Occupying administrations are planning forced parades on August 22 with the participation of schoolchildren, students, and public sector employees. Teenagers are forced to carry flags of a foreign state; in many cities, there is a water shortage, but resources are being spent on a festive picture.
The Kremlin is trying to impose its terms within the framework of a peaceful settlement, demanding a veto right on security guarantees for Ukraine. This could limit Ukraine's cooperation with partners and its ability to resist future threats.
The Times journalist Edward Lucas claims that threats of increased US sanctions against Russia have disappeared. Putin's meeting with Trump in Alaska signaled the failure of Western attempts to make Russia a diplomatic outcast; without a radical increase in external support, Ukraine will face difficulties.
As a result of the enemy strike on Mukachevo, 12 people were injured. 10 people were taken to the hospital by ambulance, and two more sought help independently. Residents are urged not to go outside unnecessarily.
On Thursday, August 21, Ukraine will experience variable cloudiness, with no precipitation in most of the territory. Short-term rains and thunderstorms are possible in the west and Zhytomyr region.
On the morning of August 21, explosions were heard in several cities of Ukraine. In Mukachevo, the enemy struck an enterprise, and a large-scale fire broke out.
The US plans to play a minimal role in Ukraine's security guarantees, said US Deputy Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby. European allies, including Great Britain, France, Germany, and Finland, expressed surprise and confusion.
On the night of August 21, Ukraine was subjected to a combined attack. Explosions were heard in Kyiv, Lviv, Lutsk, Mukachevo, Rivne, and Khmelnytskyi region.
European countries are asking Donald Trump to deploy American F-35 fighter jets in Romania. This is intended to deter Russia and provide security guarantees to Ukraine, and there is also talk of Patriot and NASAMS missiles.
The Kremlin continues to evade a bilateral meeting between Putin and Zelensky, as proposed by Trump. Moscow stated its readiness for negotiations in the "Istanbul format," which "differs from a meeting of heads of state."
In Melitopol, the occupiers opened an exhibition "Witnesses of the Great Victory" in the park "Russia - My History". The project is curated by the Russian Ministry of Defense, trying to impose its version of history.
Germany calls on China to participate more actively in the peace process regarding the war in Ukraine, as negotiations with Russia may intensify. Berlin notes Beijing's significant influence on Russia, but China has not yet shown interest.
Head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak held talks with national security advisors from partner countries. Security guarantees for Ukraine were discussed to prevent a repeat of aggression.
Russia insists on a veto right regarding security guarantees for Ukraine, which, according to the Financial Times, will give Moscow effective influence over Kyiv's defense. Ukraine rejects such an idea, which would negate the efforts of the US and allies towards a peace agreement.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda stated the country's readiness to provide peacekeeping troops and military equipment for a possible mission in Ukraine. Lithuania's participation in peacekeeping operations will not differ in scale from the mission in Afghanistan.
Over the past day, 128 combat engagements took place, with the most active battles continuing in the Lyman and Pokrovsk directions. Russian troops launched two missile and 43 air strikes, using 1763 kamikaze drones.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy honored outstanding figures in culture, sports, and and science with the state award "National Legend of Ukraine". Among those awarded are Serge Lifar, Anatoliy Kryvolap, Vasyl Zinkevych, Yaroslava Mahuchikh, and others.
The Netherlands is sending two Patriot systems and 300 troops to Poland to guard a NATO logistics hub that supports Ukraine. This deployment of multi-layered air defense is intended to protect NATO and deter Russian aggression.
The prosecutor's office, together with the National Police and the SBU, notified 34 persons of suspicion. Among them are a lawyer, a former head of the Medical and Social Expert Commission (MSEC), and "clients" who evaded mobilization or illegally transported persons across the border.
In Ukraine, the rules for using the eQueue system for buses have been updated, making border crossing more predictable. Changes include booking for short routes and guaranteed slots for regular services.
Romanian Railways is testing a new direct train route between Bucharest and Kyiv. The four-car train will run once a week via Chisinau.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved a draft law on the creation of the National Bureau for Investigation of Transport Accidents. This is a new independent body that will investigate transport incidents and adapt European safety standards.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved 39 scholarships for winners of the international competition. Also, 17 two-year scholarships for outstanding educators are provided.
Poland's Minister of Defense stated that the country will not send its military to Ukraine. This does not prevent it from participating in the "Coalition of the Willing," defending NATO's eastern flank.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has expanded the list of free medicines and medical devices. The list includes drugs for the treatment of autoimmune and neuromuscular diseases, as well as medical devices for scoliosis correction.
Estonia is ready to send a company of peacekeepers to Ukraine as part of a "coalition of the willing. " The details of the mission will be discussed after the meeting between the presidents of Ukraine and Russia.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has proposed a plan of security guarantees for Ukraine to European partners. It envisages collective support in case of an attack without NATO membership.
Great Britain has introduced new sanctions against Russian financial networks and crypto exchanges that help the Russian Federation circumvent restrictions. The Kyrgyz Capital Bank, crypto exchanges Grinex and Meer, as well as the A7A5 token, fell under the restrictions.
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.
NATO Chiefs of Staff met on August 20. They reaffirmed their support for Ukraine, emphasizing the priority of a just and lasting peace.
