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Was Netanyahu warned about October 7?

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Whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was directly warned prior to the October 7, 2023, attacks is a subject of intense controversy, with investigative reports alleging he was given explicit advance warning, while Netanyahu himself vehemently denies it.

A bombshell investigation published in September 2026 by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reveals that United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed personally called Netanyahu approximately 10 days before the attack. During a 45-minute call, the Emirati leader allegedly warned Netanyahu explicitly that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was planning a major operation against Israel that could destabilize the region. According to the report, Netanyahu dismissed the threat, incorrectly assessing that Hamas intended to focus its efforts on the West Bank. Following these revelations, Netanyahu strongly denied the claims, calling them an "absolute lie" and a politically motivated fabrication, and announced he is instructing his lawyers to file a libel lawsuit against Haaretz.

Key Findings and Perspectives

  • The Emirati Warning Report: The Haaretz investigation, detailed in a book by journalists Shlomi Eldar and Ruti Yuval, alleges that the UAE contacted Netanyahu directly after realizing Israeli intelligence was not reacting to initial signals. They state Netanyahu hid this warning and never updated his security chiefs.
  • Netanyahu's Libel Lawsuit: The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) released statements asserting that no such communication took place and that phone records show no contact between Netanyahu and the UAE during September 2023. Netanyahu is actively suing the publication and the reporting journalist for defamation.
  • The UAE's Stance: The UAE Foreign Ministry declined to issue an official denial to back up Netanyahu's inner circle. Officials conveyed that they will not interfere in Israeli domestic political debates or serve as a public relations wing, but noted that relevant intelligence is always passed through appropriate direct channels.
  • Domestic Political Fallout: Coming shortly before crucial Israeli parliamentary elections, opposition leaders have heavily attacked Netanyahu. Rivals such as Naftali Bennett and Gadi Eisenkot declared him "unfit" to lead, accusing him of gross negligence and deflecting historical blame onto the security establishment.

Several major international and domestic news broadcasts have covered the intense political storm surrounding what Netanyahu knew prior to the security breakdown:

Netanyahu 'Buried' Major Oct 7 Warning? UAE 'Warned' Him ... by Firstpost on YouTube

Netanyahu 'Buried' Major Oct 7 Warning? UAE 'Warned' Him ...

10K views · 9 hours ago

YouTube · Firstpost

Bombshell report reveals Netanyahu was warned days before ...

Bombshell report reveals Netanyahu was warned days before ...

18 hours ago

CNN

A new report by Israeli newspaper Haaretz claims that ... by CBS News on Facebook

A new report by Israeli newspaper Haaretz claims that ...

1.4K views · 2 hours ago

Facebook · CBS News

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Russia charges Ukraine’s former intelligence chief in absentia | Caliber.Az

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09 September 2026 16:03

Caliber.Az

Read more about the key topics in this news story.

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Russia Orchestrates School Shooting, Bombing in Ukraine by Recruiting Vulnerable Teens, Ukraine Says

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The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said it had prevented a series of planned attacks targeting schools in central and southern regions that involved minors who were allegedly recruited by Russian operatives.

The SBU and the National Police said two local school students were identified in the Kirovohrad and Odesa regions, where they were allegedly preparing attacks on their own schools.

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According to the SBU’s Thursday press release, the minors were recruited through Telegram and TikTok channels used by Russian intelligence to target young people. One such channel, identified as “ETERSSA,” was described as part of a broader effort to systematically recruit Ukrainian minors.

Authorities said recruiters used psychological manipulation, including promises of achieving “justice,” protecting relatives, or punishing alleged wrongdoing, to draw the students into criminal activity.

In the Kirovohrad region, a 15-year-old student was allegedly instructed to assemble an improvised explosive device (IED) using commonly available materials. The plan, according to the SBU, involved detonating the device inside his school during a break between classes.

The agency said he was also instructed to bring a firearm and a knife to attack survivors after the explosion.

The SBU said it intervened before the attacks and documented the suspect’s communication with his Russian handler. During a search, authorities recovered an IED, components used to build it, a firearm, and digital evidence.

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In a separate case in the Odesa region, another student was identified at the recruitment stage. Authorities said Russian operatives had planned to send him a package containing a firearm and a knife, allegedly intended for use in an attack on fellow students.

The agency said the minors were also encouraged to take their own lives afterward in what it described as Russia’s attempt to eliminate witnesses.

The 15-year-old suspect in the Kirovohrad region has been served a notice of suspicion – a legal step in Ukraine preceding formal charges – for plotting a terrorist act. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison with confiscation of property.

The SBU said the investigation is ongoing.

Kyiv Post

Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 97% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.

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Witkoff and Kushner hold Ukraine talks after meeting Putin

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US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held "encouraging" talks in Kyiv on Sunday during their first official visit to Ukraine, but made no breakthrough toward ending Russia’s war in Ukraine

Despite the renewed diplomatic push, Moscow and Kyiv remain divided over key issues, particularly territorial concessions. Kushner acknowledged the challenge, saying the US was working "behind the scenes" to create the conditions for a possible deal.

"It’s a very, very hard problem, but we’re going to try," Kushner said.

As Ukraine's airspace remains closed due to the conflict, the pair arrived in Kyiv by train from Poland, having held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow a day earlier.

Putin had declared a three-day ceasefire to ensure the envoys' safety.

Ukraine peace push? Trump envoys hold talks with Kremlin

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Zelenskyy: We will need a 'winter package'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held three rounds of talks with the US envoys, the final one joined by national security advisers from the United Kingdom, France and Germany.

After meeting with Witkoff and Kushner, Zelenskyy said the talks focused on military aid, including Patriot missile systems and other weapons Ukraine will need in the coming months. He said Kyiv was seeking "serious volumes" of US support, with backing from its European partners.

"If the war drags on until winter — and that is how things currently look — we will need a 'winter package'," he said.

The Ukrainian president also expressed gratitude that representatives of European nations were in Kyiv.

"Here we are all on the same side," he said.

What did Russia say about Moscow talks?

Momentum by US President Donald Trump to end the four-and-a-half-year-old conflict has stalled in recent months after talks with Putin at the Kremlin in January failed to produce a result.

Despite hopes of a breakthrough with the Russian leader on Saturday, there were no announcements after the meeting.

Putin's foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov described the Moscow talks as constructive, frank, and useful but didn't discuss specific outcomes.

Ushakov said the talks also focused on economic issues and potentially large Russia-US projects.

During previous talks, negotiators have struggled to bring both sides together on a range of key issues, including the future of the industrial Donbas region of eastern Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, greets U.S. President Donald Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff, second left, and Jared Kushner at the Kremlin, in Moscow, Russia, on September 5, 2026.

The US and Russia have been discussing tie-ins for months to try and end the warImage: Sputnik/Kremlin Pool/AP Photo/picture alliance

Ukraine war escalating in recent months

For Ukraine, hard security guarantees from its European allies and Washington are crucial to deterring Russia ​from further aggression.

Kyrylo Budanov, Zelenskyy's chief of staff, told the New York Times last weekend that he did not expect the fighting to end before spring 2027.

He also predicted further Russian strategic air strikes on Ukraine this winter.

The war has escalated in recent months, with Putin seeking the complete conquest of Donbas and Russian drones targeting the Ukrainian capital.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has focused its drone attacks on Russia's energy sector. It has also targeted online retailers deep inside Russia to try and bring the war home to the public.

Edited by: Darko Janjevic, Dmytro Hubenko

Don't let the algorithm hide the news. If you rely on our team for trusted reporting, please take a moment to select us as your Preferred Source on Google by clicking here and hitting the "star" or "preferred" button, so you'll always see our verified news first.

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Witkoff and Kushner, in a first, visit Ukraine for peace talks

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President Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Kyiv on Sunday for diplomatic talks aimed at resuming negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

Why it matters: Kushner and Witkoff traveled to Kyiv right after talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. This is Witkoff and Kushner's first trip to Ukraine despite months of negotiating with both sides and multiple trips to Russia.

  • Sunday also marked the highest-level visit by a U.S. official to Ukraine since Trump started his second term.

Driving the news: U.S. and Russian officials offered positive assessments of Kushner and Witkoff's three-hour meeting with Putin on Saturday.

  • "Kushner and Witkoff are making an effort, and we are making progress," a Russian official said.
  • A White House official said Witkoff, Kushner and Putin discussed "plans for next steps, which will be announced in the coming weeks."
  • Witkoff, Kushner and their team left Moscow on Saturday night, landed several hours later in Poland, and then traveled by land to Kyiv.

Zoom in: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed Ukrainian preparations for continuing the war through the winter, a source familiar with the meetings said. Kushner and Witkoff stressed they want a breakthrough before winter, the source said.

  • Zelensky later confirmed that the possibility of the war continuing through the winter was discussed.
  • "We very much hope that we will be able to reach agreements with our American partners, and we are counting on the support of our European partners if the war continues in winter — and this is how it appears at the moment," he said.
  • Witkoff and Kushner met twice with Zelensky and his senior advisers. National security advisers from the U.K., France and Germany joined a third meeting.
  • After the second meeting with Zelensky, Trump's envoys said they were "encouraged by the substantive discussion" and looked forward to making more progress.

What they're saying: A second source who participated in Sunday's talks said the meetings "went well" and that Kushner and Witkoff want to work with the parties on a "refreshed" peace proposal.

  • "Things may move in a good direction if there's a follow-up by all parties involved," the source said.

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details throughout.

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Ukraine war latest: Putin meets US envoys after ordering 72-hour pause of strikes on Kyiv

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Putin meets US envoys

Vladimir Putin has commenced a meeting with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, according to the Kremlin.

The Russian president said they have a difficult situation to address during negotiations.

US motorcade arrives at Kremlin

Donald Trump's envoys have arrived at the Kremlin, Russia, according to state media.

Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were accompanied by Kirill Dmitriev, Russia's economic cooperation chief, Tass reported.

A meeting with Vladimir Putin "may take place", the agency said.

Reuters

Analysis: Trump's peace envoys expected in Kyiv for first time - but don't expect more than handshakes

Tomorrow will be the first time Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have visited Ukraine, says Moscow correspondent Ivor Bennett.

By contrast, this weekend marks Witkoff's ninth visit to Moscow.

Bennett says he doesn't expect much in terms of substantial progress.

"I very much doubt we'll see any because on the main issue of territory, the two sides still remain miles apart."

Russia does "increasingly want" an end to the war, as Vladimir Putin feels more economic and political pressure, but there's no sign of compromise.

"Despite this sudden flurry of diplomatic activity this weekend I think we won't be seeing any more than just handshakes."

US stands by NATO members facing acts of hybrid war, says ambassador

Washington's NATO envoy says the US will stand by ‌countries dealing with actions of hybrid war.

NATO members should not tolerate it, said Matthew ​Whitaker,

Whitaker said last month's ​attempted drone attack at Germany's Leipzig/Halle ‌Airport, which Berlin has blamed on Russia, was more ​worrying than other recent incidents NATO members have faced due to Russian drones targeting Ukraine ​that strayed off course.

"If we ⁠can identify who's doing it — ​which Germany did — we
make sure ​we express strongly that is unacceptable ​and we will
not tolerate it," Whitaker ⁠said.

Critical infrastructure, including energy assets, could be targeted and should be monitored by national ⁠authorities, he added.

The response to these ​challenges is primarily national, but the United ​States supports countries when they are dealing with these acts, he ‌said.

Analysis: Trump's envoys will likely return home with nothing but air miles

By Ivor Bennett, Moscow correspondent

After months of inactivity on the peace process, suddenly some movement. But what does it mean? And will there be a breakthrough?

We're used to seeing Donald Trump's peace envoys in Moscow (this is Steve Witkoff's ninth visit to Russia) but not Kyiv, which they'll visit for the first time tomorrow.

That's significant and could reflect the changing relationship between the US president and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. 

Having previously favoured Russia's arguments, perhaps the White House is now more open to Ukraine's point of view. We'll see.

(L-R) Jared Kushner, Kiril Dmitriev and Steve Witkoff

Both sides 'feel the pressure'

I think the visits definitely reflect a growing desire on both sides for an end to the fighting. 

The war has escalated in recent months and it's come at a cost for both Moscow and Kyiv

On the Ukrainian side, Russian strikes are having an increasingly devastating effect because of a lack of interceptor missiles.

Civilian casualties are mounting, and high-profile sites are vulnerable. 

Only yesterday, a Russian drone hit the headquarters of Ukraine's security services in downtown Kyiv.

On the Russian side, the consequences are rising as a result of Ukraine's long-range drone attacks. 

Hits on oil refineries have caused fuel shortages and forced Russia to start importing petrol (practically unheard of for an energy superpower), while the targeting of sites belonging to the country’s biggest online retailers has disrupted a major logistics network and damaged the consumer economy.

So both sides are feeling the pressure, and have appeared to signal to the US in recent weeks that they want it to re-engage with the peace process.

But does that mean this time will be any different? Is a deal imminent?

Trump speaking in the White House yesterday evening

Trump optimism v territorial divide

Donald Trump sounds hopeful, but then again he always does. He claimed yesterday to have a fresh proposal to end the war.

Whatever it is, though, I’m sceptical it'll work, because the two sides remain miles apart on the key issue of territory.

Russia still wants all of the Donbas region, including land its forces are yet to occupy. 

But for Ukraine, that's a non-starter, having fought so hard to defend it.

And there's no sign of compromise - yesterday, the Kremlin described its position as "unshakeable".

So despite the flurry of diplomacy this weekend, I think it's unlikely Donald Trump's envoys will be returning home with anything other than air miles.

Watch Bennett's analysis here as well...

Ukraine 'ready' for limited ceasefire to begin as Moscow and US officials begin negotiations

US envoys have begun working with Moscow officials, says Volodymyr Zelenskyy, having himself spoken with Donald Trump's team.

He says their conversation marks the moment Ukraine is "ready to observe a ceasefire in airstrikes against the cities involved in the negotiation process". 

"From now through the end of Saturday, as well as on Sunday and Monday, Ukraine is ready to refrain from strikes on Moscow, and we expect the Russians to do the same regarding Kyiv."

Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, however, has said it would cease attacks on Kyiv for three days "starting at midnight today".

Zelenskyy said the plan for diplomatic engagements in Kyiv with US officials this weekend had been signed off.

"We are waiting for Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and are ready for a substantive conversation."

Timeline: Russia has hammered the Ukrainian capital this summer

Earlier today, a spokesperson for the Kremlin said Vladimir Putin had ordered a halt to attacks on Kyiv from midnight for 72 hours.

It comes as part of the US-led efforts to negotiate an end to the war.

Envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are in Moscow today and will travel to Kyiv tomorrow.

But this summer, Russia has relentlessly hammered the Ukrainian capital.

Facing a severe air defence shortage, Russia's ballistic missiles especially have repeatedly found their target, killing dozens.

The below timeline runs through many (but not all) of the Russian attacks on Kyiv since the beginning of May.

Trump envoys stop off for lunch on their way to Putin meeting

Ahead of meeting with the Russian president, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff stopped off for lunch in central Moscow.

State news pictured them getting something to eat on Trubnaya Street with Putin's investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev.

They are due to meet Putin himself later.

Latest from the frontlines

Much of the most impactful fighting at the moment, takes place in the air.

Ukraine has found recent success with a long-range drone campaign, while Russia has bombarded its cities with ballistic missiles.

Due to an air defence shortage, Ukraine currently finds itself unable to knock the missiles out the sky.

Among all this, fighting on the ground continues.

Russia is making grinding, but slow, gains, but has not scored a significant win in some time.

Analysis: 'No sign Russia is willing to compromise - as hopes for peace not high'

While Donald Trump may be confident that his envoys' trip to Moscow and Kyiv may prove fruitful, our Moscow correspondent Ivor Bennett is sceptical. 

Bennett said there was "no sign that the fundamental obstacles to peace" had been removed ahead of the latest round of talks.

He said these were: 

  • Territorial issues in Ukraine's occupied east,
  • And security guarantees for Ukraine's future in the event of any possible peace.

Bennett added there was no sign Russia was willing to compromise, pointing to its continued demands for the entire Donbas region - even though it hasn't conquered all of it.

He went on:

"Despite this flurry of diplomacy we're seeing in Moscow today, and we'll see in Kyiv tomorrow, I have to say that hopes are not high that it'll amount to much. But let's see what happens."

Russia says Kyiv strikes will halt at midnight - Ukraine is warning of drone attacks right now

As we reported, a Kremlin spokesperson has said Vladimir Putin has ordered that no strikes be carried out on Kyiv for 72 hours, from midnight tonight.

However, while Moscow may be trying to show it is engaging in peace efforts, Ukraine is warning of possible drone attacks right now.

After carrying out overnight attacks on Ukraine, Russian strikes appear to be continuing throughout the day.

Since 1.30pm in the UK, Ukraine's air force has repeatedly warned of Russian drones. It said they were over the following regions:

  • Dnipropetrovsk
  • Poltava
  • Vinnytsia
  • And Rivne

Want more from our experts on defence, conflicts and national security?

Tap here to register your interest for Sky News Defence Insider - launching with a free trial soon.

Putin orders no strikes on Kyiv for three days - as spokesperson confirms he'll meet Trump envoys

Vladimir Putin has ordered that no strikes are carried out on Kyiv for three days starting from midnight, his spokesperson has said.

Dmitry Peskov confirmed to state news agency TASS that the Russian leader would meet with Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff today as well.

Peskov said:

"Indeed, such information was received from the Ukrainian side. Russian president and supreme commander-in-chief Putin issued an order to hold off on strikes on Kyiv for three days, starting at midnight today. This is due to the preparation and conduct of American contacts in Kyiv."

This comes after Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine would carry out no attacks during the duration of the visit from Washington and called on Russia to do the same.

Initially, Russia appeared to ignore the request from yesterday evening, carrying out attacks overnight.

Top Russian official dubs Trump envoys 'Moscow peacemakers'

The top Vladimir Putin official who welcomed Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff at Vnukovo Airport this morning has dubbed them both "Moscow peacemakers".

Kirill Dmitriev shared images of himself shaking Kushner's hand (see our previous post for more) and a link to Reuters coverage of the meeting.

Russia frequently tries to paint itself as having close ties to the US and plays up such meetings.

The US envoys have previously visited Moscow but are yet to visit Kyiv - with their first trip planned for tomorrow.

In pictures: Putin and Trump officials meet on the tarmac in Moscow

Here are some of the latest images from Moscow.

Donald Trump's envoys, his son-in-law Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, have arrived in the Russian capital, as we reported previously.

They were greeted by Vladimir Putin's investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev and pictured shaking hands and talking.

All pics: Reuters

Analysis: 'Don't hold out hope for Trump's latest peace efforts'

Our military analyst Sean Bell has grim tidings regarding peace talks due to take place this weekend and into early next week.

He isn't holding out much hope for the US-led efforts. Speaking with presenter Samantha Washington, he said:

"I think it's far more likely that Putin will be waiting to see whether Trump is going to sell out Ukraine, and what efforts he can bring to bear to push pressure on to President Zelenskyy. I don't hold that much hope at this stage."

Watch Bell's latest analysis above.

Motorcade carrying envoys and top Putin official leaves airport

The US envoys have been loaded into a motorcade and have left the airport.

Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff were met by Vladimir Putin's investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev.

They then left the airport and are now heading towards Moscow.

Pics: Reuters

US envoys land in Moscow

Donald Trump's envoys have landed in Moscow.

Both TASS and RIA reported on the landing.

Similarly, according to Flight Radar data, a US Air Force special aircraft with tail number SAM934 landed at Vnukovo Airport this morning.

According to the tracking site, it left Miami International Airport and made a stop in Helsinki on the way over.

'Bringing with them a proposal'

Donald Trump dispatched his envoys for another visit to Moscow and their first to Kyiv, this weekend.

Previously, the US president said: "They are bringing with them a proposal to end the war."

Little detail is known about the trip.

But Volodymyr Zelenskyy said they would visit Kyiv tomorrow and Ukraine would refrain from striking Russia during the visit. Russia, meanwhile, attacked Ukraine overnight.

Previous diplomatic efforts to end the war have proven unsuccessful and made little progress.

Ukraine strikes Russian radar systems yesterday

Ukraine's military has said it launched a series of short-range strikes on Russian targets yesterday.

Among the sites hit were a radar station and targets in Bryansk, Pogar and Zlynka, its army said in a statement this morning.

An "electronic warfare system" was also among the targets hit, it added.

The attacks took place yesterday and Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine wouldn't attack during the US envoys' visit, something he reiterated this morning.

Zelenskyy accuses Russia of attacking airports to interfere with peace efforts

We've heard from Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the first time today.

The Ukrainian president said Russia hit two Ukrainian airports overnight, in Kyiv and Boryspil.

These attacks were described as "deliberate" and were the "first time in a while" that Ukraine's airports had been hit.

Zelenskyy said:

"Clearly, these Russian strikes on the airports are a reaction to the discussions and preparations for the possibility of the US side using an aircraft to travel to Ukraine and land at Kyiv Airport or Boryspil Airport."

He added that Ukraine had "taken note of this Russian move" and implied it would respond next week.

Zelenskyy also appeared to double down on Ukraine not carrying out attacks during the visit of the US envoys.

The aftermath of overnight Russian attacks

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