Ukraine
Ukraine obtained six procedural victories in international courts in the first half of 2026. The decisions allow for the recovery of about 4.6 million euros in favor of the Ministry of Defense.
Russian troops attacked a 52-year-old civilian man who was trading at a market in Kherson with a drone; he survived. Ukraine's MFA condemned the attack as a deliberate and systematic Russian strategy.
As a result of the Russian attack, the warehouse complex of the ice cream manufacturer "Lasunka" was completely destroyed. The products prepared for shipment were destroyed by fire.
The Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has spread a statement about the lack of prospects for Ukraine's EU accession, which was picked up by over 750 outlets. This is already the second wave this summer, aimed at discrediting the negotiation process.
The SBU reports an intensification of Russian special services' efforts to eliminate Ukrainian military personnel through online dating. Since the beginning of 2026, more than 50 such cases have been prevented.
In July, Belgium imported 0. 4 million tons of LNG from Russia, becoming completely dependent on it. This complicates the EU's energy policy, which plans a full ban on Russian gas next year.
Over the past day, 226 combat engagements occurred at the front, with the fiercest battles taking place in the Kostiantynivka direction, where the enemy launched 35 attacks. The adversary carried out 84 airstrikes, dropped 258 guided aerial bombs, and used 10,712 kamikaze drones.
The Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center warns of an extreme fire danger level in Ukraine on August 4-6 due to the heat. Conditions will contribute to a high probability of the occurrence and spread of fires in ecosystems.
On the night of August 4, Russia launched one ballistic missile and 136 drones at Ukraine. Air defense forces shot down or suppressed 117 enemy UAVs.
On August 3, the Russian army lost 1,240 soldiers and 1,792 drones. Total Russian losses since the beginning of the war have exceeded 1.45 million people.
In most parts of Ukraine on August 4, dry heat up to 38° is expected. Slight precipitation is possible only in Kyiv and Zhytomyr regions.
Fencer Alina Poloziuk was named the best female athlete of July, and rower Yelyzaveta Vozniuk was named the best young female athlete. The laureates will be awarded cash prizes and statuettes.
Senior advisor to Iran's leader Mohsen Rezaei stated that Tehran intended to strike three facilities in Ukraine. The attack was allegedly canceled after Ukraine apologized.
In the occupied territories of Ukraine, personnel changes among the clergy have begun. Local collaborators are being replaced by priests from Russia to strengthen control.
Rustem Umerov, appointed head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, stated his intention to strengthen international cooperation. He plans to implement the President's strategic initiatives, including the Drone Deal and the Freya program.
As a result of a Russian drone attack on the Kherson region, the Holy Presentation Church, an architectural monument of the 18th century, burned down. The temple was the only preserved example of wooden Cossack architecture in Ukraine.
Head of the OP Kyrylo Budanov stated that the main tasks of diplomacy are to attract weapons and air defense systems. He also emphasized the transition to joint defense production.
Ukraine's Ambassador to the United Kingdom Valeriy Zaluzhnyi stated that Ukraine will never join NATO due to the outdated model of the Alliance. He advises focusing on new security blocs and military cooperation.
The State Border Guard Service and the State Tax Service have signed an agreement on automated electronic information exchange. The new mechanism will allow tax officials to track Ukrainians' trips abroad to combat tax evasion.
The President signed a decree on sanctions against manufacturers of equipment for the Russian military-industrial complex. The restrictions affected companies that produce missiles, drones, and air defense systems.
In Wrocław, an 18-year-old citizen of Ukraine has been charged after a knife attack on a 30-year-old woman. The man pleaded not guilty and refused to give explanations; the prosecutor's office is requesting a temporary arrest.
Advisor Podolyak stated Kyiv's readiness for various ceasefire formats, including in the air and energy. The US supports these proposals to move toward negotiations.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Victoria Lialina-Boiko as the permanent representative of Ukraine to UNESCO. Vadym Omelchenko was dismissed from this position concurrently.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a new international format that will unite the countries of the region around security, economy and tourism. The initiative was supported by the presidents of the European Council and the European Commission.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree on the dismissal of Olha Stefanyshyna from the post of ambassador to the USA. The corresponding decree No. 696/2026 has been published.
President Zelenskyy, at a meeting of diplomats on July 3, emphasized the need to strengthen international support through media. He also called on diplomats to better know the languages and culture of the host countries.
In the coming days, temperatures in Ukraine will reach 35-38 degrees, with possible temperature records. The heat will subside on August 7-9, giving way to thunderstorms, downpours, and hail.
President Zelenskyy reported on the expansion of localization of Western weapons in Ukraine. He thanked European partners for their readiness to support resilience through joint defense production.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is coordinating with the American side and European partners to receive necessary support packages. He emphasized that air defense missiles should be in Ukrainian launchers, not in warehouses.
The Ministry of Health has released data showing that only 43% of infants receive exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. In case the mother lacks or has insufficient milk, the practice of breast milk donation is in place.