Experts inspected the Duke de Richelieu monument after the sandbags were removed. No significant damage was found; its condition is stable, but there are traces of corrosion and an old cavity.
The remains of three kings of Aragon were moved to a museum in Huesca due to the threat of fires. The monastery is currently undamaged, but the evacuation continues.
Ukrainian ministries stated that they were deeply concerned about the participation of Ilya Khrzhanovsky's film in the competition for the "Golden Lion". They emphasize that the project is linked to the Russian state and its influence.
Law enforcement officers notified 11 representatives of the Russian armed forces of suspicion under Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. In occupied Crimea, Russian archaeologists illegally excavated the "Medieval Solkhat Settlement" site, removing valuables.
The Ministry of Culture recommended 546 projects for victory in the "Tysyachovesna-2026" program. Among them are films about Olga Kharlan, Serhii Kuzminskyi, and a Christmas comedy.
Actress Hayden Panettiere has died at the age of 36; the cause of death has not been disclosed. She was known for her roles in the series "Heroes" and "Nashville," as well as for her relationship with boxer Wladimir Klitschko.
On August 17, Blueberry Pie Day and Homeless Animals Day are celebrated. According to the new church calendar, the memory of Saint Martyr Myron is commemorated.
The film “Spider-Man: A New Day” surpassed $2 billion at the worldwide box office in 18 days, grossing $785. 8 million in North America. Only “Avengers: Endgame” reached this milestone faster, in 11 days.
American singer Courtney Love said that in 2019, doctors predicted she would die because of serious health problems. She did not believe them and recovered, preparing to return to music.
On the evening of August 15, four works by Antonello da Messina were stolen from the MuMe museum in Messina, including parts of the San Gregorio polyptych. Investigators are considering the possibility that the theft was commissioned by collectors.
The Ministry of Culture has completed the final stage of the selection for "Tyсяchovesny"; 546 projects will receive funding. A total of 1,215 projects were presented at the pitching event, and up to UAH 4 billion has been allocated for the implementation of the initiative.
Today, as a result of the Russian attack on Kyiv, the office and part of "Laboratory's" warehouses in Pochaїna were damaged; the team was not injured.
In Odesa, sandbags that had protected the monument to the Duke de Richelieu from shrapnel since the beginning of the war were removed. The sculpture is in satisfactory condition; specialists will conduct an inspection.
Switzerland announced the allocation of 600,000 Swiss francs to prepare for the restoration of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, damaged by a Russian airstrike on June 15, 2026. Acting Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha welcomed the decision.
August 16 is World Moroccan Cuisine Day and National True Love Day. According to the new church calendar, the memory of Saint Diomedes the Martyr and the Translation of the Acheiropoietos Image of the Lord are commemorated.
In Milwaukee, a landlord accidentally found Picasso’s print "Torero," stolen in 2018, while cleaning an apartment. Police confirmed the authenticity of the work, which is valued at $50,000.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany and called for stronger protection of cultural heritage. They discussed protecting the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and returning removed cultural valuables.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy opened the exhibition "Spiritual Treasures of the Nation" marking the 975th anniversary of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. He emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage despite Russian aggression.
The European Broadcasting Union proposes moving voting entirely online and requiring viewers to choose at least three participants. The changes are aimed at reducing the influence of coordinated campaigns, particularly following the scandal over voting for Israel.
August 15 marks International Homeless Animals Day and World Honey Cake Day. Under the new calendar, Orthodox believers celebrate the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos.
A number of cultural events will take place in Kyiv on August 15–16: a workshop for children, a play, chamber music concerts, and a Rammstein tribute. You can also attend a full-dome film about space and an Italian music concert.
Kyiv customs officials handed over three flint cores dating to the 6th millennium BC to the Ovruch Region History Museum. The artifacts were discovered in an international postal shipment from Kryvyi Rih to the United States.
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.
August 13 marks International Left-Handers Day, established in 1976, and World Pistachio Day. Under the new calendar, Orthodox Christians commemorate the martyr Maximus, while under the old calendar they commemorate Eudocimus.
The European Broadcasting Union has updated the Eurovision rules, according to which the winning country automatically loses the right to host the contest in the event of an armed conflict or geopolitical tensions. An alternative host will be determined after a security assessment.
Olena Zelenska announced the launch of Ukrainian-language audio guides at the Andersen Museum, the Alte Pinakothek and the Cluny Museum. In total, 125 such audio guides are operating in 59 countries.
On August 12, International Youth Day, World Elephant Day, and Vinyl Record Day are observed. According to the new calendar, the martyrs Photius and Anicetus are commemorated; according to the old calendar — John the Warrior.
A sunken ancient Roman vessel dating from the 1st–2nd centuries BCE, carrying hundreds of amphorae, has been discovered off the coast of Sicily. The find has been called one of the most important underwater archaeological discoveries.
On August 11, the world celebrates Panini Day and Healthy Eating Day. According to the new church calendar, the memory of Saint Martyr Euplus is commemorated, while according to the old calendar, it is Kalinnik.
In central Zagreb, passersby saw men in uniform carrying weapons near the Esplanade Hotel. It turned out that filming was taking place there for a movie about the sabotage of Nord Stream.