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12:32 PM

Ukraine's parliament ratifies ICC's Rome Statute.

The measure was supported by 281 lawmakers, with one voting against.

11:39 AM

Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 5, injure 31 over past day.

In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, the number of casualties in a previously reported Russian strike on children's cafe in the village of Malokaterynivka rose to one killed — a 14-year-old boy — and nine injured, six of whom were children. Previously, the number of casualties stood at one killed and four injured.

11:01 AM

Russian general weakened border defenses before Ukraine's Kursk incursion, WSJ reports.

Citing an official in the Russian security services, the report says Colonel General Alexander Lapin claimed the Kremlin's military could effectively defend the border on its own.

9:30 AM

Ukraine air defense pledges from some NATO countries not being fulfilled, Bloomberg reports.

Though it does not mention the specific countries behind the air defense pledges, President Volodymyr Zelensky on Aug. 18 singled out the U.S., U.K., and France during his evening address in which he called on allies to speed up deliveries of promised weapons systems.

9:23 AM

Ukraine targeted Russian S-300 air defense system in Rostov Oblast, military claims.

"Explosions were observed at targeted areas. The accuracy of the strike is being determined," the General Staff said in its report, providing no further details on the consequences.

8:22 AM

General Staff: Russia has lost 603,010 troops since Feb. 24, 2022.

This number includes 1,210 casualties Russian forces suffered over the past day.

7:37 AM

Putin makes surprise visit to Chechnya for first time in 13 years.

Russian President Vladimir Putin made a surprise visit to the Chechen Republic on Aug. 21 to inspect Chechen troops readying to deploy to Ukraine's front line - marking his first visit to the region in 13 years.

6:10 AM

Russia downs drones in 'one of the largest' drone attacks on Moscow Oblast, mayor claims.

Russian air defenses allegedly downed ten Ukrainian attack drones overnight on Aug. 21 near Moscow in "one of the largest attempts to attack Moscow with drones to date," Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin claimed.

5:20 AM

Authorities planning to evacuate 45,000 residents from Sumy Oblast, Interior Minister says.

Ukrainian authorities are planning to evacuate a total of 45,000 residents from Sumy Oblast, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko told reporters on Aug. 20, amid ongoing attacks on the region.

3:03 AM

Syrskyi reveals statistics: over 9,000 missiles and 14,000 drones fired by Russia since invasion began.

On August 20, Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, over 9,600 missiles and nearly 14,000 attack drones have been used against Ukraine.

2:11 AM

Drone wreckage found in Romanian town near Ukrainian border.

Drone fragments were discovered in Romania near its border with Ukraine, specifically in the area around the village of Periprava, Tulcea county.

12:06 AM

Russia to create Belgorod, Kursk, Bryansk troop groups amid Ukraine's incursion.

The Russian Defense Ministry announced on Aug. 20 that it will establish troop groups in Belgorod, Kursk, and Bryansk oblasts to defend settlements along the Ukrainian border amid the Ukrainian military's incursion into Kursk Oblast.

11:53 PM

Rostov Oblast oil depot fire continues for third day after drone strike, Russian governor claims.

Emergency services have been battling a fire for the third consecutive day at an oil depot in Proletarsk, a town in Russia's Rostov Oblast, following a drone strike on Aug. 18, Rostov Oblast Governor Vasily Golubev reported on Aug. 20.

11:01 PM

Next Ramstein-format meeting to be held on Sept 6, RFE/RL reports.

The next Ramstein-format summit of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG) will be held on Sept. 6, according to U.S. Air Force in Europe, as reported by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) on Aug. 20.

Ukraine war latest: Russian pontoon crossing in Kursk Oblast 'disappears' in possible blast

10:27 PM

War update

Ukraine war latest: Russian pontoon crossing in Kursk Oblast 'disappears' in possible blast

Key developments on Aug. 20: * Russian pontoon crossing in Kursk Oblast 'disappears' in possible blast, RFE/RL reports * Ukraine advances 28-35 km in Kursk Oblast, Syrskyi says * Ukraine's military says battles ongoing in Niu-York amid Russia's reported advance * Defected Russian soldier reveals he spied for Ukraine, injured his commander * Russia

9:49 PM

Russian forces attack children's cafe in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, killing boy, injuring 4.

The Russian military struck a children's cafe in the village of Malokaterynivka, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, killing a 15-year-old boy and injuring four others, local authorities reported.

9:03 PM

Ukraine advances 28-35 km in Kursk Oblast, Syrskyi says.

Ukrainian forces have advanced 28-35 kilometers (18-21 miles) into Russia's Kursk Oblast and taken control of 93 settlements, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported at an event chaired by President Volodymyr Zelensky on Aug. 20.

Sweden's Pansarbandvagn 302 approved by Ukraine – but is it any good?

7:02 PM

War

Sweden's Pansarbandvagn 302 approved by Ukraine – but is it any good?

Ukraine announced on Aug. 19 that it had approved Sweden's Pansarbandvagn 302 (PBV 302) for delivery to its armed forces. The "entire Swedish stock" of the infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) was a part of Stockholm's largest tranche of military aid for Ukraine worth $1.3 billion, announced in late May.

6:59 PM

Putin allows foreigners to apply for Russian temporary residence on 'moral grounds.'

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Aug. 19 allowing foreigners and stateless persons to apply for temporary residence in Russia on "moral grounds," according to the Russian state-controlled news agency TASS.

The Counteroffensive: Online weddings and missile tracking – how Ukraine's digital innovations thrive amid war

6:43 PM

Opinion

The Counteroffensive: Online weddings and missile tracking – how Ukraine's digital innovations thrive amid war

Editor’s Note: This article was published by the twice-weekly newsletter “The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak” on Aug. 20, 2024, and has been re-published by the Kyiv Independent with permission. To subscribe to "The Counteroffensive," click here. Imagine getting married anywhere in the world – not in a registry office or

Ukraine's parliament adopts bill potentially banning Moscow-linked church

12:24 PM

(Updated: August 20, 2024 5:55 pm)

Ukraine's parliament adopts bill potentially banning Moscow-linked church.

The Ukrainian parliament on Aug. 20 passed a bill banning activities of religious organizations connected to Russia.

5:44 PM

Russia issues information security alert in regions bordering Ukraine amid Kursk incursion.

The Russian Interior Ministry issued a memo on information security for residents and law enforcement residing in the country's Bryansk, Kursk, and Belgorod oblasts, which border Ukraine.

4:48 PM

Kyiv Independent to launch travel show 'Dare to Ukraine'

The Kyiv Independent will launch a travel show called “Dare to Ukraine.” In each of the six episodes, host Masha Lavrova will travel to six regions across the country to explore the local culture, architecture, food, popular activities, people, and everyday life. The first episode of “Dare to Ukraine” will

3:49 PM

Russia preparing new attacks in Vovchansk in Kharkiv Oblast, military says.

"In Vovchansk, the enemy has increased aerial reconnaissance and is preparing for assault operations," the military's statement read.

3:23 PM

Germany will deliver 4 more IRIS-T air defense systems to Ukraine before end of 2024.

German government spokesperson Wolfgang Buchner said that the latest pledged aid was evidence that "there is no message from the government that support (for Ukraine) will be reduced or limited in some other way.

2:51 PM

Higher chlorine air concentration in Ternopil after Russian attack on industrial site.

Oksana Chaichuk, the head of the regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention, warned Ternopil's residents to limit exposure to open air and close windows.

2:08 PM

Opinion

Opinion: Kamala Harris must correct Washington's Ukraine policy

By providing Ukraine with early military, political, and financial support, U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration saved it from being overrun by Russia. Yet since November 2022, the conflict has been locked in a stalemate, which is not to Ukraine’s advantage. If elected, Kamala Harris should make it

2:04 PM

Czechia to use frozen Russian assets profits to fund ammunition for Ukraine.

"This is another evidence of the allied trust in Czechia and our ammunition initiative. It is a unique opportunity to support Ukraine while using assets originally belonging to Russia and saving on public finances of European countries," Czech Defense Minister Jana Cernochova said.

1:26 PM

Defected Russian soldier reveals he spied for Ukraine, injured his commander.

The Russian soldier, codenamed "Silver," contacted the legion in early 2024 after witnessing a variety of criminal acts committed by his unit and commanders.

12:07 PM

MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak: Developments in Ukraine’s parliament on economic reforms, international obligations — Issue 69

Editor’s note: This is issue 69 of Ukrainian lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak’s weekly “Ukrainian Economy in Brief” newsletter, covering events from Aug. 12- Aug. 18, 2024. The digest highlights steps taken in the Ukrainian parliament related to business, economics, and international financial programs. The Kyiv Independent is republishing with

11:36 AM

Russian pontoon crossing in Kursk Oblast 'disappears' in possible blast, RFE/RL reports.

One of the two pontoon bridges built by Russia over the Seim River in Kursk Oblast is no longer visible on satellite imagery, and smoke was detected in the area, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported on Aug. 19.

10:52 AM

Ukraine's military says battles ongoing in Niu-York amid Russia's reported advance.

The Ukrainian military said on Aug. 20 that clashes are ongoing at the village of Niu-York in Donetsk Oblast as multiple sources point to a rapid Russian advance deep into the settlement.

News Feed

5:46 AM

France to ramp up AASM Hammer smart bomb production for Ukraine, media reports.

The French-made precision bombs are being transferred to Kyiv as part of ongoing defense support, and their use by Ukrainian fighter jets has grown significantly since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

1:53 AM

Russian drone attack on Kyiv injures 7 people, including 2 children, damages shopping mall.

Debris from the drones damaged houses and vehicles in several areas of the city, including the Shevchenkivskyi, Obolonskyi, and Svyatoshynskyi districts.

11:38 PM

Russian drone attack on Kherson kills 1, injures 2.

The attacks, launched throughout the day on May 3, struck homes, outbuildings, cars, as well as a multi-storey residential building, officials said.

10:29 PM

Second Russian military aircraft destroyed within 24 hours, Zelensky says.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 3 that Ukraine's military destroyed a second Russian military aircraft within a 24-hour time period, having struck military airfield in occupied Crimea.

9:51 PM

EU condemns Russia's decision to launch commercial flights to occupied Abkhazia.

"This action, taken without the consent of the Georgian authorities and in the absence of a necessary international aviation code for the Sukhumi airport, is yet another step by the Russian Federation violating Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity," a statement from Anouar El Anouni, Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, read.

8:43 PM

Lithuania to strip residence permits of Russian, Belarusian citizens who frequently travel back home.

Russian and Belarusian citizens who reside in Lithuania will have their residence permits revoked if they travel to Russia or Belarus more than once within a three month period, Lithuanian media outlet LRT reported on May 3.

7:16 PM

Opinion

Backroom diplomacy and battlefield reality: Ukraine at the IMF Spring Meetings

6:53 PM

Kremlin calls proposed 3-day ceasefire 'test of Kyiv's readiness' for peace, despite Moscow's rejection of 30-day ceasefire.

Despite previously rejecting a 30-day ceasefire agreement, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed on May 3 that Ukraine's acceptance of a proposed three-day ceasefire agreement would amount to "a test of Kyiv’s readiness for long-term peace."

6:20 PM

Explaining Ukraine

How Russia fueled and weaponized a 2014 Odesa fire that left over 40 dead

5:23 PM

Ukraine’s Yaroslava Mahuchikh wins high jump in Shanghai for 10th straight Diamond League victory.

Yaroslava Mahuchikh, 23, triumphed over Australia’s Nicola Olyslagers, who finished second with a best jump of 1.98 meters.

4:56 PM

Labor wins Australia’s federal election, seen as major backlash against far-right.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese secured a second term, becoming the first Australian leader to do so since John Howard in 2004.

4:31 PM

Ukraine not responsible for safety of foreign officials traveling to Moscow for May 9 parade, Zelensky says.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky cautioned that Russia could orchestrate provocations, including “arsons, explosions, or other actions,” and then attempt to blame Ukraine.

4:15 PM

press freedom

If authoritarians are scared of journalists, we must be doing something right

3:28 PM

Zelensky rejects Putin’s truce proposal as 'theatrical,' backs 30-day ceasefire plan from US.

Speaking to journalists in a closed-door session, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the proposal was not a serious attempt to end the war and reiterated Ukraine’s support for a U.S.-backed strategy calling for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire.

2:57 PM

‘US will not turn its back on Ukraine,’ Trump’s spiritual advisor says after briefing American president.

Pastor Mark Burns, the man described as U.S. President Donald Trump’s “spiritual advisor,” said he believes he played a small part in strengthening U.S.-Ukraine relations after briefing Trump on what he witnessed during a recent visit to Ukraine.

1:33 PM

Ukrainian sea drone downs Russian fighter jet in 'world-first' strike, intelligence says.

The unprecedented operation allegedly took place on May 2 near the Russian port of Novorossiysk in the Black Sea.

12:53 PM

'Our best conversation yet' — Zelensky praises Vatican meeting with Trump.

Speaking to journalists in a closed-door session, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described the April 26 meeting, which took place during a visit to pay respects to the late Pope Francis, as “perhaps the shortest, but the most substantive.”

12:09 PM

Russia used thermobaric weapons in drone strike on Kharkiv, Ukrainian prosecutors say.

Thermobaric munitions is a type of weapon known for generating powerful blast waves and high-temperature clouds, causing severe destruction and posing extreme risks to civilians.

11:31 AM

Ukraine confirms capture of 2 Togolese nationals fighting for Russia.

Togo’s Foreign Ministry earlier said the detainees had been misled into leaving the country with promises of scholarships to study in Russia.

6:28 AM

(Updated: May 3, 2025 10:34 am)

(Updated: May 3, 2025 3:42 am)

Russia's attack on Kharkiv injures 47.

A Russian drone attack on Ukraine's northeastern city of Kharkiv injured at least 47 people on May 2, according to local authorities. At least eight people have been hospitalized.

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