Ukraine
President Zelenskyy commented on Russia's night attack, which included a strike on a gas distribution station in Odesa region and injuries to people in Sumy region. He emphasized that these are demonstrative strikes, which confirm the need for pressure on Moscow and new sanctions.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Besent stated that the US sells weapons to Europe, which then resells them to Ukraine with a 10% markup. These funds could be used to provide security guarantees for Ukraine.
The Verkhovna Rada will consider draft laws on Defence City. MP Venislavsky called for the inclusion of the aircraft manufacturing industry in the initiative and to provide it with tax benefits, as it is an economic driver.
Herman Smetanin has been re-appointed as the CEO of JSC "Ukrainian Defense Industry" following an open competition. His candidacy was chosen due to his deep knowledge of the internal processes of enterprises and the specifics of the defense-industrial complex.
Deputy Minister of Health Ihor Kuzin stated that measles is threat #1 for children's groups. Almost 1200 cases of measles have been recorded in Ukraine since the beginning of the year, most of them among children.
A number of countries, including Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Hungary, have expressed readiness to organize a meeting between the presidents of Ukraine and Russia. The White House is considering Budapest as the main venue for trilateral negotiations.
The White House is planning a possible trilateral meeting of the US, Russian, and Ukrainian presidents in Budapest. The US Secret Service is preparing for the summit, although the final location may change.
The Romanian Ministry of Defense announced the scrambling of two German Eurofighter jets after detecting groups of Russian drones near the border with Ukraine. The aircraft monitored the air situation in the border area in the north of Tulcea county.
European leaders are skeptical of Donald Trump's peace initiatives, but do not reject them, viewing them as a tool to demonstrate the Kremlin's true intentions. They plan to support American peace efforts so that Trump himself can be convinced of Moscow's unwillingness to make concessions.
National Guard troops from four states are arriving in Washington to combat illegal migrants and suppress unrest. This has caused concern among residents of the capital, especially among Hispanic merchants.
US President's special envoy Steve Witkoff stated that security guarantees will be the basis of any peace agreement with Ukraine. He emphasized that the decision to conclude peace rests with President Zelenskyy.
The head of the Main Department of the State Emergency Service in Vinnytsia region was notified of suspicion of human trafficking. He forcibly used subordinate rescuers on his own construction sites.
On the night of August 20, the Russian Federation launched 2 Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 93 drones. The Armed Forces of Ukraine neutralized one missile and 62 drones.
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.