Ukraine Invasion: Part 58

[MagicFox]

We’re all still here for Thread 58. Thanks to all regular contributors, especially those doing the daily hard work. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

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Kyiv Independent:

⚡️Romania didn't down Russian drone in its airspace because it circled back to attack Ukraine, Romanian defense minister says.

The drone crossed into Romania on Sept. 13 during a Russian attack on Ukraine, penetrating about 10 kilometers (six miles) and remaining in NATO airspace for around 50 minutes, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

⚡️Ukraine behind attack on Russian railway logistics, undermining offensive capabilities, military intelligence source claims.

"These railway lines are critical supply routes for Russian forces operating in the Kharkiv and Sumy directions," a source in Ukraine’s military intelligence told the Kyiv Independent.

⚡️Estonia to pledge over $117 million in military aid to Ukraine in 2026.

Since the start of Russia's all-out war in February 2022, Estonia has provided over 500 million euros ($527 million) in military aid to Ukraine, amounting to 1.4% of the country's GDP.

🔹 ‘Opinion is shifting towards this idea,’ says Polish FM Sikorski on NATO closing the sky over western Ukraine

Russia has faced little to no consequences following its brazen Sept. 10 attack on Poland, yet Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski is upbeat about NATO's response and how things have played out since.

"I think Russia lost this confrontation," Sikorski told the Kyiv Independent in an interview on the sidelines of the Yalta European Strategy (YES) conference held in Kyiv on Sept 12-13.

🔸 Putin's clash with Russia's top banker shows increasing disconnect over war economy, experts say

A recent clash between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Sberbank CEO German Gref shows an increasing disconnect between the Kremlin and Russia's economic community, experts say.

Gref, head of Russia's largest bank, told the Eastern Economic Forum on Sept. 5 that Russia's GDP growth had slowed to near zero in July and August after a sharp drop in the April–June quarter.

⚡️Ukraine destroys $40 million Russian Buk air defense system, military intelligence says.

Ukrainian special forces successfully detected and destroyed a Russian Buk-M3 anti-aircraft missile system in the occupied part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast on Sept. 14, Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR) reported.

⚡️Three Czech helicopters deployed to Poland following recent Russian drone incursions.

Czech helicopters arrived in Poland on Sept. 14 to reinforce NATO’s eastern defenses following a Russian drone incursion into Polish airspace a few days prior, the Polish Armed Forces reported.

⚡️'Reckless escalation' — Kallas condemns Russian drone in Romanian airspace.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas condemned the Russian drone violation of Romanian airspace in a statement on Sept. 14.

“This continued reckless escalation threatens regional security,” she said on X.

⚡️ BREAKING: Starlink 'down across the entire front line' in Ukraine as internet service suffers global outage

The service has become vital for hospitals, schools, and front-line military units across Ukraine.

⚡️ Global oil prices rise as Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian energy sector escalate.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sept. 14 that Ukraine's strikes on oil facilities amount to the "most effective sanctions," weakening Russia's ability to finance its war.

⚡️ 5 killed, 43 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day.

Ukraine's Air Force said Russian forces launched 84 Shahed-type attack and decoy drones and three S-300 missiles overnight.

⚡️ Ukrainian 'cyber revenge' hack disrupts Russian election systems, HUR source claims.

The attack coincided with Russia's unified voting day, which included elections for 21 governors, deputies of 11 regional assemblies, and around 47,000 municipal leaders.

⚡️ NATO 'at war' with Russia, Kremlin says, as propaganda blitz after Poland drone attack continues.

"This is obvious and needs no proof," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

⚡️ 'We will show you whatever you want' — US observers attend Russia, Belarus Zapad-2025 drills.

"It is hard to imagine such openness that we demonstrate and ensure in this exercise," Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin said.

⚡️ Ukraine tests new kamikaze drones resistant to Russian jamming.

"Strike drones are becoming a cheap and practical solution for the front lines — they are affordable to manufacture and easily scalable," Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said.

🔹 These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of Sept. 15, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Kyiv Post:

🔹 Zelensky announced “good results” in the Sumy border region.

“Our units continue to advance toward Ukraine’s state border,” he said. Zelensky also reported significant Russian losses in Kharkiv region, particularly near Kupyansk, as well as in Donetsk region.

🔸 Trump escalates criticism of NATO allies over sanctions on Russia, while a top Democrat warns that the trade war with China is “a separate issue” from Ukraine.

🔹 As Brussels condems Russian new drone incursion in Romania, top diplomats and American lawmakers insist Russia’s actions are a deliberate attempt to divide the EU and NATO.

🔸 Trump names Russia the aggressor for the first time in Ukraine war

“8,000 young soldiers died this week from both countries. Slightly more from Russia — but when you’re the aggressor, you lose more.”

🔹 Ukraine will limit imports of diesel fuel originating from India — a country that buys a significant share of its crude oil from Russia — starting October 1, according to Ukrainian energy consultancy Enkorr, as reported by Reuters.

🔸 A US delegation has toured Ukraine’s titanium and rare earth sites, the Economy Ministry said.

The group visited the Birzulivsky mining plant and the Lekarivske deposit in Kirovohrad region — key hubs for titanium ore today and future zirconium extraction.

🔹 “We’d kick their a*” — Trump’s envoy Kellogg said in Kyiv that Russia is losing the war, praised Ukraine’s military and called it the global leader in drone warfare.

🔹 ‘Opinion is shifting towards this idea,’ says Polish FM Sikorski on NATO closing the sky over western UkraineMakes sense to me, especially given the incursion into Romanian airspace earlier, and a look on a map might show why ATM you've got "NATO airspace," e.g Poland, Romania,.split by western Ukraine...that creates all sorts of coordination problems for the air defenders, and potentially leaves seams at the national boundaries which it now looks like Russians are happy to exploit..Giving NATO air defenders a contiguous airspace block to work in, e.g. from eastern Poland, through western Ukraine and then to Romania should make life easier and close the gaps....Bet the Russians won't like the idea...

Trump names Russia the aggressor for the first time in Ukraine war

Interesting.

So that's in the same few days that Trump is told that Russia is losing, and the conversation is shared with the press.

We know Trump hates a loser.

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-15-2025/

Key Takeaways

1. The Kremlin is escalating its rhetoric, threatening NATO states in parallel with the kinetic escalation of Russia’s recent drone incursion into Poland.
2. Russian and Belarusian forces continued the Zapad-2025 joint military exercises on September 15 and appear to be implementing some tactical lessons from Russia’s experience in Ukraine.
3. Russia is using the Zapad-2025 exercises to practice potential future kinetic provocations against neighboring NATO states.
4. The September 12-14 gubernatorial elections in Russia further demonstrated the Kremlin’s grip on power throughout the country.
5. The Kremlin continues to build out a loyal cadre of elected officials from veterans of its war against Ukraine.
6. Ukrainian forces recently advanced in the Dobropillya tactical area. Russian forces recently advanced near Kupyansk and Novopavlivka and in eastern Zaporizhia Oblast.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ Ukraine tests new kamikaze drones (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-tests-new-kamikaze-drones-resistant-to-russian-jamming/) resistant to Russian jamming.
"Strike drones are becoming a cheap and practical solution for the front lines — they are affordable to manufacture and easily scalable," Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said.

⚡️Capturing Kupiansk is Russia's 'strategic goal (kyivindependent.com/capturing-kupiansk-is-russias-strategic-goal-in-the-region-military-spokesperson-says/)' in Kharkiv Oblast, military spokesperson says.
Capturing the city of Kupiansk serves as Russia's main goal in Kharkiv Oblast, operational-strategic command "Dnipro" spokesperson Oleksiy Belsky said on Sept. 15, amid Russia's attempted infiltrations into the key Ukrainian stronghold.

⚡️ EU reportedly delays 19th sanctions package (kyivindependent.com/eu-reportedly-delays-19th-sanctions-package-proposal-after-trumps-push-for-tougher-russia-measures/) after Trump's push to cut off Russian oil.
The EU has postponed plans to table its 19th package of sanctions against Russia on Sept. 17 as the U.S. demands tougher steps to proceed with its own measures, Bloomberg and Politico reported, citing undisclosed sources.

⚡️ Europe must 'do their share now (kyivindependent.com/us-says-europe-must-do-their-share-now-before-china-tariffs-over-russian-oil/)' before US slaps China tariffs over Russian oil, Bessent says.
"I guarantee you that if Europe put on substantial secondary tariffs on the buyers of Russian oil, the war would be over in 60 or 90 days," U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.

⚡️ 'We will show you whatever you want' — US observers attend (kyivindependent.com/us-observers-attend-russia-belarus-zapad-2025-drills/) Russia, Belarus Zapad-2025 drills.
"It is hard to imagine such openness that we demonstrate and ensure in this exercise," Belarusian Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin said.

⚡️EU completes (kyivindependent.com/eu-completes-final-screening-round-in-ukraine-accession-talks/) final screening round in Ukraine accession talks.
The European Union and Ukraine have completed the final screening meetings for Chapter 11 of accession negotiations, focused on "Agriculture and Rural Development."

⚡️ Ukraine submits draft 2026 budget (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-submits-draft-2026-budget-amid-rising-financing-gap-projections/) amid rising financing gap projections.
Total expenditures are projected at Hr 4.8 trillion ($116.5 billion), an increase of Hr 415 billion ($10 billion) compared to 2025.

⚡️ Trump may meet Zelensky (kyivindependent.com/trump-may-meet-zelensky-in-new-york-next-week-rubio-says/) in New York next week, Rubio says.
World leaders will gather in New York starting Sept. 22 for the U.N.'s annual high-level session.

⚡️ NATO 'at war (https://kyivindependent.com/kremlin-claims-nato-at-war-with-russia/)' with Russia, Kremlin says, as propaganda blitz after Poland drone attack continues.
"This is obvious and needs no proof," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

⚡️Poland 'neutralizes' drone flying over government buildings, two Belarusian citizens detained (kyivindependent.com/poland-neutralizes-drone-flying-over-government-buildings-two-belarusian-citizens-detained-tusk-says/), Tusk says.
Poland's State Protection Service neutralized a drone flying over government buildings in Warsaw, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on social media on Sept 15.
Two Belarusian citizens have been detained amid an investigation into the incident, Tusk added.
The Polish prime minister said that the drone had been operating near several government buildings in the Polish capital, including the Belweder palace, which serves as one of the official presidential residences as well as a guest house for international dignitaries.

⚡️Ex-Justice Minister Stefanishyna assumes (kyivindependent.com/ex-justice-minister-stefanishyna-assumes-role-as-ukraines-ambassador-to-us/) role as Ukraine’s ambassador to US.
Former Justice Minister and Deputy Minister for European Integration Olha Stefanishyna began her duties as Ukraine’s Ambassador to the U.S. on Sept. 15, she announced on X.

⚡️Ukrainian troops clear (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-troops-drive-out-russian-forces-from-another-village-in-dobropillia-sector-in-donetsk-oblast/) another village near Dobropillia in Donetsk Oblast, military reports.

⚡️Syrskyi dismisses (kyivindependent.com/syrskyi-dismisses-2-corps-commanders-in-1st-shake-up-after-army-restructuring-media-reports/) 2 corps commanders over lost territory, media reports.
Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi has dismissed Volodymyr Silenko, head of the 17th Corps, and Maksym Kituhin, commander of the 20th Corps.

⚡️ In minerals deal first (kyivindependent.com/u-s-delegation-scouts-first-ukrainian-sites-for-minerals-deal/), U.S. delegation scouts Ukrainian mines for potential starter projects.

⚡️ Ukrainian strike sets Russia's Saratov oil refinery (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-strike-sets-russias-saratov-oil-refinery-ablaze-military-reports/) ablaze, military reports.
Ukrainian forces struck the Saratov oil refinery overnight on Sept. 16, causing explosions and a fire at the facility, the General Staff reported.

⚡️Update: Key unit halts production (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-strike-major-russian-oil-refinery-in-leningrad-oblast-governor-says/) at Russian oil refinery in Leningrad Oblast following Ukrainian strike, Reuters reports.
A Sept. 14 Ukrainian drone attack on the Kirishi oil refinery in Russia's Leningrad Oblast forced a halt in production at a key processing unit at the refinery, Reuters reported, citing two industry sources.
Sources told Reuters that a furnace at the unit as well as other equipment was damaged in the strike, forcing production to be halted. The unit accounts for nearly 40% of the plant's production capacity, which totals to approximately 400,000 barrels per day.

⚡️ Ukraine hits Russian command posts (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-hits-russian-command-posts-donetsk-oblast/) days after defense minister's visit, military says.
The Sept. 8 attack targeted command posts of Russia's "Center" group of forces and the 41st Combined Arms Army, whose units operate in the Pokrovsk sector, Ukraine's military said.

⚡️1 killed (kyivindependent.com/1-killed-7-injured-including-child-in-russian-strike-on-zaporizhzhia/), 9 injured, including child, in Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia.

⚡️ 7 killed, 49 injured in Russian attacks (kyivindependent.com/7-killed-49-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day/) on Ukraine over past day.
Ukraine's Air Force said Russian forces launched 113 Shahed-type attack and decoy drones overnight.

‪Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 1h
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — SEP 16, 2025
■ Most engagements in over two months, casualties near average
■ Equipment losses lower than the previous day
■ Overnight: attacks up, interception could be better
■ MLRS strikes up, unusually few 🇺🇦 strikes

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Russia has reached an annual production of 30,000 attack drones and plans to double it in 2026, — NYT
The New York Times reports that in 2025, Russia launched over 34,000 drones and decoys at Ukraine — almost nine times more than in the same period last year. In one night in September, a record 810 devices were deployed, of which the Ukrainian Armed Forces shot down about 92%, though dozens still reached their targets.
Currently, Ukraine intercepts an average of 88% of drones, but air defense effectiveness has declined compared to 2024, when it was 93%.
Experts warn that at this scale, some strikes will inevitably get through.

Romania currently does not support the creation of a no-fly zone over Ukraine, fearing direct confrontation with Russia, President Nicușor Dan told Agerpres.

❗️Russia’s new goal is to destroy Ukraine’s railway infrastructure, targeting key junction stations, — Ukrzaliznytsia
Since July, Russian forces have launched a wave of massive, coordinated attacks aimed at traction substations, railway stations, and depots, seeking to completely disable junctions.
“The Shaheds are massively attacking our key stations. Examples include the strikes on Lozova, Synelnykove, and Kozyatyn stations. In other words, they are hitting junction stations across the country,” Ukrzaliznytsia reported.

💔 Zaporizhzhia today suffered the most massive attack on the city.
Russian forces shelled it with MLRS, causing dozens of explosions, large fires, and strikes on residential buildings.

[yesterday] Starlink satellite internet service restored after outage
As of the morning of September 15, the number of users in the US reporting issues with Starlink had dropped below 1,000, down from a peak of over 43,000, according to Downdetector. The Ukrainian military also reported problems.

🇳🇴 Norway has deployed a large-scale training camp in eastern Poland for Ukrainian soldiers, with instruction provided by Norwegian instructors — NRK.
Camp Jomsborg, located “somewhere in the forests of eastern Poland,” is described as one of the largest camps Norway has ever set up, with hundreds of Norwegian soldiers present.
Training at the camp includes highly realistic combat simulations and specialized thematic modules — the first focused on stress in combat conditions and control methods.

Russia poses a serious threat to Europe, NATO, and all sensible countries in the world, and Europe is only just beginning to rebuild its defenses, said Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, quoted by The Times.

⚡️The European Commission has confirmed it is preparing a new strategy for issuing visas to Russian citizens in response to the drone attack on Poland on September 10.
According to Commission spokesman Markus Lammert, the visa restrictions are part of unprecedented measures introduced after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The EU has already suspended the visa facilitation agreement and issued recommendations to member states to tighten controls. The new strategy will be presented at the end of 2025.
The EC noted that the number of visas issued to Russian citizens has dropped from more than 4 million in 2019 to about 500,000 annually since 2023.

Ukraine will restrict imports of diesel fuel from India, which buys a significant share of its crude oil from Russia, starting October 1, Reuters reported, citing Ukrainian energy consultancy Enkorr.
Earlier this month, another consultancy, A-95, noted that the loss of a key Ukrainian refinery this summer had forced traders to compensate by purchasing Indian diesel fuel. Even the Ukrainian Defense Ministry has bought some, as it met post-Soviet standards.
According to Enkorr, Ukrainian security authorities have ordered laboratory analysis of all batches of imported Indian diesel fuel to check for Russian components.
Ukraine imported 119,000 tons of Indian diesel fuel in August, accounting for 18% of total diesel imports.
Before the full-scale war, Ukraine mainly imported diesel from Belarus and Russia to offset insufficient domestic production. Since 2022, most imports have come from European countries.
A-95 reported that in the first half of this year, diesel imports fell 13% compared to last year, to 2.74 million metric tons.

Estonia is building 40 km of anti-tank ditches on the border with Russia, — ERR TV channel.
Large-scale defensive structures are being constructed on Estonia’s eastern border as part of the Baltic Defense Zone. By the end of 2027, more than 40 km of anti-tank ditches will be dug, nearly 600 bunkers built, and barriers reinforced with dragon’s teeth and barbed wire.
Part of the border is naturally protected by the Narva River and Lake Peipsi, so the ditches are being constructed in the southeastern section, where a breakthrough of equipment is possible.

Olga Stefanishyna has officially begun her work as Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States.
She opened her mission with a moment of silence in honor of Ukraine’s fallen defenders.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Britain is sending Typhoon fighter jets to Poland as part of NATO’s Eastern Sentry mission, launched after Russian drones violated Polish airspace.
The UK Ministry of Defence says the jets will bolster Poland’s air defenses.

‘You first’ diplomacy: Trump’s UK visit tests transatlantic unity on Russia.
(www.kyivpost.com/post/60176)
The US president seeks to bolster the ‘special relationship’ with a new nuclear deal, but his latest ultimatum on Russia leaves Britain in a diplomatic bind.

A US delegation has toured Ukraine’s titanium and rare earth sites, the Economy Ministry said.
The group visited the Birzulivsky mining plant and the Lekarivske deposit in Kirovohrad region — key hubs for titanium ore today and future zirconium extraction.

What’s on Russian minds about the war in Ukraine?
Kyiv Post interviewed Russian political scientist and political commentator Alexander Morozov, (www.kyivpost.com/post/60114) Member of the Council of the Free Russia Forum.

“We’d kick their a*” (www.kyivpost.com/post/60150) — Trump’s envoy Kellogg said in Kyiv that Russia is losing the war, praised Ukraine’s military and called it the global leader in drone warfare.

Horrific scenes near Kyiv: Russia’s strike leveled the Epicentr logistics hub, leaving the building in ruins.
Rescuers are on site, battling the aftermath.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Russian troops disguised as civilians have infiltrated Yampil in the Donetsk region, a violation of international law.
According to monitoring reports, Russian forces are hiding in houses, basements, and cellars. DeepState adds that the presence of civilians who have not evacuated from the settlement prevents Ukraine’s Defense Forces from effectively targeting the enemy.

Lukashenko met with collaborator Volodymyr Saldo, an act Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry says will have negative consequences for Belarus.
The ministry called it yet another blatant display of contempt by Belarus’s self-proclaimed president, Alexander Lukashenko, toward Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the entire Ukrainian people.

Belarusian political prisoner Mikalai Statkevich, who refused deportation to Lithuania, has been returned to prison.
According to Nasha Niva, Statkevich was taken back to Hlybokaye prison, where he had been held for the past 2.5 years.
▪️Statkevich was released on September 11 along with other political prisoners. However, he refused to leave Belarus and be deported to Lithuania — instead, he “almost broke the door, jumped out of the bus, and ran back onto Belarusian territory.”

Belarusian political prisoner Mikalai Statkevich is one hell of a brave man.

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-16-2025/

Key Takeaways

1. Russian President Vladimir Putin oversaw the final day of the Russian-Belarusian Zapad-2025 joint military exercises on September 16.
2. Ukraine’s ongoing long-range strike campaign targeting critical Russian energy infrastructure continues to degrade Russia’s oil and gasoline markets, likely affecting Russia’s long-term ability to finance its war in Ukraine.
3. Ukraine continues to demonstrate its adeptness at innovating and fielding drones with increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) technology while maintaining accessible costs, significantly augmenting Ukrainian drone effectiveness.
4. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko continues to rhetorically distance himself from Russia’s recent incursion into Polish airspace in an attempt to obfuscate the fact that Belarus is de facto a cobelligerent in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
5. Russian forces recently advanced near Kupyansk, in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area, and in eastern Zaporizhia Oblast.

That is quite the coincidence. Reckon we need more people telling Trump more about Russia losing and Putin being a loser, might move these sanctions along a bit quicker! Though I must admit he has a point about oil, no European or NATO countries should be buying Russian oil still.

You're not wrong but I suspect the european/UK legislators are terrified of doing anything that will increase domestic fuel/energy prices.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ Russia preparing 2 more 'heavy offensive campaigns (kyivindependent.com/russia-preparing-2-more-heavy-offensive-campaigns-zelensky-says/),' Zelensky says.
"There were already three of them, and ahead... there are two more heavy offensive campaigns," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

⚡️ Most Ukrainians reluctantly back peace deal freezing front line with Western guarantees, poll shows. (kyivindependent.com/most-ukrainians-reluctantly-support-peace-deal-freezing-front-line-with-western-guarantees-poll-shows/)
In turn, 75% of Ukrainians said that Russia's conditional peace proposal — including Ukraine's full withdrawal from Donetsk Oblast and a ban on NATO entry — would be "completely unacceptable."

⚡️ European Parliament head visits Kyiv (kyivindependent.com/european-parliament-head-visits-kyiv-to-meet-zelensky-top-officials/) to meet Zelensky, top officials.
The trip marks European Parliament President Roberta Metsola's fourth visit to Ukraine's capital since the start of the full-scale war in 2022.

⚡️ IAEA reports shelling, black smoke (kyivindependent.com/iaea-reports-shelling-black-smoke-near-russian-occupied-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant/) near Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.
"What was once virtually unimaginable — shelling or other military activity taking place close to major nuclear facilities — has become a regular occurrence during this horrific war," IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said.

⚡️ Ukrainian swarm drone AI startup (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-swarm-drone-ai-startup-secures-15-million-investment/) secures $15 million in record defense investment.
"This funding enables us to scale our operations and offer advanced swarming capabilities to every unmanned vehicle, in Ukraine and across NATO-aligned nations," Swarmer CEO Serhii Kupriienko said.

⚡️Trump administration approves first Ukraine arms aid funded by NATO allies, (kyivindependent.com/trump-administration-approves-first-ukraine-arms-aid-funded-by-nato-allies-reuters-reports/) Reuters reports.
The aid will be the first use of the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List, a mechanism developed by NATO members to coordinate and fund Kyiv's most urgent battlefield needs.

⚡️Russia warns (kyivindependent.com/russia-warns-oil-producers-of-possible-output-cuts-after-ukrainian-drone-strikes-reuters-reports/) oil producers of possible output cuts after Ukrainian drone strikes, Reuters reports.
Transneft, which handles more than 80% of Russia's crude output, has restricted firms' ability to store oil in its pipelines and warned it may have to accept less oil if infrastructure sustains further damage, Reuters reported.

⚡️ Ukraine resumes live broadcasts (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-resumes-live-parliament-sessions-broadcasts/) of parliament sessions after over 3-year break.
Parliament suspended live coverage of its plenary sessions after the full-scale Russian invasion for security reasons.

⚡️EU to propose quicker phase out (kyivindependent.com/eu-to-propose-quicker-phase-out-of-russian-oil-imports-following-pressure-from-trump/) of Russian oil imports following pressure from Trump.
The European Commission will propose to phase out Russian energy purchases sooner than initially planned, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Sept. 16, amid pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Under its current plan, the EU aims to phase out energy purchases completely by the end of 2027. [well, good for Trump this time]

⚡️'Immediately clarify the incident' — Home damaged (kyivindependent.com/immediately-clarify-the-incident-home-damaged-during-russian-drone-incursion-may-have-been-caused-by-polish-missile-media-report/) during Russian drone incursion may have been hit by Polish missile, media reports.
Political pressure in Poland is mounting amid reports that a home damaged during Russia's drone incursion on Sept. 10 may have been caused by a Polish missile.
Polish media publication Rzeczpospolita reported on Sept. 16 that the damage caused to a home in the village of Wyryki, initially believed to have been a Russian drone, may have been caused by an AIM-120 Air-to-Air Missile fired by a Polish F-16.

⚡️ Ukraine's 'revenge operation (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-revenge-explosions-in-russias-far-east-hit-troops-accused-of-war-crimes/)' in Russia's far east blows up troops accused of war crimes, intelligence source claims.
The operation struck the 47th Airborne Assault Battalion of the 155th Guards Marine Brigade stationed in Russia's Primorsky Krai, a HUR source told the Kyiv Independent.

⚡️'Difficult decisions' if things go wrong — Zelensky meets (kyivindependent.com/difficult-decisions-if-things-go-wrong-zelensky-meets-party-lawmakers-discusses-key-issues/) party lawmakers, discusses key issues.
President Volodymyr Zelensky met with lawmakers from his Servant of the People party on Sept. 16, during which key policy issues were discussed, party spokesperson Yuliia Paliichuk told Ukrainska Pravda.

⚡️Lukashenko pardons (kyivindependent.com/lukashenko-pardons-25-prisoners-ahead-of-unity-day/) another 25 political prisoners ahead of Unity Day.

⚡️Russia operates 'potentially unprecedented system' holding Ukrainian children in 210 facilities (kyivindependent.com/russia-operates-ptentially-unprecedented-system-holding-ukrainian-children-in-210-facilities-yale-researchers-say/), Yale researchers say.
"The impact of the alleged crimes perpetuated by the Russian government is likely to leave generational scars," Yale researchers said in a new report published on Sept. 16, adding that Russia "aims to foldUkraine's children into the Russian war machine, whether it be through its civilian arm or military wing."

How Russia’s drone incursion into Poland skirted the line of NATO’s escalation policy
(kyivindependent.com/how-russias-drone-incursion-into-poland-skirted-the-line-of-natos-escalation-policy/)
For an alliance that has been talking for years about the need to increase its preparedness for a potential war in Europe, NATO’s response against the threat of a small handful of drones flying across its border demonstrated how unprepared it really was.
“The main lesson to learn, in my opinion, from the incursion to Poland is that NATO has not been ready to counter the threat of cheap drones,” Andras Racz, senior fellow at the German Council for Foreign Relations, told the Kyiv Independent.

EU official on Europe’s preparation for war with Russia
()
The Kyiv Independent’s Oleksiy Sorokin sits down with Andrius Kubilius, the European Commissioner for Defense Industry and Space, to discuss Europe’s readiness to confront Russia, including its ReArm program, and the future of European security. From building a “drone wall” with Ukraine to advancing the vision of a European defense union, Kubilius explains how the EU is preparing for modern warfare and why integrating Ukraine’s experience is vital to Europe’s defense.

⚡️ Partisans sabotage railway (kyivindependent.com/pro-ukraine-partisans-set-fire-to-railway-infrastructure-near-yekaterinburg-group-claims/), disrupt Russian logistics 1,600 km from Ukraine border, group claims.

⚡️ Russian drone strike injures 4 in Kharkiv, hits university building. (https://kyivindependent.com/russian-drone-strikes-kharkiv-university-in-broad-daylight-injuries-reported/)

⚡️ Russian strikes kill 3, injure 54 (kyivindependent.com/3-killed-54-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day/), hit Ukrainian railway infrastructure over past day.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦
‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — SEP 17, 2025 (1/2)
■ First time with over 1k casualties since Aug 5, engagements below average
■ Drone & land-based equipment losses well above average
■ Overnight attacks: increased activity including 2 missiles, interception could be better
■ Fewer 🇷🇺 strikes but ratio still high

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy accepted the credentials of the newly appointed ambassadors of Cyprus, Latvia, and Pakistan, and congratulated them on the start of their diplomatic missions in Ukraine.

⚡️Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has asked Chrystia Freeland to become Special Representative for Ukraine Reconstruction.

Russia carried out a complex attack on railway infrastructure, causing delays to dozens of trains.
As of 07:20, Ukrainian Railways reported that about 45 trains were delayed.
Regarding international connections, particularly in Chełm and Przemyśl, Ukraine is in contact with foreign railway dispatch teams to coordinate transfers, train waiting times, and accelerated border control.
At least six suburban services will be canceled, including routes in Cherkasy and Kropyvnytskyi.

😡 The Russians tried to disable substations powering Ukraine’s railway network with a massive nighttime drone strike, — Kuleba.
Such attacks aim to disrupt passenger and cargo transportation, undermine the stable operation of transport, and create additional pressure on people and the economy, the Minister of Community and Territorial Development said.
At the time of the attack, more than 20 passenger trains were en route. UZ dispatchers stopped them at a safe distance, and workers were moved to shelters.
No injuries were reported among passengers or railway staff.

Russians hit Kharkiv with a Geran-2 drone — Regional Prosecutor's Office
The strike hit the roof of an educational institution, causing a fire and damaging the building, law enforcement reported.
Three women and one man were injured.

🇺🇦🏆 Ukrainian sumo team wins 10 medals at World Championship
Ukrainian sumo wrestlers claimed 5 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze medals at the World Championship in Thailand.

Ukrainians win five medals at Grand Prix finals in individual rhythmic gymnastics
Taisiya Onofriychuk claimed two golds in the ball and hoop finals. Polina Karika won gold in clubs, silver in ball, and bronze in hoop.

On Rescuer’s Day, Ukraine honors those who risk their lives to save others. Every day, they are the first to arrive at the sites of Russian missile strikes, where buildings are collapsing, fires are spreading, and people are trapped. They carry children out of rubble, climb into shattered apartments, and keep working even as new attacks begin. Their courage is quiet, but their stories speak volumes about the price of saving lives in wartime.

Polish media publication Rzeczpospolita reported on Sept. 16 that the damage caused to a home in the village of Wyryki, initially believed to have been a Russian drone, may have been caused by an AIM-120 Air-to-Air Missile fired by a Polish F-16.

Not impossible,

Unfortuately even if a missile has self destruct function (e.g. triggered after a certain flight time) you get left with bits that have to come down somewhere.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

EU to unveil 19th sanctions package on Russia after Trump call — crackdown to hit crypto, banks and energy. (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/60282)

Europe must not develop an inferiority complex with the US (www.kyivpost.com/post/60214) if it is to drive through its rearmament program — Rheinmetall CEO

Ukraine’s 11th Army Corps has accused Moscow troops of dressing as civilians and using locals as “human shields” (www.kyivpost.com/post/60235) during a recent sabotage mission in the Donetsk region.

“Flown enough, mother f**r”– Ukraine’s “Birds of the Madyar” unmanned aerial systems unit shot down a Russian Orion reconnaissance and strike drone (www.kyivpost.com/post/60218) valued at over $5million.

Seventy-five percent of Ukrainians categorically reject Russia’s so-called “peace plan,” (www.kyivpost.com/post/60277) which envisions the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donbas. [although the report above does say 76% would accept frozen battle lines]

Kyiv Post mentioned the online currency in the links again.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

[sounds confirmed then] 🇵🇱The roof of the house damaged during the incursion of Russian drones into Poland was likely destroyed not by a downed drone, but by an F-16 missile whose guidance system malfunctioned, Rzeczpospolita reports.
According to the newspaper’s source, the damage could have been much worse, but the missile did not switch to “combat” mode and did not detonate because its safety mechanisms were activated.
Rzeczpospolita adds that investigators have already determined what happened but are not disclosing the details to the public.

⚡️Bulgaria arrested Russian national Igor Grechushkin, wanted by Lebanon over the 2020 Beirut port blast that killed 218 and injured 6,000.
He’s reportedly the owner of the ship that carried the ammonium nitrate behind the explosion.

❗️Explosions at the Nord Stream pipelines: Italy has approved the extradition of a Ukrainian suspect to Germany.
The lawyer of Ukrainian citizen Serhii Kuznetsov announced plans to appeal this decision to Italy’s Court of Cassation.
▪️ On September 26, 2022, explosions and gas leaks occurred on the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines, which run along the bottom of the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany. Serhii Kuznetsov, who was detained in August on suspicion, denies the charges.

🇪🇺🇺🇦 The EU plans to gradually phase out the temporary protection program for Ukrainians.
The EU Council has approved recommendations for member states on the future, once the situation in Ukraine becomes safe for living.
The key recommendations focus on transitioning from temporary protection to other legal residence programs in the EU. For example, Ukrainians should be offered residence permits based on employment, education, or family reunification.

Another proposal is the creation of voluntary return programs. Participants would retain rights linked to temporary protection, including housing, healthcare, and education.
One more suggestion is to introduce familiarization visits, allowing Ukrainians to travel to Ukraine without losing their temporary status, so they can assess conditions for return themselves.

A Russian soldier killed a horse for fun https://t.me/liveukraine_media/34379
#Ukrainian OSINT group Molfar Agency identified the Russian soldier who appeared in a video earlier today gunning down a horse for fun.
He is allegedly Bulat Khuzin of Tatarstan, a graduate of Kazan Federal University’s Lyceum №1 who worked as a waiter in Izhevsk in May 2024.

What did you say @ReleaseTheDucksOfWar to warrant your post being hidden?

if you mention the electronic currency whose name begins with c and ends in o, your post will automatically be hidden til Mumsnet HQ check it. A lot of scammers advertise thru c---o. The Kyiv Post mentioned it in passing today (top thingie)

I loved King Charles’ speech at the banquet with Trump stating the importance of sticking by Ukraine (far more eloquently put than that but the press conference tomorrow could be interesting).

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Russia touts gains on all fronts (kyivindependent.com/russia-touts-gains-on-all-fronts-as-zelensky-warns-of-2-more-moscows-offensives-after-3-failures/) as Zelensky warns of 2 more Moscow's offensives after 3 failures.
Over the summer months, the Russian army has failed to secure any front-line breakthroughs or capture a single major Ukrainian city, with its main efforts concentrated in Donetsk Oblast.

⚡️ Ukraine ratifies (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-parliament-ratifies-100-year-partnership-with-uk/) historic 100-year partnership with UK.
The treaty provides for an increased British military support for Ukraine, allocating at least 3.6 billion pounds ($4.9 billion) per year until the fiscal year 2030/2031, "and thereafter as needed," the Ukrainian parliament said.

⚡️ Russian oppositioner Navalny killed 'by poisoning' (kyivindependent.com/russian-oppositioner-navalny-killed-by-poisoning-in-2024/) in 2024, widow cites Western labs.
Yulia Navalnaya said Alexei Navalny's team managed to secure biological samples of her deceased husband and transport them abroad.

⚡️Germany shifts (kyivindependent.com/germany-shifts-stance-on-frozen-russian-funds-now-supports-use-for-ukraine-bloombrg-reports/) stance on frozen Russian funds, now supports use for Ukraine, Bloomberg reports.
Germany's previously cautious position on seizing the assets has shifted recently, partly as a result of fears that if the U.S. completely pulls aid to Ukraine, the burden to support Kyiv will fall disproportionately on Berlin, according to Bloomberg.

⚡️ 'Paradigm shift' — Denmark to buy its first long-range arms (kyivindependent.com/paradigm-shift-denmark-to-buy-its-first-long-range-arms-to-counter-russian-threat/) to counter Russian threat.
"There is no doubt that Russia will be a threat to Denmark and Europe for many years to come," Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said.

⚡️Ukraine to receive Patriot, HIMARS missiles (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-to-receive-patriot-himars-missiles-zelensky-says/), Zelensky says.
President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Sept. 17 that Ukraine will receive Patriot and HIMARS missiles as part of a U.S. weapons package financed by NATO allies.

⚡️ Polish defense minister arrives in Kyiv (kyivindependent.com/polish-defense-minister-arrives-in-kyiv-a-week-after-russian-drone-incursion/) week after Russian drone incursion.

⚡️ Thousands in Slovakia protest (https://kyivindependent.com/thousands-in-slovakia-protest-ficos-economic-pro-russian-policies/) Fico's Russian-friendly stance, economic policies.
The event came after Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico's visit to China, where he attended the end of World War II celebrations as the only EU leader and met Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

⚡️ Ukraine's parliament passes law on military ombudsman. (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-passes-law-on-military-ombudsman/)
The government first presented the position last year to ensure soldiers had a mechanism to report violations of their rights.

⚡️ Russian troops start leaving Belarus (kyivindependent.com/russian-troops-start-leaving-belarus-after-zapad-2025-drills-ukraine-says/) after Zapad-2025 drills, Ukraine says.

⚡️Russians with spy ties behind 2024 parcel explosions (kyivindependent.com/russians-with-spy-ties-behind-2024-parcel-bombings-in-europe/) in Europe, Lithuania says.
The suspects allegedly used courier services DHL and DPD to send four parcels disguised as cosmetic products from Vilnius to various locations across Europe.

⚡️Dmitry Kozak (kyivindependent.com/dmitry-kozak-putin-associate-opposed-to-ukraine-war-resigns-from-kremlin-post/), Putin associate opposed to Ukraine war, resigns from Kremlin post.
Dmitry Kozak, a longtime associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin and one of the few senior Russian officials to oppose the invasion of Ukraine, has reportedly resigned from his post as the Kremlin's deputy chief of staff.

⚡️ Russian military maimed soldier (kyivindependent.com/russian-military-maims-own-soldier-to-prevent-desertion/) to prevent desertion, alleged intercept suggests.
In the recording, a Russian soldier is heard describing in detail the punishment of a serviceman who was captured near occupied Mariupol in eastern Ukraine after attempting to flee.

⚡️ Georgia hasn't informed Kyiv about 2 Ukrainians (kyivindependent.com/kyiv-hasnt-received-information-from-georgia-on-2-ukrainians-detained-over-explosives-allegations/) detained over explosives allegations.
The Ukrainian Embassy in Tbilisi has not received any official communication from Georgia regarding two Ukrainians detained last week over an alleged attempt to smuggle explosives, the Embassy said on Sept. 17.

⚡️ Ukraine captures Kenyan serving in Russian army (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-captures-kenyan-fighting-for-russia/), who claims he was tricked into joining.
The man, who identified himself as Evans and said he was an athlete in civilian life, said he traveled to Russia as a tourist and was deceived into joining the Russian army.

⚡️ 82% of Poles reject Trump's claim (kyivindependent.com/82-of-poles-reject-trumps-claim-russian-drone-incursion-was-accidental-poll-shows/) Russian drone incursion was accidental, poll shows.

⚡️Poland deports (kyivindependent.com/poland-deports-ukrainian-for-flying-drone-over-central-warsaw-imposes-5-year-entry-ban-media-reports/) Ukrainian for flying drone over central Warsaw, imposes 5-year entry ban, media reports.

⚡️Ukraine brings back (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-brings-back-16-children-from-russian-occupied-territories/) 16 children from Russian-occupied territories.

⚡️'Tyranny threatens Europe' — King Charles voices support (kyivindependent.com/king-charles-voices-support-for-ukraine-during-state-dinner-with-trump/) for Ukraine during state dinner with Trump.
"Today, as tyranny once again threatens Europe, we and our allies stand together in support of Ukraine, to deter aggression and secure peace," King Charles III said.

⚡️Russian attacks (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-kill-3-injure-22-in-ukraine-over-past-day/) kill 3, injure 22 in Ukraine over past day, railway infrastructure hit overnight.
Ukrainian forces downed 48 out of the 75 drones, including Shahed-type attack drones, launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported. Twenty-six drones struck six different locations, according to the statement.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦
‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — SEP 18, 2025 (1/2)
■ Casualties at average, engagements slightly below
■ 3rd-highest drone losses to date; sizable unarmored vehicle losses as well
■ Overnight attacks: all drones, interception rate could be better
■ Visually confirmed batch: 21 🇷🇺 : 49 🇺🇦 (15:46 after cleanup) — 30-day ratio down to 0.9x
■ Increased 🇷🇺 strikes, only 2 🇺🇦 ones

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Another nuclear power may emerge in Europe: Poland has announced its intention to deploy nuclear weapons, the country’s president said in an interview with LCI.
Poland is counting on access to NATO nuclear weapons with France’s support and seeks to participate in their joint use.
Nawrocki did not specify whether the country plans to develop its own nuclear weapons, noting that “it is too early to talk about it.”
A permanent representation of the European Parliament will be opened in Kyiv, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola announced.

Experts have warned that Russia has a “fairly detailed map” of Britain’s key undersea cable network, which could be a “vulnerable point of attack” for Vladimir Putin. Although the UK and Europe are separated by just 21 miles (about 34 km) of water, they are connected by a system of cables and pipelines, Sky News international reporter Michael Drummond writes.
These lines provide critical civilian and military communications, electricity, and gas. But constant monitoring of hundreds of kilometres of undersea cables is difficult, leaving them vulnerable to sabotage.
A recent report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) think tank highlighted how heavily the European and global economies depend on these cables.
“The cables carry around 95% of global data flows and enable financial transactions worth about $10 trillion every day,” the report states.

The EU is considering seizing €170 billion in frozen Russian assets to provide loans to Ukraine, the Financial Times reports.
One proposal would use the assets to buy EU bonds with a zero interest rate. Another option is the creation of a special purpose vehicle to manage the financing, which could also allow non-EU countries to take part.

🇸🇰🇭🇺 Slovakia and Hungary said they would resist pressure from Trump to cut imports of Russian oil and gas until EU member states secure sufficient alternative supplies — Bloomberg.
Slovak Economy Minister Denisa Saková stated she would “create the necessary conditions” before her country abandons Russian oil imports.
“Before we can fully commit, we need to create the right conditions — otherwise we risk seriously damaging our industry and economy,” she said.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, during a parliamentary debate in the Bundestag in Berlin, accused Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin of murders and attempts to destabilize the West, Reuters reports.
He stated that Moscow constantly tests the limits and seeks to undermine allied unity. As an example, he cited recent Russian violations of the airspace of Poland and Romania, which he said reflect a long-term trend of testing the West’s endurance.
“Putin has been testing the limits for a long time. He sabotages, spies, kills, and tries to destabilize us. Russia seeks to destabilize our societies,” Merz stressed.

Exchanging territory or trying to “tempt” Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin by resuming trade with the United States over Ukraine will not work, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
“But the other day, speaking at an international conference, Zelenskyy declared that giving Putin any part of Ukraine’s land would not happen. It may seem to some that territorial exchanges or resuming trade with the U.S. could stop the war. This is not so. The main thing now is Russia’s isolation. Russian assets must be confiscated and given to Ukraine, and Kyiv must continue to be armed. We lack weapons and Western support. In essence, he wants to prevent healthy forces in the West from following a healthy course,” Lavrov added.

Zelenskyy: The cost of one year of war is $120 billion, half of which is yet to be found
In any case, plan A is to end the war, plan B is $120 billion. And this is a big challenge. I’m not saying that we will need that much in peacetime — during a ceasefire or under security guarantees for 10 years — but you must understand the scale of this issue,” the president said.

Europe Wants to Use Ukrainian Technology for ‘Drone Wall’ — The Financial Times
Last week’s response to Russian drone incursions into Poland and Romania showed that NATO is relying on expensive technology to intercept relatively cheap drones — a clear vulnerability Moscow could exploit in the future. To address this, Brussels has urged member states to use EU funds and jointly procure systems that have proven effective in Ukraine.

The population of the Russian Federation may decrease by at least 25% over the next 50 years — HUR.
Russian enterprises are already facing a labor shortage, and vocational education institutions lack students.
The most severe demographic trends are observed in the Far East, where Moscow has taken most of the men and sent them to die in the war against Ukraine.
According to intelligence, the war launched by Russia is a key factor behind negative demographic trends and forecasts within the aggressor state.
During hostilities, Russia has lost more than a million soldiers killed and wounded, mostly men aged 20 to 35 — the backbone of the demographic pyramid.
To slow the crisis, Russian officials propose more actively involving labor migrants, who are also being recruited to fight in the war.

🫂🇺🇦 Ukraine has returned 16 more children from the temporarily occupied territories, Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak reported.
▪️A 15-year-old girl escaped the occupation with her aunt after her parents and older brother were sentenced to long prison terms by the Russians on fabricated charges.
▪️A 14-year-old girl and her 7-year-old sister lost their home and all belongings in a fire that completely destroyed their house.
▪️A 15-year-old girl and her parents barely left their home for three years, living in constant fear that the occupiers might knock on their door and take the children.
▪️The occupation “guardianship service” attempted to take a 10-year-old boy away from his parents.

Ukrainian scouts from the Tur company discovered detonators with Nazi symbols from World War II in a Russian ammunition warehouse.
In 1939, the USSR and Germany signed a commercial agreement under which the Soviet Union received military technology and raw materials, including shell detonators.
These detonators are more than 85 years old 😧

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Zelensky to visit New York next week.
A Foreign Ministry spokesman said that a Ukrainian delegation led by President Zelensky will take part in the UN General Assembly in the United States next week.

Plan A for next year is to end the war, Plan B is to find $120 billion — Zelensky
“60 comes from the Ukrainian budget, and 60 I need to find next year. I hope we will end this war, but in any case, Plan A is to finish it, Plan B is 120, that’s it.”

Ukraine’s Government approved and submitted the draft State Budget for 2026 (www.kyivpost.com/post/60333) to the Parliament. Total spending reaches $116B, with $67.8B for defense. The budget also funds social policy, education, healthcare, and public investments.

A Ukrainian counterattack in the northern Sumy sector captured a defensive line held by elite Russian “marines” (www.kyivpost.com/post/60324) capturing prisoners and putting survivors to flight.

US Senators escalate pressure on Russia with two new bills: (www.kyivpost.com/post/60342) one on sanctions and a second on seized assets, signaling a bipartisan push for decisive action against Moscow’s atrocities in Ukraine.

Britain will open a £400 million ($550 million) drone factory in Swindon, (www.kyivpost.com/post/60299) bringing production of the Tekever AR5 long-range drone to the country for the first time and expanding work on the RAF’s AR3 drones.

Sweden will pour record funds into its defense in 2026, (www.kyivpost.com/post/60307) vowing to confront the “multi-dimensional” threat Russia poses to both its own security and that of Europe.

Ukrainian drones have struck deep inside Bashkortostan, around 1,300 km from the Ukrainian border, with preliminary reports saying a Gazprom petrochemical complex in Salavat was hit.

The United States has made its first contribution of $75 million to the US-Ukrainian Reconstruction Investment Fund.

Trump has arrived in the UK to meet King Charles. He and Melania were greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales before heading to Windsor Castle.
The Royal Family staged a motorcade, artillery salute, fly-past and banquet — the most elaborate military welcome for a state visit in Britain’s history. Trump is the first US president the monarch has invited twice.