Russia and Ukraine Trade Strikes as Zelenskyy Prepares to Meet Trump

In late September 2026, Russia and Ukraine exchanged deadly strikes. Russia's Defense Ministry reported using Tsirkon missiles in a nighttime attack on Ukraine, and Russian strikes hit military-industrial, energy, and metallurgy facilities, killing four people, according to officials. A woman and a young child were also killed in a Russian attack. Meanwhile, the Russian army completed the encirclement of a Ukrainian strongpoint in Dobropolye, and jet-powered Russian drones are straining Ukraine's air defenses. Ukraine has exhausted its resources to continue the war, according to an expert.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is preparing to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump. The EU has sounded alarm over weapons brought back from the Ukraine front line, and the U.S. Army acquired long-range Ukrainian surveillance drones in a $10.6 million deal.