The Kremlin considers a meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy unlikely, fearing reputational consequences. Russian officials refuse the meeting, balancing between the domestic audience and sanctions.
The city of Petrov Val in Russia's Volgograd region suffered a massive drone attack on the night of August 23. A fire broke out near the railway station, and windows were blown out in residential buildings.
Oleksiy Khabarov, international master of sports, died in the war. He was the founder of the shooting club "Phoenix" and a multiple record holder of Ukraine.
An explosion followed by a fire occurred at the Smitty's Supply plant in Louisiana. Local residents report oily rain and the smell of soot in the air.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is doing everything to end the war, which, according to him, began in 2014 "against the population of Donbas. " He also noted that "Russia has no unfriendly countries, there are unfriendly elites" and expressed hope for the restoration of relations with the United States with Trump's arrival.
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Caspar Veldkamp, has announced his resignation. This happened due to disagreements regarding additional measures against Israel.
In Poltava region, 26 settlements were left without electricity due to a storm. More than 10,000 subscribers were affected, and about 100 roofs were damaged in the Pyriatyn community.
The Ukrainian Oscar Committee has received 8 applications for participation in the selection for the 98th Academy Awards in the "Best International Feature Film" category. The selection of the Ukrainian entry will take place on August 28, 2025.
Oleksandr Lukashenka stated that he would not release political prisoners, despite his promise to Donald Trump. He refers to public opinion and the lack of support for the release of "bandits."
Late in the evening on August 22, Kramatorsk was subjected to massive shelling, with over three dozen explosions recorded. The city military administration urges residents to remain in shelters due to the persistent threat.
Canada and the US have agreed to resume duty-free trade for 85% of goods. This decision sets an effective tariff rate of 5.6% for Canadian goods in the US.
Keith Kellogg, Special Representative of US President Donald Trump, will arrive in Ukraine on August 23. He will participate in a prayer breakfast and Independence Day ceremonies, and will also discuss diplomatic issues.
The Verkhovna Rada adopted a resolution calling on the Government to ensure proper access to education. Small schools in villages, mountainous and frontline communities are under threat of closure.
Russian courts impose fines or arrests for administrative cases of "disrespect" for the authorities. Since 2019, almost 400 Russians and residents of Crimea have been prosecuted under this law.
The Kremlin insists on the 2022 Istanbul framework agreement as the sole basis for peace negotiations. This would allow Russia to veto Western aid to Ukraine and leave it defenseless.
On August 21, Russian troops lost 790 soldiers and 33 cruise missiles. The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 22.08.25 amount to 1,074,320 personnel.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held an award ceremony for DPRK soldiers who fought on Russia's side against Ukraine, calling them "heroic. " He laid flowers at the memorial wall for the fallen and held a banquet for the military.
On Friday, August 22, cloudy weather with clearings, as well as rains, thunderstorms, and squalls are expected in Ukraine. Air temperature will fluctuate from 17° to 33°.
Information about school diaries featuring Volodymyr Zelenskyy, copying Putin's images, is fake. The Center for Strategic Communications refutes the existence of such diaries in Ukraine.
Former Congressman Matt Gaetz proposed granting Russia NATO membership as a way to end the war in Ukraine. He refers to previous discussions of this idea within the American political establishment.
US President Donald Trump suggests Ukraine should go on the offensive, which is a notable change in rhetoric. This comes amid a pause in peace talks.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement about potential security guarantors for Ukraine derailed Moscow's talks with Washington. The Kremlin may try to lower the level of the bilateral meeting.
Russia withdrew from the arbitration process initiated by Ukraine over the seizure of ships in the Kerch Strait in 2018. The Russian Federation claims "gross procedural violations" and an "illegitimate composition" of the tribunal.
A powerful flood has engulfed the Magadan region of the Russian Federation, destroying bridges on federal highways, including the R-504 "Kolyma". Hundreds of people are stranded, and even fuel trucks have been submerged.
Zhytomyr "Polissia" lost 0:3 to Italian "Fiorentina" in the first match of the Conference League qualification playoffs. The Florentines played the entire second half with a man down.
Donetsk "Shakhtar" drew 1:1 with Swiss "Servette" in the first match of the Conference League qualification playoffs. The fate of advancing to the group stage will be decided in a week in Geneva.
Occupying administrations are planning forced parades on August 22 with the participation of schoolchildren, students, and public sector employees. Teenagers are forced to carry flags of a foreign state; in many cities, there is a water shortage, but resources are being spent on a festive picture.
The Kremlin is trying to impose its terms within the framework of a peaceful settlement, demanding a veto right on security guarantees for Ukraine. This could limit Ukraine's cooperation with partners and its ability to resist future threats.
On the night of August 21, Lviv was attacked by "Shaheds" and missiles, damaging dozens of houses. There is information about casualties and fires in other parts of the city.
The Times journalist Edward Lucas claims that threats of increased US sanctions against Russia have disappeared. Putin's meeting with Trump in Alaska signaled the failure of Western attempts to make Russia a diplomatic outcast; without a radical increase in external support, Ukraine will face difficulties.
