September 5, 2026
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Russia strikes Kyiv and Boryspil airports as US envoys prepare to visit
In the night of September 4–5, Russia launched drone strikes across at least eight Ukrainian regions, with President Zelensky saying the attacks deliberately and for the first time in a long time targeted the Kyiv (Zhuliany) and Boryspil airports. Zelensky linked the airport strikes to discussions about the upcoming visit by US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. A drone hit a nine-story residential building in Boryspil, injuring two women, and a strike on an industrial enterprise in Kamianske killed and wounded civilians. Zelensky announced Ukraine would adjust its operations regarding Russian airspace the following week.
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First EU–Ukraine Drone Alliance meeting set for 11 September in Brussels
The first meeting of the EU–Ukraine Drone Alliance is scheduled for 11 September in Brussels, bringing together EU and Ukrainian drone manufacturers with European Commission officials. European Commissioner for Defence Andrius Kubilius will attend, with 19 EU-side and 9 Ukrainian-side companies participating. The meeting will focus on assessing the current state of affairs, defining a timeline for action, and discussing initial measures aimed at accelerating the deployment of unmanned technologies and counter-drone systems across the EU.
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Ukraine's new Ground Forces commander introduced to personnel
Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces Mykhailo Drapatyi introduced Brigadier General Svyatoslav Zaits as the new Commander of the Ground Forces on September 5. Zaits was appointed by presidential decree on September 2, replacing Hennadii Shapovalov, who was dismissed in the same decree. Drapatyi set out five priorities for the new commander, centered on personnel protection, frontline-relevant training, merit-based promotion, and adoption of new technologies based on combat advantage rather than report metrics.
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Le Pen and Philippe clash over French pledge to halt Ukraine aid
French presidential candidates Marine Le Pen and Édouard Philippe traded public accusations over the National Rally's pledge to stop aid to Ukraine if it comes to power. The dispute, triggered by a BFMTV interview with National Rally vice-president Louis Aliot, has placed Ukraine policy at the centre of the 2027 French presidential campaign.
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Trump says Putin has no intention of attacking NATO; Germany blames Russia for Leipzig airport drones
Speaking to reporters at the White House, US President Donald Trump said he is in talks with Vladimir Putin and that Putin does not intend to attack NATO territory. He declined to comment on the discovery of explosive-equipped drones at Leipzig airport, which European security officials and Germany have linked to Russia and described as hybrid warfare against countries supporting Ukraine.