Doomsday Clock Ticks Closer as NATO Warns Putin Grows More Risk-Accepting in Ukraine War
As the doomsday clock ticks closer, NATO's deputy commander in Europe warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin is becoming increasingly cavalier, dangerous and risk-accepting as the war in Ukraine continues, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope that Donald Trump will help end the conflict before winter.
NATO Assessment of Putin's Risk Profile
Air Chief Marshal Sir John Stringer stated that Putin is seeking to divide Western allies as the war drags on. Russian President Vladimir Putin is becoming "increasingly cavalier, dangerous and risk accepting," as his war in Ukraine drags on and as he seeks to divide Western allies, NATO's deputy commander in Europe said Tuesday. Air Chief Marshal Sir John Stringer spoke to The... Senior NATO Commander Warns Putin Is Becoming More Cavalier and Open to Risk as Ukraine war Drags on. The assessment highlights how the prolonged conflict has altered Putin's approach, with the NATO official noting an increased openness to risk that could further strain alliances. This view from the senior commander underscores concerns over sustained operations and efforts to fracture support among Western partners. The statement from Air Chief Marshal Sir John Stringer emphasizes the ongoing nature of the Ukraine war as a factor in shifting Russian leadership calculations. [1]
Zelenskyy-Trump Discussions on Ending the War
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hopes Donald Trump will help end Russia’s war before winter. — Source: ukrainskapravda
Zelenskyy told Trump at the start of their talks in New York on 22 September that ending Russia's war before winter is very important. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Donald Trump. Photo: screenshot At the start of talks with Donald Trump in New York on 22 September, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope that the US president will help end the war in Ukraine before winter. Source: a live broadcast of the start of talks between Zelenskyy and Trump Quote from Zelenskyy: "I hope we will end this war, and President Trump will help us to end this war [Russia's war against Ukraine – ed.]. And I think that we need to do this as quickly as possible, before winter – better before winter, that's very important." Earlier, in response to a social media post in which Trump said that Russia has lost control of its oil refining industry and urged Russia to end its "never-ending War" against Ukraine, Zelenskyy said Ukraine is willing to work towards the de-escalation of the war and will be discussing diplomatic proposals with its partners. The direct appeal from Zelenskyy focused on the urgency of reaching an end to the fighting ahead of seasonal changes. This exchange occurred at the outset of the New York meeting, where the Ukrainian leader stressed the need for swift action with assistance from the US side. The willingness to pursue de-escalation was reiterated in connection with ongoing diplomatic discussions among partners. [2]
Trump's Public Call for Russia to Settle the Conflict
Trump called on Putin to "Settle the war!" in a comment to the press at the UN General Assembly. On 22 September, in a brief comment to the press after arriving at the UN General Assembly in New York, Trump called on Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin to end Russia's war against Ukraine. Trump stopped to speak to journalists as he arrived for the session and was asked what message he had for Putin. "Settle the war!" he replied. The remark came as Trump arrived for the UN session and responded directly to questions about his message for the Russian leader. This public urging aligned with prior comments from Trump regarding the need to conclude the conflict. [2]
Russian Personnel Losses in Ukraine
NATO deputy commander warns Putin is becoming more risk-accepting in Ukraine war. — Source: scmp
Former mayor of Russia's Belgorod, Konstantin Polezhayev, who had been sentenced to prison for bribery, was killed in action in the war against Ukraine after signing a contract with the Russian Defence Ministry. Konstantin Polezhayev. Photo: mirbelogorya.ru Russian media have reported that Konstantin Polezhayev, former mayor of the Russian city of Belgorod and former head of the regional housing and utilities department, has been killed in action in the war against Ukraine. Source: Belgorod-based media outlet Fonar, citing Polezhayev's relatives; Latvia-based Russian news outlet Meduza Details: Polezhayev's relatives told Fonar that the former mayor had been killed in action. The outlet provided no further details. Polezhayev served as mayor of Belgorod from 2015 to 2019. He subsequently became deputy governor of Belgorod Oblast responsible for housing and utilities. Among other things, Polezhayev was responsible for the reconstruction of Shebekino and Novaya Tavolzhanka following attacks. However, he was dismissed in the summer of 2023 over the poor quality of the reconstruction work in these settlements. Soon afterwards, the former deputy governor was detained on suspicion of accepting bribes in the form of cars worth 17 million roubles (over US$200,000). In August 2024, a court sentenced Polezhayev to five years in a high-security penal colony. Meduza reported that while serving his sentence, Polezhayev signed a contract with the Russian Defence Ministry and allegedly went to fight against Ukraine. However, some media outlets reported that the former official did not actually go to the front but was listed as a member of the BARS mobilisation reserve unit and only nominally "served" there. The case illustrates how individuals with prior convictions have been drawn into the conflict through contractual arrangements with the defence ministry. Reports from relatives confirmed the death in action to local outlets. [4]
Humanitarian Situation Overview
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs issued a humanitarian response and funding snapshot for Ukraine covering August 2026. Ukraine: Humanitarian Response and Funding Snapshot (August 2026) [EN/UK]. Country: Ukraine Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Please refer to the attached files. The snapshot provides an overview of response efforts and funding status for the period. This release from the UN body offers context on the scale of ongoing humanitarian requirements in the country. [5]
Broader International Context
The backdrop of multiple global conflicts mentioned during Trump's UN address, including Ukraine. US President Donald Trump addressed the global community on Tuesday morning with a speech that sought to justify his war with Iran, touted how he has “made peace” and argued that his “make America great again” policies benefit the world. His speech before the UN General Assembly came as the world grapples with years of conflict in Ukraine, Iran, Gaza, Sudan, Yemen and Lebanon, with no relief in sight. “I can report to you with pride that America is back, and our country is stronger today than ever before,” he said. “Our country is doing better than ever before, and our future is very, very bright.” In a speech that seemed at times more suited to a US campaign stop than the global community, he touted his record on cutting crime, encouraging US innovation, ending illegal immigration and enacting US tax cuts, selling them as wins for the global community. The address placed the Ukraine situation among other protracted conflicts worldwide. [3]
What to watch next: The humanitarian response and funding snapshot from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for August 2026 will continue to inform needs, while diplomatic efforts involving Zelenskyy and Trump remain focused on de-escalation before winter.
