Oleksandra Vasylenko
On August 8, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will make his first official visit to Serbia, where he will meet with President Aleksandar Vučić. The main topics will be European integration, the economy and energy, as well as a free trade agreement.
Russian drones attacked the Liberian-flagged cargo ship EMIL, which is linked to a German company. The crew of 11 sailors was evacuated; there were no casualties.
Melinda Haring suggested four candidates to Zelenskyy for the position of ambassador to the United States after Stefanishyna’s dismissal. They include Unguryan, Husovskyi, Klympush-Tsintsadze, and Stavnitser.
The Cabinet of Ministers has instructed the State Tax Service to provide the Ministry of Defense with data on Ukrainian citizens aged 18 to 60 to update the "Oberih" register. The transfer of data does not mean an automatic fine or mobilization.
At Germany’s Leipzig/Halle Airport, a drone with an explosive device was found near an aircraft operated by a Ukrainian airline that was transporting military ammunition. Authorities are investigating the incident as possible sabotage, not ruling out the involvement of foreign forces.
Activists opposed the installation of a district heating network through a park zone in Teremky. The police stated that the work was being carried out legally and are maintaining public order.
As a result of a nighttime missile attack, the backup warehouse of BOOKCHEF publishing house was destroyed, and over 100,000 books burned. The publishing house is reviewing preorder deadlines and calling on readers for support.
The FBI has established partnerships with law enforcement agencies in China and Russia to combat cyber fraud, fentanyl, and other crimes. Joint operations have already yielded results, but are raising concerns due to risks to U.S. security.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed with his Finnish counterpart Alexander Stubb possible assistance to strengthen protection against Russian ballistic missiles. The parties also considered diplomatic efforts to end the war.
Due to Russian shelling on August 5, approximately 126,000 households in Dnipropetrovsk region were without electricity. Energy workers began emergency restoration work, but the exact completion time is unknown.
In August, Ukrainians choose the Carpathians, Zakarpattia, and the Shatsk Lakes, as well as campsites. An expert advises calculating the total cost of the trip and choosing less popular dates.
Former Deputy Prime Minister and ex-Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States Olha Stefanishyna was notified of a new suspicion; HACC is considering a motion for a preventive measure. Investigators are examining possible illicit enrichment and the acquisition of real estate, including a house worth $550,000.
Seven children aged between 10 and 17 were returned to territory under Ukraine’s control from the occupied part of Kherson region. Since the beginning of 2026, 124 children have been returned.
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk signed an order allowing journalists to personally attend open meetings of committees and commissions. Accreditation and a one-time pass are required for access, and the number of media representatives is limited.
Starting August 5, the EU changes conditions for temporary protection for Ukrainians: men of conscription age must confirm fulfillment of military duty through the "Reserve+" app. The decision does not apply to those who already hold valid status in Czechia.
The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the death of volunteer Marek Rusek-Wolski, who was delivering aid to civilians in frontline territories. The tragedy occurred on July 27 in Kharkiv due to a Russian shelling.
The draft law enshrines the right of employees to ignore work-related communications outside working hours. Failure to respond will not be grounds for dismissal or deprivation of bonuses.
State Border Guard Service spokesperson Andrii Demchenko reported that the enemy plans an incursion into Chernihiv region to distract the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Currently, there are no active actions by Russians near the border, but fortification of positions is ongoing.
In Kyiv, a farewell ceremony was held for 20-year-old Vitalina Yarovenko, who died during a missile strike while saving people. She was buried at the Berkovetske Cemetery near the Alley of Heroes.
The Cabinet of Ministers appointed Mykola Shvydkyi as Deputy Minister of Defense. His main task will be to strengthen the interaction of the Ministry of Defense with the military.
Head of the OP Kyrylo Budanov stated that the main tasks of diplomacy are to attract weapons and air defense systems. He also emphasized the transition to joint defense production.
The State Border Guard Service and the State Tax Service have signed an agreement on automated electronic information exchange. The new mechanism will allow tax officials to track Ukrainians' trips abroad to combat tax evasion.
Advisor Podolyak stated Kyiv's readiness for various ceasefire formats, including in the air and energy. The US supports these proposals to move toward negotiations.
President Zelenskyy, at a meeting of diplomats on July 3, emphasized the need to strengthen international support through media. He also called on diplomats to better know the languages and culture of the host countries.
President Zelenskyy stated that the US and China have leverage to force Russia to change its position. Ukraine is ready for all meaningful negotiation formats, but Putin does not demonstrate readiness for peace.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the effectiveness of ambassadors will be measured by the amount of weapons, finances, and political decisions attracted. He emphasized the need to revise the KPIs of embassies for these tasks.
The "Diia" app has announced three new services for applying for state child benefits online. Pregnant women, mothers of children under one year old, and working parents of children aged one to three are invited to participate in beta testing.
In July 2026, the business activity expectations index stood at 50. 1 points. Optimism is supported by international aid and consumer demand.
Ukrainian drones attacked 13 energy infrastructure facilities in occupied territories. Since the start of the "Crimean switch off" operation, 177 targets have been hit.
On August 3, hot weather will persist in Ukraine, with temperatures up to 38 degrees in the southern regions. In the west and north, short-term rains with thunderstorms will occur in places during the day.