The Kyiv Independent [unofficial]
Russia’s war against Ukraine
People attend a ceremony honoring 20th-century military leader Yevhen Konovalets at the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Kyiv on Aug. 15, 2026. (Maxym Marusenko/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Ukrainian forces target Moscow Oblast, damaging Wildberries warehouse in major attack.Ukrainian forces targeted a warehouse belonging to major Russian online retailer Wildberries and cities across Russia’s Moscow Oblast in a major overnight attack on Aug. 16, monitoring channels reported.
Russian attack rocks Kyiv as numerous explosions heard within minutes.Six explosions were also heard in the city’s Pecherskyi district within three minutes of the air raid sounding, leaving no time to find shelter, a Kyiv Independent journalist on the ground said.
Russia threatens ‘serious damage’ to relations with US, Turkey over weapons shipment to Ukraine.Sending arms to Ukraine undermines attempts by the U.S. and Turkey to act as peace brokers, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said regarding an upcoming shipment of 70 ATACMS missiles and other weapons to Ukraine.
Ukraine’s HUR claims cyberattack on Wildberries, Russian sellers complain of more disruption.Despite what HUR described as the company’s high level of digital protection, the cyberattack disrupted Wildberries’ main remote customer-service channel, partially destabilized its payment infrastructure, and placed additional pressure on its contact centers.
Ukraine begins using British drones to strike targets deep within Russia, Times reports.Ukraine has begun using British drones in deep strikes against Russia over the past six months, the Times reported Aug. 15, citing sources in Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
Former 80th Brigade commander Colonel Emil Ishkulov reportedly set to lead corps defending Sloviansk, Kramatorsk.Ishkulov currently serves as deputy commander of the 7th Rapid Response Corps of Ukraine’s Air Assault Forces. He is expected to replace Brigadier General Oleksii Maistrenko, who has commanded the 11th Army Corps for around six months, according to Ukrainska Pravda.
Inside Kyiv’s bomb shelter system as ballistic attacks ramp up
Human cost of war
Russian attacks kill infant, injure 49 across Ukraine over past day.Russian forces attacked Ukraine overnight on Aug. 15 with 152 Shahed-type drones and loitering munitions, the Air Force said
General Staff: Russia has lost 1,465,810 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022.The figure includes 1,370 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.
International response
Poland will soon have Europe’s largest army, Tusk pledges. “Our Polish-Ukrainian relations can be debated, but no one can doubt that supporting Ukraine in the war with Russia is for our security,” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said during the country’s Army Day celebrations.
In other news
Zelensky orders government to prepare law protecting Ukraine’s cultural monuments. “Today, I signed a decree on measures at the state level to protect Ukraine’s national shrines,” Zelensky said on the 975th anniversary of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. The monastery was badly damaged during a Russian strike in June.
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 Liliane Bivings, Polina Moroziuk, Chris York, Dominika Ozynska, Abbey Fenbert, and Volodymyr Ivanyshyn.
If you’re enjoying this newsletter, consider joining our membership program. Start supporting independent journalism today.