Tuesday 8 September 2026 07:30 UTC
Kyiv Strikes, Iran Oil Pressure and Record Copper Prices
In the 24 hours ending 8 September at 07:30 UTC, Russia and Ukraine launched major overnight attacks.
Russian missiles and drones caused heavy damage in Kyiv and nearby Bila Tserkva. At least two people died. Russia reportedly fired about two dozen ballistic missiles and over 30 cruise missiles. Ukrainian forces shot down several missiles.
Ukraine also launched hundreds of drones and missiles into western Russia. A strike caused fires at the Saratov oil refinery, the region’s largest.
Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s president, discussed winter support with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, US envoys. Talks covered air defence, energy aid and efforts to restart diplomacy. Zelensky believes Donald Trump, the US president, can push Vladimir Putin, Russia’s president, toward negotiations.
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The US blockade further reduced Iran’s oil exports and overseas crude reserves. Crude stored outside the Gulf fell from 90 million to 29 million barrels. Shipments to China also slowed. Oil income provides about one-third of Iran’s state budget.
The United States completed a four-month operation to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz. An estimate placed about 80 mines in important shipping routes. Shipping companies believed the southern route near Oman was probably clear.
German police found rocket launch ramps aimed at power lines serving Weisweiler power station. Investigators also found nine homemade explosives near power lines south of Graustein. The discoveries followed another reported rocket attack against a German power station.
Sweden approved a purchase of American HIMARS missile systems worth about $729 million. The exact size and contents of the final order remain undisclosed.
Copper reached a record $14,533 a ton, after rising 17% over one year. Strong demand came from data centres, renewable energy projects and electricity networks. Possible US tariffs and limited mine supplies also pushed prices higher.
Donald Trump called for a ban on Bombardier aircraft sales in the United States. He accused Canada of unfairly blocking American companies during the countries’ trade dispute.
Jaguar Land Rover confirmed plans to cut 4,000 jobs over the next two years.
Jakub Pachocki, OpenAI’s chief scientist, urged extreme caution as artificial intelligence advances. He warned that models may soon improve themselves without human help. He expects developers to slow work until they agree on shared safety rules.