Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will appear at the White House on August 18 in the black jacket he wore at the NATO summit. This will be a "suit style" without a tie, which is a change from his usual casual attire.
On August 18, Russian troops shelled Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia. As a result of the attacks, 10 civilians, including 2 children, were killed and 46 were injured.
Ukraine plans to complete screening for all clusters and prepare a national program for implementing EU legislation by the end of the year. Some clusters are already ready for opening, but the final decision depends on the vote of the 27 EU member states.
Minister of Energy Svitlana Hrynchuk stated that Ukraine's energy system is operating stably. She noted that the system remains fragile and vulnerable due to constant enemy shelling, especially in frontline regions.
The National Association of Defense Industry of Ukraine (NAUDI) appealed to the parliament with a call not to adopt the legislative package on Defence City in its current version and to return it to the main committee for revision and repeated second reading.
Two company executives have been notified of suspicion of laundering over UAH 160 million on the construction of the Podilskyi Bridge in Kyiv. The funds were transferred for unperformed construction works, and the recipient companies did not conduct real activities.
The Supreme Court made a decision that effectively deprives shareholders of liquidated banks of access to justice. This decision drew criticism from lawyers and former judges, who point to violations of constitutional rights.
Russian troops struck Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy region, and Odesa, killing civilians, including children. This happened on the eve of a meeting in Washington regarding ending the war.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced an increase in salaries for primary and emergency medicine doctors to 35 thousand hryvnias. The government also plans to introduce annual medical examinations for Ukrainians under 40 years old starting from 2026.
Minister of Finance Serhiy Marchenko stated that Ukraine needs $45 billion for 2026, as hostilities are expected to continue. This need is not yet covered, and negotiations are underway with the G7, EU, and IMF.
The Ukrainian government plans to allocate at least $5 billion for defense by 2026, and also to attract $5 billion from partners for the development of the defense industry in 2025. Priorities include ensuring the front, developing the defense industry, and cooperating with partners.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó accused Ukraine of attacking the oil pipeline leading to Hungary. The head of Ukrainian diplomacy, Andriy Sybiha, reminded that Russia started the war.
Ukraine expects an IMF mission at the end of August, with Verkhovna Rada deputies as part of the negotiating group. The country seeks coordination of IMF and EU programs.
The White House has released the official agenda for US President Donald Trump for August 18. An hour-long bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is planned.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine presented the Draft Action Program for 2026, which includes 12 strategic goals. Among the key priorities are defense, European integration, and anti-corruption.
A bill for the fast-track of European integration initiatives has been registered in the Verkhovna Rada. More than 150 deputies are involved in the work of groups related to European integration.
The Ukrainian sea corridor has transported 137 million tons of cargo in two years, including 84 million tons of agricultural products. It ensures food security for 54 countries around the world, operating 24/7 despite infrastructure damage.
Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk stated that NATO is the best security guarantee for Ukraine. The Ukrainian parliament will continue to implement the state's strategy regarding membership in the Alliance.
An online platform, zbroya. gov.ua, has been launched in Ukraine, uniting state tools for manufacturers of weapons and military equipment. It will simplify interaction with the state and accelerate the production of Ukrainian weapons.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni warned allies about the need to support the US President's efforts for peace. She also argues with French President Emmanuel Macron over the location of a trilateral Putin-Zelensky-Trump meeting.
Vyacheslav Savytskyi, director of KP "Pleso", has been notified of suspicion of embezzling UAH 1. 7 million in budget funds. The investigation established the embezzlement of funds allocated for environmental protection measures and official forgery.
Latvia, Finland, and Lithuania have banned or restricted real estate purchases by Russian citizens for national security reasons. Estonia, Norway, and the state of Texas are also considering similar measures.
A regional forum was held in Cherkasy region on August 15. They discussed community development and economic strengthening, regional recovery after the war, as well as how joint efforts of government, business, and communities can create new opportunities.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported 182 combat engagements over the past day, 58 of which occurred in the Pokrovsk direction. The enemy launched four missile strikes and 80 air strikes, using 5132 kamikaze drones.
Law enforcement officers exposed a criminal organization of 10 people that was engaged in selling cocaine in Kyiv and Odesa. Drug couriers worked around the clock, using fake passes, and sold up to 50 grams of cocaine per day.
During the night, Sumy and the Shostka community suffered a massive attack by Russian drones. Civilian infrastructure was damaged, fires broke out, and there are casualties.
In Kharkiv, the number of victims from the Russian drone strike on a residential building has increased to 20, including six children. Five people died, among them two children.
Gold prices fell by 1. 8% for the week to $3340 per ounce. This is due to accelerating wholesale inflation in the US and expectations regarding interest rates.
Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine, firing four Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 140 drones. Air defense forces neutralized 88 drones, but missile and drone hits were recorded in 25 locations across six regions.
MHP has started the sowing campaign for the 2026 harvest in Lviv, Vinnytsia, and Cherkasy regions. The company increased the area under winter rapeseed to 42 thousand hectares and under winter wheat to 55 thousand hectares.
