SAEDNEWS: Russia intensified strikes on Ukraine as Trump expressed “disappointment” in Putin, while Macron and Starmer prepared new coalition talks on Kyiv’s security. Ukraine endured mass air raids, an assassination in Lviv, and new revelations about North Korean fighters killed in battle.
According to Saed News; Donald Trump allowed his self-imposed deadline for Vladimir Putin to begin peace talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy to pass without action, saying only that he was “very disappointed” in the Russian leader and planned to “do something to help people live” without offering details. He made the remarks on conservative commentator Scott Jennings’ radio program.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy reported fresh Russian troop buildups and ongoing strikes across Ukraine, vowing retaliation. In Europe, Macron’s office confirmed that France and Britain will lead a “coalition of the willing” to discuss postwar security guarantees for Ukraine, with Paris noting allies are waiting for Washington’s tangible support.
Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s demand that any peace deal acknowledge its territorial gains and insisted Russia should somehow be part of Ukraine’s future security guarantees. Putin, however, has refused direct talks with Zelenskyy, despite Trump’s earlier promises to arrange them.
In Lviv, prominent lawmaker Andriy Parubiy was buried after being gunned down in broad daylight. Ukrainian authorities detained the suspected shooter, who admitted the killing as “personal revenge,” though police suspect Russian involvement.
Overnight, Russia launched a major air assault injuring several railway workers and damaging homes and infrastructure across nine regions, prompting NATO member Poland to scramble aircraft for protection.
South Korea’s intelligence service estimated that about 2,000 North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia had been killed, a sharp rise from previous assessments, and warned Pyongyang plans to send thousands more.
Ukraine’s foreign ministry reiterated it will never recognise Russia’s occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, demanding an immediate withdrawal. At the same time, Ukraine managed to increase electricity exports by 60% between July and August, despite continuous Russian strikes on its energy grid.
