Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov dropped a bombshell of a video on Aug. 18, calling for elections in Ukraine and becoming by far the most high-profile person to advocate for such a move during Russia's full-scale invasion. In an address posted on YouTube, Fedorov said Ukraine needs a "legal, safe, and realistic mechanism" for holding elections during a prolonged war while ensuring voting rights for military personnel, Ukrainians abroad, and people living in front-line regions. "We must

Editor's note: This story is being updated. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) is searching the premises of Iryna Mudra, a presidential deputy chief of staff, and Vadym Stolar, a member of parliament, a law enforcement source familiar with the investigation told the Kyiv Independent on Aug. 19. Mudra was charged by the NABU, her lawyer Artem Krykun-Trush told the media outlet Suspilne. The latest investigation comes as the NABU steps up its anti-corruption efforts. It follows last ye

An object believed to be a drone has exploded at a Turkish police station in Trabzon, damaging cars and buildings

Key developments on Aug. 19: * Ukraine brings home 103 POWs in latest exchange with Russia * Russian drone strike on police headquarters in Zhytomyr kills 2, injures at least 20 * Deadly drone strike hits minibus in Kherson as Russian attacks kill 17, injure 54 across Ukraine over past day * Ukrainian drones reportedly target oil refinery in Russia's Ufa, attack Tula, Nizhny Novgorod oblasts * Ukraine hits rocket and space center, aircraft plant in Russia's Samara Oblast, General Staff con

With his latest statement, former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov appears to have reinvigorated a dangerous debate about elections in wartime Ukraine. "We must not let Putin decide when Ukrainians can choose their government," Fedorov said, adding that democracy is "part of what we are fighting for today." The principle is difficult to dispute. Yet a prolonged war of attrition places extraordinary strain on both the state and society, demanding that Ukraine's political leadership exercise th

Pressured by the FSB over his son, Purishev flew to Moscow on Aug.17, posting about it on social media

Hungarian authorities seized two bank vehicles in March traveling from Austria to Ukraine that were transporting a shipment of cash and gold worth about $82 million, claiming they were investigating a money laundering scheme.

The strike comes just over a week after Russia attacked Zhytomyr and the surrounding region with jet-powered drones overnight on Aug. 9.

The General Staff said the attack on the Progress Rocket and Space Center in Samara also sparked a fire covering around 5,000 square meters.

In this interview, the Kyiv Independent's Jason Blevins speaks with Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia and a scholar who closely observed Russia's transition after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The solid rocket fuel plant in Denmark is expected to start operations by late 2027.

Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov is considering a trip to the United States, U.S. and Ukrainian officials familiar with the matter told the Kyiv Independent. The potential trip comes as Fedorov has emerged as a more outspoken critic of Ukraine's wartime political system. On Aug. 18, he called for Ukraine to find a way to restore a full democratic process while the war continues, advocating for elections. The trip could take place as soon as next week, one person said. It remains uncle

"Of course, there are no critical consequences from such attacks, there never have been, and there never can be," Russian leader Vladimir Putin said.

Editor's note: Some names in this story have been changed to protect the identities of the mothers, who spoke on condition of anonymity. As Russian forces advanced on a city in eastern Ukraine this spring, not everyone followed the evacuation orders. Mariia, mother of a two-year-old daughter, hesitated, wary of the uncertainty that comes with displacement. Mariia’s family had already fled once before in 2022 at the start of the full-scale invasion, only for a lack of support to drive her famil

The man arrested was a Ukrainian identified by German authorities only as "Vladimir Z.," who the German public prosecutor's office describes as a trained diver who "participated in the necessary dives."

As part of the exchange, Ukraine handed 103 Russian service members back to Russia, according to Russia's Defense Ministry.

Sybiha's reappointment was supported by 266 lawmakers, with 14 abstaining and none voting against it.

In the final parliament vote, Khmara's nomination was confirmed by 312 lawmakers.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) is searching Mudra's premises, a law enforcement source familiar with the investigation told the Kyiv Independent on Aug. 19.

In the digest we share what we’ve been up to as a company — the work that goes into keeping our journalism independent and how it connects with our global community of readers and supporters.

"They are reforms designed to protect citizens, reinforce trust, and make your country more resilient," Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said.

Beyond Kherson Oblast, Russia launched two Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 65 drones overnight on Aug. 19, according to Ukraine's Air Force.

The IBU's decision to uphold the ban sets biathlon apart from a wide range of sports that have since followed the IOC's lead by allowing Russians and Belarusians to compete once again.

The figure includes 1,190 casualties Russian forces suffered over the past day.

OSINT analysts from the independent Russian outlet Astra reported that the Bashneft-UNPZ oil refinery was damaged in the attack, with a fire reported at the facility.

Russia is supplying Iran with ammunition, drone components, and TNT via the Caspian Sea, NBC News reported Aug. 17, citing a European government document.

Russia attacked one of Ukraine's DTEK thermal power plants on Aug. 18, severely damaging equipment and forcing the facility to halt electricity generation, the company reported.

Democracy is "part of what we are fighting for today," Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug. 18 that Ukraine and Belgium are working toward a "Drone Deal" as the two countries seek to expand defense cooperation and strengthen Ukraine's protection against Russian attacks.

The Russian-installed administration at the plant told the IAEA that 16 staff members and subcontractors were injured in the blast.

Despite increasingly stringent sanctions on Moscow, countries worldwide continue to import Russian fossil fuels. The flexibility and transportability of liquefied natural gas (LNG) are particularly significant, helping sustain the flow of energy revenues into the Kremlin's coffers. In July 2026, Belgium stood out for sourcing 100% of its LNG imports from Russia, mere months before a full EU ban on LNG imports comes into force. But if countries won't wean themselves off their addiction, how muc

Key developments on Aug. 18: * Zelensky formally taps Khmara as defense minister, ruling out Fedorov's return * Ukraine launches hundreds of drones towards Moscow in latest large-scale attack, reportedly damaging Wildberries warehouse * Russia threatens UK over supplying drones to Ukraine * Ghana asks Moscow to stop recruiting its citizens for war in Ukraine * SBU detains alleged Russian agent accused of registering Starlink terminals for Russian troops President Volodymyr Zelensky on Aug