Published On 13 Sep 2025
Here is how things stand on Saturday, September 13:
Fighting Intensifies in Ukraine
- In a tragic escalation of violence, a Russian attack early Friday morning resulted in the deaths of three individuals in the Sumy region of northern Ukraine, according to local officials.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russian forces have faced significant setbacks in their attempts to advance in Sumy, suffering heavy casualties. He emphasized that Ukrainian forces are effectively countering these operations.
- In a notable development, a Ukrainian drone strike targeted the Primorsk port in northwestern Russia, marking the first instance where loading operations at this crucial oil terminal were suspended, as confirmed by military sources and industry insiders.
- Additionally, an attempted drone attack on the Smolensk nuclear power station in western Russia was thwarted, with officials reporting no damage or casualties from the incident.
Regional Security Concerns
- Poland’s defense chief revealed that the number of airspace violations by Russian drones may be higher than previously reported, with a total of 21 incursions identified this week.
- In response, Polish Secretary of State Marcin Bosacki called on the United Nations Security Council to take decisive action against Russia for these violations.
- A joint statement from over 40 nations, including the United States, urged stronger international measures in response to Russia’s drone incursions into Polish airspace.
- Contradicting US President Donald Trump’s assertion that the drone incursions might have been accidental, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk firmly stated, “We would also wish that the drone attack on Poland was a mistake. But it wasn’t. And we know it.”
- NATO is preparing to launch a new operation named Eastern Sentry, aimed at enhancing military capabilities along its eastern flank, which borders Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine. This initiative will involve contributions from France, Denmark, Germany, and the United Kingdom, as stated by NATO Supreme Commander General Alexus Grynkewich.
- Ukrainian Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal met with US presidential envoy Keith Kellogg in Kyiv to discuss the potential acquisition of new Patriot missile systems and associated ammunition.
- Simultaneously, Russian and Belarusian armed forces commenced large-scale joint military exercises, dubbed “Zapad 2025,” while German forces conducted their own drills in neighboring Lithuania.
Military Aid Developments
- President Zelenskyy announced that significant progress has been made regarding post-war security guarantees for Ukraine, with discussions ongoing among US special envoy Kellogg and national security advisers from Britain, Germany, France, and Italy in Kyiv.
Sanctions and Economic Measures
- Finance ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) nations convened to discuss potential sanctions and trade measures against countries perceived as “enabling” Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. They are also exploring additional financial support mechanisms for Ukraine.
- Japan, the UK, and New Zealand have implemented new sanctions against Russia, which include lowering the price cap on Russian oil and targeting companies associated with Russia’s weapons industry, including those involved in the production of Iskander missiles.
- US Energy Secretary Chris Wright indicated that the European Union could phase out its reliance on Russian gas within six to twelve months by substituting it with liquefied natural gas from the United States.
Political and Diplomatic Maneuvering
- US President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that his patience is “running out fast.” He attributed the prolonged conflict to the “tremendous hatred” between Putin and Zelenskyy.
- President Zelenskyy urged allies to encourage China to leverage its influence over Russia to bring an end to the invasion of Ukraine.
- Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized that diplomacy remains the only viable solution to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, urging the US to adopt a more proactive stance rather than remaining neutral.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to accompany President Trump on a state visit to the UK, where they will discuss US-British cooperation aimed at resolving the Russia-Ukraine war.
- Denmark has initiated a €375 million ($439 million) program to support Ukraine’s integration with the European Union, as announced by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
Economic Implications
- In response to the economic challenges posed by the ongoing conflict, Russia’s central bank has reduced its benchmark interest rate to 17 percent, reflecting a slowdown in growth and increased spending on military operations, which has exacerbated the budget deficit.
Stalled Peace Talks
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced that peace negotiations with Ukraine are currently on “pause,” coinciding with NATO’s plans to strengthen its eastern front.
Charitable Initiatives
- In a show of support, Britain’s Prince Harry arrived in Kyiv with a team from his Invictus Games Foundation to outline plans for rehabilitating wounded Ukrainian soldiers, as confirmed by his office.
