Over 52,000 Ukrainians, including children and people with limited mobility, were evacuated from frontline regions this summer. The government is opening new transit points and preparing 30,000 places for IDPs in 15 regions and Kyiv.
12 days before the start of the school year, Ukrainian schools received just over 4. 4 million textbooks, which is only 51% of the required amount. The worst situation is with the new supply mechanism: only 10% of books have reached students.
An American-European-Ukrainian commission has been established to develop proposals for Ukraine's security guarantees. It is headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The US is ready to provide Ukraine with security guarantees without deploying its own troops.
Eight unique books from 1830–1906, taken out during World War II, have returned to Kyiv from Germany. They have been transferred to state library collections for scholars and the public.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced the mobilization of 4. 5 million civilian militiamen. This step is a response to US threats and accusations of attempting to justify military action.
Russia has turned stolen Ukrainian grain into a profitable business. About 70 countries, including Egypt, Turkey, and Iran, are buying this wheat.
In a phone conversation, Donald Trump emphasized to Russian President Putin the necessity of a direct meeting with Zelensky. This meeting, by agreement, is to take place by the end of August. Trump believes that the Kremlin leader should be a "realist"
Legendary actress Joan Collins, who turned 92, shared a photo in a white swimsuit from her vacation in the South of France. She hinted at a possible sequel to "Murder Between Friends" and is considering her next project.
Vladimir Putin allegedly offered Donald Trump to organize a meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky in Moscow. Geneva and Hungary were previously discussed as possible meeting locations.
Donald Trump stated that Ukraine is unlikely to be able to regain Crimea and become a NATO member. He claims that Russia has always blocked Ukraine's accession to the Alliance.
Japan is considering ways to support Ukraine on security guarantees, while adhering to constitutional limitations. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasizes the importance of a swift ceasefire and a just peace.
Donald Trump stated that Russia is a much stronger state, and this war should not have been started. He also noted that most of Donbas is controlled by Russians.
Donald Trump stated that he did not call Putin in front of European leaders so as not to show disrespect to the Russian president. The White House had previously published a photo of Trump's conversation with the Kremlin leader during negotiations with Zelenskyy and European leaders.
Donald Trump considers Ukraine's full membership in NATO virtually impossible. He noted that Ukraine could receive certain security guarantees.
The former head of a police unit in Bukovyna was sentenced to 7 years in prison with confiscation of property. He was found guilty of inciting a bribe and seizing 40 thousand euros.
On the night of August 19, Ukrainian long-range SBU drones hit two Russian ammunition depots in Bilokurakyne, Luhansk region. This weakened the supply of ammunition to the front, particularly in the Pokrovsk direction.
On August 19, Ukraine celebrates Beekeeper's Day. On the occasion of the holiday, UNN has prepared a selection of dishes and drinks with honey.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer commented on the results of the meeting between European leaders and the presidents of the USA and Ukraine. He noted progress on security guarantees and the preparation of a bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy.
On August 19, the world celebrates World Humanitarian Day. In Ukraine, 12.7 million people need humanitarian aid, which is almost 36% of the country's population.
President Zelenskyy calls on the US and EU for active support in countering Russian aggression, emphasizing daily attacks and the deaths of civilians, including a child. He states the necessity of stopping the war and Russia with the help of partners.
Donald Trump stated that today's meeting does not guarantee a deal. He emphasized that the process is still far from over.
EU countries will discuss the results of the meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump in Washington. The President of the European Council, António Costa, convened a video conference for August 19.
The UK will support a peace deal with Ukraine, even without a prior ceasefire. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the agreement must ensure lasting peace and security for Ukrainians.
The Ukrainian government is considering a resolution that would allow men under the age of 22 to travel abroad. The decision may be made by the end of the current week.
US Vice President J. D. Vance will participate in negotiations between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Earlier, Vance assured Zelenskyy that Washington would not impose a peace agreement with Russia on Ukraine.
Ukraine is preparing measures to restore the cultural sphere, which has suffered billions of dollars in damage and lost thousands of objects. International aid, the "Great Restoration" program, and grants for creative industries are planned to be involved.
Ukraine plans to complete screening for all clusters and prepare a national program for implementing EU legislation by the end of the year. Some clusters are already ready for opening, but the final decision depends on the vote of the 27 EU member states.
Today, August 18, marks International Pinot Noir Day and "Never Give Up" Day. Also celebrated are Birth Control Pill Day, Bad Poetry Day, and the Day of Remembrance of Martyrs Florus and Laurus.
Russian military attacked Bilozerka with a drone around 4:30 PM. A 32-year-old man sustained a mine-blast injury and is undergoing examination.
Donald Trump reposted on social media a post stating that Ukraine should be ready to lose part of its territory to Russia. Otherwise, the longer the war lasts, the more land will be lost.
