Donald Trump has claimed the US has “an idea for peace” as he sends his special envoy Steve Witkoff for talks with both Moscow and Kyiv.
Speaking to press on Friday, the president suggested the US had a fresh concrete proposal aimed at ending the war, which is now in its fifth year. He did not, however, elaborate on what that proposal would be.
Nor did he say if Witkoff or his son-in-law Jared Kushner would be traveling to Ukraine, Russia or both nations.
It comes after reports that Witkoff is “too scared” to travel to Kyiv for peace talks throwing planned negotiations into doubt.
The Kyiv visit was thrown into doubt amid claims that Witkoff is concerned about Russian warnings that he should not travel to the Ukrainian capital, the Kyiv Independent reported.
"The Russians don't want them to come here to Kyiv, and Witkoff is always sensitive to Russian sentiment,” a source told the outlet. "They're being told there that it's dangerous."
The pair were due to arrive in Kyiv by plane, with the outlet previously reporting that Witkoff does not like taking the train to Kyiv.
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Key Points
- Zelensky says negotiators expected in Moscow and Kyiv
- Russian drone strikes Kyiv headquarters of Ukraine's SBU security service - Zelensky
- 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
Two police officers killed in Russian attack on Dnipropetrovsk, say Ukrainian authorities
22:01 , 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."
Witkoff, Kushner heading abroad to discuss Ukraine peace, Trump says
21:10 , Bryony GoochSpecial envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law, are heading abroad to attempt to forge a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, the US president told reporters on Friday.
During comments in the Oval Office, Trump suggested the US had a fresh concrete proposal aimed at ending the war, which is now in its fifth year. He did not, however, elaborate on what that proposal would be, nor did he say if Witkoff and Kushner would be traveling to Ukraine, Russia or both nations.
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Friday said the two men would fly to Ukraine on Sunday after visiting Moscow.
"We have an idea for peace," Trump said.
"I sent Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, two great negotiators. They've done a great job, and we sent them over to see whether or not we can get something done. And there may be a good chance that we'll do it."
The duo had been planning to travel to Moscow over the weekend followed by a visit to Kyiv, two sources previously told Reuters. However, the itinerary has been in flux in recent days, and the Kyiv section of the journey was still not completely certain, one of the sources said on Friday.
The Trump administration's attempts to settle the war in Ukraine have largely come to nothing, and negotiations stalled out in recent months.
In late August, CIA director John Ratcliffe traveled to Moscow in part to press counterparts there to consider a settlement, Reuters and several other media outlets reported.
Most Western intelligence officials doubt Russian President Vladimir Putin is interested in a short-term deal, while Ukrainian intelligence believes he is in fact likely to escalate, rather than de-escalate the war in the near term.
A Russian drone hit the headquarters of Ukraine's SBU security service in Kyiv on Friday in one of the most high-profile targets struck during the war.
Witkoff, who is effectively the lead US negotiator with respect to the war in Ukraine, has traveled to Moscow numerous times but has not yet visited Ukraine.
Russian general accused of masterminding attack on children’s hospital ‘shot in head’
21:01 , Alex CroftA Russian general who was linked with an attack on a children’s hospital in Ukraine is seriously injured after being shot in the head, according to reports.
Major General Nikolai Varpakhovich is said to have been shot on Thursday morning in the village of Probuzhdenie near Engels, in Russia’s Saratov region.
Independent Russian outlet SotaVision said the attack was the third assassination attempt on Russian officers in the past two weeks.
Russian online newspaper Mash reported that the shooter rode up to a private home on a motorcycle and fired one bullet in the torso and one in the face. The air force officer’s driver was also reportedly shot but was able to call an ambulance.
Varpakhovich is believed to be in a critical condition in hospital, Mash reported.
Read more here:
Russian general accused of masterminding attack on school ‘shot in head’
Fallout from 'shameful' shootout in Kyiv intensifies as Ukrainian intelligence service doubles down on claims
20:02 , Alex CroftUkraine’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.
RVC Commander denies treason, alleges coercion in SBU Detention
19:01 , Alex CroftRVC 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.
Watch: Shootout erupts between Ukraine’s SBU and GUR forces in Kyiv
18:00 , Alex CroftWhy has Russia set its sights on Germany?
17:00 , 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.”
In pictures: Russian drone strikes Kyiv's SBU security service headquarters
16:00 , Alex Croft
Russian attacks kill at least 3 in Ukraine as US talks on the war are expected
15:28 , Alex CroftRussian attacks overnight killed at least three people in Ukraine, local officials said Friday, after president Volodymyr Zelensky said US envoys are expected to visit Kyiv within the coming days as part of renewed diplomatic efforts to end the war.
The air war between Russia and Ukraine has intensified as the conflict stretches into its fifth year following Moscow’s invasion of its neighbor. Russian forces have relentlessly struck civilian areas.
Previously, these attacks occurred mostly at night — but now they are happening during the day as well. The front line in eastern and southern Ukraine remains largely deadlocked.
Read the full report:
Russian attacks kill at least 3 in Ukraine as US talks on the war are expected
Kyiv sees Europe's appetite for talks on frozen Russian assets - Reuters
14:57 , Alex CroftUkraine sees growing appetite among European allies for a serious discussion to be renewed on the use of Russian frozen assets, a senior government official has told the Reuters news agency.
The official said some allies wanted to avoid using frozen assets to keep them as a negotiating chip for future talks.
Kyiv thinks this is unnecessary and wants access to the funds now, they added.
Russian drone strikes Kyiv headquarters of Ukraine's SBU security service - Zelensky
14:29 , Alex CroftA Russian drone attack on Friday targeted the headquarters of Ukraine's SBU security service in central Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said.
"Unfortunately, a Russian drone struck the central building of the Security Service of Ukraine on Volodymyrska Street in Kyiv, across from St. Sophia Cathedral," he said on X after speaking with acting head of the service Oleksandr Poklad.
"The drone was aimed directly at the office of the head of the Security Service in that building."
Five people were injured in the attack, the Kyiv mayor added on the Telegram app. Heavy black smoke rose from the site.
I spoke with the Head of the Security Service of Ukraine, Oleksandr Poklad. Unfortunately, a Russian drone struck the central building of the Security Service of Ukraine on Volodymyrska Street in Kyiv, across from St. Sophia Cathedral. All emergency services are on the scene.…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) September 4, 2026
Smoke rises in Kyiv after Russian drone attack - Reuters witness
14:26 , Alex CroftHeavy black smoke rose in Kyiv city centre following a Russian drone attack on Friday, according to witnesses for Reuters news agency.
Ambulances were heading to the site.
We’ll bring you more on the attack as it comes in.
Trump says Europe should repay US for Ukraine aid - ICYMI
13:55 , Alex CroftDonald 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.
Discussions on US negotiators going to Ukraine are ongoing - Reuters
13:29 , Alex CroftDiscussions on US negotiators going to Ukraine are ongoing, and the teams have spoken about September 6 as a possible date, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters news agency.
Russian news agency TASS reported earlier that US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would visit Russia and Ukraine on Saturday and Sunday.
13:07 , Alex Croft
Ukrainian drone attack kills two in Russia's Bryansk, says local governor
12:45 , Alex CroftA Ukrainian drone attack killed two people in Russia's western Bryansk region, the region's acting governor Yegor Kovalchuk said on Telegram on Friday.
We’ll bring you more on the attack as it comes in.
German police report sabotage attempt on electricity grid - Bild
12:23 , Alex CroftAn attempt has been made to short-circuit an electricity grid transformer south of Duesseldorf in western Germany, according to police, the newspaper Bild reported on Friday, heightening a state of alert after two suspected sabotage attempts this week.
Police received a letter claiming responsibility for the incident in Dormagen as well as vandalism at a substation in nearby Bergheim that took 4,200 megawatts in generating capacity offline on Tuesday.
Germany has been the focus of European fears about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure this week.
Allies rallied round after Germany blamed a drone attack in August at Leipzig/Halle airport on Moscow as part of hybrid warfare meant to intimidate and divide countries that have supported Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Russia has dismissed the allegations as baseless.
With Reuters
Watch: Zelensky says he receives information about first airlines refusing flights to Russia
12:01 , Alex CroftKremlin says possibility of Ukraine peace remains but there is no concrete basis
11:57 , Alex CroftWe’ve heard from Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who said on Friday that the possibility of a Ukraine peace settlement remained, but that there was no concrete basis for it right now.
He declined to confirm if US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were due to visit Moscow in the coming days.
Asked to comment on reports that the envoys were expected to visit Russia and Ukraine over the weekend for peace negotiations, Peskov said any contacts would be announced when they take place.
WHO warehouse storing Ukrainian medical supplies struck, organisation says
11:21 , Alex CroftA World Health Organization warehouse storing medical supplies in Ukraine has been struck during an air attack overnight in Kyiv Oblast, the WHO said on Friday.
"Access to the site remains restricted due to heavy smoke and safety concerns, while assessments of possible damage and stock losses are ongoing,” WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier said.
“No WHO personnel were affected.”
Kushner and Witkoff to visit Moscow and Kyiv this weekend - Russian news agency
10:40 , Alex CroftAs we earlier reported, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said negotiators were expected in Moscow and Kyiv.
We’ve now heard from Russian news agency Tass, which says negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to visit the two countries on Saturday and Sunday, citing a source.
The pair have spearheaded US efforts to broker a Ukraine peace agreement, but have so far not succeeded.
Air Tanzania suspends flights to Moscow after Zelensky warning
10:29 , Alex CroftAir Tanzania said it was temporarily suspending flights from Dar es Salaam to Moscow from Friday.
It has become the first airline to take this action after Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky warned this week that the skies over Russia were unsafe.
The airline said on Facebook that it took the step after "a routine risk assessment of the operating environment along the route".
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.”
