The Kyiv Independent [unofficial]
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Russia’s war against Ukraine
Ukraine’s supporters wave a Ukrainian flag during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers Europe zone group D football match between Ukraine and France, on Sept. 5, 2025 in Wroclaw, Poland. (Franck Fife / AFP via Getty Images)
Ukrainian, Slovak leaders disagree over Russian pipeline attacks at top-level meeting. At a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing on Sept. 2, Fico pledged to discuss with Zelensky attacks on energy infrastructure, a reference to recent Ukrainian strikes on the Druzhba oil pipeline, which supplies Russian crude to Hungary and Slovakia.
Putin says he ‘doesn’t see much point’ in meeting Zelensky. “I don’t see much point in them, (…) because it will be practically impossible to reach an agreement with the Ukrainian side on key issues: even if there is political will, which I doubt, there are legal and technical difficulties,” Putin said.
Ukraine’s security guarantees must start ‘without waiting for fighting to end,’ Zelensky says. Current proposals envision these measures taking effect only after a ceasefire.
Foreign troops in Ukraine would be ‘legitimate targets for destruction’ by Russia, Putin warns. “If any troops appear there, especially now, during the fighting, we assume that they will be legitimate targets for destruction,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
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‘Service is not slavery’ — Protesters in Kyiv rally against harsh penalties for soldiers. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Kyiv’s Independence Square the evening of Sept. 5 to protest parliamentary bills that would impose tougher criminal penalties on soldiers for disobedience.
Ukraine launches first joint drone production line in Denmark, Zelensky says. “Such lines will be opened with other European countries,” Zelensky said at a press conference alongside European Council President Antonio Costa.
Four Ukrainian soldiers rescued after hiding in occupied territory for years. The soldiers had been injured in combat and had been hiding in the occupied territories in a hospital where “sympathetic doctors” helped them avoid Russian secret services.
Amid Russian economy warnings, Putin admits Central Bank ‘struggling’ to cut interest rates, warns ‘prices would rise.’ “I’m sure many people sitting in this room will say ‘yes, this is outrageous,'” Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
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Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian drones strike Russia’s largest Rosneft refinery
Ukrainian drones struck multiple Russian oil facilities overnight on Sept. 5, including Russia’s largest Rosneft refinery in Ryazan and an oil depot in occupied Luhansk Oblast, Ukraine’s top drone warfare commander Robert “Madyar” Brovdi reported.
Photo: RusNews/Telegram
Europe’s ‘Coalition of the Willing’ plan for Ukraine is already unravelling
Europe’s “Coalition of the Willing” summit on Sept. 4 struggled to gain Washington’s support for its proposed plan to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, and doubts remain over whether or not it can be implemented, European and Ukrainian officials have told the Kyiv Independent.
Photo: Nathan Laine/Bloomberg 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
11 killed, 32 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day. Ukraine’s Air Force said Russian forces launched 157 Shahed-type attack and decoy drones overnight, along with six S-300 guided missiles and an X-59 air-launched missile.
Over 125,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine identified by media investigation. Russian independent media outlet Mediazona, in collaboration with the BBC Russian service, has confirmed the identities of 125,681 Russian military personnel killed in Ukraine.
Ukraine won’t give up its land, Azov commander says
International response
‘We’ve lost Russia to deepest, darkest China,’ Trump says. “May they have a long and prosperous future together,” U.S. President Donald Trump said.
Europe sends team to Washington to work on Russia sanctions, EU Council chief says. “We are working with the United States and other partners to intensify our pressure through additional sanctions — both direct and secondary sanctions,” European Council President Antonio Costa said.
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