Ukraine
Adrien Brody and Sean Penn have landed the lead roles in Doug Liman’s film "Snake Island" about the sabotage of gas pipelines. Filming is underway in Croatia, and the movie will tell the story of a team of Ukrainian divers.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu supported the decision to facilitate the transit of Ukrainian grain, emphasizing the need to help Ukraine. The government reduced rail transit tariffs by 50%, but farmers are threatening protests.
The U. S. first lady helped reunite a child with their family after they were separated by the war. Overall, her efforts have helped 34 children.
The Skiros tanker was attacked near the CPC terminal off Novorossiysk after loading a shipment of Russian oil.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Serhii Naumenko First Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council. NSDC Secretary Ihor Klymenko noted that Naumenko is a professional officer with combat experience.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Volodymyr Karpenko from the position of commander of the Logistics Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and appointed Yurii Pohribnyi to this position.
Since the beginning of the full-scale war, Russian occupiers have damaged or destroyed 88 stadiums in Ukraine, 14 of which have been completely destroyed. Direct losses to sports infrastructure are estimated at $4 billion.
The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine published the details of individuals who taught children in the temporarily occupied territories how to handle weapons and drones. The aim is to destroy Ukrainian identity and prepare them for war.
Information campaigns, active blogs on social media, and manipulation are becoming common tools for pressuring judges in Ukraine. The lawyer called for distinguishing between justified criticism and unlawful interference in the administration of justice.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the program of activities, which has been submitted to the Verkhovna Rada. Prime Minister Koretsky called on parliament to consider it as soon as possible.
The Ministry of Culture recommended 546 projects for victory in the "Tysyachovesna-2026" program. Among them are films about Olga Kharlan, Serhii Kuzminskyi, and a Christmas comedy.
Romania’s acting defense minister said that more than 100 Russian drones had attacked Ukrainian ports on the Danube, with their debris washing up on the Romanian shore. He emphasized that the war has indirect consequences for Romania, but that the level of risk has not increased.
The enemy struck the Bohdanivka community in Pavlohrad district, causing a fire. A 52-year-old man was killed, and another 47-year-old man was injured.
On the night of August 17, the Armed Forces of Ukraine struck Russian military targets. A UAV storage site in Hvardiiske, the "Orion" station in Novofedorivka, and repeaters were hit.
Since the beginning of 2026, the Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Centers have sent the police more than 1. 5 million requests to locate persons liable for military service. During the period of martial law, more than 20,000 criminal proceedings for evading mobilization have been investigated.
The man is suspected of illegally registering a deceased person's apartment, causing losses of UAH 1 million. He was extradited from Spain and taken into custody.
South Korea is reviewing Trump's comments about scaling back joint exercises, hoping for substantive negotiations. Pyongyang has not yet responded, while experts warn of possible high costs.
SBU counterintelligence officers prevented a series of terrorist attacks in Odesa Oblast by detaining a 27-year-old agent of the Russian Federation. At the enemy’s direction, the woman made three explosive devices and planned to blow up a vehicles belonging to the Defense Forces.
Over the past day, there were 236 combat clashes at the front, most of them in the Pokrovsk, Kostiantynivka, and Sloviansk directions. The enemy launched a missile strike and 82 airstrikes, and used 11,783 kamikaze drones.
Illegal mining was uncovered near Uzhhorod, with damages to the state amounting to nearly one billion hryvnias. Four participants in the scheme, including a regional council member, have been notified of suspicion.
On August 17, Blueberry Pie Day and Homeless Animals Day are celebrated. According to the new church calendar, the memory of Saint Martyr Myron is commemorated.
Vector and Reliant drones from Quantum Systems have been equipped with a new SAR radar, enabling reconnaissance in rain, fog, and darkness. It is unknown whether these drones will be supplied to Ukraine, but the company has facilities in the country.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha spoke with his Greek counterpart Georgios Gerapetritis, discussing Russian attacks and security in the Black Sea. The parties agreed to maintain close contact.
Head of the Office of the President Kyrylo Budanov reported that the ashes of Colonel Yevhen Konovalets are returning to Ukraine after 88 years. They will be temporarily reburied at the National Military Memorial Cemetery and later in the Ukrainian National Pantheon.
The Ministry of Culture has completed the final stage of the selection for "Tyсяchovesny"; 546 projects will receive funding. A total of 1,215 projects were presented at the pitching event, and up to UAH 4 billion has been allocated for the implementation of the initiative.
Russian state-owned bank VEB dismissed Andrei Klepach after his remarks about losing the war of attrition and a possible social crisis. He had held the position for 12 years.
The Nash Format office near the Pochaina metro station was damaged in Russia's overnight attack. The publishing house is not launching a fundraiser, urging people to show their support by purchasing books instead. The Russians also destroyed the largest book market, Petrivka.
On the night of August 16, Russian forces struck Kyiv, Kremenchuk and Kryvyi Rih. Air defense forces shot down 85 UAVs and three Kh-59/69 missiles.
Russia’s Ministry of Defense and Russian milbloggers continue to exaggerate Russian advances in the Oleksandrivka and Huliaipole directions. According to ISW analysts, the Kremlin is using artificial intelligence to portray Russia’s "successes" at the front.
On Sunday, August 16, mostly clear skies are expected across most of Ukraine, with generally no precipitation. The daytime temperature will be 27–32°, with winds from varying directions at 3–8 m/s.