Zelenskyy calls for decisive action after overnight Russian attacks
At least two people died and multiple others were injured across Ukraine following a fresh wave of Russian strikes overnight on 8 September 2026, prompting President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to declare that the international community's reaction has been inadequate. Zelenskyy stated that
there has been too little response from the international community to these strikesand warned that Moscow must face consequences before winter arrives.
The overnight assault targeted multiple Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. Two people were killed, three injured and 16 evacuated following a strike on the Starokozache border crossing with Poland. A Russian drone struck an apartment building in Kyiv, leaving four people wounded. Additional strikes were reported across Dnipro, Mykolaiv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia and Zhytomyr. According to reports from the region, the strikes on Kyiv killed five people on 8 September after a brief pause linked to U.S. peace diplomacy efforts.
The Russian defence ministry claimed its forces had struck a Ukrainian cargo vessel carrying military equipment in the Black Sea en route to the port of Odesa, as well as a warehouse in Kyiv belonging to a company manufacturing drones, according to Russian news agencies.
What does Zelenskyy want from the West?
Zelenskyy is demanding both effective sanctions against Russia and sustained military support from Western allies. He stated that
a response is needed – Moscow must not go into the winter believing that it can get away with missile and drone terror without consequences. The aggression must be stopped here and now, before it spreads any further. He added that
the partners who can help know exactly what is needed every day, signalling that Ukraine's requirements are well understood by its supporters.
This latest escalation follows a pattern of intensified Russian attacks. Earlier in September, at least 12 people died in overnight Russian attacks as Kyiv faced strikes for the sixth consecutive day, with Russia having deployed over 2,800 drones in August alone.
Zelenskyy in Oslo for King Harald's funeral
Zelenskyy is currently in Norway attending the funeral of King Harald V, which took place on 9 September 2026. According to Ukrainian sources, Zelenskyy arrived in Oslo on 8 September and used the occasion to meet Norwegian leaders and discuss air defences and winter preparations. The Ukrainian president said he attended because Ukraine values the support of Norway's royal family and people. King Harald V, who reigned for 35 years, died on 28 August 2026 at age 89, after which his son Crown Prince Haakon automatically became king.
Germany's Merz and AfD's Weidel clash over Ukraine policy
In Berlin, Chancellor Friedrich Merz faced off against Alice Weidel, co-leader of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), during a general debate in the Bundestag on 9 September 2026. The confrontation centred on Germany's approach to Ukraine, migration and economic policy following the AfD's strong performance in the Saxony-Anhalt state election over the weekend.
Weidel told the Bundestag that the election result demonstrated
the people finally want a change in policy, arguing the ruling coalition should end. She criticised the government's record on migration, what she characterised as
war propagandaagainst Russia, and energy policy, calling for the resumption of deliveries through the Nord Stream pipeline. She told Merz:
You failed to understand the message the voters in Saxony-Anhalt sent you last Sunday. But that hardly matters, because your time is up anyway.
Merz responded by characterising Weidel as
a destructive forceand reaffirmed Germany's commitment to Ukraine. He stated that Germany
will continue to supportUkraine
because it is defending our freedom too. Addressing Weidel's framing, Merz said:
You are openly demonstrating the downright grotesque reversal of who is the victim and who is the perpetrator. His remarks were repeatedly interrupted by AfD members during the debate.
Background on German-Russian tensions
Germany's position on Russia has hardened following security incidents. German officials concluded that Russia was behind an attempted drone strike on an Antonov cargo plane at Leipzig Airport on 4 August, marking a significant escalation in tensions between Berlin and Moscow. This incident has informed Germany's continued support for Ukraine despite domestic political pressure from the AfD and other opposition voices.
Key facts
- At least two people died and multiple others injured in Russian strikes across Ukraine on 8 September 2026, with attacks reported in six cities and on border infrastructure
- Zelenskyy called for stronger international sanctions against Russia and warned that Moscow must face consequences before winter
- Zelenskyy attended King Harald V's funeral in Oslo on 9 September to discuss air defences and winter preparations with Norwegian leaders
- Chancellor Merz reaffirmed Germany's support for Ukraine during a heated Bundestag debate with AfD co-leader Weidel, who called for policy changes and resumption of Nord Stream deliveries
- Germany has attributed a drone strike on Leipzig Airport in August to Russia, hardening Berlin's stance on Moscow
