NATO Chiefs of Staff met on August 20. They reaffirmed their support for Ukraine, emphasizing the priority of a just and lasting peace.
Russia is preparing a new budget with tax increases and cuts in civilian spending due to record defense expenditures and declining oil and gas revenues. Economists warn of a recession risk, as over 40% of Russia's funds are directed towards the war against Ukraine.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has decided to start the new academic year on September 1. The duration of studies and holidays will be determined by the pedagogical council, taking into account the security situation.
Indian state-owned oil refineries have resumed purchases of Russian Urals oil after a short break. This comes despite criticism from American officials and threats of sanctions.
Since May 2024, the electronic queue at TCC and SP has been operating in test mode, and now it has become a permanent service. The Ukrainian government has finally normalized the use of the electronic queue service at the initiative of the Ministry of Defense.
Military serviceman Oleksiy "Stalker" criticizes Poroshenko for his statements regarding negotiations, recalling the plundering of the army and the defense of the Russian language during his presidency. He also mentions Poroshenko's ties to the UOC-MP.
Seven Instagram accounts, including popular blogger Simbochka, have been blocked for illegal gambling advertising. This happened due to the demonstration of "easy winnings" and the placement of links to casinos, which violates Ukrainian legislation.
Researchers at the University of Amsterdam modeled a social network with AI-based chatbots. The experiment showed that even platform intervention does not reduce polarization and extreme content.
Prosecutor General Kravchenko, at the trial of former UDO employee Artem Kosov, reported on the aggressive actions of the accused, including attempts to retrieve a pistol and dispose of the victim's body. Kosov is accused of the intentional murder of a 16-year-old boy on the Kyiv funicular.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported 71 combat engagements over the past day, with the most attacks recorded in the Lyman direction. The enemy intensified pressure in northern Donetsk region, and aviation struck Sumy region and Zaporizhzhia.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in a conversation with Putin, called on Russia to support international efforts for a lasting peace in Ukraine. Ankara advocates for a just and comprehensive peace with the participation of all parties to the conflict.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow would not agree to resolve issues of collective security without its participation. He called dialogue without Russia "a utopia and a path to nowhere."
The court in the case of former UDO employee Artem Kosov, accused of murdering a teenager on the funicular, heard the forensic expert.
The Center for Countering Disinformation refutes the fake news about 1. 7 million Ukrainian military personnel killed. As of January 2025, Ukraine's army numbered 880,000 people, and Russian losses significantly exceed Ukrainian ones.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has launched an automated procedure for submitting documents for notarization in all 120 diplomatic missions abroad. Citizens can submit online applications and upload documents through the "e-Consul" system, which simplifies access to services.
President Zelenskyy dismissed Borys Tarasyuk from the post of Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the Council of Europe. Mykola Tochitsky, former Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications, has been appointed in his place.
The MHP-Hromadi Charitable Foundation supported the publication of a collective monograph on Hryhorii Skovoroda. The 525-page book brought together 52 authors and was presented at St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv.
In Kyiv, the trial of former UDO employee Artem Kosov, accused of intentional murder of a 16-year-old boy on the funicular, has begun. The prosecution is personally represented by Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko.
National security advisers are preparing a draft framework of security guarantees for Ukraine. This could pave the way for a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin.
"Reserve+" has added the option to pay fines online for not registering for military service after changing residence. This allows closing the violation without visiting the TCC, the fine amount depends on the payment deadline.
Russia expects to retain India as a stable oil client, offering discounts of about 5% off the market price. The US is increasing pressure on India over its purchases of Russian oil, imposing duties and accusing it of supporting "Putin's war."
Almost half of Ukrainians experience high levels of stress, but 73% have a reserve of resilience. Children and adolescents are a vulnerable category, with 34% nervous about exams and 27% about air raid alerts.
Ukrzaliznytsia adds five trains for the autumn season, connecting Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro, and Uzhhorod. This expands the transportation schedule and reduces the load on popular routes.
Today, more than 10 children abducted by Russia will return to Ukraine. In total, 1509 children have already been returned, and 20,000 children located in enemy territory have been identified.
Ukrainian state enterprises earned over UAH 16 billion in profit in 2024, almost twice as much as in 2023. The processing industry and transport sector brought the largest profits.
The Ministry of Defence of Great Britain reports that in over 500 schools and 30 colleges in Russia, children are being taught the operation and technical basics of unmanned aerial vehicles. This initiative is part of Russia's plan to train one million UAV specialists by 2030.
The Supreme Court closed proceedings in the case of Concord Bank, citing a legal conflict that MPs had warned about back in 2020. This decision effectively deprived the bank's shareholders of access to justice.
Pope Leo XVI expressed hope for peace in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for continuous efforts and prayer to achieve it. He constantly communicates with political leaders and prays for progress in peace negotiations.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone conversation with Vladimir Putin. The parties discussed the Russia-US summit in Alaska and noted Turkey's assistance in negotiations between the Russian Federation and Ukraine in Istanbul.
British Defense Minister John Healey stated that London does not rule out the possibility of sending its troops to Ukraine after a peace agreement. This is intended to ensure security and prevent new aggression from Russia.
