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The Kyiv Independent [unofficial]
Russia’s war against Ukraine
U.S. special envoys Jared Kushner (L) and Steve Witkoff (C) and the President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (R) are seen during the joint press conference in Kyiv on Sept. 06, 2026. (Tim Zadorozhnyy / The Kyiv Independent)
‘The war will continue’ — US peace push fails to achieve deal after Witkoff, Kushner’s first visit to Kyiv. The latest peace talks in Kyiv and Moscow did not appear to yield a diplomatic breakthrough. “We expect the war will continue,” Zelensky said, adding that Ukraine is counting on U.S. energy and air defense support this winter.
Trump’s first call after peace talks briefing will be Putin, source says. Trump will consult with his envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, before calling Putin and then speaking with President Volodymyr Zelensky, a U.S. official told the Kyiv Independent. The calls will likely take place on Sept. 7.
Ukraine’s Prosecutor General denies involvement in scam call center protection racket. “I have no involvement whatsoever in covering up illegal call centers, I have not issued any instructions to facilitate such activities, and I have not used the powers of the Prosecutor General for this purpose,” Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko said.
Sochi oil depot reportedly erupts in flames again days after Ukrainian strikes. An oil depot in the Russian city of Sochi appeared to reignite three days after being struck by Ukrainian drones, Russian Telegram media channels reported.
Read our exclusives
Ukraine war latest: US envoys make first visit to Kyiv, protecting city from Russian missiles but producing few results
President Volodymyr Zelensky held talks with U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, as they arrived in Kyiv for the first time on Sept. 6, amid Washington’s renewed diplomatic efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Photo: Genya Savilov / AFP via Getty Images
Human cost of war
Russian attacks kill 9, injure 68 in Ukraine over past day amid declared pause in strikes against capitals. Russian attacks sparked fires in the Kyiv region overnight, but officials did not report any hits in the city of Kyiv as U.S envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to arrive to discuss peace talks.
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Inside front-line Zaporizhzhia as Russian FPV drones move closer
International response
Germany’s far-right, pro-Russia party win first key regional election, falls short of forming majority. The AfD’s victory in Saxony-Anhalt represents the first far-right state government in Germany since World War II.
Daughter of ex-Trump envoy Kellogg pushes back on father’s call to conscript Ukrainian women. “If women can fight, why not?… (but) they should volunteer to fight,” said Meaghan Mobbs, the daughter of Keith Kellogg and president of an NGO helping foreign soldiers in Ukraine.
Kyiv protests new UN map separating Crimea from Ukraine. “In 2026, the U.N. should not need a reminder: Crimea is Ukraine,” said Ukrainian lawmaker Kira Rudik**.**
Russia’s Lavrov claims start of ‘real war’ with Germany after Moscow accused of Leipzig Airport attack. Russia’s foreign minister claimed Germany has started “a real war” after his country was accused of launching explosive-laden drones at Leipzig Airport.
In other news
Russia strikes Ukraine-Romania border crossing for 2nd time in week. The Orlivka–Isaccea crossing links Ukraine’s Odesa Oblast with NATO and EU member Romania across the Danube River, which has become Kyiv’s primary grain export route amid Russian attacks.
Pro-Ukrainian partisans sabotaged communication tower ahead of oil refinery strike, Atesh group claims. The pro-Ukrainian saboteur reportedly contacted the Atesh group, a partisan force operating behind Russian lines, and burned through wiring in a communications tower around the Russian city of Perm, roughly 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) from Ukraine, in August.
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Today’s Ukraine Daily was brought to you by Abbey Fenbert, Chris Powers, Tim Zadorozhnyy, Martin Fornusek, Tamara Nowakowsky, Chris York, Lachlan Hyatt, and Dmytro Basmat.
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