Russia exceeds planned debt limits, borrowing more than anticipated

Russia needs to accrue a greater amount of debt than initially planned.

In a series of developments, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, with both Russia and Ukraine engaging in hostile actions.

On Sunday, a ballistic missile was reportedly used in an attack on a government building in Kyiv. The missile did not fully detonate, causing damage to the multi-story building but no major casualties. However, Russian state news agency TASS claims that British "Storm Shadow" cruise missiles were used in the attack.

Meanwhile, Russian forces launched a barrage of rockets and drones overnight Sunday, marking the most significant attack on Ukraine since the beginning of the war more than three and a half years ago. The attack targeted a former factory for military surveillance systems in Donetsk, serving as a base for Russian troops, and a power transformer station in Makijivka. At least two civilians were killed and 16 injured in Ukrainian drone and missile strikes on the Russian-occupied part of the Donetsk region.

In response to these attacks, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has identified strengthening air defense as the number one goal in talks with Europe and the US. In a bid to help Ukraine bolster its air defenses, Rheinmetall plans to supply Ukraine with its new air defense system Skyranger.

The West is also considering new sanctions against Russia as part of President Donald Trump's peace negotiations strategy. Germany and France are pushing for EU sanctions against Russian oil giant Lukoil and refineries in third countries involved in Russian oil exports to the EU. Berlin and Paris are also reportedly pushing for sanctions against Russian oil exports to the EU.

The escalating conflict has also led to human rights concerns. With the increasing use of military force, the human rights situation in Ukraine has become increasingly dangerous.

Elsewhere, the Czech Republic has expelled a Belarusian diplomat due to spying allegations. A Ukrainian suspect in the Nord Stream pipeline attacks is facing extradition to Germany, while another suspect was arrested at the end of August while on vacation with his family on the Adriatic coast.

In a positive development, Ukrainian forces have reportedly liberated the village of Zarichne in the Donetsk region.

The conflict in Ukraine has led to a significant increase in military aid to the country. Europe collectively provided a record military aid of 72 billion euros to Ukraine in 2025, surpassing the United States, which contributed 65 billion euros by June 2025. This marked the first time since June 2022 that European countries led in military assistance to Ukraine.

As the conflict continues, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop and what the long-term consequences will be for both Ukraine and the wider international community.