thekyivindependent_unofficial@activitypub.writeworks.uk
The Kyiv Independent [unofficial]
Russia’s war against Ukraine
A local resident stands outside a damaged multi-storey residential building, where seventeen people were injured, following aerial attacks that targeted the Ukrainian city of Odesa, on the Black Sea coast, early on September 12, 2026, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Oleksandr Gimanov / AFP via Getty Images)
‘First-ever battle’ — Ukrainian naval drone destroys Russian unmanned boat in Black Sea, Navy says. The Russian drone was destroyed by a Ukrainian Sargan 3000 unmanned boat, equipped with a 12.7-mm Protector remote weapons station, according to the Navy, marking a historic first battle between marine drones.
Russia refuses to stop attacking Ukraine during peace negotiations, Lavrov says.
After refusing even a temporary ceasefire or a leader-level meeting in a noncombatant country, Lavrov went on to emphasize the level of “goodwill” Moscow was displaying in the peace process.
‘Immoral and self-destructive’ — Zelensky blasts EU for considering lifting sanctions on Russian oligarchs. “Five hundred Shahed drones per day is certainly not the right time to even begin a discussion about easing sanctions,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sept. 12, after France reportedly joined Slovakia in calling to delist Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov.
Russian drones target Volyn, Rivne oblasts in rare mass attack in western Ukraine.
The attacks on Volyn and Rivne were part of a wider Russian drone assault across Ukraine on Sept. 12. According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia launched nearly 500 strike drones at the country during the day.
As Russia targets gas stations, Kyiv draws up plans for possible fuel shortages, Klitschko says. Kyiv authorities don’t have the resources to build shelters at every gas station, while the city also lacks weapons needed to intercept Russian drones and missiles, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.
Zelensky says he is ready to meet Putin at G20 summit in Miami. The G20 leaders’ summit is scheduled to take place in Miami in December.
Ukrainian tennis player Yastremska says family apartment destroyed in Russian attack on Odesa. “A Russian missile destroyed our apartment in Odesa. The only thing that survived was a Roland Garros towel,” Yastremska wrote on Instagram.
Russian region offers record $18,000 reward for recruiting foreigners to fight in Ukraine. The increase comes amid mounting evidence that Russia has relied on foreigners, particularly people from lower-income countries, to replenish its forces.
Read our exclusives
Explainer: How Ukraine’s biggest corruption scheme persisted despite all odds
Ukraine’s largest corruption scandal in years came to light last year with a wave of arrests, sanctions, and a political shakeup. New revelations over the past few weeks suggest that produced little result.
Photo Collage: The Kyiv Independent)
Human cost of war
Russian attacks kill 11, injure 96 across Ukraine as Odesa comes under mass overnight strike. Russia launched 129 attack drones of various types overnight, including Shahed-type and jet-powered drones, as well as eight Kalibr cruise missiles, six Kh-59/69 guided missiles, and Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles, the Air Force said.
Russian strikes hit 2 major Ukrainian steel plants, killing 2 and injuring 6. Russian missile strikes hit two major Ukrainian metallurgical plants overnight on Sept. 12, killing two people and injuring six others, according to statements from Zaporizhstal operator Metinvest and ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih.
Drone attack hits industrial hub in Russia’s Tatarstan, casualties reported. Two people were killed and 12 others injured, Russian regional authorities said. The Kyiv Independent could not verify the figures.
You’ve made it this far, which means you care.
Millions read the Kyiv Independent, but only one in 1,000 supports us financially. One membership might not seem like much, but to us, it makes a real difference.
Inside Russia’s FSB prison network in Crimea | Documentary
In other news
Explosion at Bulgarian ammunition depot supplying Ukraine sparks massive fire, sabotage probe. The latest incident comes amid broader concern over fires, explosions, and suspected sabotage at European defense facilities supplying Ukraine.
Meet the Kyiv Independent in London
Join editor-in-chief Olga Rudenko, CEO Daryna Shevchenko, Francis Farrell, and other team members for an evening of live storytelling in London at Kings Place on Oct. 2.
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 Kateryna Denisova, Oleg Sukhov, Dominic Culverwell, Jonas Heins, Martin Fornusek, Yuliia Taradiuk, Volodymyr Ivanyshyn, Abbey Fenbert, Olena Goncharova, and Tamara Nowakowsky.
If you’re enjoying this newsletter, consider joining our membership program. Start supporting independent journalism today.
