Zelenskyy meets Slovakia's Fico while Ukraine hits Russian refinery - Friday brief

Zelenskyy and Fico meet in Uzhhorod

On September 5, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico held a meeting in Uzhhorod.

The Slovak delegation included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Denisa Saková, as well as Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanár. Zelenskyy was accompanied by Ukraine's Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko.

According to the Ukrainian President, the talks were substantive.

He also said after the meeting that Slovakia supports Ukraine on its path toward joining the European Union and that Bratislava is ready to share its experience with Kyiv.

Ukraine's Defense Forces strike the Ryazan oil refinery

In the early hours of September 5, Ukrainian forces attacked the Ryazan oil refinery and several other targets deep inside Russia. The General Staff confirmed that the strategic facility was hit.

Preliminary reports indicate that the strike damaged the ELOU-AVT-6 crude distillation unit, which has an estimated capacity of 6 million tons of oil per year. The plant plays a role in supplying the Russian occupation army.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's Special Operations Forces hit two divisions of Russia's S-400 Triumph air defense systems in the Kaluga region. Initial reports suggest successful strikes on a command-and-control vehicle and headquarters.

In addition, Ukraine's Security Service successfully targeted a warehouse storing engineering munitions and drones near the temporarily occupied city of Luhansk. The strike triggered secondary explosions and a subsequent fire at the site.

Starmer replaces UK foreign secretary: who takes over from Lammy

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reshuffled his cabinet, replacing the country's foreign secretary.

David Lammy has been moved to the role of Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice in Starmer's government. He will also serve as deputy prime minister.

Yvette Cooper will take over from Lammy as Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs.

Poland drafts new law to cover Starlink costs for Ukraine

The Polish government has prepared and submitted to parliament a new bill that would allow the country to pay for Starlink satellite internet services for Ukraine.

Deputy Interior Minister Maciej Duszczyk expressed hope that the Sejm would consider the bill during its next four-day session, after which it could be sent to the Senate and then to the president for signature.

He also noted that the draft law includes provisions on social benefits for Ukrainian refugees, as well as a system for verifying their place of residence.

Media uncovers plan to create buffer zone in Ukraine with Bangladeshi troops and others

According to NBC News, a potential peace agreement in Ukraine could involve creating a large demilitarized buffer zone monitored by international observers and guarded by troops from non-NATO countries, including Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia.

The zone would serve as a vast demilitarized area, with its boundaries yet to be determined. It would separate Russian and Ukrainian positions inside Ukraine and act as a safeguard against renewed aggression.

Sources familiar with the plan said Washington could take the lead in monitoring the zone thanks to its technological capabilities, using drones, satellites, and other surveillance tools.

Read more about the plan in RBC-Ukraine's coverage.