Ukraine-Russia War: Live Updates — September 2, 2026

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said a drone with an explosive found near Ukrainian cargo planes at Leipzig/Halle Airport on 4 August followed the pattern of Russian hybrid operations. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced the closure of the Russian consulate in Bonn, termination of the Russian House contract in Berlin, and tighter entry controls for Russian nationals. Moscow called the accusation absurd and said it would respond in kind.

Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, Vladimir Putin said Zelensky's airline warning amounted to a "declaration of state terrorism" and that Russia does not negotiate with terrorists. BBC reported Putin said Russia would continue intensifying attacks on Ukraine, including planned "massive" strikes on Ukrainian power stations, while claiming only about 10% of damaged Russian oil refineries still need repair.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told carriers still using Russian routes that escalating Ukrainian drone operations mean Russian skies will be "effectively closing". He said Ukraine does not target civilian aviation but that drones will be present on a scale airlines must factor in. Chinese, Turkish and Gulf carriers are among those still flying over Russia.