Alleged Russian interference jammed the GPS of a plane carrying European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen in Bulgaria on Sunday, a commission spokesperson has told The Independent.
Bulgarian authorities suspected the “blatant interference” with the GPS was carried out by Russia, the spokesperson said, adding that the plane landed safely. Sources familiar with the incident told CNN the pilots landed using paper maps.
Ms von der Leyen has been touring eastern EU countries to rally support for Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin told leaders gathered in China that he came to a number of “understandings” with Donald Trump regarding the end of the Ukraine war.
The Russian president was addressing leaders at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation forum in Tianjin, where he has held meetings with China's Xi Jinping and India's Narendra Modi.
Earlier, Ms von der Leyen said Europe had prepared a “pretty precise” plan to send troops to Ukraine once the conflict ended. She said they would be backed by US command, intelligence and surveillance support.
Key Points
- Von der Leyen’s plane targeted by alleged Russian GPS jamming
- France to host meeting of Ukraine's "coalition of the willing" on Thursday
- Ukrainian suspect arrested over killing of politician Andriy Parubiy in Lviv
- Ukraine hit by over 500 drones, 45 missiles in overnight Russian attack, Zelensky says
- Putin arrives in China for summit after Moscow launches aerial attacks on Odesa
Covert drone strikes, airport sabotage and nuclear plant fires: All of Ukraine’s boldest attacks on Russia
04:00 , Rebecca WhittakerAs Ukrainians gathered to mark Independence Day across the country last Sunday, Russia accused Kyiv of launching dozens of drones at a nuclear power plant in Kursk.
The attack, which sparked a large fire and destroyed parts of the plant’s infrastructure, was one of the most audacious attacks on Russian territory so far this year.
Damage was done to an auxiliary transformer and there was a 50 per cent reduction in a nuclear reactor’s operating capacity, according to Russian authorities.
Ukraine’s military refused to comment on the attack. But in a message shared shortly after it took place, President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasised his nation’s resolve in the face of Russian aggression.
Read more here by Bryony Gooch:
All Ukraine’s bold attacks on Russia after nuclear plant hit in Kursk
Ukrainian children forced to learn underground
03:00 , Rebecca WhittakerPupils across Ukraine returned to school on Monday, embarking on a new academic year under the shadow of Russia’s ongoing invasion, with many lessons now taking place underground.
Since the war began in February 2022, schools have innovated to keep education alive.
In Bobryk, a village in the northern Sumy region, close to the front line, one school moved its classrooms into a basement two years ago.
This drastic step was taken as air raid alerts could stretch for up to 20 hours, paralysing surface-level classes.
Principal Oleksii Korenivskyi emphasised the critical importance of their work, stating: "We must do everything so this generation is not lost. Time is the only thing you cannot make up.
“This is our future, and we must give it everything we have."
Read more here: Ukrainian children forced to learn underground as new year starts in the shadow of Russian assaults
Watch: Ukraine hit by over 500 drones, 45 missiles in overnight Russian attack, Zelensky says
02:00 , Rebecca WhittakerFrance to host meeting of Ukraine's 'coalition of the willing'
01:00 , Rebecca WhittakerFrance will host a meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing," a group of countries supporting Ukraine, on Thursday, the French presidency has said.
The meeting, which will be held in hybrid format, will focus on security guarantees for Ukraine and on Russia's refusal to make peace, the Elysee added.
"Following the meeting held between Europeans and Americans in Washington on August 18, the heads of state and government will discuss the work on security guarantees for Ukraine conducted in recent weeks and will take stock of the consequences of Russia's persistent refusal to make peace," President Emmanuel Macron's office said in a statement on Monday.
Putin says he and Trump came to ‘understanding’ about how to end Ukraine war at Alaska summit
Tuesday 2 September 2025 00:00 , Rebecca Whittaker
Putin says he and Trump came to ‘understanding’ about how to end Ukraine war
Zelensky met with German leaders to discuss 'next steps in diplomacy'
Monday 1 September 2025 23:00 , Rebecca WhittakerPresident of Ukraine Volodymr Zelensky met with German leaders today to discuss “financial and defense support for Ukraine, as well as the next steps in diplomacy.”
In a post on X he wrote: “In recent weeks, Russia has shown no intention of being ready for a meeting at the level of leaders and has continued striking our people. That is why we count on Germany’s support in increasing pressure on Russia. Only strong actions can change Russian behaviour.”
During a meeting with the leaders of two Bundestag coalition factions, Jens Spahn and Matthias Miersch, we discussed financial and defense support for Ukraine, as well as the next steps in diplomacy.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 1, 2025
We are grateful to Germany for its leadership in supporting our people,… pic.twitter.com/Wp15I6KXTq
Has Donald Trump lost interest in bringing peace to Ukraine?
Monday 1 September 2025 22:00 , Steffie BanatvalaSo much for the Ukraine peace process. So much for ending the war there in 24 hours flat, metaphorically or otherwise. So much for Donald Trump’s Nobel Peace Prize.
Patience is one of the many virtues President Trump lacks, and so, not quite a whole week on from the “historic” Alaska summit, he has seemingly lost interest in getting the deal of the century brokered.
ICYMI: Zelensky gives update on recent Russian strikes
Monday 1 September 2025 21:00 , Steffie BanatvalaAll Ukraine’s bold attacks on Russia after nuclear plant hit in Kursk
Monday 1 September 2025 20:00 , Steffie BanatvalaAs Ukrainians gathered to mark Independence Day across the country last Sunday, Russia accused Kyiv of launching dozens of drones at a nuclear power plant in Kursk.
The attack, which sparked a large fire and destroyed parts of the plant’s infrastructure, was one of the most audacious attacks on Russian territory so far this year.
But experts have said that Ukraine has one of the best combat-ready armies in Europe.
Kyiv asks Nato for more Patriot missiles
Monday 1 September 2025 19:33 , Jane DaltonUkrainian officials have discussed with Nato representatives Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and Kyiv's need for better air defences and long-range weaponry, Ukraine's foreign ministry says.
"The Ukrainian side urged Nato member states to provide Ukraine with assistance in strengthening air defences, particularly Patriot systems and missiles for them," the ministry said after an extraordinary meeting of the Nato-Ukraine Council.
"Separately, the need was stressed for long-range missiles."
The statement said Nato member states denounced the Russian attacks in the past week, including a drone and missile assault on the capital Kyiv that killed 25 people and caused considerable destruction of homes and other buildings.
An extraordinary meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council will be held today in Brussels at the request of Ukraine and in response to Russia’s recent massive air attacks.
— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) September 1, 2025
We anticipate a focused discussion on joint steps to adequately respond to Russia's rejection of peace efforts…
Watch: Putin and Modi hold hands at China summit
Monday 1 September 2025 19:00 , Steffie BanatvalaPictures: Schoolchildren enter an underground school on the first day at school in Kharkiv, Ukraine
Monday 1 September 2025 18:00 , Steffie Banatvala
Pictures: German lawmakers visit site of recent missile strikes in Kyiv
Monday 1 September 2025 17:00 , Steffie Banatvala
What is GPS jamming?
Monday 1 September 2025 16:30 , Steffie BanatvalaGPS jamming uses a frequency transmitting device to block or interfere with radio communications, usually by broadcasting signals from the ground that are stronger than satellite-based signals.
When a system is jammed, it might have to be switched off for the duration of the flight, which can cause stress and delays for take-off and landing because certain procedures require GPS to function.
But major airports have a variety of navigation tools available if GPS isn't working.
Germany dismisses remarks by EU's von der Leyen on troops for Ukraine
Monday 1 September 2025 16:01 , Steffie BanatvalaGermany's defence minister on Monday harshly dismissed as premature remarks by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on plans to send European troops to Ukraine, saying she lacked the mandate to discuss the matter.
Von der Leyen told the Financial Times in an interview published on Sunday that Europe is drawing up "pretty precise plans" for a multinational troop deployment to Ukraine as part of post-conflict security guarantees that will have the backing of U.S. capabilities.
"Those are things that you don't discuss before you sit down at the negotiating table with many parties that have a say in the matter," the minister, Boris Pistorius, told journalists during a visit to an ammunition factory in Cologne on Monday.
"I would know better than to comment or confirm such considerations in any way, apart from the fact that the European Union has no mandate or competency whatsoever when it comes to positioning troops," he added.
Ukraine criticises Shanghai summit declaration for not mentioning Russia's war
Monday 1 September 2025 15:45 , Steffie BanatvalaUkraine's foreign ministry has criticised the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit declaration for avoiding mention of Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine in a statement on its website.
"It is surprising that the largest war of aggression in Europe since World War II has not been reflected in such an important, fundamental document," the ministry said.
In full: Trump aide Nevarro asks why Modi is ‘getting into bed’ with Putin and Xi
Monday 1 September 2025 15:00 , Steffie Banatvala
Trump aide Nevarro asks why Modi is ‘getting into bed’ with Putin and Xi
No indication for Russian attack amid Zapad drills, Germany's top military says
Monday 1 September 2025 14:15 , Steffie BanatvalaGermany does not expect Russian attacks on NATO territory under the cover of Moscow's Zapad military drills which are set to kick off in two weeks, German Chief of Defence Carsten Breuer said on Monday.
"We don't have any indication that preparations for an attack are taken under the cover of the exercise. But we will be on our guard, not just the German forces, but NATO," Breuer told reporters in Berlin.
Andriy Parubiy murder looks like contract killing: SBU intelligence service
Monday 1 September 2025 14:00 , Steffie BanatvalaUkrainian officials said on Monday they suspected Russia of involvement in the murder of former parliamentary speaker Andriy Parubiy after a suspect was detained.
Vadym Onyshchenko, regional chief of the SBU intelligence service, said the murder looked like a contract killing.
"We have information indicating the possible involvement of the Russian Federation's security services in organising the murder," he said in a statement published by the SBU.
Andriy Parubiy murder suspect detained by police
Monday 1 September 2025 13:38 , Steffie Banatvala
Who was the Ukrainian MP murdered in Lviv
Monday 1 September 2025 13:30 , Steffie BanatvalaAndriy Parubiy was a member of parliament had been parliamentary speaker from April 2016 to August 2019.
He gained prominence during Ukraine’s Euromaidan protests calling for closer ties with the European Union, and led to the ouster of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych in 2024.
Mr Parubiy was also secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council from February to August 2014, a period when fighting began in eastern Ukraine and Russia annexed the Crimea peninsula.
France to host meeting of Ukraine's "coalition of the willing" on Thursday
Monday 1 September 2025 13:30 , Steffie BanatvalaFrance will host a meeting of the "Coalition of the Willing," a group of countries supporting Ukraine, on Thursday, the French presidency has said.
The meeting, which will be held in hybrid format, will focus on security guarantees for Ukraine and on Russia's refusal to make peace, the Elysee added.
In full: Suspect arrested after senior Ukrainian politician shot dead in Lviv
Monday 1 September 2025 12:45 , Steffie BanatvalaA suspect has been arrested and an investigation is underway into the murder of Ukrainian politician Andriy Parubiy as police suggested there may be a Russian link to the killing.
A gunman fired several shots at the former parliamentary speaker, 54, in the western city of Lviv on Saturday.
Internal Affairs Minister Ihor Klymenko said the suspect was detained in the western Khmelnytskyi region within 36 hours of the shooting, with the help of dozens of Lviv and national police officers and Security Service of Ukraine employees.
Von der Leyen’s plane targeted by alleged Russian GPS jamming
Monday 1 September 2025 12:17 , Steffie BanatvalaAlleged Russian interference jammed the GPS of a plane carrying European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen in Bulgaria on Sunday, a commission spokesperson told The Independent.
Bulgarian authorities suspected the “blatant interference” with the GPS was carried out by Russia, the spokesperson said, adding that the plane landed safely. Sources familiar with the incident told CNN the pilots landed using paper maps.
“This incident underlines the urgency of the President’s current trip to frontline Member States, where she has seen first hand the every day threats from Russia and its proxies,” the spokesperson added.
Ms von der Leyen has been touring eastern EU countries to rally support for Ukraine.
Ukraine suspects Russia is involved in killing of senior politician
Monday 1 September 2025 12:00 , Steffie Banatvala
Ukraine suspects Russian involvement in the murder of former parliamentary speaker Andriy Parubiy, the head of the Ukrainian police said on Monday.
Parubiy was shot dead in the western city of Lviv on Saturday and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said earlier on Monday that a suspect had been arrested for what he called "a horrific murder" that impacted "security in a country at war".
"We know that this crime was not accidental. There is Russian involvement. Everyone will be held accountable before the law," police chief Ivan Vyhivskyi said on Facebook.
Russia has not commented on the killing or on the suggestion that it was involved in the incident.
Extraordinary meeting of NATO-Ukraine Council to be held Monday: Ukraine FM
Monday 1 September 2025 11:08 , Steffie BanatvalaRepresentatives of the NATO-Ukraine Council will hold an extraordinary meeting on Monday, Ukraine's foreign minister said.
“We anticipate a focused discussion on joint steps to adequately respond to Russia's rejection of peace efforts and escalating terror against Ukrainians,” Andrii Sybiha wrote on X.
Erdogan tells Putin that Turkey is working for fair, lasting peace in Ukraine
Monday 1 September 2025 11:00 , Steffie BanatvalaTurkish President Tayyip Erdogan told his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Monday that Ankara was working to find a fair and lasting end to the war in Ukraine and that talks between the parties in Istanbul were contributing to peace efforts, Turkey's presidency said.
In a meeting on the sidelines of a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in China, Erdogan and Putin also discussed bilateral ties, peace efforts between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Israel's attacks on Gaza, and developments in Syria, the presidency said in a statement.
Watch 'The Light in Our Eyes': Official theme song for SCO Summit 2025
Monday 1 September 2025 10:30 , Steffie BanatvalaChinese state broadcaster CCTV has announced "The Light in Our Eyes", the official theme song of the SCO Summit 2025.
Featuring soaring strings, the video showed lush views of the host city, with the Tianjin Eye ferris wheel prominent.
It then takes a futuristic spin through panoramas of all the attending countries, while singers dressed in brightly coloured shirts and neckties build the song to a crescendo.
The official song was launched by the Tianjin Culture and Art Exhibition Group on August 28.
Performed by 10 singers, the video was broadcast simultaneously on major media and website platforms, according to CCTV.
US lauds partnership with India as 'defining relationship of the 21st century'
Monday 1 September 2025 10:00 , Steffie BanatvalaThe partnership between the United States and India continues to reach new heights — a defining relationship of the 21st century. This month, we’re spotlighting the people, progress, and possibilities driving us forward. From innovation and entrepreneurship to defense and… pic.twitter.com/tjd1tgxNXi
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) September 1, 2025
Indian oil minister denies country is profiteering from Russian imports
Monday 1 September 2025 09:30 , Steffie BanatvalaIndia is not "profiteering" from Russian oil imports and its purchases have stabilised markets while keeping prices from rising to as much as $200 a barrel, Hardeep Singh Puri, country's oil minister, said in the Hindu newspaper on Monday.
The US has targeted India for its Russian oil purchases, with President Donald Trump imposing tariffs on Indian exports to the US to discourage the country's crude buying.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused India of profiteering by importing Russian oil at lower prices and then reselling refined fuel at a higher rate. White House trade adviser Peter Navarro said Indian purchases were funding Moscow's war in Ukraine.
"Some critics allege that India has become a ‘laundromat’ for Russian oil. Nothing could be further from the truth,” Puri wrote in an editorial.
India has emerged as the largest buyer of Russian seaborne oil. The country has taken advantage discounts for the oil as Russia sought new buyers after European countries and the U.S. shunned purchases and imposed sanctions on Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Putin hails Russia-Turkey energy ties, thanks Erdogan for diplomatic efforts
Monday 1 September 2025 09:22 , Steffie BanatvalaTurkey is a reliable, time-tested partner for Russia and the energy cooperation between the two countries is “strategic”, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan as they met on the sidelines of a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in China.
Putin praised Turkey's role in efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, saying its “special role” in mediation and diplomacy would continue to be in demand.
Modi had 'excellent meeting' with Putin, discussed deepening bilateral relations
Monday 1 September 2025 09:00 , Steffie BanatvalaHad an excellent meeting with President Putin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Tianjin. Discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in all sectors, including trade, fertilisers, space, security and culture. We exchanged views on regional and global developments, including… pic.twitter.com/DhTyqOysbf
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 1, 2025
Modi tells Putin he hopes Russia, Ukraine will move forward to end war
Monday 1 September 2025 08:30 , Steffie BanatvalaIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Russian President Vladimir Putin that he hopes Russia and Ukraine will move forward to end their war soon.
The two leaders held talks in the Chinese port city of Tianjin, on the sidelines of the two-day meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation regional bloc.
Putin says he and Trump came to ‘understanding’ about how to end Ukraine war at Alaska summit
Monday 1 September 2025 08:01 , Namita SinghVladimir Putin claimed on Monday said that the "understandings" he reached with Donald Trump during their summit in Alaska have opened a way to peace in Ukraine.
The Russian leader, who is attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) forum in China's Tianjin City, said he would discuss the Alaska meeting with leaders attending the summit.
Mr Putin was seen chatting and laughing with host Xi Jinping and Indian prime minister Narendra Modi at the summit, before sharing a car ride with Mr Modi to their venue for bilateral talks, reports my colleague Alisha Rahaman Sarkar.
Putin says he and Trump came to ‘understanding’ about how to end Ukraine war
