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Monday, September 21 Russia's war against Ukraine A Ukrainian firefighter looks at a burning warehouse following a Russian drone strike in Kyiv Oblast on Sept. 20, 2026. (Genya Savilov/ AFP via Getty Images) Putin's ruling party set to claim 'victory' in Russian parliamentary election, in results deemed predetermined. As is typical of elections in Russia, the results are widely considered by independent election monitors to be predetermined by Putin and his regime. No tanks, lone soldiers — Ukraine details new Russian assault tactics. The prevalence of drones from both sides has significantly changed assault tactics, making heavy equipment such as tanks a rare sight on the battlefield. Ukraine reveals new Operation Vivaldi gains in Donetsk Oblast. "As promised, I am reporting good news," Corps Commander Brig. Gen. Andrii Biletskyi said in a statement on Sept. 20. Zelensky, Trump to meet in New York in talks that ‘could change a lot’. President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump are planning to meet in New York, Zelensky said on Sept. 20 following a phone call between the two leaders. Read our exclusives Read more Ukraine war latest: Zelensky approves 'new long-range operations' in response to Russian strikes President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sept. 19 that he had approved new long-range operations in response to Russian attacks. Photo: Presidential Office Human costs of war Russian drone attack damages warehouses, businesses across Kyiv Oblast. Warehouse facilities caught fire and businesses and vehicles were damaged across Kyiv Oblast following a Russian drone attack on Sept. 20, regional authorities reported. Russia launched more than 2,000 drones at Ukraine over past week, Zelensky says. In addition to the drones, most of which Zelensky said were jet-powered and capable of reaching 600 kilometers per hour (nearly 370 miles per hour), Russian forces launched 1,700 air bombs and 19 missiles of various types. General Staff: Russia has lost 1,517,990 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022. The number includes 1,560 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day. Russian attacks kill at least 8, wound 30 across Ukraine, as a child injured in Sept. 19 strike dies in hospital. The Air Force reported that Russian troops launched 138 attack drones against Ukraine, of which 101 were intercepted. Why Zelensky is facing a political crisis International response Merz decries 'disaster' as far-right AfD party set for big win in regional German elections. The far-right, Kremlin-friendly Alternative for Germany (AfD) party was projected to take first place in regional elections in Germany on Sept. 20, delivering a stinging defeat for Chancellor Friedrich Merz's center-right party. You've made it this far, which means you care. Millions read the Kyiv Independent, but only one in 1,000 supports us financially. One membership might not seem like much, but to us, it makes a real difference. EXPLORE MEMBERSHIP MAKE A DONATION Meet the Kyiv Independent in London Join editor-in-chief Olga Rudenko, CEO Daryna Shevchenko, Francis Farrell, and other team members for an evening of live storytelling in London at Kings Place on Oct. 2. Get tickets This newsletter is open for sponsorship. Boost your brand's visibility by reaching thousands of engaged subscribers. Click here for more details. Today’s Ukraine Daily was brought to you by Dmytro Basmat, Lachlan Hyatt, Sonya Bandouil, Chris Powers, Asami Terajima, Chris York, Olena Zashko, and Olena Goncharova. If you’re enjoying this newsletter, consider joining our membership program. Start supporting independent journalism today. If you have a story tip and want to get in touch with our reporters, please reply to this email.