US negotiators are expected to visit Kyiv and Moscow in the coming days as Washington seeks to revive efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Zelensky said preliminary dates had been set for the meetings, although he did not provide further details.
“It is very important. It is important that America continues to be active,” he said.
Donald Trump said he wanted to see an end to the war and the losses suffered by both sides.
“I just want to see that end. I think we'll get it,” Trump told GB News in an interview aired on Thursday.
Trump also said European countries should repay the US for military aid and ammunition previously sent to Ukraine, while appearing to signal a temporary halt to some US weapons sales to allies.
It came as Russian drones hit a Coca-Cola plant outside Kyiv on Thursday, Zelensky said.
“Coca-Cola is such an enemy that they set it on fire with their Shaheds,” he said. “It's a clear Russian signal to America. The Russians cannot be unaware that this is an American facility.”
Read MoreGermany once cosied up to Putin. Now they are Russia’s public enemy number one in Europe
Ukraine’s two spy agencies exchange fire in extraordinary daytime shootout in Kyiv
India ready to help end Russia-Ukraine war, says foreign minister on visit to Kyiv
Trump doesn’t understand the forever war he’s created with Iran – and Russia
Key Points
- Zelensky says negotiators expected in Moscow and Kyiv
- Ukraine and Poland weigh joint bid to host Fifa World Cup
- Trump says Europe should repay US for Ukraine aid
- Putin says there is a 'chance' for peace in Ukraine
- Russian Black Sea strikes throw cold water on hopes for peace
Finland investigating surveillance drone near south coast
09:51 , Alex CroftFinland has said it is investigating whether a surveillance drone on the shore of its south coast has violated the Nordic country’s territory.
An investigation launched by the Border Guard authority seeks to determine where, when and how the aircraft entered Finnish territory and how it possibly crossed Finland's border.
Preliminary examination suggests the aircraft is a Geoscan 701 type drone, which is used by both state and civilian actors.
European country’s have repeatedly alleged drone incursions related to the Russia-Ukraine war in the past year, but the Border Guard said it could not confirm the drone's origin, operator or purpose at this stage.
The drone was intended for surveying and mapping and did not pose a danger to the public, the defence ministry said on Wednesday.
Germany once cosied up to Putin. Now they are Russia’s public enemy number one in Europe
09:29 , Alex CroftEighteen years before Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine, the then German chancellor Gerhard Schröder was asked for his opinion on President Vladimir Putin.
“I am thoroughly convinced that the Russian president wants to transform Russia into a democracy and that he is doing so out of a deeply held conviction,” he said in 2004. That same year, Putin was re-elected by a landslide in an election widely regarded as a sham.
His comments underlined a spirit of cooperation and friendship that had grown between the two countries since the end of World War Two. Germany’s economy hugely benefited from imports of cheap Russian gas, culminating in the construction of the Nord Stream gas pipeline under the Baltic Sea.
That relationship has now hit an all-time low. On Wednesday, the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, threatened Germany with direct military strikes in response to Berlin’s claim that Russia was behind a failed explosive drone attack at Leipzig Airport last month. The drone, which was laden with explosives, failed to detonate near a Ukrainian cargo plane.
Suha Kidwai delves into the relationship between Russia and Germany:
Germany once cosied up to Putin. Now they are Russia’s public enemy number one
Two police officers killed in Russian attack on Dnipropetrovsk, say Ukrainian authorities
09:06 , Alex CroftTwo police officers have been killed in a Russian attack on the Dnipropetrovsk region, local authorities have said.
Another officer was injured in the drone strike on the Pavlohrad district.
“Two people died . One more person was injured. The enemy attacked 2 districts of the region with drones and artillery more than 10 times,” said Oleksandr Hanzha, head of the Dnipropetrovsk regional military administration.
"The enemy targeted the Bohdanivka hromada [administrative area] in the Pavlohrad district.
“A fire broke out and a car was damaged. Two police officers were killed. Another is in hospital in a critical condition."
Russia strikes energy infrastructure in Ukraine's Odesa region, say authorities
08:43 , Alex CroftRussia attacked energy infrastructure facilities in Ukraine's southern Odesa region overnight, Ukraine's energy ministry said on Friday, warning of possible network restrictions.
Odesa governor Oleh Kiper said earlier that one person had been killed and at least five injured in the attack.
In recent weeks, Russia has been actively attacking the Odesa region, focusing on port and energy infrastructure.
Why has Russia set its sights on Germany?
08:21 , Alex CroftSuha Kidwai writes:
The motives behind Russia’s recent hybrid attacks on Germany are partly strategic, with Moscow seeking to exploit divisions in Germany over continuing support for Kyiv, explains Ian Bond, the deputy director of The Centre for European Reform (CER),
State elections are coming up in Germany where the far-right, pro-Russia party, Alternative for Germany (AfD) are topping the polls.
“With these attacks, it seems like Putin is trying to scare Germans into voting for a party who can show that they won’t have a problem with Russia,” he said.
Mr Bond said that voters opting for a party sympathetic to the Kremlin was a “puzzle” unique to Germany, that was not replicated in eastern European states.
But Putin’s targeting of Germany is not exceptional, cautioned Mr Bond.
Several states and institutions have been subject to the Kremlin’s aggression — including Poland and the Baltic states.
“Germany is bearing the brunt of recent attacks, but there is quite a lot of this going on,” he said.
“The message of this for the rest of Europe and NATO is that, while Russia may not be strong enough to launch direct attacks, it is doing everything it can to destabilise Europe, and try to scare away support for Ukraine.”
Mr Bond warned against potential German appeasement of Putin.
“Each one hopes that if he feeds the crocodile enough, the crocodile will eat him last," Mr Bond quoted. “Here, Putin is hoping that the rest of Europe will believe that if it feeds Ukraine to Russia — it’ll be the end of it all.”
Watch: Shootout erupts between Ukraine’s SBU and GUR forces in Kyiv
07:58 , Alex CroftUkraine’s two spy agencies exchange fire in extraordinary daytime shootout in Kyiv
07:30 , Shweta SharmaPresident Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned Ukraine’s domestic and military intelligence agencies over a “disgraceful” shootout that erupted between agents in the streets of Kyiv on Wednesday.
The armed confrontation broke out between Ukraine's military intelligence agency (HUR), and State Security Service (SBU), over the detention of Stepan Kaplunov — the deputy commander of the Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC). Three officers were reported to have been injured.
The RVC is a paramilitary unit composed of anti-Kremlin dissidents fighting for Kyiv, and operates directly under Ukraine's military intelligence services.
Ukraine’s two spy agencies exchange fire in extraordinary daytime shootout in Kyiv
Russia says it hit another cargo vessel in Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port
07:13 , Shweta SharmaRussia’s defence ministry said Russian forces struck another cargo vessel at Ukraine’s Chornomorsk port, according to Interfax.
The ministry did not immediately provide further details on the vessel or the extent of any damage.
Norway seizes Russian cruise ship over $4.2bn Ukraine compensation claim
07:00 , Shweta SharmaNorwegian authorities seized a Russian cruise ship in the Arctic on behalf of Ukrainian energy company Naftogaz, which is seeking to enforce a $4.22bn compensation award against Russia over assets seized when Moscow annexed Crimea in 2014.
The 71-metre Professor Molchanov was seized late on Wednesday in Barentsburg, a Russian-operated coal-mining settlement on Norway’s Svalbard archipelago.
Russia condemned the seizure as an act of piracy and said it had summoned Norway’s ambassador to deliver a strong protest. Moscow said it would work to secure the vessel’s release.
“Russia cannot evade responsibility simply by refusing to comply with an international arbitral award,” said Naftogaz acting CEO Sergii Fedorenko.
Naftogaz has been pursuing compensation from Russia since 2016. An arbitration court in The Hague ordered Moscow in April 2023 to pay the company $4.22bn, plus interest and legal costs. Russia does not recognise the court’s jurisdiction and has refused to pay.
Norway said the seizure was a matter between Naftogaz and Russia and did not involve the Norwegian government.
The Professor Molchanov, built in Finland in 1982, is used for scientific expeditions and commercial cruises. It arrived in Barentsburg on Tuesday carrying a group of Russian scientists but was prevented from leaving the port after the seizure.
Naftogaz’s lawyers said they had been tracking the vessel for months and described the seizure as a significant victory in their efforts to recover the money.
“So we need to win another legal battle to be able to auction the vessel and get the money for our clients, which is the ultimate goal,” said Clovis Trevino, a partner at Covington, which represents Naftogaz.
Naftogaz said it would continue pursuing Russian assets in other countries until the compensation is paid. The company says the award, including interest and costs, now totals about $6bn.
Germany once cosied up to Putin. Now they are Russia’s public enemy number one in Europe
06:31 , Shweta SharmaEighteen years before Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine, the then German chancellor Gerhard Schröder was asked for his opinion on President Vladimir Putin.
“I am thoroughly convinced that the Russian president wants to transform Russia into a democracy and that he is doing so out of a deeply held conviction,” he said in 2004. That same year, Putin was re-elected by a landslide in an election widely regarded as a sham.
His comments underlined a spirit of cooperation and friendship that had grown between the two countries since the end of World War Two. Germany’s economy hugely benefited from imports of cheap Russian gas, culminating in the construction of the Nord Stream gas pipeline under the Baltic Sea.
That relationship has now hit an all-time low. On Wednesday, the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, threatened Germany with direct military strikes in response to Berlin’s claim that Russia was behind a failed explosive drone attack at Leipzig Airport last month. The drone, which was laden with explosives, failed to detonate near a Ukrainian cargo plane.
Germany once cosied up to Putin. Now they are Russia’s public enemy number one
Trump says Europe should repay US for Ukraine aid
05:59 , Shweta SharmaDonald Trump said on Thursday that European countries should repay the US for military aid and ammunition previously sent to Ukraine.
He also appeared to signal a temporary halt to some US weapons sales to allies.
Trump said the US was building up its own stockpiles of munitions amid concerns over depleted supplies, particularly as the war with Iran continues.
“We are taking them for ourselves, the USA, rather than selling them to others, but the sales to Allies will soon again begin,” Trump said in a social media post.
He also said Europe should have paid for weapons provided to Ukraine and Nato, blaming the administration of his predecessor Joe Biden.
“Hundreds of Billions of Dollars was given to Ukraine and Nato, free of charge, that Europe would have paid for – If they were only asked, but we will be asking for that money, though somewhat belatedly!” Trump wrote.
The US and Nato last year established the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List initiative, under which European countries pay for US-made weapons supplied to Ukraine.
Trump’s comments came after Reuters reported last month that the US Army had used much of its stockpile of highly accurate long-range missiles during the Iran war, raising concerns over US military readiness.
The wars in Ukraine and Iran are also creating economic and political pressure on the Trump administration, with rising energy prices a growing concern.
Ukraine and Poland weigh joint bid to host Fifa World Cup
05:43 , Shweta SharmaUkraine and Poland are considering a joint bid to host the men’s Fifa World Cup in the 2040s, according to Politico.
Ukraine’s sports minister Matvii Bidnyi told Politico that Kyiv would like to explore a joint bid with Poland for the next available World Cup hosting slot.
“The nearest open date for the World Cup is somewhere in the 2040s … so we need to plan for this perspective right now,” Bidnyi said.
Poland is also discussing the prospect, according to an official briefed by the Warsaw government.
Ukraine already has experience co-hosting a major football tournament with Poland, Bidnyi said, referring to the 2012 men’s European Championship.
“It would be very logical to repeat this successful case,” he said, adding that a joint World Cup bid could also “invite investors’ attention.”
Spain, Portugal and Morocco will jointly host the 2030 World Cup, while Saudi Arabia is set to host the tournament in 2034.
Zelensky says Russian drones hit Coca-Cola plant outside Kyiv
05:22 , Shweta SharmaRussian drones struck and damaged a Coca-Cola plant outside the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Thursday, president Volodymyr Zelenskiy said.
Officials said there were no injuries in the strike near the town of Brovary, east of the capital.
"Today, the Russians have hit a Coca-Cola plant with their drone. Coca-Cola is such an enemy that they set it on fire with their Shaheds," Zelensky said in his nightly video address, referring to Iranian-designed drones.
"It's a clear Russian signal to America. The Russians cannot be unaware that this is an American facility."
Footage showed firefighting crews arriving at the scene and smoke rising above the plant and over nearby fields.
Andy Hunder, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine, said the plant's staff were uninjured.
"The company is working with the relevant authorities to assess the situation," Hunder told Reuters. "Ensuring the safety and well-being of people remains top priority."
Zelensky says negotiators expected in Moscow and Kyiv
04:58 , Shweta SharmaVolodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly video address that US negotiators will soon visit Moscow and Kyiv to resume efforts to end the Russian invasion and preliminary dates have been set.
"We expect to see representatives of the US president here in Kyiv," Zelensky said.
"There will be a meeting with them in Moscow and in Kyiv. We are expecting a meeting with them in the coming days. It is very important. It is important that America continues to be active."
In Washington, Donald Trump said he wanted to see an end to the war and losses sustained by both sides.
"I just want to see that end. I think we'll get it," Trump told GB News in an interview that aired on Thursday, a day after telling reporters he wanted a summit with Putin when the Kremlin leader is ready for a peace deal.
Putin says there is a 'chance' for peace in Ukraine
04:41 , Shweta SharmaVladimir Putin said on Thursday there was a chance of reaching an agreement to end the war in Ukraine.
Putin, speaking at an economic forum in Russia's far east, said a number of countries, including the US and China, were ready to support a peace settlement.
"Ultimately, however, the problem must be resolved by the countries involved in the conflict – Russia and Ukraine," he said.
"We are grateful to everyone attempting to contribute to a settlement. Is there a chance? In my view, yes, there is."
Russia to close German cultural centres in retaliation
04:13 , Shweta SharmaRussia will close German cultural centres in Moscow, St Petersburg and Yekaterinburg, foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday, in retaliation for Germany’s decision to shut Russian diplomatic and cultural facilities.
Lavrov said Berlin “could not have failed to understand” that closing the Russian House cultural centre in Berlin would mark the end of Germany’s cultural presence in Russia.
The move comes amid escalating tensions between Moscow and Berlin over alleged Russian sabotage activities. Germany has accused Russia of a hybrid campaign targeting the country and said it had become a “daily target” of the Kremlin.
Berlin blamed Moscow for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport on 4 August. An explosives-laden drone was found near a Ukrainian aircraft at the major freight hub and was later defused.
Separately, Bavarian police said on Thursday that incendiary devices had been thrown at a construction site near a building in Munich housing several companies, including firms from the defence sector. A brief fire caused no significant damage. Two Bulgarian nationals were arrested, although police have not confirmed their suspected involvement.
Huge fire at oil depot in Russia's Sochi after Ukrainian strike, local authorities say
03:56 , Shweta SharmaA Ukrainian drone strike caused a fire at an oil depot in the Russian Black Sea port city of Sochi, authorities in the Krasnodar region where the city is located said on the Telegram messaging app.
Videos showed a huge ball of fire and smoke emanating from the depot as residents shot video from a nearby high-rise building.
Warch:
03:00 , Maira ButtUS to seek back payment from Europe for Ukraine aid, Trump says
02:00 , Maira ButtPresident Donald Trump on Thursday said he would ask European nations to pay back the United States for military aid and munitions previously sent to Ukraine.
"We are taking them for ourselves, the U.S.A., rather than selling them to others, but the sales to Allies will soon again, begin," Trump wrote.
"Hundreds of Billions of Dollars was given to Ukraine and Nato, free of charge, that Europe would have paid for — If they were only asked, but we will be asking for that money, though somewhat belatedly!" he added, blaming the administration of his Democratic predecessor Joe Biden.
Russia hits energy production sites, Ukraine's Naftogaz says
01:00 , Maira ButtRussia attacked Ukraine's Ukrnafta production sites, the country's state oil and gas company Naftogaz said.
The attack caused significant damage to equipment, it added in the statement, which did not give a location.
India ready to help end Russia-Ukraine war, says foreign minister on visit to Kyiv
Thursday 3 September 2026 23:59 , Maira ButtIndia is ready to help bring an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, the country’s external affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Thursday during his visit to Kyiv.
“If India can be of any help, in any manner, we are there,” he said, standing alongside his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha, Reuters reported.
He is on a three-day visit to Ukraine and Poland from 3 to 5 September.
India ready to help end Russia-Ukraine war, says foreign minister on visit to Kyiv
Zelensky says Ukraine expects meeting with US negotiators in coming days
Thursday 3 September 2026 23:00 , Maira ButtUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that U.S. negotiators trying to broker a possible solution to the 4 1/2 year-old war with Russia were due to visit both Ukraine and Russia soon.
"There are preliminary dates. We expect to see representatives of the U.S. president here in Kyiv," Zelensky said in his nightly video address.
"There will be a meeting with them in Moscow and in Kyiv. We are expecting a meeting with them in the coming days. It is very important."
Russian Black Sea strikes throw cold water on hopes for peace
Thursday 3 September 2026 22:30 , Suha KidwaiRussian forces have struck two cargo vessels carrying weapons and military equipment near Odesa on Thursday, according to statements from Moscow’s defence ministry to state news agencies.
The ministry stated that high-precision strikes targeted the vessels alongside nearby port infrastructure and military warehouses.
Ukrainian officials have not yet confirmed the extent of the damage, though regional authorities reported that Russian air raids wounded 17 people in the Odesa region overnight.
The reported strikes throw cold water on earlier diplomatic signals from both Moscow and Kyiv hinting at renewed prospects for peace negotiations.
Just hours prior, both Russian president Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha had expressed cautious optimism regarding diplomatic engagement.
In pictures: Russian drone attack on Coca-Cola factory
Thursday 3 September 2026 22:15 , Maira Butt
Russian drones hit Coca-Cola plant outside Kyiv, says Zelensky
Thursday 3 September 2026 22:00 , Maira ButtRussian drones hit a Coca-Cola plant outside Kyiv on Thursday, president Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Officials said there were no injuries in the attack, which took place near the town of Brovary, east of the capital.
“Today, the Russians have hit a Coca-Cola plant with their drone. Coca-Cola is such an enemy that they set it on fire with their Shaheds,” the Ukrainianleader said in his nightly video address, referring to Iranian-designed drones.
“It's a clear Russian signal to America. The Russians cannot be unaware that this is an American facility.”
RVC Commander denies treason, alleges coercion in SBU Detention
Thursday 3 September 2026 21:00 , Suha KidwaiRVC deputy commander Stepan Kaplunov, who has been accused of acting as a Russian spy by Ukraine’s Security Service, has denied all treason allegations.
Kaplunov claimed he was abducted near his Kyiv residence on August 23 by individuals identifying as state security officers and held without formal charges for nine days.
He stated interrogators threatened that he "could completely disappear" or be "buried in a grave," leading him to temporarily agree to their narrative regarding Russian contacts.
An official in Ukraine’s military intelligence agency has corroborated Kaplunov’s claims of an unlawful abduction.
Speaking on Radio Free Europe, the agency accused SBU operatives of seizing a military intelligence combat commander in broad daylight without due process.
Fallout from 'shameful' shootout in Kyiv intensifies as Ukrainian intelligence service doubles down on claims
Thursday 3 September 2026 20:00 , Suha KidwaiUkraine’s Security Service (SBU) has maintained the claims which resulted in an armed confrontation between the country’s military intelligence agency (HUR) on Wednesday.
The SBU had formally accused Stepan Kaplunov, deputy commander of the anti-Kremlin Russian Volunteer Corps (RVC), of operating as an agent for Moscow’s Federal Security Service (FSB).
According to the SBU, Kaplunov was recruited to organize an FSB-ordered assassination of a prominent Russian opposition figure who was traveling to Kyiv for Ukraine’s Independence Day celebrations.
Investigators allege he was also tasked with targeting Ukrainian Defense Forces personnel in exchange for monetary compensation.
Denmark intelligence warns of Russian threat amid Kremlin-linked attacks in Germany
Thursday 3 September 2026 19:00 , Suha KidwaiThe Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) has said that Russian intelligence is actively attempting to recruit Danish citizens.
PET counter-intelligence chief Emil Græsholm has confirmed that authorities have uncovered specific Russian plans targeting companies involved in military support for Kyiv.
According to PET, recruits, who are being found over online platforms, are tasked with taking photographs of logistics facilities, warehouses, and transport routes to help prepare physical strikes.
The disclosure comes as German investigators expand their probe into last month's attempted explosive drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport.
Trump warns of weakening US firepower
Thursday 3 September 2026 18:30 , Maira ButtPresident Donald Trump has said that the US is “stockpiling” weapons after making a dig at his predecessor Joe Biden for providing munitions to Ukraine.
“We are stockpiling and preparing for any contingency that could happen. We are taking them for ourselves, the USA, rather than selling them to others, but the sales to Allies will soon again, begin,” he wrote in a post on Truth Social on Thursday.
‘Also, please let it be known, that the Biden Administration gave far more Munitions away to Ukraine, at no cost to them, whatsoever, than we have used in Iran. Hundreds of Billions of Dollars was given to Ukraine and Nato, free of charge, that Europe would have paid for — If they were only asked, but we will be asking for that money, though somewhat belatedly! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
