On September 2, a meeting took place in Beijing between Russian President Vladimir Putin and China’s President Xi Jinping. China emphasized that Russia and China are the main victors of World War II, echoing Cold War-era rhetoric that is resurfacing amid a deteriorating global security environment.
Overnight, Russian forces launched more than 150 drones at Ukraine, targeting Kyiv and Sumy regions and port infrastructure in the Izmail district. Air defense systems reportedly intercepted or destroyed over 120 drones, but some caused civilian infrastructure damage and injuries.
At the same time, Europe is actively preparing for potential escalation: Denmark introduced new measures to curb Russian gas influence, while Finland plans to significantly increase its military reserves. France, Germany, and Poland have all announced military expansions, and French hospitals have been told to prepare to receive mass casualties in case of war.
Leaders of China, Russia, and India displayed unity at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, pledging collaboration and showing a joint front that alarms the West. The US is considering new sanctions against Russia for ongoing attacks on Ukraine. At 21:00 Kyiv time, Donald Trump is set to address the media, which could influence US foreign policy.
The Ukrainian President’s Office has not commented on a possible meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico. Meanwhile, France’s government is readying its health system for mass evacuations of wounded soldiers. Experts note Russia’s economic slowdown and dependence on China, and Ukraine’s Security Service indicted Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov for war crimes against Ukrainian soldiers.
