
Ukraine is facing an intense, coordinated assault as Russia executes a dual-front offensive designed to bleed the country from above and break it on the ground. In Kyiv, missiles and drones attacks continue, straining domestic air defences.  
Moscow claims that nearly 1,700 Ukrainian troops are cut off and encircled in the Kharkiv region, an assertion Ukrainian military commanders deny, pointing to sharp tactical counter-attacks repelling Russian ground units. 

Putin's Strategy: Bleed Ukraine in the Sky, Break It on the Ground| GRAVITAS 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met U.S. special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Kyiv on September 6 as Washington steps up efforts to revive peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

The meeting came shortly after Witkoff and Kushner held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Zelenskyy said Ukraine is ready for constructive discussions and stressed the need for security guarantees and a dignified, sustainable postwar peace.

The latest Kyiv talks are part of a renewed U.S. diplomatic push to end the more than four-year Russia-Ukraine war. European national security advisers have also arrived in Kyiv for discussions, adding a wider European dimension to the negotiations

Russia-Ukraine WAR | Zelensky Meets Trump Envoys Witkoff, Kushner In Kyiv For Peace Talks

UKRAINE POLITICS: Ukraine's former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has taken up a new international defence role just weeks after his dismissal from the Ukrainian government triggered rare wartime protests.

Fedorov has accepted a position as defence innovation adviser to Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto. In his new role, the 35-year-old is expected to advise Italy on modern warfare technologies, with a focus on autonomous systems, air defence and defence-sector innovation.

Italy's Defence Ministry described the appointment as an important opportunity, highlighting Fedorov's experience in defence technology and innovation. Fedorov will remain based in Kyiv while working in his new international role.

His appointment comes amid significant political developments in Ukraine. Fedorov was dismissed as defence minister in July following reported tensions with Ukraine's military leadership. His removal triggered protests, with supporters calling for his reinstatement.

During the war, Fedorov became a prominent advocate of drone warfare and military technology, pushing efforts to modernize Ukraine's armed forces and expand the country's autonomous systems and drone capabilities.

Ex-Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov Takes Italy Defence Adviser Role After Dramatic Dismissal

Russia has launched another major wave of drone attacks across Ukraine, with strikes reported in the Kyiv region, Zaporizhzhia and other areas as the Kremlin's aerial campaign intensifies.

In the Kyiv region, Ukrainian authorities reported casualties and extensive damage to warehouses, homes, apartment buildings and vehicles. One warehouse worker said two Shahed drones struck the facility, with a second drone reportedly hitting after emergency crews arrived. Ukrainian officials described the incident as a possible double-tap attack targeting first responders.

Air raid sirens sounded repeatedly across Kyiv as authorities warned residents about worsening air quality following the attacks.

In Zaporizhzhia, Russian drones reportedly struck a major shopping and home-improvement complex, triggering a massive fire that spread across thousands of square meters. Several people were reportedly injured, while rescue operations faced the threat of further attacks.

The latest strikes are part of a wider Russian campaign targeting Ukrainian logistics, warehouses, distribution facilities and other infrastructure.

On the eastern front, Ukrainian forces say Russian troops are positioned just several kilometres away from key defensive areas around the Donbas fortress belt, increasing pressure on the battlefield.

Russia has also claimed that its air defenses intercepted or destroyed 512 Ukrainian drones across multiple Russian regions, Crimea and the Black Sea. Russian-installed authorities in Sevastopol also reported damage to a residential building and injuries.

Russia-Ukraine War | Massive Russian Drone Wave Hits Kyiv | Double-Tap Attack Reported

Welcome to WION World News with Supriya Srivastava. Here are the top international and national headlines making news.

Iran's president acknowledges the growing problems faced by citizens as the United States imposes a new wave of sanctions aimed at further isolating Iran's economy.

In Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy welcomes Nordic and Baltic leaders in Kyiv as the country marks National Flag Day, with important talks and announcements expected.

Iran's Foreign Ministry says Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir will visit Tehran, with discussions expected to focus on bilateral cooperation, peace and regional security.

US President Donald Trump again shares an image depicting the Strait of Hormuz as a US territory, while Iran reiterates that the crucial maritime corridor will remain closed until Washington changes its position.

In Jammu and Kashmir, three people trapped in the Chenab River in Akhnoor are rescued by Indian Army and paramilitary forces after a sudden rise in water levels and strong currents.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls on India's space startups to show greater courage in the emerging sector and create an environment capable of attracting global talent.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia faces growing challenges in exporting oil through the Red Sea as Houthi threats disrupt shipping. Riyadh has shifted some crude exports north via Yanbu, while Egypt is using alternative routes to bypass the disruption and maintain exports.

Stay tuned for the latest global news, geopolitical developments and breaking headlines.

Iran Sanctions | Ukraine Flag Day | Hormuz Tensions | J&K Rescue | Saudi Oil Crisis | U.S. News 

The Russia-Ukraine war has entered a deadly new phase as Moscow intensifies its aerial assault on Ukraine with missiles and hundreds of drones. At least 16 people have been killed and more than 130 injured, including children, in the latest attacks.

Ukraine has retaliated with long-range drone strikes targeting Russian oil and logistics infrastructure. Kyiv has also warned of depleted Patriot missile stocks, raising concerns over its ability to intercept ballistic missiles.

France is preparing additional interceptor missiles for Ukraine, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for national unity. Meanwhile, Ukraine is urging the United States to take a more active role in efforts to end the war.

Russia-Ukraine War Escalates | Deadly Strikes Kill 16 | Kyiv Hit By Massive Barrage

The Russia-Ukraine war has witnessed another major escalation after Ukraine carried out an overnight strike on Novorossiysk, a key Russian Black Sea port and naval base.

According to Ukrainian officials, the operation involved missiles, aerial drones and sea drones, targeting Russian air-defence systems and port infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the operation as unique and said it targeted what he called a major remaining stronghold of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.

The attack reportedly damaged several buildings in Novorossiysk, including schools and a college, prompting local authorities to declare a state of emergency.

Russia’s southern Krasnodar region also came under a major drone attack, with the regional governor saying several hundred drones were involved.

Meanwhile, fuel shortages are reportedly emerging in Moscow and surrounding areas, with some petrol stations experiencing shortages. Ukraine has also accused Russia of intensifying strikes on fuel and logistical infrastructure, including petrol stations.

Elsewhere, Ukrainian authorities reported Russian drone attacks in Zaporizhzhia, while Zelenskyy warned that Russia could be preparing for another military mobilisation. Moscow has denied the claim.

Zelenskyy also accused Russia of using North Korean ballistic missiles in overnight attacks on Ukraine, including strikes targeting Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia.

Watch the full report for the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine war, Black Sea naval operations, Russian attacks, Ukrainian drone strikes and the growing military escalation.

Ukraine Strikes Russia’s Black Sea Naval Base as Moscow Intensifies Attacks

Russia launched one of its deadliest ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv, killing at least nine people and injuring 28 others, including four children, according to Ukrainian officials. Multiple explosions rocked the Ukrainian capital as ballistic missiles struck several districts, leaving residential buildings damaged, vehicles burned, and emergency crews racing to rescue survivors trapped beneath the rubble.

The assault also severely impacted Kyiv's emergency response capabilities after a strike damaged a municipal medical transport facility, destroying or damaging around two dozen ambulances and emergency vehicles. Ukrainian officials warned that the growing use of ballistic missiles is stretching the country's already limited air defense systems.

The attack came just days after another suspected Russian missile reportedly entered Polish airspace during a previous strike, raising concerns about the conflict spilling beyond Ukraine's borders.

Russia Launches Massive Ballistic Missile Strike On Kyiv | 9 Killed, 28 Injured

In today’s top headlines, Russia launches one of its heaviest missile attacks on Kyiv, while Iran warns the United States of a "devastating response" as tensions escalate in the Gulf. The US continues strikes on Iranian military facilities linked to attacks on American troops in Jordan. In India, opposition leaders stage a symbolic walkout during the all-party meeting, and flash floods in Jammu & Kashmir’s Poonch district leave multiple people dead. Meanwhile, Spain battles massive wildfires, the crypto market extends its decline, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino thanks ZeeTV for promoting football in India ahead of the Spain vs Argentina FIFA World Cup Final.

Russia pounds Kyiv | Iran warns us | J&K flash floods | FIFA chief thanks zeetv | russia- Ukraine

Russia has launched another deadly assault on Ukraine, with Kyiv reporting a massive missile and drone attack that killed at least 13 people and injured dozens more. The strikes targeted several Ukrainian regions, including Kyiv, Odesa, Sumy, Zaporizhzhia and Mykolaiv. The attack comes as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces growing political pressure at home following a major government reshuffle. The removal of Ukraine’s popular defense minister and prime minister has sparked protests, criticism, and questions over wartime leadership.

Russia launches deadly missile attack on Ukraine as Zelensky faces political crisis

Russia has intensified its offensive in Ukraine by deploying upgraded FAB-3000 glide bombs capable of destroying fortified military positions on a massive scale. Originally developed during the Soviet era, these heavy bombs have been modernized with guidance systems, allowing them to strike targets from long distances while keeping Russian aircraft away from Ukrainian air defenses.
As Moscow expands its aerial campaign, the United Nations says June recorded the highest number of civilian casualties in Ukraine in more than four years. President Vladimir Putin has also warned t

Russia deploys massive FAB-3000 glide bombs as Ukraine hits Russian oil refineries

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday that the country's air defence systems had shot down 13 Iranian-made kamikaze drones that targeted the capital Kyiv earlier in the day.

Ukraine shot down 13 kamikaze drones in Kyiv attack: Zelensky

Galyna Lekunova, a veterinarian in the eastern Ukrainian city of Mariupol, was left fuming by a new law in January mandating the use of Ukrainian in the service industry.

In protest against the regulations that she said amounted to "discrimination," the 47-year-old began offering 50-per cent discounts to her Russian-speaking clients.

This is what she believes spurred the perpetrators of a graffiti attack on her clinic, which was defaced in late January with scrawls of black coffins and a warning of "Death to the enemies".

One month later, the paint was still visible on a poster of a puppy advertising her services in Russian in the industrial port city on the Sea of Azov.

"If I work, pay my employees' salaries and my taxes, it's none of your damn business which language I do it in," Lekunova, wearing a floral-patterned apron, told AFP.

The incident in Mariupol, some 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the front line of Ukraine's war with separatists backed by Moscow, reflects a deeply-felt language divide in the ex-Soviet country of 40 million people.

Lawmakers in 2019 passed legislation to cement Ukrainian as the country's primary language, ordering middle schools that taught in Russian and other minority languages to make the switch and mandating Ukrainian versions of online stores.

An article of the laws that entered into force in January goes further, obliging shops, restaurants and the service industry to engage customers in Ukrainian unless clients specifically ask to switch.

Anyone caught violating the new legislation twice within one year could be fined 200 euros ($235), almost half of the average salary in the country. No one has been penalised so far.

Officials in Kiev say the initiative aims to revitalise a national language that was subjugated first during the Russian Empire and then in Soviet times.

- 'Resentment and fear' -

Moscow, which routinely accuses Kiev of perpetuating "Russophobia" and stalling peace efforts in the east, condemned the language laws in January.

The foreign ministry said Kiev was instilling an "atmosphere of resentment and fear" and destroying the country's "unique multicultural space".

But for Kiev, the new laws are part of a broader push to shore up its own national identity that started after the Soviet collapse.

It was an initiative that gained momentum after 2014, when Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula and backed separatists in the east, justifying its intervention by citing the need to protect Russian speakers.

The legislation has found favour with some 62 percent of Ukrainians -- most of whom are bilingual -- according to a recent poll, with 34 percent against.

"This law will encourage a more active use of Ukrainian language and that is what we need," said Sergiy Gusovsky, the owner of four prominent restaurants in Ukraine's capital.

"It's a natural process after 2014. Kiev was very 'Russified', so there's an element of overcoming a historical obstacle," he told AFP.

But Gusovsky said the shift should be "gentle".

"Any approach that isn't careful will spark a backlash."

- Government differences -

Between checkups with household pets, Lekunova, in Mariupol, said, however, that if fines were imposed she would consider moving to Russia.

The new laws are also exposing divisions within government.

Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko in February suggested postponing fines and rolling out a Ukrainian language learning programme instead.

But Ukraine's Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language, Taras Kremin, countered that "the service sector already had a year and a half to prepare" before laws entered into force.

But he also noted that there had not yet been repeat complaints and that issues reported so far had been resolved without conflict.

For Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, the solution is prioritising another language.

"Our youth's proficiency in English is a guarantee of our country's independence," he said at a recent conference.

Galyna Lekunova, a veterinarian in the eastern Ukrainian city of Mariupol, was left fuming by a new law in January mandating the use of Ukrainian in the service industry.

Galyna Lekunova, a veterinarian in the eastern Ukrainian city of Mariupol, was left fuming by a new law in January mandating the use of Ukrainian in the service industry. In protest against the regulations that she said amounted to "discrimination," the 47-year-old began offering 50-per cent discounts to her Russian-speaking clients. This is what she believes spurred the perpetrators of a graffiti attack on her clinic, which was defaced in late January with scrawls of black coffins and a warning of "Death to the enemies". One month later, the paint was still visible on a poster of a puppy advertising her services in Russian in the industrial port city on the Sea of Azov. "If I work, pay my employees' salaries and my taxes, it's none of your damn business which language I do it in," Lekunova, wearing a floral-patterned apron, told AFP. The incident in Mariupol, some 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the front line of Ukraine's war with separatists backed by Moscow, reflects a deeply-felt language divide in the ex-Soviet country of 40 million people. Lawmakers in 2019 passed legislation to cement Ukrainian as the country's primary language, ordering middle schools that taught in Russian and other minority languages to make the switch and mandating Ukrainian versions of online stores. An article of the laws that entered into force in January goes further, obliging shops, restaurants and the service industry to engage customers in Ukrainian unless clients specifically ask to switch. Anyone caught violating the new legislation twice within one year could be fined 200 euros ($235), almost half of the average salary in the country. No one has been penalised so far. Officials in Kiev say the initiative aims to revitalise a national language that was subjugated first during the Russian Empire and then in Soviet times. - 'Resentment and fear' - Moscow, which routinely accuses Kiev of perpetuating "Russophobia" and stalling peace efforts in the east, condemned the language laws in January. The foreign ministry said Kiev was instilling an "atmosphere of resentment and fear" and destroying the country's "unique multicultural space". But for Kiev, the new laws are part of a broader push to shore up its own national identity that started after the Soviet collapse. It was an initiative that gained momentum after 2014, when Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula and backed separatists in the east, justifying its intervention by citing the need to protect Russian speakers. The legislation has found favour with some 62 percent of Ukrainians -- most of whom are bilingual -- according to a recent poll, with 34 percent against. "This law will encourage a more active use of Ukrainian language and that is what we need," said Sergiy Gusovsky, the owner of four prominent restaurants in Ukraine's capital. "It's a natural process after 2014. Kiev was very 'Russified', so there's an element of overcoming a historical obstacle," he told AFP. But Gusovsky said the shift should be "gentle". "Any approach that isn't careful will spark a backlash." - Government differences - Between checkups with household pets, Lekunova, in Mariupol, said, however, that if fines were imposed she would consider moving to Russia. The new laws are also exposing divisions within government. Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko in February suggested postponing fines and rolling out a Ukrainian language learning programme instead. But Ukraine's Commissioner for the Protection of the State Language, Taras Kremin, countered that "the service sector already had a year and a half to prepare" before laws entered into force. But he also noted that there had not yet been repeat complaints and that issues reported so far had been resolved without conflict. For Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of the National Security and Defence Council, the solution is prioritising another language. "Our youth's proficiency in English is a guarantee of our country's independence," he said at a recent conference.

New law stokes Ukraine language tensions

During the hostage crisis, which began on Tuesday morning, Kryvosh opened fire and threw a grenade at a police drone

Ukraine hostage siege ends after President Zelenskiy endorses Joaquin Phoenix

An armed man seized a bus and took some 20 people hostage in northwest Ukraine on Tuesday.

Armed man seizes bus with around 20 hostages in Ukraine

Members of the Ukrainian Parliament came to brawl over a proposed sales law, which will allow for the sale of the country's rich farmland.

Brawl In Ukrainian Parliament over a sales law