Vadim Khlyudzinsky
A large-scale fire broke out at the "Galaktika" shopping center in temporarily occupied Donetsk on the evening of August 15. The fire occurred after a drone attack.
On the evening of August 15, a Russian drone struck the grounds of a farm in Hrizne, Zaporizhzhia district. Hangars containing machinery were damaged, a fire broke out, and a 61-year-old man was injured.
According to the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, Russia produces about 3,000 "Geran-4/5" jet-powered drones each month, surpassing the production of "Geran-2" drones. Since the beginning of June, the occupiers have launched 1,400 such UAVs, compared with 180 during all of 2025.
The Kremlin has changed its propaganda tactics and is now questioning the legality of sanctions against the Russian Federation. The CPD emphasizes that the sanctions are a consequence of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
On August 14, Russian forces lost 1,370 personnel and 1,835 drones. Russia's total losses since the beginning of the war have reached 1,465,810 personnel.
US President Donald Trump said that after the defeat of Iran is complete, he will "very soon" announce that the Strait of Hormuz is US territory. He stressed that the US has established a blockade, and that "no ship will pass without permission."
Russia rejects all proposals for a ceasefire, insisting on the terms of Ukraine's complete capitulation. ISW notes that the Kremlin uses pro-war rhetoric to consolidate society ahead of the State Duma elections.
On Saturday, August 15, partly cloudy skies are expected across most of Ukraine. According to forecasters, precipitation is generally not expected.
During the night of August 15, Russian drones attacked Marhanets, hitting a high-rise building. A three-month-old boy was killed, and 11 people were injured, including two children.
On Saturday night, missile strikes occurred in Samara, likely targeting the aerospace industry. The TsSKB-Progress facility may have been hit, and Aviakor may also have been affected.
Ombudsman Lubinets reported that the driver did not have a deferment and was subject to mobilization. The evacuation of the families was continued by another driver, and an internal investigation is underway.
The Czech Republic has increased financial support for businesses cooperating with Ukraine and is preparing a mission of companies to restore infrastructure. Deputy Prime Minister Havlíček confirmed a visit to Ukraine in the autumn.
The International Register of Damage for Ukraine has begun accepting claims in new categories concerning state humanitarian expenses and the demining of territories. Kyrylo Budanov stressed that Russia must compensate for every hryvnia spent on overcoming the consequences of the aggression.
On the night of August 15, Russian forces attacked Zaporizhzhia with drones. The enemy hit a shopping mall and an industrial enterprise, and a fire broke out.
In the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, a forest fire in the Hürtgen Forest has spread across more than 200 hectares and could grow to 300. More than 2,000 people have been evacuated because of the fire; firefighting is being complicated by isolated hotspots and wind.
The President of Ukraine said that the Sloviansk and Kostiantynivka directions are being reinforced to exhaust Russian forces. He predicts that in August, the Russian army will lose more than 30,000 servicemen.
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said that Moscow does not plan to stop hostilities along the front line and plans to intensify strikes on facilities that ensure the functioning of Ukraine's war machine. The Center for Countering Disinformation emphasizes that the Kremlin is using militaristic rhetoric and is ready to send people to their deaths.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Great Britain as the "Islamic Republic of Britain" and the "first Islamic state with nuclear weapons. " The comments came in the context of support for Israel in the West.
Ukraine handed the Trump administration a document stating that Russia's advance has slowed to 100 sq. km per month. Kyiv believes that Moscow will not achieve its goals in Donetsk region by force by 2027.
Ukrainian high jumper Oleh Doroshchuk won a silver medal at the 2026 European Championships with a result of 2. 30 m. This is his second consecutive medal at the European Championships.
Russian forces have left the territory of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. The Committee of Russian Officers holds the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces responsible for the transfer of reserves to the Donetsk People's Republic.
In the Polish city of Poznań, police detained two women who attacked Ukrainians near a café because they were speaking Ukrainian. The Minister of the Interior announced zero tolerance for aggression.
The Russian army installed electronic warfare systems on Iranian Shahed-136 drones to counter FPV video channels. Expert Serhii Beskrestnov presented the first evidence, including 5.8 GHz antennas.
The National Bank of Ukraine set the official exchange rate of the dollar for Friday, August 14, at UAH 44. 70, which is one kopeck lower than the previous day. The euro exchange rate also fell to UAH 51.55.
On August 13, Russian forces lost 1,470 military personnel and 1,676 drones. Russia's total losses since the beginning of the war have reached 1,464,440 personnel.
In July, Russia's federal budget deficit amounted to 724 billion rubles, and over seven months it reached 6. 5 trillion rubles. War spending is rising despite the economic slowdown.
German diplomat Boris Ruge took up his duties in Kyiv and presented copies of his credentials to the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. He stated that Germany would stand by Ukraine.
On Friday, August 14, mostly clear weather without precipitation is expected in Ukraine. It will be warmest in the south, with temperatures reaching 29°C.
Two vessels belonging to Abu Dhabi's national oil company were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz; there were no casualties. The UAE accused Iran of piracy, which threatens regional stability.
Orthodox Christians begin the Dormition Fast and celebrate the Honey Feast of the Savior (Makovei). Around the world, people celebrate Bruschetta Day, Lizard Day, and Pakistan's Independence Day.