The Verkhovna Rada is preparing to consider draft laws on Defence City.
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.
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.
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.
The Ukrainian cruise missile "Flamingo" has a range of over 3000 km and is in serial production. Its weight is 6 tons, its warhead is 1000 kg, and its speed is up to 900 km/h.
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 Ukrainian government is considering a resolution that would allow men under the age of 22 to travel abroad. The decision may be made by the end of the current week.
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.
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.
An online platform, zbroya. gov.ua, has been launched in Ukraine, uniting state tools for manufacturers of weapons and military equipment. It will simplify interaction with the state and accelerate the production of Ukrainian weapons.
In Kharkiv, a man attacked a police officer and three TCR employees with a knife during mobilization activities. The attacker has been detained and taken into custody without the right to bail. The injured are in the hospital.
Russian propaganda uses staged videos to create the illusion of success at the front. The HUR reports that such videos are used for reports to the Kremlin leadership.
The Cabinet of Ministers adopted a decision allowing military units to directly purchase used pickups, ATVs, buggies, and motorcycles. The procedure for writing off property lost or worn out in battles has also been simplified.
Former head of state enterprise of the Ministry of Defense notified of suspicion of declaring inaccurate information.
The duration of the curfew has been changed in the Kharkiv region. It will be in effect from 00:00 to 05:00 starting August 17, with the exception of communities with an enhanced curfew.
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has equated wounds, concussions, and injuries sustained by military personnel in captivity to combat-related ones. This will ensure their social protection, benefits, compensation, and free medical treatment.
The Minister of Defense met with servicemen released from captivity, discussing their problems. They agreed to create a "roadmap" for supporting the soldiers.
The first thousand FPV drones, ordered through the DOT-Chain Defence system, have already been delivered to the military in the Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, and Kherson directions. 12 brigades placed 43 orders for almost 7,000 drones with a total value of over UAH 245 million.
The Ukrainian parliament is preparing for the second reading of the Defence City bills, extending its benefits to the aviation industry. This is intended to provide state support and development for domestic aircraft manufacturing.
The General Staff and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine are introducing a new procedure for considering submissions for state awards for combat merits. This will reduce the processing time for documents from several months to 8-16 days.
The former deputy head of the Main Service Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs has been served with a notice of suspicion in a case concerning a corruption scheme involving over one million hryvnias. He organized the purchase of tablets at an inflated price from a controlled company.
The acting head of the Central Territorial Department of the Ministry of Defense was exposed for extorting $1. 3 million. The funds were intended for facilitating victory in a competition for the development of a plot in the Sviatoshynskyi district of Kyiv.
The Verkhovna Rada will consider the bill on the Military Ombudsman next week. This will allow the creation of an Office for the systemic protection of servicemen's rights, as the current efforts of one person are insufficient.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is forming a list of units for the quick transfer of UAH 7 million to each battalion at the front line. This decision by the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief will increase the funding of combat units.
Ukraine considers weapons exports: is selling possible during wartime?.
Orest Drymalovsky, a serviceman and journalist, has been appointed spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense. He defended Ukraine in Donetsk region and was awarded the "Cross of Valor" medal.
Conscripted military personnel with reservations are not sent to the MMC. Exceptions are cases of contract, re-examination of those with limited fitness, or voluntary desire.
The MMC certificate is valid for one year, after which it is necessary to undergo the commission again. Failure to appear by summons or refusal to undergo the MMC is punishable by a fine, and further refusal may have criminal consequences.
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has introduced a new two-year contract for drone system operators with a monthly payment of 120,000 UAH. It provides for mandatory participation in combat operations for at least 12 months and 4 months of training.
Ukrainian army aviation successfully uses Soviet equipment, but the industry risks losing the ability to maintain it. Without state support, production potential and maintenance of military equipment are under threat.
