The Kyiv Independent [unofficial]
This newsletter is brought to you by Medical Bridges.
Medical Supplies for Ukraine’s Hospitals. Partnering for global health equity.
Russia’s war against Ukraine
French President Emmanuel Macron and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, on Sept. 4, 2025 ahead of a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing. (Nathan Laine/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
26 countries pledge support for Ukraine’s post-war security, US role to be decided in coming weeks, Macron says. “Germany, Italy, and Poland are definitely among Ukraine’s security guarantors. We won’t go into details yet, but we already have an understanding (of cooperation),” President Volodymyr Zelensky said at the joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron during the Paris summit.
Ukrainian drones reportedly strike oil facilities in Russia’s Ryazan Oblast, occupied Luhansk Oblast. Ukrainian drones reportedly struck multiple Russian oil facilities overnight on Sept. 4-5, Russian Telegram channels reported.
Ukrainian military ‘strongest’ security guarantee for Europe, EU’s Kallas says, as Russia shows no intent to end war. “That is why we are also supporting them with training, funding, and equipment,” EU Foreign Affairs Chief Kaja Kallas said.
Russian economy hits ‘technical stagnation,’ biggest bank chief warns of ‘close to zero’ growth. The economy’s slowdown follows repeated warnings from high-level Kremlin officials.
Putin admits Russia faces gas shortage amid Ukraine’s strikes on energy infrastructure. In light of a potential gas shortage, Putin suggested switching to coal reserves, which “will last for almost a thousand years,” Putin said, as quoted by The Moscow Times.
Trump administration to phase out security funding for NATO’s eastern flank, FT reports. The Trump administration is preparing to phase out funding for U.S. security assistance programs for European countries bordering Russia, FT reported Sept. 4. The move is part of a broader push for NATO allies to increase their defense spending.
Your contribution helps keep the Kyiv Independent going. Become a member today.
Read our exclusives
Ukraine war latest: 26 countries pledge support for Ukraine’s post-war security, US role to be decided in coming weeks, Macron says
U.S. President Donald Trump spoke by phone with President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders on Sept. 4, hours after the “Coalition of the Willing” summit in Paris, where officials discussed security guarantees for Ukraine.
Photo: Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images
Analysis: Despite a grand announcement, Europe takes zero steps towards peace in Ukraine
The plan, presented by French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, relies entirely on the goodwill of two of the very people responsible for the current predicament — U.S. President Donald Trump, and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Photo: Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images
Europe is struggling to show US it’s ready to provide security guarantees alone
Europe’s security guarantees — strong Ukrainian army, subsidized defense industry, “reassurance force” in no-contact zones, and a U.S. backstop to seal the deal
Photo: Ludovic Marin/AFP 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 strike on Danish demining group in Chernihiv Oblast kills 2, injures 8. “First, Russians mined (Chernihiv) Oblast with explosives and mines. Now they are killing people, civilians, who are risking their lives to clean up our land from the consequences of the Russian invasion,” Viacheslav Chaus, the governor of Chernihiv Oblast, wrote.
International response
Trump admits ending Russia’s war in Ukraine ‘little bit more difficult’ than he expected. U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments come as his peace efforts enter their eighth month without results.
Majority of Poles oppose Ukraine’s NATO accession, poll shows. Skepticism was high among rural residents, people over 50, those without higher education.
North Korea ‘fully supports‘ Russia’s army, Kim describes it as ‘fraternal duty.’
The comments come a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un in Beijing.
Two drones violated Polish airspace amid Russian attack on Ukraine, Warsaw says. The drones left Polish territory without causing damage, Poland’s General Staff Chief Wieslaw Kukula said.
In other news
Ukrainian firm behind ‘Flamingo’ unveils new FP-7, FP-9 ballistic missiles, air defense systems. The FP-9 is claimed to be capable of hitting targets far deeper inside Russian territory and reportedly has a range of 855 kilometers (531 miles).
Ukrainian national died in Lisbon funicular crash, media reports. A Ukrainian citizen was among those killed in a funicular accident in Lisbon, Portugal, on Sept. 3, the Foreign Ministry confirmed to Hromadske.
Trump to rename US Defense Department to Department of War, media reports. U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to issue an executive order on Sept. 5 to rename the U.S. Department of Defense to the Department of War, various media outlets, citing sources in the White House, reported.
This newsletter is open for sponsorship. Boost your brand’s visibility by reaching thousands of engaged subscribers. Click here for more details.
Today’s Ukraine Daily was brought to you by Tymur Zadorozhnyy, Yuliia Taradiuk, Chris York, Toma Istomina, Lucy Pakhnyuk, and Dmytro Basmat.
If you’re enjoying this newsletter, consider joining our membership program. Start supporting independent journalism today.