Ukraine marked its 35th Independence Day with a strong show of European support as leaders gathered in Kyiv alongside President Volodymyr Zelensky. The European Union announced a fresh €6.1 billion military aid package, while Britain pledged additional air-defence support and missile-production cooperation. Notably absent were representatives from the Trump administration, highlighting growing differences in approaches toward the Ukraine war. As Kyiv prepares for another challenging winter, European allies reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russia's ongoing invasion.

Ukraine Independence day 2026: europe backs Zelensky

Ukraine is expanding its drone campaign deep inside Russian territory, highlighting how unmanned systems are transforming modern warfare. Long-range drones are increasingly being used to strike military infrastructure, logistics hubs, and strategic targets far from the frontlines, changing the nature of battlefield engagement. The conflict has become a testing ground for next-generation drone tactics, electronic warfare, and precision strikes. As both Kyiv and Moscow invest heavily in drone technology, military analysts say the war is offering a glimpse into the future of global conflict. What does Ukraine’s expanding drone strategy mean for Russia and for warfare worldwide?


Ukraine takes drone war deep into Russia: New weapon of modern warfare

Russia has successfully launched a Soyuz-2.1B carrier rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, placing a classified military satellite into orbit. The launch was conducted by Russia's Defence Ministry, which did not disclose details about the satellite's mission or capabilities. The launch comes amid heightened scrutiny of Russia's military space programme as the war in Ukraine increasingly extends into the space and strategic domains. The Soyuz-2.1B remains one of Russia's most important launch vehicles for military and government space missions.

 Russia launches rocket carrying military satellite into orbit

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to visit Kyiv, where Britain is expected to deepen its military support for Ukraine. The UK plans to share the blueprint for its SCALP cruise missile, potentially allowing Ukraine to strengthen its domestic weapons production capabilities. Russia has accused Britain of escalating the conflict and “adding fuel to the fire.” The move comes as the war enters another tense phase, with Western allies weighing greater military support for Kyiv.


Russia-Ukraine war: UK to share scalp missile blueprint with Ukraine

It's a dangerous escalation in the Russia-Ukraine war. Russia has reportedly launched a fresh wave of attacks on European armaments factories to test NATO's resolve.
As the UK PM's move to hand over missile blueprints to Ukraine triggers a major escalation, where are things headed?

Russia's secret war spreads across Europe: weapons factories targeted, UK gives missile tech to Kyiv

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected calls for national elections during the ongoing war with Russia, warning that holding a vote under wartime conditions could split Ukrainian society and threaten the country’s stability.

The debate intensified after former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov called for wartime elections on August 18. Under Ukraine’s current martial law, presidential and parliamentary elections remain suspended.

Ukraine's election debate intensifies: Zelensky resists call for war-time vote

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged fresh waves of attacks as the war enters another intense phase. Russian officials say a Ukrainian strike killed two people in the Krasnodar region, while Ukraine continues to face mounting pressure from missile and drone attacks. With air defence resources running low, Kyiv's allies are gathering to discuss additional military support. The crisis comes as UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham prepares to visit Kyiv on his first foreign trip, signalling continued British backing for Ukraine.


Russia-Ukraine trade strikes: Kyiv seeks more air defence support

Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of opening a “Pandora’s box” by targeting Russian economic infrastructure with drone strikes. Putin warned that Moscow would retaliate against Ukraine’s “most sensitive economic sectors” as Kyiv steps up attacks on oil refineries, warehouses and other infrastructure linked to Russia’s war effort.

Russia-Ukraine war: at least 13 killed in Ukraine & Russia following overnight strikes 

Russian drones struck a busy shopping centre in Ukraine’s Kryvyi Rih, killing at least 16 people and injuring more than 130. The strike reportedly hit the city’s largest shopping complex, sparking a major fire as the Russia-Ukraine war intensifies.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia strikes busy shopping centre in Ukraine's Kryvyi Rih, leaves 16 dead

Ukrainian military intelligence says Russia has received North Korean KN-30 ballistic missiles, an upgraded Hwasong-11C system capable, according to Ukrainian claims, of carrying a warhead weighing up to 2,500 kilograms. The reported transfer has not been officially confirmed by Moscow or Pyongyang.  The development comes after one of the deadliest recent Russian attacks on Kyiv, with at least 16 people killed and dozens wounded. Ukraine's shortage of Patriot interceptors is making the defence of Ukrainian cities increasingly difficult, particularly against ballistic missiles. With Russia continuing its missile campaign and Ukraine carrying out deep drone strikes against Russian targets, the war is becoming an increasingly intense cycle of long-range attack and retaliation.


Kyiv claims Russia using monster 2,500 kg warhead Korean missile

Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv claims russia using monster 2,500 kg warhead Korean missile

Russia has intensified ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv and surrounding areas, killing 16 people and injuring 30, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ukraine's depleted air defences reportedly failed to intercept any incoming missiles, exposing a critical shortage of Patriot interceptors. Zelenskyy is urging the U.S. and other allies to provide more ammunition as Russian strikes continue.


Russa-Ukraine war: Moscow's forces intensify ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged some of the deadliest attacks in weeks. Kyiv came under a fresh wave of ballistic missiles and drones, while a Russian drone strike on a civilian minibus in Kherson killed four people. In Zhytomyr, two police officers were killed and at least 20 people were injured. At the same time, deadly drone attacks were reported inside Russia, showing how the war is now reaching deeper into both countries. Here's everything you need to know about the latest escalation.

Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow unleashes massive missile & drone blitz as Kyiv burns

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged some of the deadliest attacks in weeks. Kyiv came under a fresh wave of ballistic missiles and drones, while a Russian drone strike on a civilian minibus in Kherson killed four people. In Zhytomyr, two police officers were killed and at least 20 people were injured. At the same time, deadly drone attacks were reported inside Russia, showing how the war is now reaching deeper into both countries. Here's everything you need to know about the latest escalation.


Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow's forces intensify ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv 

Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow unleashes massive missile & drone blitz as Kyiv burns, death toll rises

<p>Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has fired his deputy chief of staff Iryna Mudra amid a fresh corruption investigation. This comes a day after a former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov warned that the country was facing “a crisis of governance” and needed to hold a wartime presidential election. Ukrainian media reports suggested that her house was being searched by officials investigating an alleged money-laundering scheme. No official reason was given for Mudra’s sacking</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Read More: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-parliament-approves-appointment-of-new-defence-minister-after-controversial-reshuffle-1787155009713">Ukrainian parliament approves appointment of new defence minister after controversial reshuffle</a></p><h2>Who is Iryna Mudra?</h2><p>Iryna Mudra is a Ukrainian lawyer, banker and former senior government official who served as Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine under Volodymyr Zelenskyy. She holds a master’s degree and PhD in law from Ivan Franko National University of Lviv and began her career in banking and corporate law, working with institutions including Transbank, Swedbank and Pravex Bank. She later joined state-owned Oschadbank, where she headed compliance and international disputes and helped secure a $1.3 billion arbitration award against Russia over losses in Crimea. In May 2022, Mudra entered government as Deputy Minister of Justice, where she played a key role in Ukraine’s international legal response to Russia’s invasion, including efforts to establish a special tribunal for the crime of aggression, implement sanctions and create a mechanism for compensation using frozen Russian assets. On March 29, 2024, she was appointed Deputy Head of the Presidential Office, where her responsibilities included international justice, Ukraine’s ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and judicial reform. On August 19, 2026, Zelenskyy dismissed her amid a major anti-corruption investigation by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU).</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Read More: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democracy-can-t-be-held-hostage-sacked-ukraine-minister-calls-for-election-amid-war-with-russia-1787124641115">‘Democracy can’t be held hostage’: Sacked Ukraine minister calls for election amid war with Russia</a></p><h2>Iryna Mudra's exit and corruption allegations on Zelensky</h2><p>Critics are linking Mudra's ouster with Fedorov’s call for polls. Fedorov pointed at widespread corruption under Zelensky and said that the president had failed to get a grip. “Corruption is only a symptom. The main problem runs much deeper. We have a systemic crisis of governance,” Fedorov had said in a nine-minute video address released on social media this week. ”Can Russia effectively be given the right to dictate when Ukrainians can choose their government again? I am convinced that the answer is no,” Fedorov added. Zelensky has been facing a major protest in the country after he removed Fedorov from his post in July. According to reports, Fedorov is considering visiting the US in an apparent effort to win American support against the Ukrainian president. &nbsp;Zelensky has been continuing despite his term's expiry in spring 2024 as Ukraine's constitution prohibits election during wartime. US president Donald Trump has also called for Ukraine to hold elections.</p>

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed his deputy chief of staff Iryna Mudra amid a major anti-corruption probe involving senior officials from his office. Mudra, a lawyer and former deputy justice minister, was linked by investigators to an alleged money-laundering network

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has fired his deputy chief of staff Iryna Mudra amid a fresh corruption investigation. This comes a day after a former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov warned that the country was facing “a crisis of governance” and needed to hold a wartime presidential election. Ukrainian media reports suggested that her house was being searched by officials investigating an alleged money-laundering scheme. No official reason was given for Mudra’s sacking Read More: Ukrainian parliament approves appointment of new defence minister after controversial reshuffle Who is Iryna Mudra? Iryna Mudra is a Ukrainian lawyer, banker and former senior government official who served as Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine under Volodymyr Zelenskyy. She holds a master’s degree and PhD in law from Ivan Franko National University of Lviv and began her career in banking and corporate law, working with institutions including Transbank, Swedbank and Pravex Bank. She later joined state-owned Oschadbank, where she headed compliance and international disputes and helped secure a $1.3 billion arbitration award against Russia over losses in Crimea. In May 2022, Mudra entered government as Deputy Minister of Justice, where she played a key role in Ukraine’s international legal response to Russia’s invasion, including efforts to establish a special tribunal for the crime of aggression, implement sanctions and create a mechanism for compensation using frozen Russian assets. On March 29, 2024, she was appointed Deputy Head of the Presidential Office, where her responsibilities included international justice, Ukraine’s ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and judicial reform. On August 19, 2026, Zelenskyy dismissed her amid a major anti-corruption investigation by Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU). Read More: ‘Democracy can’t be held hostage’: Sacked Ukraine minister calls for election amid war with Russia Iryna Mudra's exit and corruption allegations on Zelensky Critics are linking Mudra's ouster with Fedorov’s call for polls. Fedorov pointed at widespread corruption under Zelensky and said that the president had failed to get a grip. “Corruption is only a symptom. The main problem runs much deeper. We have a systemic crisis of governance,” Fedorov had said in a nine-minute video address released on social media this week. ”Can Russia effectively be given the right to dictate when Ukrainians can choose their government again? I am convinced that the answer is no,” Fedorov added. Zelensky has been facing a major protest in the country after he removed Fedorov from his post in July. According to reports, Fedorov is considering visiting the US in an apparent effort to win American support against the Ukrainian president. Zelensky has been continuing despite his term's expiry in spring 2024 as Ukraine's constitution prohibits election during wartime. US president Donald Trump has also called for Ukraine to hold elections.

<p>Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed his deputy chief of staff Iryna Mudra amid a major anti-corruption probe involving senior officials from his office. Mudra, a lawyer and former deputy justice minister, was linked by investigators to an alleged money-laundering network</p>

Ukraine sacks deputy chief of staff Iryna Mudra amid corruption crisis: Who is she

Russia is deploying fast-moving jet-powered drones in a new challenge for Ukraine’s air defences. The weapons can travel faster than conventional drones, potentially reducing reaction time for Ukrainian forces and complicating interception efforts. As Moscow expands its drone arsenal, can Ukraine adapt its defences to counter this emerging threat? WION Pulse tracks the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine war.


Russia's new jet drones are stretching Ukraine's defences

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged a fresh wave of intense strikes, leaving casualties and widespread destruction on both sides. A prominent market in Kyiv was reportedly gutted in Russian strikes, while Ukraine claimed to have targeted a missile fuel production facility in Russia's Rostov region.

Russia-Ukraine War: Deadly missile attack on Kyiv, 6 killed as Russian strikes rock Ukraine

Russia is deploying a new generation of fast jet-powered drones in its war against Ukraine, adding another challenge to Kyiv’s air defences. The high-speed drones could significantly reduce Ukraine’s warning and interception time. Meanwhile, Moscow has threatened the UK with “consequences” over British-supplied drones being used by Ukraine, raising fresh concerns about a wider escalation.


Russia deploys deadly jet drones, shrinking Ukraine’s reaction time

Recently dismissed Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has issued a sharp political challenge to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling for a wartime presidential election. In a video address, Fedorov argued that Ukraine must find a legal and safe mechanism to restore its democratic processes despite the ongoing Russian invasion, stating that democracy cannot be held hostage by the war.


Zelensky sacks key aide, as ex-defence minister demands elections

Ukraine faced a chaotic 24 hours as Russian drones forced Ukrainian and Belgian foreign ministers to hold talks in a Kyiv bomb shelter, even as a drone strike near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant killed one staff member and injured 16 others at a bus stop, an incident the plant's director called "the worst event" it has faced. Russia blames Ukraine for that strike. Separately, Russian missiles killed at least 10 people in a Kharkiv region village, destroying homes and vehicles. Adding to the tension, Russia's Lavrov warned the UK over reports of British-made drones being supplied to Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukrainian diplomats take shelter, Zaporizhzhia staff hit, 10 dead in Kharkiv 

The Iran war is putting fresh pressure on U.S. military stockpiles, with Washington facing the challenge of replenishing weapons and munitions after sustained operations in West Asia. As Ukraine and other U.S. allies continue to require military supplies, the strain is raising questions over America's ability to rapidly rebuild its stocks.


West Asia to Ukraine, allies await new stocks

A deadly Russian missile strike has hit a populated area in Kharkiv, killing at least 10 people and injuring others, according to Ukrainian officials. The attack came after a massive Ukrainian drone barrage targeting Russia, escalating the latest round of strikes between the two sides. The violence underscores the continuing intensity of the Russia-Ukraine war as both sides expand their aerial attacks.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russian missiles strike populated area in Kharkiv

A deadly Russian missile strike has hit a populated area in Kharkiv, killing at least 10 people and injuring others, according to Ukrainian officials. The attack came after a massive Ukrainian drone barrage targeting Russia, escalating the latest round of strikes between the two sides. The violence underscores the continuing intensity of the Russia-Ukraine war as both sides expand their aerial attacks.


Russian attack follows massive Ukrainian drone barrage, 10 killed

Ukraine's parliament returned from its summer recess amid uncertainty over the country's defence and foreign ministry leadership. Acting ministers Yevhenii Khmara and Andrii Sybiha had been running the two ministries, but President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has now submitted their nominations for permanent appointments, with parliament expected to vote on August 19.


Ukraine yet to vote on new defence minister

Ukraine's parliament returned from its summer recess amid uncertainty over the country's defence and foreign ministry leadership. Acting ministers Yevhenii Khmara and Andrii Sybiha had been running the two ministries, but President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has now submitted their nominations for permanent appointments, with parliament expected to vote on August 19.

Amid war with Russia, Ukraine parliament has not finalised defence minister  

The Iran war is putting fresh pressure on U.S. military stockpiles, with Washington facing the challenge of replenishing weapons and munitions after sustained operations in West Asia. As Ukraine and other U.S. allies continue to require military supplies, the strain is raising questions over America's ability to rapidly rebuild its stocks.

Russia and Ukraine have exchanged a fresh wave of intense strikes, leaving casualties and widespread destruction on both sides. A prominent market in Kyiv was reportedly gutted in Russian strikes, while Ukraine claimed to have targeted a missile fuel production facility in Russia's Rostov region.


Russia-Ukraine war: Moscow, Kyiv trade strikes, 19 killed in strikes 

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine fires largest-scale attack of 2026

Ukrainian drones have struck a major Russian oil refinery, marking the fourth refinery attack in three days as Kyiv intensifies its campaign against Moscow's vital energy sector. The strikes have reportedly damaged Russia's refining capacity and contributed to fuel shortages at gas stations, while Kyiv says the campaign aims to pressure President Vladimir Putin into seeking a peace deal.

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine strikes put pressure on Russian fuel supplies

Ukraine’s steel industry is facing a new challenge, this time from its biggest export market, the European Union. The sector has survived years of Russian attacks, but new EU import quotas and carbon tariffs are now putting further pressure on steelmakers. At the Zaporizhstal plant, workers are already considering major changes to production.

Ukraine steel industry faces new EU curbs

ukraine

Ukraine, News on Ukraine, stories on Ukraine, articles on Ukraine, Ukraine stories at Wion, Ukraine news, Ukraine latest news