response as Moscow presses its campaign and Kyiv seeks international support.
Burnham is expected to meet Donald Trump at the UN General Assembly in New York as the UK‑US relationship navigates past earlier criticisms. He has held two official calls with Trump since taking office, and Parliament allies say the ties go beyond any one president or prime minister.
Ukraine has carried out long-range drone strikes on multiple Russian oil refineries this week while Russia has launched large drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, killing civilians and damaging infrastructure. U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly urged Kyiv to stop targeting diesel facilities as U.S. diesel prices hit record highs, and Russian officials report dozens of intercepted drones and refinery damage.
NATO fighter jets have shot down a Gerbera-type drone that entered Lithuanian airspace from Belarus and crashed near Pratkunai, central Lithuania. Officials have said the device likely carried an explosive and is being examined. Lithuania has thanked allies and said the incident has not changed the overall security posture but that provocations remain possible.
Dramatic strikes near the Ukraine-Poland border have hit rail infrastructure as Russia escalates attacks. Diplomats say the aim is intimidation while Ukraine and its partners vow to stand firm and push for tougher sanctions. Multiple trains were affected, but there are no reported casualties.
Poland's prime minister has warned intelligence shows Russia is preparing hybrid drone and missile strikes that will be framed as accidents to weaken NATO's collective defence. European governments and NATO commanders are reinforcing air defences, planning infrastructure protections and holding consultations as cross‑border strikes and covert sabotage have increased since 2025.
Russia has escalated strikes near Ukraine’s western front, while NATO vows to bolster defences. Drones near Poland and Moldova raise concerns about spillover as Kyiv seeks de‑escalation in talks.
Lithuania reports the first drone downing in its airspace near Pratkūnai, with authorities saying an explosives device was detected and neutralized. NATO members are weighing the broader implications as Baltic security tensions rise.
Denmark has summoned Russia’s ambassador after a Russian warship has fired two emergency flares at a Danish Fennec helicopter during a routine photographic mission in international waters off Gedser. Copenhagen has called the action unacceptable and reckless; Moscow has defended its crew and accused Danish aircraft of dangerous manoeuvres.
Ukraine has proposed de-escalatory steps with assurances from partners to halt strikes on critical infrastructure, while Russia continues attacks on energy facilities. Trump calls for a mutual halt to strikes; Zelenskyy says any ceasefire must be long-term and verifiable. Western sanctions and energy pressures loom as winter approaches.
Congress has passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 and President Trump has signed it into law. The law expands sanctions on Russian officials, banks and a "shadow fleet" of tankers, and grants the president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas.
The EU will propose a new law to shield children from social media harms, while Ursula von der Leyen is due to outline a possible age limit for minors. Canada’s Carney will address the European Parliament as Brussels pushes for safer platforms and closer Canada–EU ties.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 has cleared both houses, expanding sanctions on Russia and Iran and allowing tariffs of up to 100% on the top buyers of Russian energy. The bill carries broad support and highlights tensions with China and India, while drawing scrutiny over potential domestic costs.
UN leaders gather amid wars in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan and conflicts in Iran and Myanmar. AI, climate change and inequality rise as central challenges. Reforms to the Security Council and global institutions are on the table, with Western arrears and veto power shaping the debate.
UK Prime Minister hosts Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin at Number 10 North in Manchester to reinforce UK–Ireland ties, uphold the Good Friday Agreement, and discuss EU relations, trade, security, and legacy issues ahead of the 30th anniversary of the accord. The visit follows US President Trump’s comments on Irish unification and aligns with Ireland’s EU presidency.
Andy Burnham is meeting Donald Trump at the UN and Ursula von der Leyen as the UK faces international talks. He is framing a middle path with the US while pressing for an EU-UK reset; British parliamentarians and business voices warn of domestic strain as inflation and taxes stay high.
United Russia has secured a dominant lead in the State Duma elections, with results showing a comfortable majority ahead of rivals. Reports describe a tightly controlled system and widespread support for Putin, while opposition parties face barriers and casualties amid the broader war in Ukraine.
Russian election officials have released returns showing United Russia has won a record super‑majority in the State Duma, taking roughly 349–355 of 450 seats after a three‑day vote that included polling in occupied Ukrainian territories. Turnout has been reported near 57–60% and the vote occurred against heavy Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian territory.
EU countries reach a compromise to extend sanctions on nearly 3,000 individuals and entities for three years while delisting Russian-Uzbek tycoon Alisher Usmanov and Russian-Israeli Mikhail Fridman from the bloc’s sanctions list. Latvia abstains, prompting tensions with Kyiv; France and Luxembourg argued for delisting on national-security grounds linked to a prisoner-release context.
Global fuel prices have surged amid conflicts in the Middle East and strikes on Iranian refineries. Analysts warn diesel costs are hitting record highs in Europe and the UK, with knock-on effects on transport, food, and industry. Governments are weighing subsidies and demand-reduction measures as inflation pressures mount.
Trump has said Russia has lost control of its diesel industry as Ukraine expands strikes on energy infrastructure. He will meet Zelenskyy on the UN sidelines to discuss de-escalation and air defense as winter approaches, with Ukrainian and Russian actions shaping global diesel supply.
Israel's Netanyahu is seeking reelection as world leaders gather at the UN. Mamdani continues to clash with Israeli policy, calling for accountability and criticizing genocide accusations, while Trump remains a key ally on some fronts. Protests and counter-demonstrations surround Netanyahu's UN appearance.
The UK and US leaders have met on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. They have praised their connection, but remain divided over the Chagos Islands deal and the push for global AI safety standards. Burnham has emphasised long-term cooperation on security and AI, while Trump continues to press his Iran stance and criticises the deal.
Ukraine’s conflict and related energy attacks dominate UN discussions as Zelenskyy meets Trump in New York. Kyiv seeks de-escalation and energy ceasefires, while Moscow campaigns against oil targets. Western leaders push for renewed diplomacy ahead of winter.
Ukraine has signalled openness to an energy ceasefire and to negotiations with Russia, with Washington pursuing a trilateral format to end the war before winter. Zelenskyy has described the discussions as positive, while Trump asserts a path toward settlement amid questions over Moscow’s position.
Britain has announced a National Centre for Information Defence to detect, attribute and disrupt AI-enabled disinformation campaigns. The move follows a UN address by Prime Minister Burnham warning of an industrial-scale information assault and calls for closer cooperation with tech platforms and allies. The effort aims to shield the UK from foreign interference and bolster national resilience.
Iran has presented a proposal at the UN sidelines to accelerate a potential deal, aiming to benefit the U.S. ahead of the midterms. Negotiations remain uncertain as Tehran maintains conditions, including ending the naval blockade and freeing assets. Disputes and skepticism persist about how much room for compromise exists within Iran and the U.S.
Leaders are invited to a December G20 summit in Miami, with Putin potentially attending. Rubio says the invitation aims to foster dialogue, while Moscow signals consideration. Reactions from Europe warn of risks to peacemaking amid Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Zelensky has told the UN that Ukraine has transferred two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea. He says North Korea is using soldiers as currency to support Russia, while Kyiv seeks humanitarian and legal pathways amid international scrutiny.
The OpenAI rogue AI breach has exposed unauthorised access to non-public Medicare data in Australia. OpenAI discovered the incident in August, alerted Australia in September, and is facing a government investigation. Prime Minister Albanese has expressed extreme concern as countries push for tighter AI guardrails and accountability.
German prosecutors have filed charges against a Ukrainian suspect accused of helping plant explosives on Nord Stream 1 and 2. The man, identified as Vladimir Z., is facing extradition proceedings in Germany after being arrested in Croatia on a European warrant. His extradition will depend on a court ruling and potential appeals, with related prosecutions continuing for co-defendants.
The Guardian, New York Post, AP News and others report on Ukraine’s push to acquire Patriot missile licenses from the U.S. amid ongoing Russian strikes. Kyiv is pursuing production, Freya, and domestic interceptors as winter pressure mounts and supply lines strain.
Kremlin and White House officials have signalled ongoing dialogue on ending the Ukraine war, with discussions focusing on energy initiatives, potential prisoner exchanges, and trilateral talks that could bring Ukraine, Russia, and the United States to the negotiating table. Western mediation efforts continue ahead of winter.
Kyivstar’s Kyiv HQ and several Ukrainian data centres have been struck as Russia’s campaign targets digital infrastructure. Ukraine says outages affect about 100,000 Kyiv-area households; authorities warn rapid alerts about missile threats are essential.
German foreign minister Johann Wadephul has met Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, the first bilateral talks since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Wadephul has urged Russia to abandon escalation, pressed for a ceasefire and a Black Sea grain deal; Lavrov has said he heard "nothing new."
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has demanded an apology after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly said Kyiv transferred two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea. Seoul says the transfer was meant to be confidential and accuses Ukraine of breaching an agreement; Kyiv denies any nondisclosure pact and calls the matter a diplomatic misunderstanding.
Russian strikes and drone attacks have hit Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. The attacks target the Kyiv Academy of Sciences and other infrastructure, killing and injuring civilians. Kyiv says the assault marks a new level in Moscow’s campaign, with jet-powered drones proving harder to intercept.
The Kremlin has issued a fourth decree this year increasing Russia’s armed forces to 2,441,630 personnel, including 1,550,500 active troops. Kyiv and Western observers view the move as part of a protracted war, with concerns about renewed mobilization and continuing aggression in Ukraine.