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.”
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Key Points
- Zelensky says negotiators expected in Moscow and Kyiv
- Trump says Europe should repay US for Ukraine aid
- Russian attacks wound 17 and damage building in Ukraine's Odesa
- Analysis: Trump doesn’t understand he is in a forever war with Iran and Russia
- Norway seizes Russian ship over Naftogaz award
- Mapped: The UK military bases threatened by Russia
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.”
Putin indicates chance to end the war in rare move
Thursday 3 September 2026 18:00 , Suha KidwaiVladimir Putin has said that a chance remains to reach a negotiated settlement to end the war in Ukraine.
Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok on Thursday, Putin expressed gratitude to international partners for their willingness to assist mediation efforts.
"Is there a chance? In my view, yes, there is," Putin said during the plenary session.
However, Putin warned that recent Ukrainian drone activity and strikes on commercial shipping severely complicate diplomatic prospects, framing the actions as "state terrorism."
The president’s remarks follow months of stalled U.S.-mediated negotiations, as both sides escalate long-range strikes against energy infrastructure and maritime trade routes.
Top general linked to Kyiv children's hospital attack 'shot in the head', according to Russian media
Thursday 3 September 2026 17:39 , Maira ButtRussian media has reported that Major General Nikolai Varpakhovich, a service member who was linked to an attack on a children’s hospital in Kyiv, has been seriously injured in a shooting.
SotaVision said that a bullet struck Varpakhovich in the abdomen and a second in the face.
He is the commander of the 22nd Heavy Bomber Aviation Division of the Russian Aerospace Forces.
Russia’s top investigative body said it has opened a criminal probe into attempted murder and arms trafficking after “an attempt on the life of a serviceman” in the city of Engels.
“Cartridge casings and bullets from a firearm were recovered at the scene,” the Investigative Committee said in a statement, according to the Moscow Times.
Ukraine’s security services said that investigation established that Varpakhovich had issued a combat order to carry out the missile strike on the National Children’s Specialised Hospital in Kyiv in July 2024.
Ukraine signals 'new dynamic' in peace talks, calls US role essential
Thursday 3 September 2026 17:00 , Suha KidwaiUkrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha has said that peace efforts to end the war are entering an active new diplomatic phase, urging observers to "follow the news" as engagement resumes across global capitals.
Speaking in Kyiv on Thursday, the minister emphasised that diplomacy must play an increasingly active role in ending Russian aggression.
Sybiha stressed that achieving progress without direct U.S. involvement is "unrealistic," and confirmed that Zelensky recently held discussions with Washington's negotiating team.
Estonia holds emergency meeting after €70 million Ukraine ammunition scam
Thursday 3 September 2026 16:00 , Suha KidwaiEstonian prime minister Kristen Michal has convened an emergency cabinet meeting following the resignation of defence minister Hanno Pevkur amid mass scandal.
The scandal saw a staggering €70 million ($81 million) of public funds, meant for Ukraine, sent to a sham company.
A report revealed that Estonia had transferred tens of millions in EU advance payments to a company that had never produced or sold a single artillery shell.
Estonian prosecutors have now launched a criminal investigation into defence procurement practices in the country.
Pevkur stepped down on Wednesday evening, taking political responsibility for the failed deal while maintaining he was not directly involved in contract negotiations.
Russia to close German cultural centres as bilateral tensions rise
Thursday 3 September 2026 15:15 , Suha KidwaiRussia will close all branches of Germany's Goethe-Institut in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Yekaterinburg, foreign minister Sergey Lavrov.
The tit-for-tat measure follows Berlin's decision to shut down the Russian House cultural centre in Berlin and a Russian consulate in Bonn.
Germany had ordered the closures after accusing Moscow of orchestrating an attempted drone attack targeting Ukrainian cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport last month — a claim Russian officials continue to call “baseless.”
Lavrov has warned the move effectively marks "the end of Germany's cultural presence in Russia," as diplomatic relations between Moscow and European wear thin.
Kyiv welcomes Indian leaders to discuss co-operation
Thursday 3 September 2026 14:45 , Suha KidwaiUkraine’s foreign minister Andrii Sybiha has met with his Indian counterpart in Kyiv on Thursday.
The meeting marks the first standalone bilateral visit by an Indian foreign minister to Ukraine.
The landmark diplomatic meeting occurred amid escalating Russian air strikes targeting Ukrainian infrastructure, civil shipping, and major cities.
Honored to welcome my Indian colleague @DrSJaishankar to Kyiv for the first-ever dedicated bilateral visit of an Indian External Affairs Minister to Ukraine.
— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) September 3, 2026
This historic moment takes place amid escalating Russian attacks against our cities, port infrastructure, and civil… pic.twitter.com/5YaJ9RWxg6
In a post on X, Sybiha commended New Delhi's stance, welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to move toward ending the war while affirming Ukraine's readiness for diplomacy.
The two ministers discussed multiple issues, including global food security, and improving cooperation in pharmaceuticals, technology, and infrastructure.
Ukraine's navy hits Russian vessel in Sochi
Thursday 3 September 2026 14:00 , Suha KidwaiUkraine's navy has confirmed it has hit a Russian vessel in the Black Sea port city of Sochi, on Thursday.
Kyiv has claimed the ship it was supporting Moscow's war effort.
The vessel, Nefrit, is reported to have been supporting oil and gas operations, servicing offshore facilities, transporting cargo and personnel, and carrying out underwater engineering work, Ukraine’s navy said in a post on Telegram.
“[The vessel’s] activities constitute direct support for the enemy's war economy," Kyiv added.
Moscow to appeal after Norway seizes Russian vessel, ambassador says
Thursday 3 September 2026 13:15 , Suha KidwaiRussia's ambassador to Norway has said Moscow will appeal to Norway over the state’s seizure of a Russian vessel.
A Norwegian court decision authorised the seizure of the Russian ship, state-run TASS news has agency reported.
Oslo has seized the ship, which was sailing in the Arctic, to enforce a $4.22 billion compensation claim won by Ukrainian energy firm Naftogaz over Moscow's seizure of its assets when Russia annexed Crimea in 2014.
The vessel, named the Professor Molchanov, was seized off the Norwegian Arctic archipelago of Svalbard.
