Ukraine
In Zakarpattia, a customs officer and a law enforcement officer attempted to organize a scheme for the illegal departure of men of conscription age. They were detained while receiving 26 thousand dollars and escorting "clients" to the border; the case has been sent to court.
Latvia joins the NATO PURL mechanism, allocating at least 2 million euros for the purchase of weapons for Ukraine. This initiative provides for the centralized procurement of critically needed weapons, in particular air defense systems.
Ukrainian military liberated the outskirts of Stepnohirsk in Zaporizhzhia. At the same time, the enemy advanced in Nykanorivka, Shcherbynivka, and near Petrivka in Donetsk region.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the diplomatic situation and possibilities for ending the war with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Qatar facilitated the return of Ukrainian children illegally deported to Russia.
On August 12, 133 combat engagements took place at the front, the enemy launched 1 missile strike, 67 air strikes, and carried out 3637 shellings. Ukrainian defenders continue to repel attempts to advance deep into the territory.
Kyiv's Dynamo lost to Cypriot Pafos with a score of 2:0 in the second leg of the third qualifying round of the Champions League. Dynamo will continue its performance in the Europa League, where it will meet the winner of the Maccabi (Tel Aviv) – Hamrun Spartans pair.
US President Donald Trump and Vice President J. D. Vance will hold a virtual meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European allies. This will take place ahead of the Trump-Putin summit in Anchorage, Alaska, where they will discuss a settlement to Russia's war against Ukraine.
SBU Head Vasyl Maliuk spoke about a complex of security measures for agents returning from enemy rear. This includes changing their appearance and preparing new documents.
President Zelenskyy believes that two bilateral and one trilateral meeting involving the US are needed to end the war. Europe must witness the outcome, which will provide security and economic guarantees for Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy emphasizes that Donbas is a springboard for a Russian offensive, and its loss will open the way to further aggression. The issue of territories must be an integral part of security guarantees.
Russia is preparing offensive actions in the Zaporizhzhia, Pokrovsk, and Novopavlivka directions. Up to 30,000 troops are expected to be transferred from the Kursk direction, ready by September.
White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt confirmed that Donald Trump plans to visit Russia. Possible dates for the visit were not announced, and the meeting with the Russian dictator was called a "training."
The SBU conducted a unique special operation "Web", hitting four Russian airfields with 150 combat FPV drones. The operation involved creating a logistics company in Chelyabinsk and delivering sanctioned goods to ensure the drones' operation.
President Zelenskyy reported that Russians are suffering three times more losses than the Armed Forces of Ukraine, citing an example of 968 Russian losses per day against 340 Ukrainian ones. Ukraine also has an advantage in FPV drones of 1 to 1.4, which it plans to increase thanks to partner funding.
President Zelenskyy held a conversation with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof. He thanked him for his clear position on not making decisions without Ukraine's participation and discussed future contacts.
The Cabinet of Ministers has increased the size of presidential scholarships for students of vocational schools, colleges, technical schools, universities, and postgraduate students. Schoolchildren who score 185+ points on the NMT will also receive a Presidential scholarship.
President Zelenskyy announced steps to rectify the situation in the Pokrovsk direction and near Dobropillia. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine allocated additional forces and planned measures to block the enemy.
A mother with four children, aged from one and a half to 15 years old, left the temporarily occupied territory, where the family lived under constant pressure. The children saw their father for the first time in over three years.
The Cassation Administrative Court within the Supreme Court considered two similar cases regarding "Concord" and "Misto Bank" banks, applying the same legal norm but interpreting it differently. This raises questions about the impartiality of the proceedings and deprives "Concord" shareholders of access to justice.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine will work out mechanisms for increasing scholarships starting next year. President Zelenskyy expects details of the decision within 10 days.
The National Investigation Service of Bulgaria is conducting searches at the company "SAGE CONSULTANTS AD", which trades in weapons. The NABU investigation in Ukraine concerns price gouging, and there are also suspicions of sanctions circumvention and trade with the Russian Federation.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with his Romanian counterpart Nicușor Dan. They discussed further joint diplomatic steps and EU support for Ukraine.
The High Anti-Corruption Court extended pre-trial measures for the former head of the SFS, Roman Nasirov, until September 4 and 9. He is accused of causing damages to the state exceeding UAH 2 billion and receiving a bribe of UAH 722 million.
President Zelenskyy held a conversation with Erdogan, thanking him for his mediation. They discussed diplomatic prospects and Turkey's readiness to organize a summit with the participation of four countries.
Ukrainian aviation enterprises seek to join Defence City to preserve and develop their capacities. This will provide access to investments, international markets, and modern defense technologies.
Ukrainian long-range drones attacked a logistics hub with Iranian drones in Tatarstan for the second time this week. This warehouse is located 1300 km from the border and is used to support attacks on Ukraine.
The Verkhovna Rada will consider the bill on the Military Ombudsman next week. This will allow the creation of an Office for the systemic protection of servicemen's rights, as the current efforts of one person are insufficient.
The European Commission sees nothing new in Hungary's refusal to sign the statement on supporting Ukraine. It emphasizes the need for EU unity, otherwise Russia will benefit from it.
China hopes for the participation of all interested parties in peace talks regarding the war in Ukraine. This comes ahead of the summit between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15.
President Zelenskyy and Erdogan discussed bilateral relations and regional issues. The Turkish leader expressed readiness to host a summit and proposed creating working groups.