KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin assured U.S. President Donald Trump in a phone call on September 8, 2026, that Moscow does not harbor aggressive intentions toward Europe, according to a senior Kremlin official. This assurance follows accusations from European officials blaming Moscow for sabotage campaigns on their territory.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that U.S. envoys who visited Kyiv presented some "very good, worthwhile ideas" for resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia, expressing hope to meet with Trump within two weeks.
Despite this, the Kremlin remains focused on achieving its military objectives, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov asserting that Russia believes it is close to victory. However, Ukrainian and Western observers contend that Moscow has made little significant progress on the front lines.
U.S. Undersecretary of Defense Elbridge Colby indicated that the conflict could continue for years as Russia rebuilds its military capabilities. He emphasized the need for preparedness for a prolonged conflict and ongoing support for Ukraine.
U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff held separate discussions with Putin and Zelenskyy over the weekend, but no substantial breakthroughs were reported. Following a temporary truce, both nations resumed airstrikes, resulting in casualties in Kyiv and surrounding areas.
Yuri Ushakov, Putin's foreign affairs adviser, described the conversation with Trump as "constructive and quite frank," emphasizing that Russia has no aggressive plans toward European countries. This statement contradicts European claims regarding recent incidents, including an attempted drone attack in Germany.
Zelenskyy mentioned he expects to meet Trump around September 20, coinciding with the U.N. General Assembly in New York, where he plans to request additional Patriot air defense systems to counter Russian missile threats. Ukraine's Defense Ministry reported a need for 300 Patriot missiles, 500 air-to-air interceptors, and $2 billion for drones.
On the same day, the European Commission approved a loan of 3.2 billion euros ($3.7 billion) for Ukraine to procure components for Patriot air defense systems. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to U.S. officials for their efforts to revive negotiations with Russia, which have stalled since early this year.
He acknowledged the potential for compromise on grain exports and energy issues, as both countries have targeted each other's shipping capabilities in the Black Sea. The conflict has also seen attacks on oil facilities and power grids as winter approaches.
Peskov expressed confidence in Russia's military capabilities and reiterated the desire for a peaceful resolution, while Putin has sought to present Russia as negotiating from a position of strength. However, European officials and analysts argue that Russia's military progress has been limited along the extensive front line in eastern Ukraine.
The Institute for the Study of War estimated that Russian forces may not capture the Donetsk region until 2032 at their current rate of advance. As both sides continue to engage in aerial attacks, Ukrainian officials reported significant damage to infrastructure in Kyiv during recent strikes.
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed responsibility for a large-scale attack targeting Ukrainian military facilities, while a drone incident was reported in Romania, which later crashed in Moldova, causing no injuries.
Associated Press journalists Vasilisa Stepanenko in Kyiv, Stephen McGrath in Leamington Spa, England, and Lorne Cook in Brussels contributed to this report.