Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal visited the Kharkiv region, where he met with military personnel and presented awards. He discussed the situation at the front and familiarized himself with innovative approaches to conducting combat operations.
Russian troops advanced in the Serebryansky forest area and near the settlement of Olhivske in Luhansk region. This is confirmed by updated DeepState data.
121 combat engagements took place at the front, 40 of them in the Pokrovsk direction. The enemy launched missile and air strikes, used kamikaze drones and shelling.
The Pechersk court extended the pre-trial detention of Vitaliy Shabunin, head of the Anti-Corruption Action Center (TsPK), until October 19. He is suspected of evading military service and fraud.
In the village of Novi Chervyshcha, Volyn, local residents threw stones at a TCC service vehicle. This happened during the verification of military registration data of a citizen who had a disability.
Alexander Milonov, brother of Russian MP Vitaly Milonov, died in the war against Ukraine. He fought as part of the intelligence unit of the "3rd Combined Arms Army of the LPR" since January 2025.
In Ukraine, by the end of 2025, they plan to launch the "e-TCC" service to reduce the burden on territorial recruitment centers. The system will integrate with "Reserve+" and is expected to reduce the workload by 15% monthly.
78 combat engagements took place on the front line during the day, most of them on the Pokrovsk and Lyman directions. Ukrainian forces are holding back the occupiers' offensive, repelling numerous attacks.
The President of the European Council, António Costa, stated the need to accelerate work on security guarantees for Ukraine, similar to NATO's Article 5. He emphasized that the Ukrainian military should be the "first line of defense," and the main security guarantee should be Ukraine's armed forces capable of defending its sovereignty.
The Ukrainian resistance movement "ATESH" conducted reconnaissance of an oil depot in Luhansk, which supplies Russian troops in several directions of the front. The obtained coordinates and materials have been transferred to the Armed Forces of Ukraine for strike planning.
The Verkhovna Rada is preparing to consider draft laws on Defence City.
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.
Ukraine has returned 1,000 bodies of fallen soldiers as a result of repatriation efforts. Among them are 5 bodies of servicemen who died in captivity, and Defenders from various directions.
The SBU's military counterintelligence and the National Police liquidated a large-scale scheme of evasion from mobilization in Kyiv. The organizer and accomplices sold fictitious certificates and "reservations"; over UAH 17 million in cash was seized.
Daniel "Kuba" Kitone has been appointed as the new brigade commander of the 13th National Guard Brigade "Khartia", replacing Ihor Obolensky. He promises to uphold combat traditions and care for the personnel.
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares denied that the country's failure to meet NATO targets was the reason for its absence from the Ukraine talks. Albares emphasized Spain's commitment as an ally and its provision of military aid to Ukraine.
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine published a video explanation regarding the return of servicemen from unauthorized absence from their unit. Military lawyers explain in detail the procedure and legal consequences, and also emphasize criminal liability for AWOL.
French President Emmanuel Macron proposes Geneva as a neutral country for a Ukraine-Russia summit. He emphasizes the importance of security guarantees for Ukraine and warns against a hasty peace.
In early August, the first BOH SUP fest took place in Ladyzhyn — a large-scale event that combined sports competitions, performances by famous Ukrainian bands, and a charitable initiative to raise funds to support the 46th Separate Airmobile Podilska Brigade of the Air Assault Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron held talks with the leaders of the USA, Ukraine, Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, and the head of the European Commission. Macron emphasized the importance of a strong Ukrainian army.
President Zelenskyy stated that for defense, Ukraine needs a strong army, weapons, training, and intelligence. He made this statement during a meeting with US President Trump.
Mykhailo Zhernakov was accused of manipulating elections to the Public Integrity Council and financial fraud with funds from foreign donors. Activists protest against his activities and accuse him of concealing information about grants.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces' unmanned systems attacked the Nikolskoye oil pumping station in Russia's Tambov region. As a result of the strike, oil pumping through the Druzhba main oil pipeline has been completely stopped.
The Ukrainian government presented 12 priorities for 2026, with security and defense being key. The Defence City initiative and cooperation with global companies Rheinmetall, BAE Systems are important directions.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports that Ukrainian defenders repelled over 40 attempts to break through in the Donetsk region. In total, there were about 100 combat engagements, and the enemy also tried to advance to the Antonivskyi Bridge.
Minister of Defense Denys Shmyhal stated that Ukraine does not export weapons due to the unmet needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. However, the country is preparing for the implementation of quasi-exports, jointly producing weapons with partners in a safe territory.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that the number of Ukraine's Defense Forces will not sharply decrease after the war. This will be a planned and calculated process that will not be quick.
The National Association of Defense Industry of Ukraine (NAUDI) appealed to the parliament with a call not to adopt the legislative package on Defence City in its current version and to return it to the main committee for revision and repeated second reading.
The Ukrainian government plans to allocate at least $5 billion for defense by 2026, and also to attract $5 billion from partners for the development of the defense industry in 2025. Priorities include ensuring the front, developing the defense industry, and cooperating with partners.
From August 4 to 17, the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the National Guard cleared six settlements in Donetsk region, inflicting significant losses on the enemy. Pokrovsk was also cleared and 7 occupiers were taken prisoner.
