A Romanian F-16 fighter destroyed a marine drone hundreds of meters from the Neptun Deep offshore gas extraction project, in the latest incident involving the NATO member country on the border with Ukraine. The Minister of Defense declared it. The drone was "laden with explosives" and did not come from Ukraine, Defense Minister Radu Miruta said on Facebook. "There is an ongoing campaign of threats aimed at dividing our EU. This is a hybrid war," declared European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
New massive Russian attack on Kiev during the night, the toll is 16 dead and 40 injured according to Ukrainian president Zelensky who asks to receive "adequate anti-ballistic defense" from the allies and accuses: "The Russians had prepared for a long time with the aim of causing the greatest possible damage to civilian infrastructure".
The attacks provoked security reactions in neighboring NATO member states: air defenses were activated in Poland, while Romanian radar systems detected air targets near the Ukrainian border, causing two Spanish fighter jets engaged in NATO missions to take off.
Moscow reports that Ukrainian forces launched 726 drones last night over 18 Russian regions, over occupied Crimea and the waters of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
Zelensky: "Priority is air defense and anti-ballistic capabilities"
“Air defense and anti-ballistic capabilities are a key priority.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this in a post on X. "I expect the Ministry of Defense and our Defense and Security Forces to work in harmony. It is important to conduct an audit of all our agreements with our partners," reiterated the Kiev leader.
Zakharova against Finland for weapons in Kiev: "It will not go unpunished"
Finland's supply of weapons to Ukraine will not go unpunished. This was stated by the spokeswoman of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, during a press briefing.
"Finnish weapons crossing the Ukrainian border automatically become a legitimate target for the Russian Armed Forces. No hostile attack originating from Helsinki will go unpunished. A measured response will follow, fully respecting our national interests," Zakharova said.
Russian sources: "One dead and one injured in a Ukrainian drone attack in Kherson"
One person died and another was injured today when a Ukrainian drone hit a service vehicle servicing electrical systems in the Russian-controlled Kherson region. This was stated by the South-Western Electricity Company JSC, quoted by the Tass agency.
Moscow, meeting between Lavrov and Msgr. Gallagher on August 25
Mgr. Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican's secretary for relations with states, will meet Russian Foreign Minister Serghei Lavrov in Moscow on August 25. The Russian diplomatic spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, announced this today.
Kiev, at least 13 suspects in the 'Forrest Gump' and 'Themis' corruption cases
The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecution (Sapo) of Ukraine has revealed the names of 13 suspects in new registrations related to the latest corruption cases. Among the people mentioned, in addition to the aforementioned Iryna Mudra, former deputy head of the President's Office, also Viktor Dubovyk, Olena Ferens, former parliamentarian Maksym Mykytas and Vadym Stolar.
EU: "It is up to them to decide when to hold elections"
It is up to Ukraine to decide when to hold elections, "in full compliance with its legal framework", and the EU is "ready to support it throughout the electoral process".
New attacks in Kiev, 16 victims in Russian raids during the night
The number of victims of the Russian raids that hit Kiev this night rises to 16. This was reported by the mayor of the city, Vitali Kitschko. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for a global response to Moscow's "escalation". According to the Air Force, Russia launched at least 44 missiles, 39 of which were shot down.
