The Kyiv Independent [unofficial]
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Russia’s war against Ukraine
A funeral procession takes places during a service for 24-year-old Nadiia and her 2-year-old daughter Angelina killed recently in a Russian missile strike, on Aug.31, 2025 in Kyiv. The mother and daughter were killed on Aug. 28th when a Russian missile hit their home in the capital. (Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images)
Russia says the quiet part out loud — war in Ukraine to continue, more mass bombings of cities. “Today we will clarify the tasks of the troop groups in the directions for the autumn period,” Valery Gerasimov said.
‘Wishful thinking, outright lies‘ — Ukraine dismisses Russia’s claims of battlefield success. “The only 100% verified result achieved by Russia since the beginning of 2025 is its own losses — over 291,000 soldiers killed and wounded,” Ukraine’s General Staff said on Aug. 31.
75% of Ukrainians are ready for a ceasefire only if security guarantees are provided. A survey by the Rating Group, conducted on Aug. 21-23, 2025, found that the majority of Ukrainians polled want peace and are open to certain concessions, but only on the condition that their country receives international security guarantees.
Russia’s war in Ukraine ‘to last a long time,’ Merz says. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in an interview on Aug. 31 that he expects Russia’s war in Ukraine to last a long time, as most wars end in military defeat or economic collapse — a scenario he does not foresee for Russia or Ukraine.
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Civilian ship damaged after hitting unidentified explosive device in Black Sea near Odesa. It is reported that part of a Russian Shahed drone shot down previously detonated under the ship.
Russia’s Rosneft net income plummets 68%, Reuters reports. Oil prices were dragged down by production hikes by Saudi Arabia and other OPEC countries.
Drone debris sparks fire at Russian power substation in Krasnodar Krai, officials say. The blaze was quickly contained, and “preliminary reports indicate no injuries,” the regional administration said on Telegram.
Ukrainian forces liberate village near Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast. The positions previously allowed Russian troops to control the road leading into Kupiansk, approximately 104 kilometers (65 miles) east of Kharkiv, the regional capital.
Read our exclusives
Ukraine war latest: Ukraine’s ex-parliament speaker shot dead in Lviv; Russia says war to continue
A suspect in the fatal shooting was detained, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced in the early hours of Sept. 1: “The suspect has given an initial testimony. Urgent investigative actions are currently underway to establish all the circumstances of this murder.”
Photo: Maxym Marusenko / NurPhoto via Getty Images
3,350 ERAM missiles are heading to Ukraine — here’s how they can be used against Russia
Ukraine’s offensive capabilities look set to receive a significant boost in the coming months with the announcement that the U.S. has authorized a European-funded $850 million sale of 3,350 Extended-Range Attack Munition (ERAM) missiles.
Photo: Ukrainian Presidency / Anadolu via Getty Images
From Crimea to Donbas, Russia’s “peace” has always meant more war. We’re here in Ukraine to give the world a reality check. Support independent journalism in this critical moment.
Human cost of Russia’s war
Russian attacks kill 5, injure 61 in Ukraine over past day. Russian attacks killed at least five civilians and injured at least 61 in Ukraine over the past day, regional authorities reported on Aug. 31.
General Staff: Russia has lost 1,082,140 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022.
The number includes 810 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.
International response
Europe drafting ‘precise plans‘ for troop deployments to Ukraine with US backing, FT reports. “Security guarantees are paramount and absolutely crucial. We have a clear road map and we had an agreement in the White House . . . and this work is going forward very well,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the Financial Times.
Hungary continues to veto Ukraine’s accession to EU, negotiations. As an EU member, Hungary has veto power over further progress. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said that Hungary will not allow Ukraine’s accession to the EU, as this “would destroy Hungarian farmers, Hungary’s food security, and allow the Ukrainian mafia to enter Hungary.”
Russia’s oil infrastructure under fire | Ukraine This Week
In other news
Ukrainian authorities arrest suspect in shooting of politician Andrii Parubii. “The suspect has given an initial testimony. Urgent investigative actions are currently underway to establish all the circumstances of this murder,” President Volodymyr Zelensky announced in the early hours of Sept. 1.
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