Russian propaganda
In the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, the Russian administration is recruiting people into the army, promising safe work. After signing a contract, the servicemen are sent to the front line, despite the promises.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that every Russian strike would be met with a response, and that the war would become more tangible in Russia. He thanked the Defense Forces for strikes on Russian oil refining facilities and infrastructure.
During repeated strikes on Zaporizhzhia region, a firefighter-rescuer was killed and two others were injured. In Odesa region, a bus carrying 12 children was damaged by the blast wave; there were no serious injuries.
This year, more than 4,300 participants in the war against Ukraine and their children were admitted to Russian higher education institutions, one and a half times more than last year. Nearly 40% of applicants were admitted without exams, while two-thirds would not have passed the competition without preferential provisions.
Ukraine's strikes on Russian territory are affecting public sentiment, but may strengthen supporters of the war. The Kremlin may use this as a justification for mobilization and a tougher strategy.
Russian authorities have opened a case against Apple over its refusal to install the MAX messenger. This is part of a policy to create an isolated digital space for control and surveillance.
Ukraine is working on its own Freyja antiballistic project, which is managed by the defense company Fire Point. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the state’s key task is to protect the production facilities from Russian strikes.
Russian propaganda has created a series called "Marik" about occupied Mariupol, portraying the city as undergoing a revival. The Center for Countering Disinformation emphasizes that the storyline conceals the destruction caused by Russia's siege.
Elon Musk refused to let Ukraine use Starlink to strike Russian ballistic missile launchers, citing the risk of escalation and calling for negotiations. At the same time, Ukraine continues a systematic campaign of long-range strikes against strategic facilities of the Russian Federation using its own capabilities.
The "Fora" chain reported a temporary reduction in its product range due to the destruction of its warehouses as a result of a Russian attack. The company is working to reorganize supplies in order to deliver essential goods.
In July 2026, only one-third of mobile internet sessions in Russia took place without restrictions. The authorities are more actively implementing whitelist-based internet access and blocking foreign messaging apps and VPNs.
Hundreds of people marched from the Philharmonic Hall to Heroes' Square, carrying placards with the names of fallen soldiers. Participants held a prayer service for those who died for Georgia's freedom.
Delta Plus Ukraine completely lost its warehouse of protective equipment and office due to Russian attacks. Shipments have been suspended; remaining products are available from dealers.
The EU has introduced new sanctions lists targeting five individuals involved in Russia’s military-industrial complex in response to a series of airstrikes on Ukraine. They include the heads of plants that produce missiles for Russian forces.
In the occupied Donetsk region, schools and kindergartens are being closed under the guise of reorganization, leaving populated areas without educational institutions. The closure of 12 schools and 24 kindergartens is known, as is the reorganization of 69 more institutions.
North Korean authorities recommend hot dishes, including dog meat soup, to combat the heat. Temperatures on the peninsula are reaching 40°C, while South Korea is recording fatalities.
Analysts at the New Strategy Center believe that Russia may attack the Reni–Galați area with jet-powered drones to test Romania’s and NATO’s air defenses. Bucharest may initiate consultations under Article 4 of the NATO treaty.
The fourth day of the Ambassadors’ Conference concluded in Kyiv, where humanitarian policy, support for veterans, and cooperation with the diaspora were discussed. Particular attention was paid to countering Russian disinformation through a new handbook and training sessions.
Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas said that Russia could use captured Ukrainian drones to strike the Baltic countries. There is no direct threat at present, but Moscow is considering such a provocation scenario.
The Cabinet of Ministers demands that schools be fully prepared for the new academic year, including shelters and textbooks. From September 1, teachers’ salaries will increase by 20%, while students’ scholarships will double.
In Thuringia, a 33-year-old Ukrainian man was detained after photographing the premises of a defense company for a foreign intelligence service in June 2026. He is suspected of espionage with the aim of sabotage.
Ukrainian rescuers are working in French villages affected by large-scale forest fires. They compare the destroyed houses to the aftermath of Russian shelling in Ukraine.
At Germany’s Leipzig/Halle Airport, a drone with an explosive device was found near an aircraft operated by a Ukrainian airline that was transporting military ammunition. Authorities are investigating the incident as possible sabotage, not ruling out the involvement of foreign forces.
A UOC (MP) priest was sentenced to 15 years in prison for adjusting strikes in Donetsk region. The FSB recruited him through his daughter, who lives in Russia.
As a result of the attack on the civilian vessel MERA QUEEN, flying the flag of Guinea-Bissau, a Ukrainian sailor was killed and three others were injured. The vessel, loaded with Ukrainian wheat, sustained hull damage and caught fire.
The US has returned intelligence sharing with Ukraine to its previous high level, increasing the effectiveness of strikes against Russia. Senators confirmed the improvement in cooperation, while the White House emphasized its desire to end the war.
Russia’s satellite system “Rassvet” is already providing two stable communication windows over Ukraine every day. Ukraine has limited time to counter it before the system is fully deployed.
The number of urgent NATO fighter jet sorties to intercept Russian aircraft increased by more than 250% in a day. The reason was Russian flights without a flight plan and with transponders switched off near the Alliance.
German intelligence services thwarted an assassination attempt against Stefan Tumann, head of Donaustahl, a company that manufactures drones for Ukraine. Two suspects, citizens of Ukraine and Romania, were detained on suspicion of cooperating with Russian intelligence services.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže. They discussed food security, Russian attacks on ports, and Ukraine’s European integration.