Ozon, Russia's second-largest online marketplace, said the attack caused a fire at its warehouse in Samara Oblast and prompted the evacuation of more than 500 employees within minutes.

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.

Documents obtained by the Kyiv Independent show that a scheme at the center of Ukraine’s latest corruption scandal was years in the making, built by manipulating a state-owned bank’s oversight board after its nationalization in 2023. On Aug. 19, Ukraine's anti-corruption authorities accused associates of President Volodymyr Zelensky of using Sense Bank, formerly Russian-owned Alfa Bank, to launder Hr 150 million ($3.4 million). The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) says the funds were used

Ukraine's Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi said the goal is ambitious and will involve state companies and private businesses, calling for all ministries, government agencies and communities to work together as a "single system."

A parliamentary committee on Aug. 21 defended its earlier decision to block five bills intended to strengthen the country's fight against corruption. The bills are requirements of the European Union, both to receive an estimated 2.1 billion euros ($2.45 billion) at the end of 2026, as well as to advance Kyiv's EU accession talks. The reforms seek to expand anti-corruption agencies' authority, reform the Prosecutor General's Office and the State Investigation Bureau, and repeal legislation that

Germany will also provide an additional 10 million euros ($11.6 million) to NATO's Comprehensive Assistance Package for decentralized energy supplies for the military, equipment for military hospitals, and urgently needed air defense equipment.

For residents of Kyiv, it was a particularly dark day. Already reeling from a massive Russian aerial bombardment overnight on Aug. 20 that killed 15 people, the daylight hours saw a steady stream of drones target the capital, claiming the lives of a further two. A grim soundtrack of air raid sirens and periodic explosions marked what appears to be one of the latest stages in the ever-evolving air war — Russia's escalating use of jet-powered Shahed-type drones. "In July, there were five times a

Ukraine's air defense shot down or suppressed three surface-to-air missiles, six small cruise missiles, and 182 drones.

The figure includes 1,240 casualties Russian forces suffered over the past day.

The explosions came just minutes after an air raid alert was issued.

An enlistment officer was killed while on-duty on Aug. 21 after allegedly being stabbed by 25-year-old suspect in Lviv, officials reported.

Nikolai Bondarenko reportedly intends to appeal the decision.

The full extent of the casualties and damage is still being assessed.

The Foreign Ministry said the recommendation comes amid new EU rules governing temporary protection for Ukrainians.

This week's charges against Iryna Mudra, a presidential deputy chief of staff, and other suspects in a high-profile graft case marked the latest chapter in the corruption saga that has gripped Ukraine since last year. An investigation centered around state nuclear power monopoly Energoatom has prompted a political earthquake in Ukraine, becoming the biggest corruption case of President Volodymyr Zelensky's tenure. Specifically, the investigation led to the resignation of Zelensky's Chief of St

Pyotr Verzilov, a co-founder of the publication, told the Kyiv Independent that the designation only "adds power to the incredible reporting that the Mediazona team is doing."

Mykytas is a suspect in a large-scale money laundering and corporate raiding case unveiled by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) earlier this week.

Key developments on Aug. 21: * Zelensky confirms drone attack on oil refinery in Russia's Perm * Russian double-tap strike on shopping center in Kryvyi Rih kills at least 14, injures more than 100 * Ukrainian attack on Russian air base damages Su-34 bomber * Retired FSB general found dead in Moscow, Russian media report * More than 80 Ukrainian soldiers deserted during training in Germany, media reports President Zelensky confirmed a drone strike on Russia's Perm oil refinery overnight on

The broad consensus among Russia-watchers is that the country is facing a prolonged bout of stagflation. Growth this year is unlikely to exceed 1%, and inflation is still stuck at 6% (or more). Moreover, the most promising option for reviving the economy is the least likely to be pursued, because it requires President Vladimir Putin's willingness to end the war in Ukraine. The downside risks are legion. Russian troops have barely advanced in Ukraine this year, and Russia cannot spend more on i

According to the Infrastructure Ministry, the U.S. delegation led by Kellogg was shown the damage from Russian attacks on port infrastructure and briefed on measures being taken to maintain operations.

The Akhtubinsk air base is home to Russia's 929th State Aircraft Test Center of the Ministry of Defense.

The Kyiv Independent's Deputy Chief Editor Oleksiy Sorokin and Chief Editor Olga Rudenko debate whether Ukraine could hold an election during the war, what would need to change to make it possible, and whether delaying elections indefinitely could become a threat to Ukrainian democracy.

"The Australian government (should) consider legislation to seize Russian sanctioned entity assets and consider legislation to disburse these assets to Ukraine," recommends a Senate report.

Editor's note: This story is being updated. Key takeaways: * Investigators release tapes implicating top officials in money laundering * The suspects include former presidential Deputy Chief of Staff Iryna Mudra, lawmaker Vadym Stolar, former lawmaker Maksym Mykytas, and top executives of state-owned Sense Bank * The suspects are accused of laundering Hr 150 million ($3.4 million) and transferring the funds through Sense Bank to post bail for former Justice and Energy Minister Herman Halush

The 83-year-old was found with a gunshot wound to the head in his apartment according to Russian outlets.

Governor Oleh Hryhorov said one of the strikes directly hit the building, injuring six residents, including a 16-year-old girl.

Four years since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Russian House has been allowed to continue operating at its location on Friedrichstrasse, one of Berlin's most famous streets.

The soldiers had been sent to Germany for training before returning to Ukraine to fight Russia, according to Die Zeit.

The 27-year-old man may face up to 20 years in prison if convicted of attempting to engage in intentional foreign interference.

The meeting will take place on Ukraine's Independence Day and be the third time the grouping has met in Kyiv since it was established by France and the U.K. in March 2025, with the aim of agreeing on security guarantees for a post-ceasefire Ukraine.

Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed its air defenses shot down 325 Ukrainian drones overnight.

The figure includes 1,390 casualties Russian forces suffered over the past day.