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.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine presented the Draft Action Program for 2026, which includes 12 strategic goals. Among the key priorities are defense, European integration, and anti-corruption.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported 182 combat engagements over the past day, 58 of which occurred in the Pokrovsk direction. The enemy launched four missile strikes and 80 air strikes, using 5132 kamikaze drones.
Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine, firing four Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 140 drones. Air defense forces neutralized 88 drones, but missile and drone hits were recorded in 25 locations across six regions.
The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced a new package of sanctions against the Russian Federation, which is planned to be adopted in September 2025. She also confirmed the inviolability of Ukraine's internationally recognized borders.
Operators of the 429th separate unmanned systems regiment "ACHILLES" destroyed a Russian T-90M "Proryv" tank using FPV drones. Another tank, a BM-21 "Grad" MLRS, a "Tiger" armored vehicle, and a "KAMAZ" truck were also disabled.
On August 17, GRU drones hit the railway station "Liski" in the Voronezh region. This disrupted railway communication and stopped the supply of ammunition and personnel to the occupiers.
From August 4 to 16, the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the National Guard cleared 7 settlements in Donetsk Oblast, including Pokrovsk. The enemy suffered significant losses in manpower and equipment.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy enacted the NSDC decision on sanctions against AI drone developers used by the Russian Armed Forces. The sanctions apply to companies providing AI capabilities for drones, as well as suppliers of key components.
ISW analysts believe that the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donetsk Oblast without a complete ceasefire is risky. This could lead to significant losses and complicate the defense of other territories.
Since the beginning of August 16, there have been 126 combat engagements on the front. The Russians launched 48 airstrikes, used 1699 kamikaze drones, and carried out 4258 shellings.
In the North Slobozhansky direction, Ukrainian units advanced by 1-2. 5 km. The Armed Forces of Ukraine continue active operations to destroy the enemy and liberate settlements.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected Donald Trump's proposal to transfer Donetsk Oblast to freeze the front. Trump believes Ukraine should make a deal with Russia.
The ATESH movement obtained information about the production of Kalibr and Iskander missile components at the Kazan Gunpowder Plant. All data has been transferred to the Ukrainian Defense Forces for planning strikes on these facilities.
President Zelenskyy warned of a possible increase in pressure and Russian strikes on Ukrainian positions. The defense forces are preparing to counter, including assymetrically.
President Zelenskyy held a meeting of the Staff, where the situation at the front was discussed. The Armed Forces of Ukraine are having success in the Dobropillia and Pokrovsk directions, destroying the occupiers.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban positively assessed the meeting between Trump and Putin, calling the world safer. He believes that cooperation between the largest nuclear powers has been restored.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet with Donald Trump in Washington on Monday. The meeting will discuss further steps to end the war and build the infrastructure of security guarantees.
European leaders stated that Russia cannot have a veto right on Ukraine's path to the EU and NATO. They also emphasized the absence of restrictions for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and its cooperation with third countries.
