Russian dictator Vladimir Putin demands that Ukraine withdraw troops from Donbas and refuse to join NATO. In return, Moscow is ready to stop the war along the current front line in Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced the resumption of in-person learning in 155 schools by the end of the year and the introduction of hot meals for students in grades 1-11. The program provides for the preparation of infrastructure to ensure catering throughout the country.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will not compromise on its territories, including Donbas and Crimea. He emphasized that legally, Ukraine does not recognize any occupation.
A resident of Kharkiv region, a former fighter of the Aidar battalion, has been charged in absentia. He participated in interviews for Russian propagandists, denying Russian aggression and promoting enemy narratives.
President Zelenskyy commented on Russia's night attack, which included a strike on a gas distribution station in Odesa region and injuries to people in Sumy region. He emphasized that these are demonstrative strikes, which confirm the need for pressure on Moscow and new sanctions.
Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal visited the Kharkiv region, where he met with military personnel and presented awards. He discussed the situation at the front and familiarized himself with innovative approaches to conducting combat operations.
121 combat engagements took place at the front, 40 of them in the Pokrovsk direction. The enemy launched missile and air strikes, used kamikaze drones and shelling.
78 combat engagements took place on the front line during the day, most of them on the Pokrovsk and Lyman directions. Ukrainian forces are holding back the occupiers' offensive, repelling numerous attacks.
At the National Children's Hospital "Okhmatdyt", the restoration of the treatment and diagnostic building, damaged by aggression, is underway. Over 2000 m² of facade have already been dismantled, new windows installed, and internal premises renovated, while the hospital continues to admit patients.
The head of the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the Kremlin "never aimed to occupy the territories of Ukraine," but is trying to "protect Russians. "
Minister of Energy Svitlana Hrynchuk stated that Ukraine's energy system is operating stably. She noted that the system remains fragile and vulnerable due to constant enemy shelling, especially in frontline regions.
A sixth body has been found in Kharkiv after the morning strike. Among the victims are two children, aged 1.5 and 16. August 18 has been declared a Day of Mourning in the Kharkiv region.
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.
Most of Ukraine will be cloudy with clearings on August 18. Short-term rains and thunderstorms are expected in the central, Kharkiv, Odesa, and Mykolaiv regions.
In 1010 days of full-scale invasion, Russia has occupied only 0. 97% of Ukrainian territory. The area of temporarily occupied territories has increased by 5842 sq. km since November 2022.
On the night of August 17, the enemy attacked Ukraine with an Iskander-M missile and 60 attack UAVs. A missile and 20 drones hit 12 locations in frontline areas, 40 UAVs were shot down.
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.
Donald Trump proposed holding a trilateral Ukraine-US-Russia summit on August 22. Putin is making demands for territorial concessions from Ukraine and recognition of Russia's sovereignty over captured Ukrainian territories.
In Kharkiv on August 16, a Nissan driver drove onto the sidewalk, hitting a 20-year-old woman and her five-month-old child. The injured were taken to the hospital with injuries.
Forced evacuation of families with children has begun in five settlements in Donetsk Oblast. Approximately 1,879 children remain in these settlements.
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.
In Kharkiv region, the director of a sanatorium is suspected of appropriating UAH 78. 8 million allocated for the rehabilitation of children and military personnel. He concluded fictitious contracts and did not provide full rehabilitation services.
Two families with five children aged 5-12 are being evacuated from the village of Odnorobivka, Bohodukhiv district, Kharkiv region. The decision was made by the Defense Council due to the security situation.
Starting in September, students in grades 1-4 across Ukraine and grades 5-11 in frontline regions will receive free meals. The government has allocated almost UAH 780 million to support the program.
Four deputies in Kharkiv, Lviv, and Cherkasy regions have been notified of suspicion of declaring inaccurate information totaling almost UAH 29 million. Among them is Cherkasy City Council deputy Araik Mkrtchyan, who failed to declare over UAH 9.7 million in savings.
Political scientist Oleh Lisnyi believes that the meeting between Trump and Putin in Alaska will not be a turning point, but only the beginning of a process. He proposes a trilateral or quadrilateral negotiation format with the participation of Ukraine and Europe.
In Kharkiv, the curfew is being shortened, which will allow the city's public transport to operate longer. Specialists are developing new schedules for metro and ground transport.
The former head of a mining enterprise in the Vinnytsia region is suspected of evading UAH 27 million in rent payments. He understated granite prices by selling it to an affiliated company.
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.
On the night of August 15, the enemy attacked Ukraine with missiles and 97 attack UAVs. Defense forces shot down 63 drones, hits were recorded by missiles and 34 UAVs.
