Ukraine

The IMF requires an open competition for the position of the DGF director, but the authorities can appoint the head in a closed mode. Experts warn that ignoring the IMF's requirements could lead to the loss of critical financial assistance.

Mykhailo Podolyak, Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, said after the Russian authorities complained about the "breakthrough" in the Kursk region that the reason for the escalation, including in the territory of Russia, is the very fact of Russian aggression, and war has its own rules, and the aggressor always reaps the corresponding benefits.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry calls Niger's decision to break off diplomatic relations a gesture of solidarity with Russia. Ukraine denies accusations of supporting terrorism and violating international law.

The Ukrainian Defense Forces destroyed a modern Buk-M3 and an Osu air defense system in the south. In total, since the beginning of August, the Ukrainian military has eliminated six enemy anti-aircraft missile systems in the south.

Power outages are unavoidable in winter, so residents of apartment buildings are advised to invest in energy autonomy. The expert calls for more active involvement in partial compensation programs for the purchase of generators.

Electricity consumption in Ukraine remains high, but no blackouts are expected. Due to the hostilities and technical reasons, 487 settlements in different regions are without electricity.

the Kremlin is trying to find a balance between presenting the attack in Kursk region as a Ukrainian escalation and avoiding panic inside the country. ISW notes the risk of discrediting the authorities due to contradictory statements.

A 16-year-old FSB agent who, according to the special service, "set fire to the vehicles of the Defense Forces" was detained in Kyiv. The teenager was carrying out an assignment for the Russian secret service in exchange for the promise of a monetary reward, which he never received.

The President of Ukraine showed a video about the path to receiving the F-16. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine had been asking for the planes since the first day of the invasion, and had gradually achieved the result through joint efforts.

The Polish border has seen an increase in passenger traffic entering Ukraine. In July, the number of people entering may exceed the number of people leaving by 10-15 thousand people a day.

Political analyst Viktor Bobirenko believes that the delay in the sale of Medvedchuk's yacht by ARMA head Olena Duma cannot be simple negligence. The expert suggests that such actions could be motivated by financial rewards.

The security expert believes that the director of the NBU's legal department, Zyma, should be suspended for the duration of the investigation. He called corruption an incurable disease in Ukraine that requires decisive action.

On August 8, Ukrainian Olympians will compete in rhythmic gymnastics, sport climbing, rowing, modern pentathlon, wrestling, and weightlifting. The day before, Oleksandr Khyzhniak won a gold medal in boxing.

The President of Ukraine emphasized the importance of reliable communication to protect the lives and success of the military in combat. Zelenskyy thanked the military signalmen for their professionalism and ensuring quality communication.

At night and in the morning, Russian troops fired 23 times at the border areas of Sumy region. There were 50 explosions in 8 communities, including air strikes, artillery shelling and drone strikes.

There were 96 combat engagements in the frontline over the last day. The enemy is most active in the Pokrovsk sector, where almost a third of its offensives took place, in particular in the areas of Vozdvyzhenka, Zhelanne, Karlivka and Hrodivka.

On August 8, Ukraine will be mostly without precipitation, with short-term rains possible only in the northeast. The temperature at night will be 13-22°, during the day 22-31°, northwest wind 5-10 m/s.

Bulgaria's Cabinet of Ministers has authorized the military to participate in NATO's training operation in Ukraine. This decision demonstrates support for Ukraine and the strengthening of allied solidarity in NATO.

Since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine, Russian troops have lost approximately 587,510 personnel and 8,431 tanks.

Russian troops shelled 17 settlements in Kherson region, injuring 8 people. Critical infrastructure, an educational institution, administrative buildings, a catering facility, and 20 residential buildings were damaged.

On August 8, Kyiv is expected to have comfortable weather without precipitation, up to +26°. Across Ukraine, the temperature will range from +25° to +32°, with partly cloudy skies and light rains possible in most regions.

The head of the UN Monitoring Mission reported mass torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russia. In Ukraine, the treatment of Russian prisoners of war is different, and the UN mission has full access to them.

A missile alert has been issued in Ukraine due to the takeoff of a Russian MiG-31K fighter jet. The Air Force urges not to ignore air raid warnings throughout the country.

Today, on August 8, all mountain climbers celebrate International Mountaineering Day. The event was established in honor of the first conquest of the highest mountain in the French Alps, Mont Blanc

The White House confirms that it had no prior knowledge of the operation in Kursk region. The US plans to ask Ukraine about the details, but reaffirms Ukraine's right to self-defense against Russian aggression.

Boxer Oleksandr Khyzhnyak became an Olympic champion in the 80 kg weight category. Ukraine ranks 17th in the medal standings with 3 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze medals.

The U. S. State Department considers Putin's statement about Ukraine's 'provocation' in the Kursk region to be an exaggeration. The U.S. emphasizes that Russia has been violating Ukraine's territorial integrity since 2014, and the actions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces do not violate restrictions on the use of U.S. weapons.

Gas prices in Europe hit a one-year high following reports that Ukrainian troops have seized the gas transit point in Sudzha. There is no official confirmation, but traders fear possible supply disruptions.

There were 68 combat engagements in the frontline over the last day. Russia launched a missile strike, 50 air strikes, used 674 kamikaze drones and fired 3,682 times at Ukrainian troops' positions.

Boxer Oleksandr Khyzhniak won a gold medal at the Olympic Games in Paris. President Zelenskyy congratulated the athlete, thanking him for his strength and confidence, and called for supporting all Ukrainian Olympians.