Vladimir Putin
After his approval rating fell, Putin embarked on a PR tour of cities across Russia, visiting six cities in three weeks. The Kremlin is using the trips to demonstrate activity, restricting residents and creating a staged picture.
Japan strongly protests against putin's visit to Iturup, which it considers its territory. The visit took place after the launch of a missile by North Korea.
Putin visited the Kuril Island of Iturup for the first time; the island is the subject of a territorial dispute with Japan. He inspected a fish-processing plant, demonstrating Moscow's position regarding control over the islands.
In Russia’s Orenburg Region, restrictions on fuel sales have been introduced following a UAV attack on the Orsk Oil Refinery. Vehicles will be refueled based on even and odd numbers, and limits on the amount of fuel have also been introduced.
Putin instructed the Defense Ministry to respond in kind to the seizure of Russian vessels by EU countries. He called Europe's actions piracy and stated that attacks could take place anywhere.
Zelenskyy reported that Putin plans to quickly mobilize hundreds of thousands of Russians after the elections. Ukraine is preparing to complicate the implementation of these plans.
Russia pardoned the 32-year-old American on humanitarian grounds after four years in prison. He is headed to a military hospital in Texas for treatment.
Russia is planning illegal State Duma elections in the occupied territories of Ukraine, ensuring turnout of over 65–70% and support for United Russia of at least 70%. This is being done to legitimize the occupation, said Andrii Kovalenko, head of the National Security and Defense Council’s Center for Countering Disinformation.
On August 10, Putin visited Novosibirsk, where asphalt, lawns, and façades were hastily repaired before his arrival. This is the fifth city the dictator has visited over the past two and a half weeks.
Canada has imposed sanctions on the defense company Streit Group for supplying products to Russia’s military-industrial complex. The company manufactures armored vehicles used by Russia’s National Guard in the war against Ukraine.
Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Poland are increasing the security of critical infrastructure amid fears that Russia may organize an attack using Ukrainian drones. Intelligence services warn of a possible provocation aimed at destabilizing NATO.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the National Security and Defense Council's Center for Countering Disinformation, said that North Korea is interested in gaining experience from Russia's war against Ukraine in preparation for aggression on the Korean Peninsula. Pyongyang may also see opportunities arising from the confrontation between the United States and Iran.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said that Russia would not agree to a freeze in hostilities without eliminating the so-called "root causes. " He also criticized the actions of the United States regarding Ukraine, calling them contradictory.
The Guardian journalists attended the launch of Ukrainian FP-1 drones that struck a substation in Alushta. Ukrainian military officials say that long-range strikes are exhausting Russia’s air defenses and economy.
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.
The President stated that Russia is trying to fully seize Donbas and will distort the agreements with the United States. Ukraine does not intend to abandon its territories and people.
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.
As a result of Russia's overnight attack on Kyiv and the region, four people were killed, including a three-year-old child. Zelenskyy called for increased pressure on Russia through new sanctions and for Ukraine to be provided with more air defense systems.
U. S. intelligence has determined that the unmanned aerial vehicle found at Leipzig/Halle Airport near a Ukrainian An-124 belongs to Russia. The incident is being investigated as possible sabotage and a hybrid attack.
During Putin’s visit to Krasnoyarsk, gasoline prices fell by half, and the shortage disappeared for 48 hours. Local residents are calling on the dictator to visit their regions more often.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the US Senate for passing a bill on sanctions against Russia and Iran, which will help increase pressure on the aggressor to end the war. He emphasized the importance of American support and sanctions for bringing peace closer.
U. S. intelligence believes Putin may launch a limited attack on a NATO country, likely one of the Baltic states or Poland. This could happen to undermine the Alliance's unity if he is unable to save face in the war with Ukraine.
According to Bloomberg, Kim Jong Un received up to $22 billion in foreign revenues from 2022 to 2025, four times more than in the previous period. This was made possible in part by supplying weapons and troops to Russia.
U. S. intelligence has changed its assessment, believing that Putin may launch a limited attack on a NATO country to test the alliance’s resolve. The threats range from cyberattacks to a small-scale ground invasion, with a timeframe extending to 2029.
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.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed with his Finnish counterpart Alexander Stubb possible assistance to strengthen protection against Russian ballistic missiles. The parties also considered diplomatic efforts to end the war.
Putin signed a law that clarifies the list of articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation that close the possibility of sending to the front. Now excluded from the list are crimes of minor and medium gravity, as well as some military ones.
First Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Denys Shmyhal stated that Russia is aimed at destroying the water supply in Ukraine. He emphasized that without water and sewage, it is difficult to survive more than three days.
In Russian Krasnoyarsk, before Putin's visit, gasoline prices fell by 20-25 rubles. Operators explained this by a temporary improvement in logistics and an additional volume of fuel, and did not rule out that prices could change again.
Advisor Podolyak stated Kyiv's readiness for various ceasefire formats, including in the air and energy. The US supports these proposals to move toward negotiations.