Cease-fire for US envoys as civilian attacks surge and drones dominate the war
Russia and Ukraine halted strikes on each other's capitals for a US delegation visit, while attacks on civilian infrastructure have sharply increased and drones now account for most combat.
The weekend brought a temporary cease-fire on the capitals of Russia and Ukraine to accommodate a US delegation headed by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, marking their first trip to Kyiv since the war began and an effort to revive negotiations stalled since February. The pause follows a ten-day Russian air campaign that killed at least 53 people in Kyiv. ACLED reports indicate Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure climbed from 1,635 incidents in 2022 (just over 5%) to 7,170 by August 2026 (more than 13% of all strikes), while Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilian sites rose from 24 in 2022 to 3,560, representing 27% of its operations.
Energy facilities and residential buildings are the most common targets on both sides. Drones now dominate the conflict, and Russia is slated to launch 840 ballistic missiles this year, including the longer-range Iskander-1000, leading Ukraine to seek additional Patriot and IRIS-T interceptors as interception rates have fallen. Western support has supplied billions of euros for drones and air-defence systems, with the EU and UK pledging substantial procurement packages.
Why it matters
The surge in civilian targeting and reliance on drones heightens humanitarian risk and underscores the need for renewed diplomatic efforts.
How this story developed
- Aug 14 Russia claims strikes on Ukrainian rail hub and vessels as drones hit Russian ports
- Sep 7 Russia announced a new modular “Web” shield to protect energy facilities from drone strikes.
- Sep 8 Russian air strikes resume on Kyiv after three‑day pause.
- Sep 8 Local residents posted video showing explosions and flames at the Saratov facility after the overnight drone attack. The governor, Roman Busargin, said civilian infrastructure was hit and mentioned early casualty reports, though details were sparse. Independent analysis confirmed the refinery was the target, and the plant is a key producer of gasoline, diesel and other fuels for the Russian military. This incident follows several earlier strikes on the same refinery that have disrupted its output.
- Sep 8 The three‑day pause on attacks ended and Russian strikes on Kyiv resumed.
- Sep 8 Zelensky said the UN General Assembly could serve as a venue for renewed negotiations and referenced a “winter package” of proposals.
- Sep 8 Russian drones attacked the Starokozache crossing in Odesa, killing two civilians and injuring three, while a separate strike set fire to a building in Kyiv.
- Sep 8 Russian units have resumed operations and now hold territory around Dobropillja.
- Sep 8 President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin held a one‑hour phone conversation discussing steps to end the Ukraine conflict.
- Sep 8 Casualty toll rises to as many as three dead and sixteen injured.
- Sep 8 The leaders affirmed continuation of prisoner‑exchange talks and agreed to keep a direct phone line open.
- Sep 9 NATO fighters intercepted a Russian drone over Romanian airspace.
- Sep 9 Ukrainian drones also struck the Russian Black Sea naval base in Novorossisk.
- Sep 9 Putin said capture of the entire eastern Donbass is only a matter of time.
In this story
Related stories
48 in this thread