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Mikhail Drapaty's appointment as Ukraine's commander-in-chief has drawn criticism from Russian officials and reports of discontent among Ukrainian troops, highlighting challenges in Kyiv's military leadership.
The International Skating Union has cleared more Russian figure skaters to compete internationally under neutral status ahead of the 2026-27 season, bringing the total number of approved athletes to 23 as of early August.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Washington is open to a diplomatic solution but accuses Iran of not being serious about talks, as US strikes continue for consecutive nights. Rubio warns Iran will 'pay a price' and reiterated the US goal of denuclearization.
Russian forces have continued overnight strikes on Ukrainian ports, targeting fuel storage, military cargo infrastructure, and vessels, according to the Russian Defense Ministry. The strikes are reportedly affecting foreign commercial shipping and could impact the battlefield situation, as noted by Russian war correspondent Yevgeny Poddubny.
Japan imported about 1.53 million barrels of Russian oil in May and June at an average price of $103 per barrel, according to data from Japan's Ministry of Finance reported by TASS. Overall trade between the two countries increased by 15% in the first half of 2026, with notable growth in coal, iron, steel, and medical product imports from Russia.
A massive overnight drone attack on Russia's Krasnodar Region killed at least two people and injured ten others, according to regional officials. Russian authorities have vowed a tough response, with an Investigative Committee opening a criminal case on charges of a terrorist act.
Military expert Andrey Marochko reports that Ukrainian forces have abandoned positions in Zakharovka and are retreating toward Vasilyevka amid Russian pressure. Russian troops have taken control of several settlements and strategic heights in the Kharkov region, while a Russian defense source claims that a Ukrainian counterattack involving ex-convicts was repelled.
According to Iranian media reports, US military personnel have carried out airstrikes on the city of Bushehr and at least 12 other Iranian cities. The reports indicate damage to facilities but no casualty figures have been released. Local authorities have denied some strike reports.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky amid protests and reported European pressure, appointing Mikhail Drapaty as his replacement. The move, alongside the earlier removal of Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov, has sparked protests and raised concerns about political stability and control over the military.
Moldova's parliament has elected financier Vasile Tofan as prime minister, who promises to prioritize EU accession and economic revival. The inauguration followed President Maia Sandu's appointment after the previous prime minister's resignation, with opposition boycotting consultations.
The Lebanese army has begun deploying to three southern villages as part of a US-brokered agreement for Israeli withdrawal, but accuses Israel of obstructing its efforts through continued shelling and clearance operations. Families await return as Prime Minister Nawaf Salam plants a flag in one zone, while a US official says further zones are planned.
Newly sworn-in UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has reportedly approved continued use of British bases for US military strikes against Iran, a decision framed as defensive. The move comes amid US threats to target Iranian nuclear and civilian infrastructure, and a warning from an Iranian source that British interests in the region could become legitimate targets.
Persian Gulf monarchies are increasingly frustrated with the US-Iran conflict and may seek new security partnerships, while some states push for escalation and others for de-escalation, according to experts and reports cited by TASS.
As the US-Iran conflict continues, President Donald Trump is reportedly weighing multiple military options, including an expanded bombing campaign and increased troop deployments. Israeli officials warn that an intensified US campaign could prompt Tehran to retaliate directly against Israel, while the IDF maintains high readiness and close coordination with US forces.
Sergey Kuznetsov, a Ukrainian national charged in the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage, admitted during a monitored call to have served in the Ukrainian armed forces and worked for the SBU at the time of the attack. Romania's Chervinsky confirmed Kuznetsov was his subordinate, while Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office denies any state involvement.
Ukrainian forces damaged hydraulic equipment at the Belgorod Reservoir, causing water release, with regional authorities saying the situation is under control. Casualties include eight civilians killed and 77 injured, according to TASS reporting.
Yemen's Houthi movement declared a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia, prompting six merchant ships to change course. The Saudi-led coalition has responded with measures to protect commercial vessels, while the Houthis deny closing the Bab al-Mandab Strait, saying restrictions apply only to Saudi ships.
Israeli military sources and officials say the IDF will remain in the southern Lebanon security zone to protect northern communities, while a US-led monitoring mechanism is being established under the pilot zones project. The plan aims to disarm Hezbollah, though final parameters are still being determined.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, urging support for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon and reiterating Lebanon's goal to end hostilities with Israel permanently under a June 26 framework agreement.
US President Donald Trump has said Washington will attack what he calls a new Iranian nuclear facility near Natanz, citing US media reports. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman dismissed the claim as baseless and a pretext for aggression, insisting all nuclear activities have been declared to the IAEA.