Evening digest: negotiations on Ukraine, the AfD's breakthrough in Germany, and a new escalation surrounding Iran

Monday, 7 September 2026, 21:44 The day's main events for Ukraine centered on the United States' diplomatic attempt to restart talks between Kyiv and Moscow. Meanwhile, Europe is assessing the consequences of the AfD's historic victory in Saxony-Anhalt, Russia is deepening its ties with North Korea, and the confrontation between the United States and Iran is already affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and global oil prices. Russia's war against Ukraine: Moscow leaves the door open to a new round of talks On September 7, the Kremlin said it did not rule out resuming talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stressed, however, that it was still too early to discuss specific dates or a venue for the meeting. He also allowed for the possibility of a phone call between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. The statement came after U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner traveled to Moscow and Kyiv. After meetings in both capitals, they spoke of fresh momentum and hopes for a swift resumption of Ukrainian-Russian talks. In Moscow, the U.S. delegation had spoken with Putin for more than three hours, but there were no signs of a breakthrough after the Kremlin meeting. Why it matters. The negotiating channel has not closed after the first round of U.S. shuttle diplomacy. But there is still no agreed date for a new meeting, no confirmed ceasefire, and no indication that Moscow has changed its key demands. The current stage is therefore better viewed as an attempt to restart diplomacy rather than as an already achieved breakthrough toward peace. Ukrainian politics: the agenda is shaped by the terms of a possible deal Domestic Ukrainian politics on this day was largely focused on the question of negotiations. For Kyiv, the parameters of a potential agreement and security guarantees capable of preventing a repeat of Russian aggression remain crucial. The fact that the U.S. representatives traveled to Kyiv after Moscow shows Washington's attempt to coordinate next steps with both sides. Reuters reported that after talks in Kyiv, Witkoff and Kushner spoke of the possibility of a new round of contacts in the near future. Germany: AfD's historic victory challenges Merz's government In Germany, the political consequences of the election in Saxony-Anhalt remain the main story, with the far-right Alternative for Germany receiving nearly 44% of the vote and winning 39 of the 83 seats in the state parliament. Reuters called the result a historic breakthrough for the AfD and a serious blow to Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Merz rejected cooperation between the CDU and AfD, but the party is now seeking a path to forming the first state government under its leadership. The position of the small left-wing BSW party became a particular point of intrigue, as it could potentially influence the formation of a majority. In France, the election result has already been described as a warning sign for Europe. Why it matters for Ukraine. The AfD opposes the current policy of supporting Ukraine and takes a significantly softer position toward Russia than Germany's political mainstream. Its continued growth will increase pressure on the federal government over aid to Kyiv. Russia and North Korea open their first road bridge Russia and North Korea opened the first road bridge between the two countries across the Tumen River. The two-lane bridge, approximately one kilometer long, is initially intended to handle freight traffic, while passenger traffic is planned to begin by the end of the year. Why it matters. The project is not only an infrastructure undertaking but also a political symbol of the increasingly close alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang. Against the backdrop of North Korea's military cooperation with Russia, the new transport corridor will facilitate further economic and material ties. United States and Iran: escalation is already hitting the oil market Iran warned the United States that American energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf could become a target in response to new attacks. Tehran also said it intended to announce a new restricted zone in the Persian Gulf. The confrontation is already affecting global trade: the number of cargo vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz fell to its lowest level since May. On average, only around ten cargo vessels a day passed through the strait over a ten-day period. Against this backdrop, oil prices climbed to six-week highs, while the United Arab Emirates are accelerating the development of alternative routes for energy exports and trade. Why it matters for Ukraine. A prolonged rise in oil prices could support Russia's export revenues while creating additional inflationary pressure on Ukraine's allies. The development of the conflict around Iran therefore has a direct economic connection to the resources available to Russia for waging war. Lebanon: Israeli strikes kill at least 12 people In southern Lebanon, Israeli strikes on the town of Kfar Roummane killed at least 12 people, including two children. One strike hit a residential building, while another killed a medic. Israel said the targets were people involved in moving weapons. Why it matters. The escalation is occurring in parallel with the confrontation between the United States and Iran. This raises the risk that separate conflicts in the Middle East could once again merge into a broader regional crisis. United States: midterm elections enter the final phase In the United States, the decisive part of the campaign ahead of the November 3 midterm elections begins after Labor Day. Reuters points to serious risks for Donald Trump's Republican Party, including the president's low approval rating and stronger Democratic voter mobilization. Why it matters for Ukraine. The election results will determine the balance of power in Congress during the second half of Trump's presidential term. A change in control of either chamber could affect budget decisions, foreign policy, and the administration's ability to pursue its course on Ukraine. What matters most this evening For Ukraine, the key signal on September 7 is that the U.S. attempt to restart the negotiating process after Witkoff and Kushner's visits did not end in failure: Moscow is publicly open to a new round of talks. But it is too early to speak of an imminent peace deal. The second major factor – the Middle East. The conflict between the United States and Iran is already affecting the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices, and energy security. At the same time, the AfD's growing strength in Germany shows that Ukraine's military and political environment in Europe are both changing. Sources • Reuters: Kremlin leaves the door open to resuming talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the United States • Reuters: U.S. envoys visit Kyiv after Moscow • Reuters: Putin meets with Witkoff and Kushner • Reuters: consequences of the AfD victory in Saxony-Anhalt • Reuters: Russia and North Korea open a road bridge • Reuters: Iran threatens U.S. energy infrastructure • Reuters: traffic through the Strait of Hormuz declines • Reuters: oil reaches a six-week high • Reuters: strikes hit southern Lebanon • Reuters: final phase of the U.S. midterm election campaign