Archived edition · September 21, 2026 Today's news →

What's happening in Europe?

Flag of Ukraine

Ukraine

News summary for

Go to today →

Drones ⚡

Massive Drone Barrage Hits Cities, Election Demands Shift

Ukraine faced a significant escalation in Russian attacks, with 172 drones launched overnight and widespread damage reported in Zaporizhzhia and Lozova, resulting in casualties. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russia is signaling its readiness to broaden the conflict, prompting train delays across the country due to air alerts.

On the political front, First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Oleksandr Korniyenko stated that international partners have ceased demanding elections from Ukraine, indicating a shift in external pressures. President Zelenskyy also discussed sanctions against Russia with President Donald Trump, suggesting a potential "game-changing" meeting.

In the energy sector, Yuriy Tkachuk and Pavlo Pavlyshyn were appointed to lead the state-owned nuclear energy company Energoatom. Additionally, Ukraine is exploring options to process its domestic oil at European refineries following damage to its own facilities, and Naftogaz is set to acquire significant oil products and LNG from Orlen.

Top stories

Massive Drone Attacks and Escalation Warning

Russian forces launched a massive drone attack, with 172 drones targeting Ukraine overnight, resulting in 148 being neutralized. Cities like Zaporizhzhia and Lozova were hit, causing damage to civilian infrastructure, including a shopping mall, university, apartment buildings, and leading to casualties. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russia is signaling its readiness to broaden the conflict, leading to train delays across multiple regions due to air alerts.

Political and Diplomatic Shifts

Oleksandr Korniyenko, First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, announced that international partners are no longer pressuring Ukraine to hold elections. Separately, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged in discussions with President Donald Trump regarding sanctions against Russia and hinted at a potentially impactful meeting at the UN General Assembly.

Energy Sector Developments

Ukraine's state-owned nuclear energy company, Energoatom, has appointed new leadership, with Yuriy Tkachuk as CEO and Pavlo Pavlyshyn as Chief Nuclear Officer. The country is also exploring the possibility of processing its domestic oil at European refineries following damage to its own facilities and has secured a deal with Orlen for $500 million in oil products and three shipments of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Social Concerns and Economic Stagnation

A concerning report highlights the recruitment of individuals with severe drug addiction into the military, raising questions about screening processes. Separately, a man was found dead with 18 stab wounds in Mykolaiv. Economically, the Financial Times reports that Russian attacks are expected to prevent Ukraine's economy from growing in 2026, with costs likely passed to consumers.

External Threats and Global Economic Concerns

Media reports indicate Russia's plans to produce 14,000 "Dan-T" ammunition by next year, posing a risk to Ukraine's air defense. Additionally, Russia is reportedly accumulating dangerous ballistic missiles for potential winter strikes. The implications of the US debt exceeding $40 trillion are being analyzed for their potential impact on aid to Ukraine and the hryvnia.

News sources