Ukraine

OCU Primate Epifaniy appealed to Metropolitan Onufriy of the UOC-MP to start a dialogue on the unity of Orthodox churches in Ukraine. He emphasized the need to abandon preconditions for the start of the dialogue.

The President introduced a draft law on social protection of the military participating in operations in Russia. The draft law provides for payments and preferences for those serving on the front line.

The first case of Clade I monkeypox outside of Africa has been detected in Sweden. The person became infected while staying in the African region where the disease is outbreak.

The President submitted to the Verkhovna Rada a draft law on ratification of the Rome Statute of the ICC and amendments to the Criminal Code. It is proposed to increase liability for international crimes and add new articles.

123 military units have implemented the procedure for submitting electronic reports through Army+. The app allows you to submit reports in minutes, having the same legal force as paper reports.

The Ministry of Finance reported $98. 7 billion in direct budget support from donors since February 2022. The funds are allocated for social, humanitarian and priority non-military budget expenditures.

Residents of the Kursk region of the Russian Federation are being evacuated to health care facilities in occupied Crimea. Ukrainian officials call this a violation of the Geneva Convention and a continuation of the practice of changing the demographic composition of the peninsula.

The Verkhovna Rada's Law Enforcement Committee recommended the adoption of draft laws to deprive state awards for propaganda of the aggressor and to improve the procedure for handling weapons. This was done pursuant to the order of the President of Ukraine.

NABU First Deputy Director Gizo Uglava requests an open meeting of the disciplinary commission on August 21. He emphasizes the importance of ensuring the objectivity and transparency of the process.

The Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine met with the US Ambassador for Cyberspace. They discussed cybersecurity, Ukraine's needs, and plans for cooperation, including the development of the Tallinn Mechanism and USAID projects.

The Biden administration is open to providing Ukraine with JASSM long-range cruise missiles for the F-16. This would give the Ukrainian Armed Forces the ability to launch missiles over 320 kilometers from fighter jets.

No restrictions on electricity consumption are expected in Ukraine on August 16. Ukrenergo urges to consume electricity sparingly and not to turn on powerful appliances from 18:00 to 24:00.

The President of Ukraine has submitted to the Verkhovna Rada a draft law on ratification of the Rome Statute of the ICC. This will strengthen Ukraine's position in the international arena and allow for more effective prosecution of Russians for their crimes.

A Russian court has sentenced 33-year-old ballerina Ksenia Karelin to 12 years in prison for "high treason. " She was accused of transferring $50 to the Ukrainian foundation Razom for Ukraine from her American account.

On August 15, Lithuania sent Ukraine another batch of military aid, including forklifts, trailers, and folding beds. In total, Lithuania has provided over 641 million euros in aid to Ukraine.

The soldiers of the 8th Regiment of the Special Forces of Ukraine conducted a successful operation behind enemy lines in the Kursk region of Russia. An enemy truck with military personnel and those trying to hide were destroyed in a few minutes.

The Volia Space Ukrainian House was open during the Olympic Games in Paris, with more than 15,000 guests. The project has become an important media center and a place of cultural diplomacy, telling the world about Ukraine.

The Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine expressed his gratitude to the head of the Odesa RMA for the decision to rename the place names in honor of Ukrainian Heroes. Budanov emphasized the importance of this activity for the consolidation of society and strengthening of the state.

White House Communications Advisor John Kirby said that according to US information, Russia is redeploying some units to the Kursk area from regions in or near Ukraine.

An underwater hunter discovered the wreckage of an enemy UAV at a depth of 5 meters. The SES divers recovered the remains of the Shahed drone from the water for further investigation.

The OP adviser commented on the operation of the armed forces in the Kursk region of Russia. According to him, this has added a new topic to potential negotiations - the territorial integrity of Russia, although a just peace is still far away.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs explains the concept of “protected spaces” in schools for the physical protection of students. These spaces are set up on the ground floors and in basements, using gabions and metal shutters.

The Bundeswehr Major General announced plans to transfer IRIS-T systems, PzH-2000 and Zuzana 2 self-propelled artillery systems, Leopard 1A5 tanks, and other weapons to Ukraine by the end of 2024. Germany will also provide small arms, ammunition, and medical aid.

Over the last day, 68 combat engagements took place in various sectors of the frontline. In the Toretsk sector, the occupants increased the number of attacks to 10, advancing near Zalizne, New York and Toretsk.

Three employees of a private joint-stock company are suspected of illegally extracting more than 10,000 tons of sand from the Desna River, causing UAH 7. 7 million in damages. They face up to six years in prison under Part 3 of Article 240 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

The Verkhovna Rada plans to consider in the second reading a bill banning religious organizations associated with the aggressor country. The document provides for a ban on the activities of the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine and the propaganda of the "Russian world.

The expert spoke about the shortage of workers in Ukraine's agricultural sector due to the war. The biggest shortage is among drivers, agronomists, and combine operators, especially during the sowing and harvesting campaigns.

Belarusian dictator Lukashenko calls for a negotiated end to the war in Ukraine. He claims that the conflict benefits only "high-ranking people of American origin" who want "Ukrainians and Russians to destroy each other.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has clarified the procedure for exchanging driver's licenses after the expiration of the 2-year validity period. The exchange is possible online or at a service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, provided there are no more than 2 traffic violations.

The Verkhovna Rada plans to consider Draft Law No. 9139 on grapes and viticulture products. The document regulates the production and sale of grapes and wine, as well as the protection of geographical indications.