Global oil prices remained largely unchanged, as investors monitor peace talks surrounding Ukraine, which could impact the energy market. Brent and WTI futures saw slight gains, while the market remains uncertain due to the unlikelihood of a swift resolution to the conflict.
Lawmakers are working on amendments to include aircraft manufacturing enterprises in the special regime.
US President Donald Trump refused Putin's proposed meeting in Moscow. This happened amid discussions of possible meetings between Putin and Zelenskyy.
The Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has discovered a new Russian UAV with LTE communication and remote control capability. It can be a reconnaissance, strike, or decoy target.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported 175 combat engagements per day, more than a quarter of which took place in the Pokrovsk direction. The enemy launched four missile and 82 air strikes, carried out 5611 shellings, and used 5610 kamikaze drones.
European leaders are likely to impose sanctions against Russia if Putin refuses a trilateral meeting with Zelenskyy and Trump. Zelenskyy called for sanctions if Putin refuses the summit.
The National Bank of Ukraine set the official hryvnia exchange rate at UAH 41. 3557/USD, which depreciated the hryvnia by 10 kopecks. The exchange rates for the dollar, euro, and zloty on the interbank market and in exchange offices have also been updated.
Donald Trump believes that Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin should meet without him. He wants to observe the outcome of their meeting before joining the negotiations.
Russian troops attacked Izmail with drones, damaging infrastructure and production facilities. One person was injured, fires have been extinguished.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused India of profiting from Russian oil purchases during the war in Ukraine. He noted that the share of Russian oil in India's imports increased from less than 1% to 42%.
On August 19, Russian troops lost 920 soldiers and 50 artillery systems. The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 20.08.25 amount to over one million personnel.
In Sumy region, 12 people, including two children, were injured as a result of a Russian drone strike. An apartment building, 13 private homes, an outbuilding, and a garage were damaged.
Forecasters predict variable cloudiness without precipitation throughout Ukraine on August 20. Daytime temperatures will reach 22-27°, and up to 30° in the south and southeast.
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.
Senator Richard Blumenthal stated that the policy of appeasement will not bring Donald Trump closer to the Nobel Peace Prize. He believes that this will only give Putin more time and resources.
In occupied Crimea, blue barrels with technical water are appearing, indicating a deepening water crisis. The occupation authorities explain this with "drought," but the real reason is mismanagement and infrastructure destruction.
The Kremlin's propaganda project "Conversations about important things" is being extended to kindergartens starting September 1. The lessons justify the "SMO" and glorify Russian military personnel.
Deputy Prime Minister Taras Kachka held talks with ministers from five European countries. Ukraine expects the earliest possible opening of the first negotiation cluster "Fundamentals of the EU Accession Process."
In temporarily occupied Crimea, Russians have launched a new wave of filtration measures. Security forces are searching dormitories and residential areas, looking for "unreliable" individuals.
Belarus is ready to mediate a meeting between the presidents of Russia and Ukraine for a peaceful settlement of the conflict. Press Secretary of the President of Belarus Natalia Eismont stated that Minsk is ready to organize a meeting at the highest level.
Donald Trump postponed his vacation due to preparations for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Switzerland promises security to the Russian dictator for the meeting.
The President of Turkey and the NATO Secretary General discussed the peace process between Ukraine and Russia. The parties emphasized Turkey's key role and agreed on its contribution.
Germany has expressed readiness to join the system of security guarantees for Ukraine. The scope of support has not yet been determined, but the participation of the Bundeswehr is not excluded.
Canada's Foreign Minister met with the President of Finland. The parties discussed economic cooperation, security in the Arctic, and support for Ukraine.
During his visit to the USA, President Zelenskyy wore a black suit by Ukrainian designer Viktor Anisimov. The look combined elements of military and civilian style, receiving positive feedback at the White House.
European officials are discussing a plan to send British and French troops to Ukraine as part of a peace agreement. About ten countries are ready to join this initiative.
The supply of Russian oil to Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline has been restored after the night attack on August 18. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó expressed concern about new strikes on critical infrastructure.
Russian troops advanced in the Serebryansky forest area and near the settlement of Olhivske in Luhansk region. This is confirmed by updated DeepState data.
Most Ukrainian refugees in Poland are unlikely to return home even after a ceasefire, as they are well integrated into the Polish labor market. This contributes to Poland's economic growth, with GDP growth projected at 3% in 2025-2026.
US President Donald Trump called Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to find out why he is blocking Ukraine's EU accession talks. European leaders asked Trump to use his influence on Orban.
