September 2 marked several significant international events. Among them was the meeting between Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and Russian President Vladimir Putin. After this meeting, Fico is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky; the Ukrainian president’s office hasn’t commented yet.
Russia launched a massive drone attack on Ukraine, using 53 UAVs, most targeting Kyiv. Ukrainian air defenses downed 48 drones. Meanwhile, various media reported a likely new Russian strike on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Due to ongoing attacks, children were forced to stay in bomb shelters during school hours.
The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed the liberation of the village of Udachne in Donetsk region. The situation in Eastern Ukraine remains tense. According to British intelligence, Russian forces have redeployed for intensified activity, focusing efforts in the Serebriansky Forest and maintaining the Pokrovsk direction as a priority.
South Korea's intelligence reported that around 2,000 North Korean soldiers sent to Russia have been killed, with 6,000 more being prepared for deployment. Since October 2023, about 13,000 North Korean troops have been sent to assist Russia’s war effort.
Experts note that US-Ukrainian relations are at a standstill. Donald Trump is preparing a high-profile announcement unrelated to the war in Ukraine; meanwhile, US aid to Ukraine is reportedly shrinking.
On the diplomatic front, Putin held talks with China’s Xi Jinping, resulting in new agreements in economics and energy cooperation. China is introducing a visa-free trial regime for Russians, while Russia is considering making Chinese language lessons compulsory in schools.
Putin also met Slovakia’s Prime Minister Fico, who reportedly intends to discuss attacks on Russian assets by Ukraine with Zelensky. Putin confirmed a tough response to strikes on Russian energy infrastructure and expressed willingness to allow Ukraine’s EU accession, but remains opposed to NATO membership.
Additionally, Russia is reportedly circumventing sanctions by exporting diamonds through Armenia to the EU and other countries. There were also updates on the investigation into the murder of former Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Andriy Parubiy.
The peace negotiations process remains complex: a direct meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders is not planned, and talks in Istanbul have not moved forward.
Ukraine, together with Western partners, is strengthening its defense industry and security system, aiming to maintain military funding and cooperation with allies.
