The Kyiv Independent news desk

The sounds of explosions, air defense fire, and jet-powered drones filled the air in Kyiv on Aug. 27, as an hours-long aerial barrage once again targeted Ukraine's capital.

"Just days ago, the President of Moldova was with us in Ukraine on our Independence Day. Today, Ukraine stands with Moldova on its Independence Day. Friends should stand shoulder to shoulder," Zelensky said.

The figure includes 1,400 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.

Key developments on Aug. 26: * Major Russian oil refinery in flames after drone strike, General Staff confirms * Top commanders to lead reinforcement of Ukrainian positions in Donetsk Oblast, Zelensky says * US chips outnumber China's in Russian missiles, Ukraine says * Ukraine thwarts FSB assassination plot against defense company head * Ukraine resumes strikes on Russia's Wildberries with 'massive drone attack' in Tambov Oblast Ukraine struck Russia's NORSI oil refinery in Kstovo, Nizhn

The figure includes 1,450 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.

Key developments on Aug. 25: * UK, France approve Storm Shadow/SCALP missile production in Ukraine, Zelensky says * US asked Ukraine to refrain from striking Moscow during CIA chief's visit, source says * Kellogg backs mobilizing Ukrainian women, parliament says it is not under consideration * Kremlin dismisses Donbas free economic zone proposal * Russian drone strikes border crossing between Ukraine, Moldova * Ukrainian strike damages MiG-29 fighter jet at Russian air base * 'Fabricated

The figure includes 1,230 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.

Key developments on Aug. 24: * Russian drone strikes residential building in central Chernihiv, injuring at least 20, including 3 children, on Ukraine's Independence Day * Ukraine hits Ozon logistics centers, rocket fuel plant, MiG-29 fighter jet in Russia, military says * Russia reacts to UK sharing Storm Shadow blueprints with Ukraine * 10 Ukrainian soldiers believed missing return home from Russian captivity in 'special exchange' * EU greenlights $7 billion in defense loans on Ukraine I

The figure includes 1,490 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.

Key developments on Aug. 22-23: * 'Hunting their launch sites' — Zelensky reveals new details about Ukraine's ballistic missile defense * Ukraine weighing 'radical' mobilization changes amid recruitment challenges, official says * Ukrainian drones reportedly strike Wildberries rival, Ozon, in Russia's Orenburg * Russia planning 'peripheral' mobilization of 300,000 men after elections, Zelensky says * Ukraine strikes 2 Russian fighters, air defense assets in Krasnodar Krai, drone commander

"So far, he has said that this constitutes an escalation," President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters on Aug. 22. "However, he may change his mind once he sees further arguments."

The figure includes 1,310 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.

"The proposals being conveyed to us are sometimes, I would say, exotic in nature," Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview following the United Russia party congress on Aug. 22.

The Yeysk oil terminal supplies fuel to the Russian armed forces, according to the Ukrainian military.

French President Emmanuel Macron also agreed to help Kyiv in its communications with international partners that have supplies of Patriot air defense systems, which Zelensky has repeatedly said are critical for protecting Ukrainian civilians from Russian ballistic missiles.