Russia launched around 150 drones, Iskander-M ballistic missile and a Kh-31P missile at Ukraine overnight on August 25, according to Ukraine's Air Force. Kyiv says 124 drones were destroyed or jammed, while impacts were recorded at multiple locations.  
At the same time, Russia is advancing its strategic underwater weapons programme. The nuclear-powered Khabarovsk submarine has entered sea trials and is designed to carry Poseidon underwater drones. Poseidon is a nuclear-powered autonomous underwater vehicle intended to deliver nuclear weapons against distant naval or coastal targets.  
The developments come as Ukraine continues to face a shortage of Patriot interceptors and presses Western allies for additional air-defence systems. Kyiv is also intensifying long-range attacks against Russian energy infrastructure, including the reported strike on the Afipsky refinery.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia launches nuclear-capable missile strike on Ukrainian targets

Russia fires nuke-capable missiles, Ukraine's military hubs destroyed

Western allies assembled in Kyiv on Ukraine's Independence Day to vow continued military and financial backing against escalating Russian attacks.

Russia-Ukraine war: Western allies assemble in Kyiv, vow to support war efforts 

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

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

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

Key European and international backers of Ukraine have gathered for an emergency high-level summit as the Russia-Ukraine war intensifies significantly. Facing a severe depletion of vital air defense interceptors—such as U.S.-supplied Patriot missiles—Ukrainian leadership is pressing allies for immediate military assistance and heightened economic pressure on Moscow.


Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine backers gather as war escalates, air defence runs low

Ukraine is seeking Elon Musk’s approval to use Starlink-equipped attack drones against Russian ballistic missile launchers deep inside Russia, as Kyiv faces growing pressure on its air-defence capabilities, according to people familiar with the discussions.The proposal would allow Ukrainian drones using SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network to operate up to 200km inside Russian territory. Kyiv believes the move could help target missile launchers, command centres and other military infrastructure responsible for attacks on Ukraine.<h2>The Trump angle</h2>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly raised the request during his meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House in July. Zelensky asked Trump to speak to Musk about permitting the use of Starlink beyond Ukraine’s borders.However, Trump was non-committal, and people familiar with the meeting said he did not appear supportive of the proposal. Musk has also previously resisted allowing Starlink to be used for offensive operations inside Russia.The request comes as Ukraine struggles with a shortage of Patriot interceptors, its main defence against Russian ballistic missiles. Intensifying Russian missile and drone attacks, coupled with high demand for Patriot systems in the Middle East, have further strained global supplies.Military analyst Franz-Stefan Gady said Ukraine needed to consider a more proactive approach to countering Russian attacks.“How can Ukraine engage in a more proactive, shooting-the-archer strategy?” Gady asked, referring to efforts to destroy missile launchers, command systems and logistics before attacks are carried out.<h2>Why Starlink?</h2>Starlink-equipped drones can maintain communications over longer distances and are less vulnerable to conventional jamming, making them potentially valuable for deep-strike missions.Musk has previously restricted Starlink access in sensitive situations. In 2022, access was cut during a Ukrainian operation near Crimea over concerns that the move could trigger a wider escalation.Ukraine’s former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who had maintained direct contact with Musk, has also acknowledged the difficulty of securing approval.“Let’s just say, [it’s] a difficult task right now to achieve the outcome we need through this communication,” Fedorov said on August 6.

Ukraine is seeking Elon Musk’s approval to use Starlink-equipped drones up to 200 km inside Russia to target ballistic missile launchers, as Kyiv faces shortages of Patriot air-defence interceptors.

Ukraine is seeking Elon Musk’s approval to use Starlink-equipped attack drones against Russian ballistic missile launchers deep inside Russia, as Kyiv faces growing pressure on its air-defence capabilities, according to people familiar with the discussions. The proposal would allow Ukrainian drones using SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network to operate up to 200km inside Russian territory. Kyiv believes the move could help target missile launchers, command centres and other military infrastructure responsible for attacks on Ukraine. The Trump angle Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly raised the request during his meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House in July. Zelensky asked Trump to speak to Musk about permitting the use of Starlink beyond Ukraine’s borders. However, Trump was non-committal, and people familiar with the meeting said he did not appear supportive of the proposal. Musk has also previously resisted allowing Starlink to be used for offensive operations inside Russia. The request comes as Ukraine struggles with a shortage of Patriot interceptors, its main defence against Russian ballistic missiles. Intensifying Russian missile and drone attacks, coupled with high demand for Patriot systems in the Middle East, have further strained global supplies. Military analyst Franz-Stefan Gady said Ukraine needed to consider a more proactive approach to countering Russian attacks. “How can Ukraine engage in a more proactive, shooting-the-archer strategy?” Gady asked, referring to efforts to destroy missile launchers, command systems and logistics before attacks are carried out. Why Starlink? Starlink-equipped drones can maintain communications over longer distances and are less vulnerable to conventional jamming, making them potentially valuable for deep-strike missions. Musk has previously restricted Starlink access in sensitive situations. In 2022, access was cut during a Ukrainian operation near Crimea over concerns that the move could trigger a wider escalation. Ukraine’s former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, who had maintained direct contact with Musk, has also acknowledged the difficulty of securing approval. “Let’s just say, [it’s] a difficult task right now to achieve the outcome we need through this communication,” Fedorov said on August 6.

Ukraine is seeking Elon Musk’s approval to use Starlink-equipped drones up to 200 km inside Russia to target ballistic missile launchers, as Kyiv faces shortages of Patriot air-defence interceptors.

Starlink strikes in Russia? Zelensky seeks Musk’s approval for Ukraine drones

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 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

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 

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  

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

Russia has ruled out an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov saying a halt in fighting is not currently possible. Moscow has also scrapped a proposal to stop attacks in the Black Sea and sent a series of questions to the US State Department. The latest developments cast fresh doubt on efforts to revive peace talks and ease the war.


Russia-Ukraine war: Russia scraps proposal for halting attacks in the Black sea 

Russia's Black Sea grain trade has taken a major hit after Ukraine launched one of its most extensive drone and missile attacks yet on the port city of Novorossiysk. Three major grain terminals were damaged, with loading galleries and silos destroyed, effectively halting shipments from a hub that handles a huge share of Russia's wheat exports.


Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine's massive strike halts grain exports at Russia's key Novorossiysk port 

Ukraine and Russia accused each other of lethal attacks on Sunday, as President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Moscow was targeting global food ​security by striking Odesa's seaport.
Three people were killed and 37 wounded in ‌the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, where a multi-storey apartment block was hit, while authorities in Russia's Belgorod said five were killed and 25 wounded by a Ukrainian drone attack.

Ukraine, Russia accuse each other of lethal attacks

Russia has launched a massive ballistic missile and drone barrage targeting Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, killing at least nine people and wounding 23 others.The early morning assault on August 1, 2026, triggered over a dozen loud explosions across the city, forcing thousands of residents into underground metro stations for safety. According to Ukraine's State Emergency Service, the attack caused severe destruction and fires across five major districts of the capital.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia launches missile attack on Ukraine's capital, Nine dead

US President Donald Trump has said Washington has not agreed to grant Ukraine a licence to manufacture Patriot missile systems, reversing an earlier pledge made to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the NATO summit and raising fresh questions over future US military support

Russia-Ukraine War: Trump backtracks on Patriot missile licence for Ukraine

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has expanded deeper into Russia's commercial sector as a major logistics hub belonging to Ozon, Russia's second-largest e-commerce giant, came under a Ukrainian drone alert and subsequent attack in the town of Zelenodolsk within the Tatarstan region.


Russian e-retailer Ozon comes under Ukrainian drone attack amid Russia-Ukraine war

A Russian ballistic missile strike on the village of Radushne in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region destroyed a family home, killing 10 members of the Voronov family, including parents, seven children, and an 18-month-old grandson. The attack was part of a wider nationwide barrage that also left dozens injured.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russian strike in Ukraine's Radushne kills 10, injures over 50

In a major escalation of the conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the mobilization of additional troops to drive a decisive push in the invasion of Ukraine. Amid grinding frontlines and heavy resource attrition, Moscow is ramping up its military manpower in a high-stakes bid to shift the strategic momentum.

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky fears 500,000 new Russian troops

In a striking move symbolising Ukraine's ongoing cultural transformation and de-communisation efforts, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced plans to replace a historic Lenin statue with a monument dedicated to Hetman Ivan Mazepa.


Zelensky announces Mazepa monument to replace Lenin statue

In a major escalation of the conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the mobilization of additional troops to drive a decisive push in the invasion of Ukraine. Amid grinding frontlines and heavy resource attrition, Moscow is ramping up its military manpower in a high-stakes bid to shift the strategic momentum.


Russia-Ukraine war: Putin mobilises more troops for Ukraine's war decisive invasion

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