The Kyiv Independent [unofficial]
Russia’s war against Ukraine
A victim in a body bag lies amidst debris and burned-out cars as an excavator removes rubble following a Russian strike in Sloviansk on Aug. 7, 2026. (Francisco Richart/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Deadly Russian attack in Kyiv region kills 3, including child. Russian strikes overnight in Kyiv Oblast’s Brovary district killed three people, including a child. Three others were injured, including another child.
Ukraine reportedly strikes Russian oil refineries in Samara Oblast, Krasnodar Krai. Ukraine struck an oil refinery in Samara Oblast and another in southern Russia’s Krasnodar Krai overnight on Aug. 8, monitoring channels reported.
Russian attacks on critical Ukrainian energy infrastructure destroy key facilities ahead of winter. Russia hit seven Naftogaz facilities in eastern Ukraine overnight, destroying critical equipment and forcing multiple sites to shut down.
Fedorov continues talks with Musk on using Starlink to help counter Russian ballistic missiles. “We’re in touch with Musk; we last spoke a few days ago. And it’s, let’s just say, a difficult task right now to achieve the outcome we need through this communication,” Mykhailo Fedorov said in an interview with his former adviser, Serhii Sternenko.
One of Ukraine’s largest football stadiums damaged in Russian strike on Odesa. The attack occurred at around 3:30 p.m. local time, shortly after Ukraine’s Air Force warned that jet-powered drones were approaching Odesa Oblast.
Ukraine intercepted 29 out of 195 Russian ballistic missiles in July as air defense shortages worsen, Defense Ministry says. “Ukrainian air defense operated in July under conditions of a critical shortage of interceptor missiles to counter ballistic terror,” the ministry said.
Ukraine attacks Wildberries logistics center in Russia located nearly 2,000 km from front line. The first photos and videos emerged on Russian social media around 5 a.m. local time, showing smoke rising from the Wildberries facility.
Read our exclusives
Ukraine war latest: Ukraine intercepted 29 of 195 Russian ballistic missiles in July as air defense shortages deepen, ministry says
Ukraine intercepted only 29 of the 195 ballistic missiles Russia launched at the country in July as air defenses faced a critical shortage of interceptor missiles, the Defense Ministry said on Aug. 7.
Photo: Evgen Kotenko / AFP via Getty Images
‘Time to act is now’ — US Senate passes long-delayed Russia sanctions bill targeting energy buyers
A majority of the U.S. Senate backed sweeping Russia sanctions legislation on Aug. 7 that would impose tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, aiming to cut off a key source of funding for Moscow’s war against Ukraine.
Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Ukraine stalls on justice, anti-corruption reforms promised to EU
The roadmap was endorsed by EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos and Ukraine’s then Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Taras Kachka. Most of the clauses of the Kachka-Kos plan are included in the benchmarks for Ukraine’s EU accession.
Photo: Nicolas Tucat / AFP / Getty Images
Human cost of war
Russian attacks kill 9, injure 89 across Ukraine over past day as Dnipropetrovsk Oblast comes under nearly 80 attacks. Russia launched 147 Shahed-type drones against Ukraine overnight on Aug. 7, with air defenses shooting down 114 of them, the Air Force said.
General Staff: Russia has lost 1,455,420 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022. The figure includes 1,210 casualties Russian forces suffered over the past day.
You’ve made it this far, which means you care.
By supporting independent journalism, you turn that care into action. Our journalism is free and accessible to everyone. Help us keep it that way — become a member today.
Opinions and insights
What’s missing from Ukraine’s EU checklist?
Ukraine has opened the sixth negotiation cluster, “External Relations,” bringing the country one step closer to European Union membership. Although the cluster’s description underscores the importance of aligning Ukraine’s sanctions policy with that of the EU, the benchmarks make no mention of the reforms needed in this area – at least not yet.
Photo: Nicolas Economou / NurPhoto / Getty Images
International response
Zelensky begins first official visit to Serbia, says ‘Ukraine is always ready to work constructively.’ Zelensky held talks with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on the evening of Aug. 7.
EU adopts new sanctions in response to Russian airstrikes on Kyiv. “Each new attack on Ukraine is another reason for Europe to tighten the screws on Russia,” Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, said.
In other news
Suspicious drones sighted over German military base days after Leipzig airport incident. Two drones were detected over a military base in the town of Mechernich in western Germany, authorities said. Police are investigating the incident, which comes mere days after a serious drone breach at Leipzig Airport.
Skelia Assault Regiment troops to be transferred to other units following abuse allegations, media reports. The order to reassign “Skelia” personnel was issued roughly a week ago, with soldiers being transferred to around 10 other units, according to Ukrainska Pravda.
60% of Ukrainians oppose ceding Donbas to Russia, but same share back freezing war with security guarantees, poll shows. According to the poll results, 33% of respondents said they would be willing to give up territory in eastern Ukraine, including Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.
Meet the collection inspired by Kyiv’s embroidery
Two collaborations, one enduring Ukrainian tradition. Created so you can carry a piece of Kyiv with you, wherever you go.
This newsletter is open for sponsorship. Boost your brand’s visibility by reaching thousands of engaged subscribers. Click here for more details.
Today’s Ukraine Daily was brought to you by Chris York, Kateryna Hodunova, Chris Powers, Oleksiy Sorokin, Oleg Sukhov, Abbey Fenbert, and Volodymyr Ivanyshyn.
If you’re enjoying this newsletter, consider joining our membership program. Start supporting independent journalism today.