On August 31, Vladimir Putin arrived in China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, meet with Xi Jinping, and participate in the parade on September 3. China is eager to play a leading role in forming new global rules alongside the USA. Putin’s visit reflects efforts to coordinate positions on the world order, though the ongoing war against Ukraine stands as a major obstacle.
On the night of August 31, Russian forces launched 142 drones at Ukraine, with air defense neutralizing 126. Many attacks targeted energy infrastructure in the Odesa region, likely to lead to power supply issues. Strikes on critical energy sites have intensified in recent weeks, mainly in the Black Sea area. Local authorities are setting up resilience centers and technical water supply for residents.
Simultaneously, 50 flights to Sochi in Russia were canceled, explained by airport technical issues. The Russian General Staff claimed “success” in their spring-summer campaign, a statement challenged by Ukraine, which highlighted the failure of Russian plans to capture strategic cities in Donetsk.
On September 2, Putin and Xi Jinping are expected to negotiate new strategic agreements. China confirms its strategic partnership with Russia in countering the West. On September 3, Putin will attend a military parade in Beijing, joined by North Korea's Kim Jong Un, on his first official visit since 2019.
Former US President Donald Trump stated he may participate in future Zelensky-Putin talks and mentioned possible security guarantees for Ukraine, including aviation support and private US military companies. Trump also advocated investigations into former FBI and CIA directors' roles in 2016 election interference claims.
Recent tensions between Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi contributed to US tariffs against India over Russian oil purchases. The New York Times reports this has weakened ties between the leaders, with India strengthening its connections to BRICS countries.
EU foreign ministers are considering further sanctions on Russia, focusing on its shadow fleet and frozen assets, though large-scale measures are not expected soon.
Starting September 1, new policies will take effect in Ukraine: military officers will be required to wear body cameras during checks, basic military training becomes mandatory for students, and basic service for young adults. Academic scholarships will increase, new mortgage aid for internally displaced persons and frontline area residents will be rolled out, schools will have updated remote learning policies, and an obligatory financial literacy course for 8th graders is introduced. Pensioners aged 70+ will receive supplements, and expanded non-heating season subsidies will continue through September.
