Ukraine
12 children, who had lived under Russian occupation for years, moved to territories controlled by Ukraine thanks to the Bring Kids Back UA initiative. Some of them witnessed brutal torture of relatives or faced humiliation themselves.
President Zelenskyy met with Trump's special envoy Keith Kellogg, discussing the upcoming meeting of Ukrainian and European leaders with the US President. They also touched upon the situation on the battlefield and diplomatic opportunities.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces' unmanned systems attacked the Nikolskoye oil pumping station in Russia's Tambov region. As a result of the strike, oil pumping through the Druzhba main oil pipeline has been completely stopped.
Donald Trump said he does not need advice on ending the Russian-Ukrainian war, which he calls "Joe Biden's war. " He claims to have settled six wars in six months and knows what he is doing.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha stated that Ukraine expects from the meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump a clear understanding of the parameters of future security guarantees. The discussion also concerns further work on bringing closer a trilateral meeting.
The Ukrainian government presented 12 priorities for 2026, with security and defense being key. The Defence City initiative and cooperation with global companies Rheinmetall, BAE Systems are important directions.
Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that the meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump, scheduled for August 18, is crucial. Sybiha emphasized that this meeting and the current moment provide a chance to bring a just peace closer for Ukraine.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy is meeting with US Special Representative for Ukraine Kurt Volker. Details of the negotiations are not currently disclosed.
Minister of Defense Denys Shmyhal stated that Ukraine does not export weapons due to the unmet needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. However, the country is preparing for the implementation of quasi-exports, jointly producing weapons with partners in a safe territory.
The Ukrainian cruise missile "Flamingo" has a range of over 3000 km and is in serial production. Its weight is 6 tons, its warhead is 1000 kg, and its speed is up to 900 km/h.
The UK will support a peace deal with Ukraine, even without a prior ceasefire. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the agreement must ensure lasting peace and security for Ukrainians.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that the number of Ukraine's Defense Forces will not sharply decrease after the war. This will be a planned and calculated process that will not be quick.
The Ukrainian government is considering a resolution that would allow men under the age of 22 to travel abroad. The decision may be made by the end of the current week.
In Ukraine, 35,471 wage arrears were recorded in 2025, which is 11% more than at the end of 2021. In total, 1,983 companies owe employees, with state-owned enterprises being the leaders.
Ukraine is negotiating with Azerbaijan regarding gas injection. This may happen before the heating season if the contract is concluded on time.
US Vice President J. D. Vance will participate in negotiations between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Earlier, Vance assured Zelenskyy that Washington would not impose a peace agreement with Russia on Ukraine.
Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk stated that the Russians do not have the technological capabilities to launch the Zaporizhzhia NPP. Their presence at the station creates a danger for the whole world due to their disregard for international safety rules.
Ukraine is preparing measures to restore the cultural sphere, which has suffered billions of dollars in damage and lost thousands of objects. International aid, the "Great Restoration" program, and grants for creative industries are planned to be involved.
British diplomats are training Volodymyr Zelenskyy ahead of his meeting with Donald Trump. The goal is to avoid a new scandal in the Oval Office.
This year, the Ministry of Economy will submit a new Labor Code to the Verkhovna Rada. It will replace the outdated 1971 code and modernize employment forms.
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.