At 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.
The attacks also 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 on Wednesday 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.”
Regional governors confirmed 23 wounded in Zaporizhzhia – including four children, while nine were injured in Donetsk’s Kostiantynivka and 15 others were injured in Kherson as Russia rained drones and missiles on residential areas over the past day.
Key Points
- Putin forced to cut oil flows due to Kyiv’s attacks on critical infrastructure
- UN nuclear watchdog says shelling reported near Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant
- Vladimir Putin observes joint military exercise with Belarus
- Canada's Chrystia Freeland appointed Ukraine envoy after resignation from cabinet
- Trump approves first Ukraine arms aid paid for by allies
Russian drone incursions part of long trend of sabotage, says German chancellor
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
05:15 , Arpan RaiCanada's Chrystia Freeland appointed Ukraine envoy after resignation from cabinet
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
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.
Trump approves first Ukraine arms aid paid for by allies
04:15 , 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.
Drills in Belarus and drone incursions into Romania: How the war in Ukraine has already become a European conflict
03:16 , Tom BarnesThe 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
Report claims thousands of children taken from Ukraine to be ‘re-educated’ by Russia
02:22 , Tom BarnesNew 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
Russia 'close to cutting oil output due to drone attacks'
01:19 , Tom BarnesRussia'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.
Kyiv has stepped up attacks on Russian energy assets since August in a bid to reduce the Kremlin's revenues to finance its war in Ukraine.
Transneft, which handles more than 80% 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.
Trump and von der Leyen talk about increasing pressure on Russia
Wednesday 17 September 2025 00:16 , Tom BarnesEuropean Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said in post on X following Tuesday's call that she and Trump discussed "strengthening our joint efforts to increase economic pressure on Russia through additional measures."
Trump earlier in the day once again called on Europe to stem its purchase of Russian oil and urged Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky to get a deal done with Russia's Vladimir Putin to end the war.
Putin, however, has shown scant interest in Trump's effort to arrange one-on-one talks with Zelensky.
"Zelensky is going to have to make a deal, and Europe has to stop buying oil from Russia," Trump said.
Von der Leyen said the commission will soon present its 19th package of sanctions against Russia since the start of the war.
She added that the new sanctions will target Russian interests in crypto, banks and energy.
IAEA says shelling reported near Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant
Tuesday 16 September 2025 23:14 , Tom BarnesThe International Atomic Energy Agency said on Tuesday its team at the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southeastern Ukraine heard shelling close to the site and observed black smoke 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 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.
EU to phase out protection programme for Ukrainians
Tuesday 16 September 2025 22:07 , Maira ButtThe European Union has agreed on a plan for the "sustainable return and reintegration into Ukraine” of those displaced by Russia’s invasion.
The European Council press service said on Tuesday (16 September) that the framework would be implemented “when conditions allow”.
Millions of Ukrainian citizens have been displaced and resettled across Europe.
Belarus leader Lukashenko says joint drills with Russia not intended to 'threaten anyone'
Tuesday 16 September 2025 21:31 , Maira ButtBelarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has said they are “not planning to threaten anyone”, following the end of five days of joint war games with Russia.
The drills have unsettled surrounding countries and prompted international concern as they coincided with Russian violations of Polish and Romanian airspace.
“We are practising everything there,” he told Belarusian state agency Belta on Tuesday (16 September).
“They (the West) know this too, we are not hiding it. From firing conventional small arms to nuclear warheads. Again, we must be able to do all this. Otherwise, why would they be on Belarusian territory?
“But we are absolutely not planning to threaten anyone with this.”
Watch: Zelensky says Putin is trying to 'find a way out of isolation' through Trump
Tuesday 16 September 2025 21:03 , Maira ButtZelensky thanks King of Netherlands for 'steadfast support' as he welcomes new Cyprus, Latvia and Pakistan ambassadors
Tuesday 16 September 2025 20:31 , Maira Butt“I am grateful to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander for the words of steadfast support in his Speech from the Throne,” the Ukrainian president wrote on X/Twitter.
“Ensuring guaranteed peace and security for Ukraine and Europe is our shared goal, and we deeply value the Kingdom of the Netherlands’ tangible contributions to this worthy cause.”
During his diplomatic tour, he also accepted letters of credence and welcomed the newly appointed Ambassadors of Cyprus, Latvia, and Pakistan.
I accepted the letters of credence and welcomed the newly appointed Ambassadors of Cyprus, Latvia, and Pakistan as they begin their diplomatic missions in our country. With each of them, I discussed the key areas of cooperation to strengthen our relations. Now, more than ever, it… pic.twitter.com/8OyQdgy29x
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 16, 2025
Russia launched around 3,500 drones, 190 missiles against Ukraine so far this month
Tuesday 16 September 2025 19:56 , Maira ButtVolodymyr Zelensky said Russia launched more than 3,500 drones and nearly 190 missiles against Ukraine since the start of September.
"There have also been provocations against our partners," he wrote in a statement on X/Twitter.
“This is precisely the kind of aerial terror against which Ukraine is calling for joint defence – so that no one has to scramble combat aircraft in haste and feel Russia’s pressure on their borders.
His remarks came hours after Russia struck civilian areas in Zaporizhzhia, killing one and injuring at least 13 people.
“They struck deliberately to terrorise our people – 13 were wounded, including two children. Many residential buildings were damaged,” he said.
Trump says EU and Nato must stop purchasing Russian oil 'immediately'
Tuesday 16 September 2025 19:30 , Maira Butt“I don’t want them purchasing Russian oil, and they’ve got to stop immediately,” he said during a state visit to the UK.
“Not fair to us. They’re purchasing Russian oil, and we have to do things.”
He added that Zelensky is “going to have to make a deal” to end the Russian military action in Ukraine.
Putin says 50,000 soldiers took part in war exercises across Russia and Belarus
Tuesday 16 September 2025 19:02 , Maira ButtVladimir Putin has said that 50,000 soldiers took part in war exercises on Russian territory with 7,000 in Belarus.
The countries took part in joint drills over the last week, which caused alarm among some of their neighbours.
He said that the aim of the war games were to “rehearse the defence of the Union State of Russia and Belarus”.
Canadian cabinet minister Freeland set to take on global Ukraine role
Tuesday 16 September 2025 18:30 , Daniel KeaneCanadian Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland is expected to leave the cabinet and take on a role as a special international envoy for Ukraine, the Globe and Mail newspaper has reported, citing sources.
Freeland, who is of Ukrainian descent and speaks the language, has helped drive Canada's hard-line approach to Russia.
Russia 'close to cutting oil output due to drone attacks'
Tuesday 16 September 2025 18:00 , Daniel KeaneRussia'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.
Kyiv has stepped up attacks on Russian energy assets since August in a bid to reduce the Kremlin's revenues to finance its war in Ukraine.
Transneft, which handles more than 80% 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.
Orthodox nun stripped of status for opposing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Tuesday 16 September 2025 17:30 , Daniel KeaneReport claims thousands of children taken from Ukraine to be ‘re-educated’ by Russia
Tuesday 16 September 2025 16:30 , 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
Poland will decide on submarine procurement this week, PM says
Tuesday 16 September 2025 15:30 , Daniel KeaneThe Polish government will decide on submarine procurement this week, which will lead to the purchase of the first submarines by the end of the year, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has said.
It comes as the country attempts to bolster its defences following the incursion of a Russian drone into Poland last week.
"The prime minister will launch the Orka program. We will adopt a resolution that commits to purchasing submarines by the end of this year. The bids have been reviewed, and now the Polish government will decide who will be the program's partner, Tusk told journalists.
Drills in Belarus and drone incursions into Romania: How the war in Ukraine has already become a European conflict
Tuesday 16 September 2025 14:48 , 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
In pictures: The aftermath of a Russian drone strike in Kharkiv, Ukraine
Tuesday 16 September 2025 14:24 , Maira Butt
Italy 'not ready' for Russian attack, says defence minister
Tuesday 16 September 2025 14:00 , Maira ButtItaly’s defence minister has said the country would not be ready for a Russian attack, as European countries remain unsettled following Russian activity in Polish and Romanian airspace this week.
“We are not ready for either a Russian attack or an attack by another nation,” Guido Crosetto told reporters.
“I’ve been saying this for a long time. I think it’s our job to put this country in a position to defend itself if a madman decides to attack us – I don’t just mean Putin, I mean anyone.”
Trump and Zelensky to meet in New York next week, says US Secretary of State
Tuesday 16 September 2025 13:42 , Maira ButtPresident Trump and President Zelensky could meet in New York next week, as the UN General Assembly holds its annual high-level session.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump is “trying to do everything possible to bring the war to an end.”
"The president had multiple calls with (Russian President Vladimir) Putin, multiple meetings with Zelensky, including probably next week again in New York,” he said on Tuesday (16 September).
Ukrainian journalist freed in prisoner swap details 'cruelty' in Russian detention
Tuesday 16 September 2025 13:21 , Maira ButtDmytro Khyliuk, a journalist detained by Russian forces in the initial days of the invasion of Ukraine, has bared the details of his three and a half year imprisonment.
"They grabbed us and literally dragged us to the prison and on the way they beat us with rubber batons shouting things like, 'How many people have you killed?'” he told the BBC.
Khyliuk, 50, said he was held at multiple facilities during his detention. He was released last month.
“Sometimes they'd let the guard dog off its leash so that it could bite us. The cruelty was really shocking and it was constant. I was so stressed I only felt the pain 20 minutes later.”
Russian court sentences Pussy Riot members in absentia to jail for anti-war performances
Tuesday 16 September 2025 13:02 , Maira ButtFive 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 between eight to 13 years, according to Rolling Stone and independent Russian outlet Mediazona.
Russian court sentences Pussy Riot members in absentia to jail for anti-war messages
