September 1, 2026
-
Texty.org.ua analysis: Russian frontline advance stalls as losses hit record high
Ukrainian outlet Texty.org.ua published an analysis arguing that Russia's frontline advance in Ukraine has effectively stalled while Russian personnel losses have risen sharply, framing the trend as moving toward Ukrainian victory. The assessment cites ISW estimates of minimal Russian advance rates in July 2026 and record monthly losses of nearly 43,000 troops, alongside localized Ukrainian counteroffensive gains in early August.
-
Ukrainian parliament fails for second time to pass bill ending VAT exemption for parcels under €150
The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, voted down bill No. 15460, which would have abolished the VAT exemption for international parcels valued at up to €150. The bill received 194 votes in favour, 32 short of the number needed for passage. The failure leaves a key condition for IMF and EU financial assistance unmet.
-
Bessent tells Russia's Siluanov no economic cooperation possible until war in Ukraine ends
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov that no easing of economic restrictions or agreements on other matters are possible while Russia's war in Ukraine continues, in a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G20 finance ministers gathering in Asheville, North Carolina. The meeting took place as European representatives expressed dissatisfaction with Siluanov's first in-person attendance at a G20 financial meeting since the start of the full-scale invasion.