Russia has launched another major wave of drone attacks across Ukraine, with strikes reported in the Kyiv region, Zaporizhzhia and other areas as the Kremlin's aerial campaign intensifies.

In the Kyiv region, Ukrainian authorities reported casualties and extensive damage to warehouses, homes, apartment buildings and vehicles. One warehouse worker said two Shahed drones struck the facility, with a second drone reportedly hitting after emergency crews arrived. Ukrainian officials described the incident as a possible double-tap attack targeting first responders.

Air raid sirens sounded repeatedly across Kyiv as authorities warned residents about worsening air quality following the attacks.

In Zaporizhzhia, Russian drones reportedly struck a major shopping and home-improvement complex, triggering a massive fire that spread across thousands of square meters. Several people were reportedly injured, while rescue operations faced the threat of further attacks.

The latest strikes are part of a wider Russian campaign targeting Ukrainian logistics, warehouses, distribution facilities and other infrastructure.

On the eastern front, Ukrainian forces say Russian troops are positioned just several kilometres away from key defensive areas around the Donbas fortress belt, increasing pressure on the battlefield.

Russia has also claimed that its air defenses intercepted or destroyed 512 Ukrainian drones across multiple Russian regions, Crimea and the Black Sea. Russian-installed authorities in Sevastopol also reported damage to a residential building and injuries.

Russia-Ukraine War | Massive Russian Drone Wave Hits Kyiv | Double-Tap Attack Reported

Russia has issued a stark warning over the future of Israel as the West Asia conflict continues to escalate, with a senior Russian military commander claiming that Israel could ultimately cease to exist as a state if the war continues to intensify.

Lieutenant General Apti Alaudinov, deputy chief of Russia's Main Military-Political Directorate, reportedly made the remarks while speaking to Russian state-owned news agency TASS. He accused Israel of attempting to draw the United States and wider NATO deeper into the conflict and warned that Israel could be overestimating its strength.

The comments come amid growing reports of closer military cooperation between Russia and Iran as Tehran faces confrontation with the United States and Israel.

Russia Issues Stark Warning Over Israel's Future Amid Regional War

The Russia-Ukraine war has entered a deadly new phase as Moscow intensifies its aerial assault on Ukraine with missiles and hundreds of drones. At least 16 people have been killed and more than 130 injured, including children, in the latest attacks.

Ukraine has retaliated with long-range drone strikes targeting Russian oil and logistics infrastructure. Kyiv has also warned of depleted Patriot missile stocks, raising concerns over its ability to intercept ballistic missiles.

France is preparing additional interceptor missiles for Ukraine, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for national unity. Meanwhile, Ukraine is urging the United States to take a more active role in efforts to end the war.

Russia-Ukraine War Escalates | Deadly Strikes Kill 16 | Kyiv Hit By Massive Barrage

Russia’s top court has reportedly banned the country’s only registered anti-war political party ahead of key elections, dealing a significant blow to the organised anti-war opposition.

The court decision comes as Russia prepares for an important electoral period and amid continued scrutiny of political competition and opposition activity. The move could further reshape the country’s political landscape ahead of the upcoming vote.

 Russia's Top Court Bans Only Registered Anti-War Party Ahead of Key Elections

The Russia-Ukraine war has witnessed another major escalation after Ukraine carried out an overnight strike on Novorossiysk, a key Russian Black Sea port and naval base.

According to Ukrainian officials, the operation involved missiles, aerial drones and sea drones, targeting Russian air-defence systems and port infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the operation as unique and said it targeted what he called a major remaining stronghold of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.

The attack reportedly damaged several buildings in Novorossiysk, including schools and a college, prompting local authorities to declare a state of emergency.

Russia’s southern Krasnodar region also came under a major drone attack, with the regional governor saying several hundred drones were involved.

Meanwhile, fuel shortages are reportedly emerging in Moscow and surrounding areas, with some petrol stations experiencing shortages. Ukraine has also accused Russia of intensifying strikes on fuel and logistical infrastructure, including petrol stations.

Elsewhere, Ukrainian authorities reported Russian drone attacks in Zaporizhzhia, while Zelenskyy warned that Russia could be preparing for another military mobilisation. Moscow has denied the claim.

Zelenskyy also accused Russia of using North Korean ballistic missiles in overnight attacks on Ukraine, including strikes targeting Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia.

Watch the full report for the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine war, Black Sea naval operations, Russian attacks, Ukrainian drone strikes and the growing military escalation.

Ukraine Strikes Russia’s Black Sea Naval Base as Moscow Intensifies Attacks

Russia launched one of its deadliest ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv, killing at least nine people and injuring 28 others, including four children, according to Ukrainian officials. Multiple explosions rocked the Ukrainian capital as ballistic missiles struck several districts, leaving residential buildings damaged, vehicles burned, and emergency crews racing to rescue survivors trapped beneath the rubble.

The assault also severely impacted Kyiv's emergency response capabilities after a strike damaged a municipal medical transport facility, destroying or damaging around two dozen ambulances and emergency vehicles. Ukrainian officials warned that the growing use of ballistic missiles is stretching the country's already limited air defense systems.

The attack came just days after another suspected Russian missile reportedly entered Polish airspace during a previous strike, raising concerns about the conflict spilling beyond Ukraine's borders.

Russia Launches Massive Ballistic Missile Strike On Kyiv | 9 Killed, 28 Injured

In today’s top headlines, Russia launches one of its heaviest missile attacks on Kyiv, while Iran warns the United States of a "devastating response" as tensions escalate in the Gulf. The US continues strikes on Iranian military facilities linked to attacks on American troops in Jordan. In India, opposition leaders stage a symbolic walkout during the all-party meeting, and flash floods in Jammu & Kashmir’s Poonch district leave multiple people dead. Meanwhile, Spain battles massive wildfires, the crypto market extends its decline, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino thanks ZeeTV for promoting football in India ahead of the Spain vs Argentina FIFA World Cup Final.

Russia pounds Kyiv | Iran warns us | J&K flash floods | FIFA chief thanks zeetv | russia- Ukraine

<p>At least three people were reported killed and several others feared trapped after they undertook a guided tour of Moscow’s sewer system on Sunday (August 20).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following a sudden, heavy downpour in Moscow, the water level in the underground sewers increased rapidly, leaving the tourists gasping for air and struggling to escape.</p>

<p>So far, three dead bodies have been recovered while others are missing, Russia’s state-run TASS news agency reported.</p>

<p>"The body of an unidentified woman has been found in the Moskva River, making her the third person to die after a tour of the underground sewers," the TASS report said.</p>

<h2><strong>Shelters available inside underground sewers</strong></h2>

<p>An urban explorer from Moscow claimed that there were shelters inside the tunnels to help people take refuge during emergency situations.</p>

<p>"I hoped that maybe I would still be able to find some survivors there. There are two shelter points, but there was no one there," urban explorer Daniil Davydov told the RIA news agency.</p>

<p>Authorities informed a criminal investigation was being opened into the organisers of the tour.</p>

<p>Moscow’s iconic 19th-century underground tunnels are popular among tourists. Several tour guides offer trips down the vast network of sewers to curious tourists but most of them are undertaken only after taking permission from the local authorities.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-want-to-putin-says-moscow-will-replace-ukrainian-grain-shipments-to-africa-618740"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;`I want to...`: Putin says Moscow will replace Ukrainian grain shipments to Africa</strong></a></p>

<p>However, it was not clear whether the tourists, who went for exploration on Sunday, had sought prior approval.</p>

<h2><strong>More about Moscow’s underground tunnel exploration</strong></h2>

<p>Through the tour, explorers get to discover the hidden depths of Moscow. The journey goes through uncharted corners of the city, strolling along underground passages that delve 15 meters deep into the Moscow sewer system.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russian capital comes under drone attack allegedly from Ukraine</strong></p>

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<p>People travel 2.5 to 3km through subterranean tunnels, witnessing mesmerising waterfalls and natural springs. The tour guides help people understand the history of Moscow's sewer system and unveil operational urban life support systems during this captivating exercise.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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At least three people were reported killed and several others feared trapped after they undertook a guided tour of Moscow’s sewer system on Sunday (August 20). Following a sudden, heavy downpour in Moscow, the water level in the underground sewers increased rapidly, leaving the tourists gasping for air and struggling to escape.

At least three people were reported killed and several others feared trapped after they undertook a guided tour of Moscow’s sewer system on Sunday (August 20). Following a sudden, heavy downpour in Moscow, the water level in the underground sewers increased rapidly, leaving the tourists gasping for air and struggling to escape. So far, three dead bodies have been recovered while others are missing, Russia’s state-run TASS news agency reported. "The body of an unidentified woman has been found in the Moskva River, making her the third person to die after a tour of the underground sewers," the TASS report said. Shelters available inside underground sewers An urban explorer from Moscow claimed that there were shelters inside the tunnels to help people take refuge during emergency situations. "I hoped that maybe I would still be able to find some survivors there. There are two shelter points, but there was no one there," urban explorer Daniil Davydov told the RIA news agency. Authorities informed a criminal investigation was being opened into the organisers of the tour. Moscow’s iconic 19th-century underground tunnels are popular among tourists. Several tour guides offer trips down the vast network of sewers to curious tourists but most of them are undertaken only after taking permission from the local authorities. Also read: `I want to...`: Putin says Moscow will replace Ukrainian grain shipments to Africa However, it was not clear whether the tourists, who went for exploration on Sunday, had sought prior approval. More about Moscow’s underground tunnel exploration Through the tour, explorers get to discover the hidden depths of Moscow. The journey goes through uncharted corners of the city, strolling along underground passages that delve 15 meters deep into the Moscow sewer system. Watch: Russian capital comes under drone attack allegedly from Ukraine × People travel 2.5 to 3km through subterranean tunnels, witnessing mesmerising waterfalls and natural springs. The tour guides help people understand the history of Moscow's sewer system and unveil operational urban life support systems during this captivating exercise. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Moscow: Three dead after guided tour to underground sewer system amid heavy rains

<p>One of Russia's oldest and most reputed human rights organisations is closing after a court order, reported Interfax on Friday (August 18).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court ruled for the shutdown of the Sakharov Center, established to commemorate Soviet dissident and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Andrei Sakharov. The group had been a significant hub for exhibitions and discussions related to human rights since its inception in 1996.</p>

<p>Interfax reported that the Justice Ministry had taken legal action to close the group, citing alleged "systematic gross and irremediable violations of the law.”</p>

<p>These allegations were levelled after the group staged an exhibition about Sakharov in those parts of the country where it did not have any branch.</p>

<p>Additionally, the organisation faced accusations of sharing videos without the required "foreign agent" label, as mandated under Russian laws.</p>

<h2><strong>Response from the Sakharov Center</strong></h2>

<p>The Moscow City Court granted approval to the Justice Ministry's request of closing down the group on Friday. The Sakharov Center, however, denied the alleged violations, asserting that it would persist in its efforts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sergei Lukashevsky, the centre's director, expressed his dismay over the decision, highlighting the contradiction between present events and the ideals Sakharov had fought for.</p>

<p>In a Facebook post on Friday, Lukashevsky remarked, "It's disheartening, yet it mirrors reality. The public commission on Sakharov's legacy and the contemporary Russian Federation cannot coexist...And everything that is happening today is exactly the opposite of what Sakharov fought for.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: Ukrainian father-son duo enrolled in same brigade</strong></p>

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<p>“We will continue our work. The legacy does not belong to the regime, but to the people. It belongs to all of us," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Previous cases of state's hostility against the group</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this spring, the centre declared the closure of its central Moscow premises after receiving an eviction order from city authorities. The reason for this decision, according to official authorities, was the centre's designation as a "foreign agent," which prohibits it from receiving state support under Russian law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Sakharov Center contended that the order was driven by the Kremlin's intention to dismantle "independent organizations that defend the public interest."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-sending-f-16-jets-to-ukraine-from-denmark-and-netherlands-626571"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;US approves sending F-16 jets to Ukraine from Denmark and Netherlands</strong></a></p>

<p>This development follows a broader clampdown on dissent within Russia, which has escalated since the invasion of Ukraine. The last few months have witnessed unprecedented pressure on independent journalists and human rights advocates.</p>

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One of Russia's oldest and most reputed human rights organisations is closing after a court order, reported Interfax on Friday (August 18). The court ruled for the shutdown of the Sakharov Center, established to commemorate Soviet dissident and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Andrei Sakharov.

One of Russia's oldest and most reputed human rights organisations is closing after a court order, reported Interfax on Friday (August 18). The court ruled for the shutdown of the Sakharov Center, established to commemorate Soviet dissident and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Andrei Sakharov. The group had been a significant hub for exhibitions and discussions related to human rights since its inception in 1996. Interfax reported that the Justice Ministry had taken legal action to close the group, citing alleged "systematic gross and irremediable violations of the law.” These allegations were levelled after the group staged an exhibition about Sakharov in those parts of the country where it did not have any branch. Additionally, the organisation faced accusations of sharing videos without the required "foreign agent" label, as mandated under Russian laws. Response from the Sakharov Center The Moscow City Court granted approval to the Justice Ministry's request of closing down the group on Friday. The Sakharov Center, however, denied the alleged violations, asserting that it would persist in its efforts. Sergei Lukashevsky, the centre's director, expressed his dismay over the decision, highlighting the contradiction between present events and the ideals Sakharov had fought for. In a Facebook post on Friday, Lukashevsky remarked, "It's disheartening, yet it mirrors reality. The public commission on Sakharov's legacy and the contemporary Russian Federation cannot coexist...And everything that is happening today is exactly the opposite of what Sakharov fought for.” Watch: Russia-Ukraine War: Ukrainian father-son duo enrolled in same brigade × “We will continue our work. The legacy does not belong to the regime, but to the people. It belongs to all of us," he added. Previous cases of state's hostility against the group Earlier this spring, the centre declared the closure of its central Moscow premises after receiving an eviction order from city authorities. The reason for this decision, according to official authorities, was the centre's designation as a "foreign agent," which prohibits it from receiving state support under Russian law. The Sakharov Center contended that the order was driven by the Kremlin's intention to dismantle "independent organizations that defend the public interest." Also read: US approves sending F-16 jets to Ukraine from Denmark and Netherlands This development follows a broader clampdown on dissent within Russia, which has escalated since the invasion of Ukraine. The last few months have witnessed unprecedented pressure on independent journalists and human rights advocates. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Russian court orders closure of reputed human rights group for violating law

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a wreath laying ceremony to mark the Defender of the Fatherland Day. Defender of the Fatherland Day is a Russian holiday celebrated on February 23 as Men's Day because most Russian men are required to serve.

James Bond-like welcome for Russian President Vladimir Putin

The defence ministers of Russia, Turkiye and Syria met in Moscow on Wednesday, the first such talks since a war broke out in Syria. It was also the first meeting between Turkish and Syrian defence ministers since the start of the war in 2011.

Turkiye, Syria, Russia defense ministers meet for first talks since 2011

Navalny has spearheaded many anti-corruption rallies and is considered to be the face of the opposition in Russia.

Pro-Navalny protest: Russian protesters vow to continue their fight against govt

Russian health officials have registered more than three million infections since the start of the pandemic, putting the country's caseload at fourth-highest in the world.

Russia admits its COVID death toll three times higher than official figure

The Russian President also called for all the citizens to get vaccinated against coronavirus. He also added that Russia needed time to increase capacity for vaccine production.

'Will get COVID vaccine when possible for my age group': Vladimir Putin

Eleven elderly people with mobility issues died after being trapped in a burning retirement home in the early hours of Tuesday in the Russian region of Bashkortostan in the Urals mountains

Retirement home fire kills 11 in Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged a $1.5 billion loan to Belarus during a meeting with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko

Russia throws $1.5 billion credit lifeline to 'closest ally' Belarus

In an effort to fight Vladimir Putin’s electoral machine, Navalny and his team have urged Russians to vote tactically by backing the strongest candidates

Regional Election in Russia: Pro-Kremlin party set to claim victory

COVID-19 cases continue to rise in India, the Russian ambassador, Nikolay Kudashev, said Russia is talking to the Indian government "on different levels" about cooperation that may include "supplies, co-development and co-production" of Sputnik V.

India studying Russian proposal for COVID-19 vaccine

Russia is preparing to approve a second vaccine against COVID-19 in late September or early October, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova said on Wednesday.

Russia readies for approval of second COVID-19 vaccine

The Kremlin has dismissed accusations that President Vladimir Putin sanctioned the poisoning of critic Alexei Navalny.

Navalny case: Kremlin rejects allegation over suspect poisoning

After German doctors declared that Russian Opposition leader Alexei Navalny was poisoned, Kremlin today dismissed accusations of Putin's involvement.

Kremlin dismisses Navalny poisoning; US calls for 'full and transparent investigation'

Russian Opposition leader Alexi Navalny who was admitted in a German hospital after he slipped into a coma in Russia indicated "poisoning with a substance from the group of cholinesterase inhibitors", the hospital said on Monday.

Russian Opposition leader Navalny poisoned with cholinesterase inhibitors, says German hospital

Furgal, the Khabarovsk region governor, was arrested on July 9 and flown to Moscow where he was put in jail for two months.

Protests continue in Russia for the release of governor Sergei Furgal

Russian health authorities are preparing to start a mass vaccination campaign against coronavirus in October, the health minister has said.

COVID-19: Russia plans mass vaccination campaign in October

Russia confirmed 6,537 new coronavirus infections Monday, bringing the country’s official number of cases to 733,699.

WION Dispatch: Beaches in Moscow closer to home thronged by citizens

The main voting day on amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation is to be held nationwide on Wednesday.

Russia holds prominent voting day on constitutional amendments today

Moscow on Tuesday lifted a strict anti-coronavirus lockdown after more than two months of restrictions as Russia reported over 6,000 deaths.

Moscow lifts COVID-19 lockdown, beauty salons reopen

Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared a state of emergency in the region, which is now faced with one of the largest oil spills in Russian history.

Russia rushes to clean up massive oil spill in Siberia

Six coronavirus patients have been killed and about 150 evacuated after a fire suspected to have been caused by a lung ventilator in the intensive care unit at a hospital in Russia

Six coronavirus patients killed in Russia hospital fire