The Trump administration is sending Ukraine its first missiles for Patriot air defence systems and HIMARS rocket launchers under a new Europe-funded scheme.
Volodymyr Zelensky said the first two batches, worth $500m (£366m) each, will "definitely include missiles for Patriot and HIMARS.
Nato’s senior representative in Ukraine said the first batches of equipment funding through Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) were already on their way and the equipment is “already flowing”. PURL funding allows Europe to pay for the weapons and the US to send them.
The new supplies of critical weapons comes as Ukraine is bracing for a heavy autumn offensive from Russia, with Vladimir Putin’s forces accelerating strikes on its shattered energy system, including gas infrastructure.
On the battlefield, Russian General Valery Gerasimov toured positions held by his troops in Ukraine and said Moscow's forces were "advancing on practically all fronts", the Russian defence ministry said.
The claims by Moscow contradict Ukraine’s position that Russian troops enjoyed little frontline success in their recent activity after three failed campaigns.
Just yesterday, the Ukrainian military said an attempted Russian advance on Kupiansk had resulted in many of its men being taken prisoner.
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Key Points
- Trump sends first Patriot and HIMARS missiles to Ukraine under Europe-funded weapons scheme
- Top Russian general claims Putin's forces are 'advancing in practically all directions'
- King Charles 'very close' to details of Ukraine ceasefire talks
- Putin 'trying to find a way out of isolation' through Trump diplomacy, says Zelensky
- EU to spend billions on 'drone wall' after Russian drone incursions
Five injured as Russian forces attack railway infrastructure in Ukraine
08:04 , Arpan RaiAt least five people were injured after Russian forces attacked railway infrastructure in Ukraine's central Poltava region, officials said this morning.
In Myrhorod district, an attack wounded one person and caused fires, regional governor Volodymyr Kohut said.
Ukrainian state railways operator Ukrzaliznytsia said the attack temporarily cut power to several stations and prompted delays of up to three hours for passenger trains. A similar attack had disrupted rail services in the early hours yesterday.
In recent months, Russian forces have pummelled Ukrainian rail infrastructure, including attacks on hubs in the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions, as well as disruption in the Kirovohrad region.
A late evening drone attack on Poltava region also damaged a fuel station, causing a fire and wounding four more people, according to the emergency services.
The Ukrainian air force said it shot down 48 of 75 drones launched by Russia and reported 26 drone hits at six locations.
Zelensky says allies 'on same page' about extent of security guarantees needed for Ukraine
07:44 , Arpan RaiVolodymyr Zelensky has said Ukraine's allies understand the scale of security guarantees needed for Ukraine after the war stops – adding that the conflict is costing Kyiv's backers $60bn for every year that it continues.
Writing on X, he said: “When we speak about security guarantees for Ukraine, there are several key elements. First, the Ukrainian army. We already agreed on what we need in the sky, at sea, and on the ground. Our partners now understand the scale of these needs, but the important thing is that we are on the same page, and they are ready to deliver.”
He said the strength and size of the Ukrainian army itself requires significant funding and called for financial support from Kyiv’s allies.
“Third, Article 5–like guarantees. We are discussing this with the US, and I believe we will reach bilateral decisions,” Zelensky said, referring to Nato's Article 5 that warns an attack on one member of the alliance will be treated as an attack on all members.
The Ukrainian president called for sanctions and said: “To give an example: the cost of this war today is about $120bn per year. Ukraine covers half from its own budget. The other half – $60bn – must be secured. Plan A is to end the war. Plan B is to secure the cost,” he said.
When we speak about security guarantees for Ukraine, there are several key elements. First, the Ukrainian army. We already agreed on what we need in the sky, at sea, and on the ground. Our partners now understand the scale of these needs, but the important thing is that we are on…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 17, 2025
Russia resumes domestic flights to southern city of Krasnodar for first time in three years
07:26 , Arpan RaiRussia has resumed regular domestic passenger flights to the southern city of Krasnodar yesterday.
The key regional airport was closed for more than three years due to security concerns linked to the war in Ukraine.
Russia closed 11 major airports in its southern and western regions, including those in Kursk, Simferopol and Rostov-on-Don, following the start of its military campaign in Ukraine in February 2022.
A fully loaded 183-seat Airbus A321 from Moscow operated by Russian flag carrier Aeroflot landed in the city of over 1.5 million people after a flight of about three and a half hours.
That was about 90 minutes longer than flights before the war, as planes now avoid the airspace near the front line in Ukraine and fly via Volgograd and the Black Sea coast.
Aeroflot said it will operate up to five flights a day from Moscow, as well as services from six other Russian cities, including Saint-Petersburg.
"We didn't believe it could happen," said Maya Tikhomirova, a passenger on Wednesday's flight who regularly travels between Moscow and Krasnodar. "It's the first time in three years we got here so easily."
In photos: France and Poland fly F-16s in military exercise after drone incursion
07:06 , Arpan RaiFrance and Poland flew fighter jets yesterday as part of military exercises dubbed “Eastern Sentry”.
The drills are in response to Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace earlier this week, secretary-general Mark Rutte said.
"We must, as Nato, make clear our resolve and our ability to defend our territory, and that is exactly what Eastern Sentry is designed to do," Rutte told a press conference at Nato headquarters in Brussels last week.
Nato had 'failed' in its duty to protect member states, says former chief
06:40 , Arpan RaiNato’s former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander and former British Army general Sir Richard Shirreff told The Independent that Nato had “failed” in its duty to protect member states.
“Last week Russia attacked a Nato country,” said Sir Richard, who is now chair of the Healix Risk and Security Advisory Board. “The whole purpose of Nato is to defend the airspace, land borders and the sea lines of communication. It ultimately does that through effective deterrence. Last week, that failed.”
He believes that the incursion was a “deliberate attack to probe Nato defenses”, adding that if Russia “smells weakness” it will persist in its aggression: “Nato has to respond with real strength.”
He said imposing a no-fly zone is “absolutely” the correct route to take.
In response to concerns of a wider war, he said: “This is an act of war against Russia, but it is in response to an act of war by Russia in a Nato member state. So it is entirely justifiable. In a very real sense, we are already at war with Russia.”
What is a no-fly zone? Poland and Ukraine call for protection of European airspace
King Charles 'very close' to details of Ukraine ceasefire talks
06:10 , Arpan RaiKing Charles has not shied away from supporting Ukraine publicly and is now reported to be keeping close tabs on ceasefire negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
The King is “very close” to the detail of negotiations and to the Ukrainian war-time president Volodymyr Zelensky himself, a senior defence official told Politico on the condition of anonymity.
Last month, the King sent a message of support to Ukraine to mark the country’s independence day as he called for a “just and lasting peace” to end the war triggered by Russia’s 2022 invasion of its neighbour.
The King’s sensitivity towards the Ukrainian cause could help soften US president Donald Trump’s stance on backing Ukraine, the Politico report added.
“It wouldn’t be surprising if he took the opportunity privately to encourage the president to support Ukraine more effectively,” a former senior UK diplomat said, referring to conversations during Trump's overnight stay at Windsor Castle.
Watch: Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia leaves Ukrainian city engulfed by flames
05:54 , Arpan RaiOne killed in Ukrainian drone attack on Russia
05:35 , Arpan RaiA Ukrainian drone struck a car in Russia's Belgorod border region, killing one person and injuring another, the region's governor said this morning.
Vyacheslav Gladkov said the drone killed a man in his car in the town of Shebekino, just inside the Russian border. The strike seriously injured the man's brother, who was taken to a local hospital.
Ukrainian drone attacks frequently hit targets in Belgorod and other border regions.
What is a no-fly zone? Poland and Ukraine call for protection of European airspace
05:18 , Arpan RaiAs Russia’s military action in Ukraine encroaches on European airspace, Poland’s foreign minister has raised the prospect of Nato support in patrolling the skies.
On 10 September, Russian drones over Polish airspace prompted Radoslaw Sikorski to invoke Article 4 of Nato’s North Atlantic Treaty, calling for an urgent meeting of member states to discuss what he called Vladimir Putin’s “large-scale provocation”.
Tensions were heightened a few days later when Romania reported similar drone incursions into its airspace, forcing the military to scramble its own fighter jets in response.
What is a no-fly zone? Poland and Ukraine call for protection of European airspace
Trump sends first Patriot and HIMARS missiles to Ukraine under Europe-funded weapons scheme
04:52 , Arpan RaiThe Trump administration is sending Ukraine its first missiles for Patriot air defence systems and HIMARS rocket launchers under a new Europe-funded scheme.
Volodymyr Zelensky said the first two batches, worth $500m (£366m) each, will "definitely include missiles for Patriot and HIMARS.
The first batches of equipment funding through PURL were already on their way, Nato's senior representative in Ukraine told Reuters.
"Four packages under the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List have already been funded and equipment is already flowing," Patrick Turner said.
Donald Trump has been strongly critical of the billions of dollars the United States has spent on military aid for Ukraine. The PURL initiative offers a way for Europe to pay for the weapons and the US to send them.
Additional packages, each worth about $500m, are working their way through the approval system, sources told Reuters.
The new supplies of critical weapons comes as Ukraine is bracing for a heavy autumn offensive from Russia, with Vladimir Putin’s forces accelerating strikes on its shattered energy system, including gas infrastructure.
Top Russian general claims Putin's forces are 'advancing in practically all directions'
04:01 , Arpan RaiA senior Russian officer toured positions held by his troops in Ukraine and said Moscow's forces were advancing on all fronts, the Russian defence ministry said.
He said the heaviest fighting between Russian and Ukrainian troops was taking place around the logistics centre of Pokrovsk.
General Valery Gerasimov, Russia's chief of staff of the armed forces in what Moscow calls its "special military operation", said Moscow's troops were making progress in the eastern Donetsk region, the conflict's focal point, and further west in the Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions.
"Our troops in the zone of the special military operation are advancing in practically all directions," the defence ministry quoted Gerasimov as saying.
"And the heaviest fighting is occurring in the Krasnoarmeisk direction," he added, using the Soviet-era name for the city of Pokrovsk, "where the enemy, by any means and taking no account of losses, is trying unsuccessfully to stop our advances and seize back the initiative.
"The Ukrainian military, he was quoted as saying, "has deployed the best-trained and most capable fighting units, taking them from other areas. And that facilitates the advance of our troops in other sectors."
Gerasimov's statements appeared to be at odds with accounts by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukrainian military officials, however.
Zelensky, interviewed by Sky News this week, said he expected new Russian offensives but added that Moscow's forces had enjoyed little frontline success in their recent activity.
A spokesperson for a Ukrainian unit near Kupiansk yesterday said that an attempted Russian advance on the town had resulted in many of its men being taken prisoner.
Drills in Belarus and drone incursions into Romania: How the war in Ukraine has already become a European conflict
02:45 , Athena StavrouThe Kremlin issued a sharp warning to Nato when it said the alliance was “fighting against Russia” and was “de facto involved” in the war in Ukraine.
“Nato is providing direct and indirect support to the Kyiv regime,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters. “It can be said with absolute certainty that Nato is fighting against Russia.”
Yet as Russia sends drones into Poland and Romania and organises drills with Belarus, experts say that Putin is testing Nato’s response through its more aggressive movements past Ukrainian borders.
Bryony Gooch reports:
How the war in Ukraine has already become a European conflict
Yulia Navalnya says Alexei was poisoned before death in Russian prison according to independent tests
01:30 , Athena StavrouYulia Navalnya, the widow of journalist Alexei Navalny has said that independent lab tests have concluded her husband was poisoned shortly before his death in a Russian prison.
“These labs in two different countries reached the same conclusion: Alexei was killed. More specifically, he was poisoned,” Navalnaya said in a video posted to social media.
“I demand that the laboratories that conducted the research publish their results. Stop appeasing Putin for some higher 'considerations.' You cannot placate him. While you stay silent, he does not stop.”
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Poland kickstarts 'Iron Defender' military exercise
Thursday 18 September 2025 00:40 , Athena StavrouPoland has kickstarted its military exercise Iron Defender-25, just days after Russia violated its airspace with a drone incursion.
Deputy polish defence minister Cezary Tomczyk said Poland had been preparing for many months and was holding its own exercises.
More than 30,000 troops from Poland and allied nations will take part in drills across Orzysz, Ustka, Nowa Dęba, the Baltic Sea, airspace, and cyberspace.
What’s at stake as Starmer babysits Trump through state visit
Wednesday 17 September 2025 23:45 , Athena StavrouDonald Trump has adopted Vladimir Putin’s arguments on Ukraine; and has (like Putin) threatened the sovereignty of his neighbours and allies.
On top of that, his administration has openly supported anti-democratic movements on Europe’s far right – notably in Germany, France, and Romania.
Trump has jeopardised the cornerstone alliances of Nato and the Five Eyes intelligence relationship that bind the West together as militaries and that links the Anglosphere into a web of trust.
His apparent devotion to Putin has further entrenched the belief among the intelligence communities of America’s allies that the US president is a liability.
He is a liability. He has been successfully manipulated by Russia and Putin for years.
So now it’s Britain’s turn, and as head of state, the star turn in Trump-charming is the King himself. He, no doubt, will play his part, writes Sam Kiley:
What’s at stake as Starmer babysits Trump through state visit
Zelensky: Putin is 'trying to find a way out of isolation' through Trump diplomacy
Wednesday 17 September 2025 22:30 , Athena StavrouUkraine and US launch fund for mineral projects
Wednesday 17 September 2025 21:40 , Athena StavrouUkraine and the US International Development Finance Corporation will each commit $75 million to a joint investment fund that is part of Kyiv's minerals deal with Washington.
"The US Development Finance Corporation (DFC) has made a pilot commitment of $75 million, which Ukraine will match," Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said in a statement.
DFC said the investment would support Ukraine’s reconstruction and economic recovery and strengthen US natural resource supply chains.
Ukraine and the US signed the deal, which had been promoted by President Donald Trump, in April, giving the United States preferential access to new Ukrainian minerals projects in exchange for investment.
Putin and Modi discuss Ukraine in a phone call, Kremlin says
Wednesday 17 September 2025 20:30 , Athena StavrouRussian President Vladimir Putin held a call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday.
The Kremlin said they discussed Ukraine and preparations for Putin's visit to India in December.
-Summit-2025-in-Tianjin-ldld23kl.jpeg)
Russia resumes domestic flights to southern city of Krasnodar for first time in three years
Wednesday 17 September 2025 19:38 , Athena StavrouRussia has resumed regular domestic passenger flights to the southern city of Krasnodar on Wednesday.
The key regional airport was closed for more than three years due to security concerns linked to the war in Ukraine.
Russia closed 11 major airports in its southern and western regions, including those in Kursk, Simferopol and Rostov-on-Don, following the start of its military campaign in Ukraine in February 2022.
A fully loaded 183-seat Airbus A321 from Moscow operated by Russian flag carrier Aeroflot landed in the city of over 1.5 million people after a flight of about 3-1/2 hours.
That was about 90 minutes longer than flights before the war, as planes now avoid the airspace near the front line in Ukraine and fly via Volgograd and the Black Sea coast.
Aeroflot said it will operate up to five flights a day from Moscow, as well as services from six other Russian cities, including Saint-Petersburg.
"We didn't believe it could happen," said Maya Tikhomirova, a passenger on Wednesday's flight who regularly travels between Moscow and Krasnodar. "It's the first time in three years we got here so easily."
Pictured: Zelensky speaks during a joint press conference with European Parliament president
Wednesday 17 September 2025 18:29 , Athena Stavrou
Report claims thousands of children taken from Ukraine to be ‘re-educated’ by Russia
Wednesday 17 September 2025 17:22 , Maira ButtNew research has identified some 210 sites where Ukrainian children are believed to have been taken for military training by Russia.
The research, funded by the USA, found that the children also took part in drone manufacturing and other forced re-education as part of the large-scale deportation programme.
Yale's School of Public Health said in the report that more than 150 new locations had been discovered since it published findings last year, In 2024, it alleged that Russian presidential aircraft had been used to transport children.
Thousands of Ukrainian children given military ‘re-education’ by Russia, report finds
Drills in Belarus and drone incursions into Romania: How the war in Ukraine has already become a European conflict
Wednesday 17 September 2025 16:26 , Maira ButtThe Kremlin issued a sharp warning to Nato when it said the alliance was “fighting against Russia” and was “de facto involved” in the war in Ukraine.
“Nato is providing direct and indirect support to the Kyiv regime,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters. “It can be said with absolute certainty that Nato is fighting against Russia.”
Yet as Russia sends drones into Poland and Romania and organises drills with Belarus, experts say that Putin is testing Nato’s response through its more aggressive movements past Ukrainian borders.
Bryony Gooch reports:
How the war in Ukraine has already become a European conflict
EU Commissioner says it would be a 'big mistake' not to include Ukraine within European defence structure
Wednesday 17 September 2025 15:28 , Maira ButtAndrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence Industry and Space, has said that Europe needs to incorporate Ukraine within its defence infrastructure.
"If really it so happens that we shall come to what is called Day X, and Putin will start aggression against us, we need to understand that Putin will come with battle-tested army, much stronger than it was back in 2022, with the ability to use millions of drones," he told the Kyiv Independent.
"And on the democratic side of the European continent, we have only the Ukrainian army, which has the same battle-tested capabilities, and that would be a big mistake on our side, not to find the best way how we can integrate Ukrainian capabilities, Ukrainian (Armed) Forces, and Ukrainian defense industry in the most rapid way into some kind of new defense architecture.”
EU to spend billions on 'drone wall' after Russian drone incursions into Nato airspace
Wednesday 17 September 2025 14:23 , Maira ButtExperts have warned that a “drone wall” intended to protect Nato countries from Russian incursions, must be well coordinated in order to be effective.
It follows EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen’s call to build the “drone wall” hours after aircraft were intercepted in Poland.
A drone alliance would be organised with Kyiv and funded with €6b , according to von der Leyen.
“Europe’s defence posture is too fragmented, but this particular area is where we really need to see much more coordination,” an EU official told the Financial Times.
“You can’t have one [frontline] state doing one thing on their border and another doing something different. Russia will just tailor their approach to our weaknesses.”
Denmark to purchase long-range precision weapons to counter 'Russian threat'
Wednesday 17 September 2025 13:10 , Maira ButtAfter years of cuts to its military budget, Denmark is set to invest in long-range precision weapons, the country’s Prime Minister Metter Fredriksen said on Wednesday (17 September).
“There is no doubt that Russia will be a threat to Europe and Denmark for years to come,” Fredriksen said.
It follows Russian drone incursions into Polish and Romanian airspace.
Alexei Navalny was poisoned before death in Russian prison according to independent tests, says widow of journalist
Wednesday 17 September 2025 12:27 , Maira ButtYulia Navalnya, the widow of journalist Alexei Navalny has said that independent lab tests have concluded her husband was poisoned shortly before his death in a Russian prison.
“These labs in two different countries reached the same conclusion: Alexei was killed. More specifically, he was poisoned,” Navalnaya said in a video posted to social media.
“I demand that the laboratories that conducted the research publish their results. Stop appeasing Putin for some higher 'considerations.' You cannot placate him. While you stay silent, he does not stop.”
Russia preparing two more heavy offensive campaigns, warns Zelensky
Wednesday 17 September 2025 11:15 , Arpan RaiRussian forces are preparing to launch two more large-scale offensives on Ukraine after three failed campaigns this year, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has warned.
"They are preparing for two more offensive operations in the fall," Zelensky told Sky News.
He added: "There were already three of them, and ahead... there are two more heavy offensive campaigns."
Just over the past two weeks, Zelensky said Russia has launched more than 3,500 drones, more than 2,500 powerful glide bombs and almost 200 missiles at targets inside Ukraine.
In photos: Poland kickstarts 'Iron Defender' military exercise
Wednesday 17 September 2025 11:00 , Arpan RaiPoland has kickstarted its military exercise Iron Defender-25, just days after Russia violated its airspace with a drone incursion.
Deputy polish defence minister Cezary Tomczyk said Poland had been preparing for many months and was holding its own exercises.
More than 30,000 troops from Poland and allied nations will take part in drills across Orzysz, Ustka, Nowa Dęba, the Baltic Sea, airspace, and cyberspace.
What’s at stake as Starmer babysits Trump through state visit
Wednesday 17 September 2025 10:45 , Arpan RaiDonald Trump has adopted Vladimir Putin’s arguments on Ukraine; and has (like Putin) threatened the sovereignty of his neighbours and allies.
On top of that, his administration has openly supported anti-democratic movements on Europe’s far right – notably in Germany, France, and Romania.
Trump has jeopardised the cornerstone alliances of Nato and the Five Eyes intelligence relationship that bind the West together as militaries and that links the Anglosphere into a web of trust.
His apparent devotion to Putin has further entrenched the belief among the intelligence communities of America’s allies that the US president is a liability.
He is a liability. He has been successfully manipulated by Russia and Putin for years.
So now it’s Britain’s turn, and as head of state, the star turn in Trump-charming is the King himself. He, no doubt, will play his part, writes Sam Kiley:
What’s at stake as Starmer babysits Trump through state visit
Ukraine drone attacks forcing Russia to cut oil output
Wednesday 17 September 2025 10:30 , Arpan RaiRussia's oil pipeline monopoly Transneft has warned producers they may have to cut output following Ukraine's drone attacks on critical export ports and refineries, three industry sources told Reuters.
Ukrainian drones have hit at least 10 refineries – cutting Russia's refining capacity by almost a fifth at one point – and damaged its leading Baltic Sea ports of Ust-Luga and Primorsk, Ukrainian military officials and Russian industry sources said.
Transneft, which handles more than 80 per cent of all the oil extracted in Russia, has in recent days restricted oil firms' ability to store oil in its pipeline system, two industry sources close to Russian oil firms told Reuters.
Transneft has also warned producers it may have to accept less oil if its infrastructure sustains further damage, the two sources said.
The attacks could force Russia, which accounts for 9 per cent of global oil production, to ultimately cut output, said the two sources and a third source familiar with oil pumping operations.
The three sources asked not to be named due to sensitivity of the issue.
However, in a statement on its website, Transneft described the news as "fake" and part of the West's "information war" against Russia.
Trump approves first Ukraine arms aid paid for by allies
Wednesday 17 September 2025 10:15 , Arpan RaiThe Trump administration has approved the first US weapons package for Ukraine funded by Nato countries, two sources aware of the situation told Reuters.
The sources declined to give an exact inventory of what has been approved for purchase by the Europeans for Ukraine, but said it included air defence systems, which Ukraine needs urgently given the huge increase in Russian drone and missile attacks.
They said the tranche of weapons could be shipped soon.
One of the sources said Nato’s new Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List was making its way through the process after clearing the Pentagon's policy unit, reported Reuters.
“It's the stuff they've been asking for. A lot of stuff," said the source. "It's the flow that's allowed them to stabilise the lines thus far."
This is the first time US is supplying Ukraine with a new method under Donald Trump with weapons from US stocks using funds from Nato countries.
So far, the Trump administration has only sold weapons to Ukraine or shipped donations which were authorised by former president Joe Biden who was ready to aid Kyiv with its battlefield requirements.
Russia targets Ukraine's railway operations in overnight strikes
Wednesday 17 September 2025 09:55 , Arpan RaiRussian attacks overnight have targeted railway infrastructure, including a strike on an electrical substation which disrupted operations, Ukrainian state rail operator Ukrzaliznytsia said.
At least 46 trains were experiencing delays this morning and passenger services were disrupted on routes to Odesa and Dnipro.
Oleksii Kuleba, the deputy prime minister said: “The enemy tried to disable substations that power the railway network with a massive drone attack this night.”
“Such strikes have a clear goal — to complicate the transportation of passengers and cargo, disrupt the stable operation of transport, and create additional pressure on people and the economy,” he siad.
Russian attacks kill three and injure more than 50 in Ukraine over the past day
Wednesday 17 September 2025 09:53 , Arpan RaiAt least three people were killed and 54 were injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past day, officials said this morning.
The casualties were reported from the Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk and Kherson regions, which are facing the brunt of Russia's onslaught.
Regional governor Ivan Fedorov confirmed one person was killed and 23 were wounded in Zaporizhzhia – including four children.
Another nine people were injured in Donetsk’s Kostiantynivka, regional governor Vadym Filashkin said.
At least one person was killed and 15 others were injured in Kherson as Russia rained drones and missiles on residential areas over the past day, regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin said, adding that the aerial assault targeted nine apartment buildings and 17 houses.
Canada's Chrystia Freeland appointed Ukraine envoy after resignation from cabinet
Wednesday 17 September 2025 09:49 , Arpan RaiCanadian minister Chrystia Freeland has said she will step down from prime minister Mark Carney’s cabinet to take up her new role as Canada's special envoy to Ukraine.
Freeland, who is of Ukrainian heritage, has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine in its war against Russia.
"I have decided to step down from cabinet today and turn the page on this chapter in my life. I do not intend to run in the next election," she said.
She recounted the Carney cabinet’s work to support Ukraine, and said: “We stood with Ukraine against dictatorship.”
In a statement, Carney thanked Freeland "for her extraordinary service in the Cabinet of Canada's federal government over the last decade".
He said that he has asked her to serve as Canada's new Special Representative for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, in addition to her role as a Liberal MP.
Prime Minister Carney announces changes to the Ministry and thanks Minister Freeland for her service in Cabinet and for the critical work she will undertake as Canada’s new Special Representative for the Reconstruction of Ukraine. Details: https://t.co/POgPhqscEY
— Prime Minister of Canada (@CanadianPM) September 16, 2025
Russian drone incursions part of long trend of sabotage, says German chancellor
Wednesday 17 September 2025 09:00 , Arpan RaiRussia's violation of Polish and Romanian airspace is part of a long-running trend of boundary-testing and sabotage by Vladimir Putin, said German chancellor Friedrich Merz.
"Russia wants to insidiously destabilise our free societies," Merz told the Bundestag lower house of parliament today.
The German chancellor also warned that a peace deal in the Ukraine war cannot come at the expense of Kyiv's political sovereignty and territorial integrity.
"A dictated peace, a peace without freedom, would encourage Putin to seek his next target," added Merz.
EU's new sanctions will hit Russia's crypto banks, says von der Leyen
Wednesday 17 September 2025 08:43 , Arpan RaiNew sanctions proposed by the EU Commission will target Russia’s crypto assets along with its banking and energy sectors, president Ursula von der Leyen said.
The top EU official announced the move after a call with US president Donald Trump.
“I had a good call with @POTUS on strengthening our joint efforts to increase economic pressure on Russia through additional measures. The Commission will soon present its 19th package of sanctions, targeting crypto, banks, and energy,” von der Leyen said on X.
“Russia’s war economy, sustained by revenues from fossil fuels, is financing the bloodshed in Ukraine. To put an end to it, the Commission will propose speeding up the phase-out of Russian fossil imports,” she said.
I had a good call with @POTUS on strengthening our joint efforts to increase economic pressure on Russia through additional measures.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) September 16, 2025
The Commission will soon present its 19th package of sanctions, targeting crypto, banks, and energy.
Russia’s war economy, sustained by revenues…
Russia preparing two more heavy offensive campaigns, warns Zelensky
Wednesday 17 September 2025 08:22 , Arpan RaiRussian forces are preparing to launch two more large-scale offensives on Ukraine after three failed campaigns this year, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has warned.
"They are preparing for two more offensive operations in the fall," Zelensky told Sky News.
He added: "There were already three of them, and ahead... there are two more heavy offensive campaigns."
Just over the past two weeks, Zelensky said Russia has launched more than 3,500 drones, more than 2,500 powerful glide bombs and almost 200 missiles at targets inside Ukraine.
Poland kickstarts 'Iron Defender' military exercise
Wednesday 17 September 2025 07:58 , Arpan RaiPoland has kickstarted its military exercise Iron Defender-25, just days after Russia violated its airspace with a drone incursion.
Deputy polish defence minister Cezary Tomczyk said Poland had been preparing for many months and was holding its own exercises.
More than 30,000 troops from Poland and allied nations will take part in drills across Orzysz, Ustka, Nowa Dęba, the Baltic Sea, airspace, and cyberspace.
Of these, about 5,000 troops will be on the border with Belarus, Tomczyk said in response to Reuters' questions.
Lithuania has also said it is protecting its border because of the military exercise.
On 10 September, about 20 Russian drones flew into Poland's airspace.
While Moscow denied targeting Poland and officials in Belarus alleged that the drones veered off course after being jammed by Ukraine, Polish prime minister Donald Tusk said it was a "provocation" that "brings us all closer to open conflict, closer than ever since the Second World War”.
Trump approves first Ukraine arms aid paid for by allies
Wednesday 17 September 2025 07:45 , Arpan RaiThe Trump administration has approved the first US weapons package for Ukraine funded by Nato countries, two sources aware of the situation told Reuters.
The sources declined to give an exact inventory of what has been approved for purchase by the Europeans for Ukraine, but said it included air defence systems, which Ukraine needs urgently given the huge increase in Russian drone and missile attacks.
They said the tranche of weapons could be shipped soon.
One of the sources said NATO’s new Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List was making its way through the process after clearing the Pentagon's policy unit, reported Reuters.
“It's the stuff they've been asking for. A lot of stuff," said the source. "It's the flow that's allowed them to stabilise the lines thus far."
This is the first time US is supplying Ukraine with a new method under Donald Trump with weapons from US stocks using funds from Nato countries.
So far, the Trump administration has only sold weapons to Ukraine or shipped donations which were authorised by former president Joe Biden who was ready to aid Kyiv with its battlefield requirements.
What’s at stake as Starmer babysits Trump through state visit
Wednesday 17 September 2025 07:10 , Arpan RaiDonald Trump has adopted Vladimir Putin’s arguments on Ukraine; and has (like Putin) threatened the sovereignty of his neighbours and allies.
On top of that, his administration has openly supported anti-democratic movements on Europe’s far right – notably in Germany, France, and Romania.
Trump has jeopardised the cornerstone alliances of Nato and the Five Eyes intelligence relationship that bind the West together as militaries and that links the Anglosphere into a web of trust.
His apparent devotion to Putin has further entrenched the belief among the intelligence communities of America’s allies that the US president is a liability.
He is a liability. He has been successfully manipulated by Russia and Putin for years.
So now it’s Britain’s turn, and as head of state, the star turn in Trump-charming is the King himself. He, no doubt, will play his part, writes Sam Kiley:
What’s at stake as Starmer babysits Trump through state visit
Fire at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant extinguished – report
Wednesday 17 September 2025 06:45 , Arpan RaiA fire that broke at the fuel storage facility of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant after a Ukrainian attack has been put out, a Russian representative of the plant said.
This comes a day after the International Atomic Energy Agency said its team at the plant heard shelling close to the site and observed black smoke rising from three nearby locations.
Russian forces seized the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Europe's largest with six reactors, in the first weeks after Moscow's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Each side routinely accuses the other of undertaking actions that endanger nuclear safety at the plant.
Incidents of shelling occur frequently. The plant's reactors are shut down, but the nuclear fuel inside them still needs to be cooled.
Ukraine has yet to comment on the fire overnight and the source of the shelling has not been confirmed.
Russian attack on Ukraine's Kirovohrad region cuts power
Wednesday 17 September 2025 06:17 , Arpan RaiA Russian overnight drone attack on Ukraine's central Kirovohrad region partially cut power and disrupted railway operations, its governor said this morning.
"As of now, the regional centre and 44 settlements in the Oleksandrivka territorial community have been partially cut off from the power supply," Andriy Raykovych wrote on Telegram.
Russia sentences Pussy Riot members in absentia to jail for anti-war messages
Wednesday 17 September 2025 05:59 , Arpan RaiFive members of Pussy Riot have been sentenced in absentia to prison in Russia on charges relating to performances criticising the war in Ukraine.
The jail terms handed down to members of the feminist punk group by Moscow’s Basmanny District Court ranged from eight to 13 years, according to Rolling Stone and independent Russian outlet Mediazona.
Maria Alyokhina, Taso Pletner, Olga Borisova, Diana Burkot and Alina Petrova were accused of spreading “false information” about the Russian army in a music video released in December 2022 entitled “Mama, Don’t Watch TV”. A separate charge relates to an incident in which a member of the group urinated on a portrait of Russian president Vladimir Putin in April 2024.
All five members of the group rejected the charges, saying they were politically motivated.
Russian court sentences Pussy Riot members in absentia to jail for anti-war messages
UN nuclear watchdog says shelling reported near Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant
Wednesday 17 September 2025 05:28 , Arpan RaiThe UN's nuclear watchdog says shelling has been heard at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine yesterday, and black smoke seen rising from three nearby locations.
The team from the UN's nuclear watchdog was informed that multiple artillery shells struck an area outside the plant's perimeter, around 400m (437 yards) from its off-site diesel fuel storage facility, the IAEA said in a statement.
"While there were no reports of casualties or equipment damage, the incident once again underlined the constant dangers to nuclear safety and security," IAEA director general Rafael Grossi said.
There were no statements on the incident from either Russian or Ukrainian officials.
Russian forces seized the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, Europe's largest with six reactors, in the first weeks after Moscow's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Each side routinely accuses the other of undertaking actions that endanger nuclear safety at the plant.
Watch: Vladimir Putin observes joint military exercise with Belarus
Wednesday 17 September 2025 05:15 , Arpan RaiCanada's Chrystia Freeland appointed Ukraine envoy after resignation from cabinet
Wednesday 17 September 2025 04:58 , Arpan RaiCanadian minister Chrystia Freeland has said she will step down from prime minister Mark Carney’s cabinet to take up her new role as Canada's special envoy to Ukraine.
Freeland, who is of Ukrainian heritage, has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine in its war against Russia.
"I have decided to step down from cabinet today and turn the page on this chapter in my life. I do not intend to run in the next election," she said.
She recounted the Carney cabinet’s work to support Ukraine, and said: “We stood with Ukraine against dictatorship.”
In a statement, Carney thanked Freeland "for her extraordinary service in the Cabinet of Canada's federal government over the last decade".
He said that he has asked her to serve as Canada's new Special Representative for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, in addition to her role as a Liberal MP.
To my neighbours, colleagues, and Canadians: thank you. 🇨🇦 Chers voisins, collègues et Canadiens : merci. pic.twitter.com/H7Myf362Qy
— Chrystia Freeland (@cafreeland) September 16, 2025
Ukraine drone attacks forcing Russia to cut oil output
Wednesday 17 September 2025 04:29 , Arpan RaiRussia's oil pipeline monopoly Transneft has warned producers they may have to cut output following Ukraine's drone attacks on critical export ports and refineries, three industry sources told Reuters.
Ukrainian drones have hit at least 10 refineries – cutting Russia's refining capacity by almost a fifth at one point – and damaged its leading Baltic Sea ports of Ust-Luga and Primorsk, Ukrainian military officials and Russian industry sources said.
Transneft, which handles more than 80 per cent of all the oil extracted in Russia, has in recent days restricted oil firms' ability to store oil in its pipeline system, two industry sources close to Russian oil firms told Reuters.
Transneft has also warned producers it may have to accept less oil if its infrastructure sustains further damage, the two sources said.
The attacks could force Russia, which accounts for 9 per cent of global oil production, to ultimately cut output, said the two sources and a third source familiar with oil pumping operations.
The three sources asked not to be named due to sensitivity of the issue.
However, in a statement on its website, Transneft described the news as "fake" and part of the West's "information war" against Russia.
