War in Ukraine
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 United States imposed sanctions against eight Cuban officials and military enterprises over ties with China and Russia. The restrictions concern arms supplies and the recruitment of Cubans for the war against Ukraine.
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.
On August 8, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will make his first official visit to Serbia, where he will meet with President Aleksandar Vučić. The main topics will be European integration, the economy and energy, as well as a free trade agreement.
Russian drones attacked the Liberian-flagged cargo ship EMIL, which is linked to a German company. The crew of 11 sailors was evacuated; there were no casualties.
The Cabinet of Ministers has instructed the State Tax Service to provide the Ministry of Defense with data on Ukrainian citizens aged 18 to 60 to update the "Oberih" register. The transfer of data does not mean an automatic fine or mobilization.
Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister visited Ukraine for the first time since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. The parties discussed Russia's strikes, the blocking of grain corridors, and cooperation in the energy sector.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski said that the issue of intercepting Russian missiles over Ukraine requires serious discussion. He stressed that it should not become hostage to domestic political infighting.
The SBU and the Defense Forces struck an oil refinery in Yaroslavl and FSB ships in Kerch. Two patrol ships were damaged, and fires broke out at the plant.
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 Parliament Commissioner Dmytro Lubinets reported the evacuation of five Ukrainian teenagers from temporarily occupied territories. Among them is a 17-year-old girl who overcame difficulties with her documents.
Germany’s Leipzig/Halle Airport has fully resumed flights after a drone with an explosive device was discovered near a Ukrainian cargo plane. Authorities are investigating the incident as possible sabotage; the interior minister called it a hybrid attack.
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.
China's Sinopec has increased its purchases of Russian ESPO crude oil to offset reduced supplies from the Middle East due to the war against Iran. The company purchased 30–40 cargoes of oil for delivery from July through September.
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.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Decree No. 713/2026, which establishes a new holiday — the Day of the Communications and Cybersecurity Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, to be celebrated annually on August 8. The previous decree from 2000 has been repealed.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed strengthening protection against Russian strikes with the prime minister of Norway, including the supply of air defense systems. The parties also coordinated joint activities for August במסגרת the FREYJA program.
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.
On July 22, 2026, in the area of Myrne, the occupiers captured a Ukrainian defender and executed him. The prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into the war crime.
The United Kingdom imposed new sanctions against Russia, including 6 banks, 6 companies, and 6 shadow fleet vessels. The owner of the company "Siltron," Oleksandr Zhdanov, was also placed under restrictions.
European Commission spokesperson Balázs Ujvári said that Ukraine determines its own defense needs and may request interceptor missiles. He assured that there are no problems with providing them and that work continues without a summer break.
Following the nighttime Russian attack, Kherson was left without electricity due to damage to a critical infrastructure facility. Energy workers promise to restore supply within several days.
Rescuers continue to extinguish fires at facilities in the Bucha and Brovary districts. Pyrotechnicians are surveying the areas for explosive objects.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Ukraine is doing everything possible to accelerate the acquisition of licenses for defense production with partners. He emphasized the difficult situation with anti-ballistic missiles, noting that Ukraine is fighting for every missile.
Acting Minister of Defense Yevhenii Khmara discussed defense assistance with his British counterpart Wes Streeting. Priorities include air defense, aviation, countering drones, and financing Ukrainian UAVs.
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.
North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile near its east coast; the launch was detected by South Korea and Japan. South Korea's military has intensified surveillance and is coordinating actions with the United States and Japan.
Yurii Hudymenko, Head of the Public Anti-Corruption Council under the Ministry of Defense, believes that the defense company Fire Point has become the leader among long-range weapons manufacturers. The state’s task is to maintain competition in the arms market
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the strike on the "Slavneft-YANOS" oil refinery in Yaroslavl and "Bashneft-Novoil" in Ufa, as well as on two repeaters for controlling drones. Fires broke out at the plants; the extent of the damage is being уточнюється.
Due to the abnormal heat, electricity consumption is increasing in Ukraine, requiring economical use. As a result of shelling some consumers in five regions remain without electricity, and an energy worker was injured.