Friday, August 1st, live news on the war between Ukraine and Russia. Lukashenko and Putin meet. Attack on Kiev, 31 dead, including 5 children. Berlin: Imminent delivery of two Patriot batteries to Kiev.

8:16 PM | August 1

At least two killed in Ukrainian attacks in Russia's Belgorod region

At least two people have been killed in Russia's Belgorod province following a Ukrainian drone strike. The regional governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, announced today. Two people were killed in a terrorist attack by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Near the village of Urazovo, in the Valuysky district, a drone attacked two civilians who were walking to a bus stop. The 18-year-old and the man died instantly from their wounds, Gladkov wrote on his Telegram channel. The Belgorod region, which shares a 350-kilometer border with Ukraine and is currently under a state of emergency, regularly reports shelling, drone strikes, and other attacks by Ukraine, forcing residents to seek refuge elsewhere.

7:59 PM | August 1

Trump: The war in Ukraine is absurd and costs too many unnecessary deaths.

Donald Trump called the war in Ukraine absurd, claiming it has already cost too many unnecessary lives. In a post on Truth, the President said he had just been informed that nearly 20,000 Russian soldiers had died this month. Russia, he added, has lost 112,500 soldiers since the beginning of the year. That's a lot of unnecessary deaths! Ukraine, however, has also suffered greatly. It has lost approximately 8,000 soldiers since January 1, 2025, and that number doesn't include those missing. Ukraine has also lost civilians, but in smaller numbers, due to Russian rockets that crashed into Kiev and other Ukrainian locations. This is a war that should never have happened: this is Biden's war, not Trump's. I'm just here to see if I can stop it!

7:08 PM | August 1

US President Trump orders the repositioning of two nuclear submarines to appropriate regions

US President Trump has ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines in appropriate regions following statements made by Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Medvedev.

5:46 PM | August 1

Zelensky: I spoke with Starmer about how to force Russia to end the war

Our conversation today focused on how to stop the killings, provide greater protection for our people, and force Russia to end this war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote this in X after his telephone conversation with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who offered his condolences for the deaths of our compatriots in the Russian attack on Kiev."It was an absolutely cowardly and brutal missile and drone attack, which cost the lives of 31 people, including five children," Zelensky remarked, adding that he had spoken with Starmer about the urgent need to increase drone production, especially interceptor drones."There are specific financial needs, and we agreed to find a solution," he continued, adding that he had also discussed the sanctions issue with the British Prime Minister."Russia truly fears them," he wrote."And the sanctions are undoubtedly working, and there will be more. We are working with everyone on coordinated restrictive measures." We discussed, he continued, our cooperation with our American partners, particularly coordinating moves with President Trump and possible formats for leader-level peace negotiations.

3:32 PM | August 1

Rutte: Germany's decision on Patriots in Kiev is a good thing.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed Germany's decision to supply two additional Patriot systems to Ukraine. Rutte wrote this in a message on X."This is excellent news, and I welcome Germany's leadership. This will help ensure Ukraine is able to defend its skies, protect its population, and deter Russian aggression," he added.

3:22 PM | August 1

Lukashenko to Trump: Stop threatening Putin, that's no way to do politics.

This is no way to do politics. If you want peace, you have to engage carefully and thoroughly. This is a military conflict. And you can't just issue orders. Especially to a nuclear power. It's simply ridiculous. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated this during a conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Valaam in Russia, addressing US President Donald Trump. After criticizing the US president's repeated threats of sanctions against Russia, Lukashenko also spoke about his meeting with Trump's envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, a few weeks ago, reiterating: I told him openly,"If your president acts carefully, we will be able to reach an agreement."

3:16 PM | August 1

ISW: For the fourth consecutive month, Moscow accelerates its advance

The Russian army has accelerated its incursion into Ukrainian territory for the fourth consecutive month, completing its largest advance since November in July, according to an AFP analysis based on data from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). In one month, Moscow's forces conquered 713 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory, compared to the 79 regained by Kiev, for a net gain of 634 square kilometers. In June, the net gain was 588 square kilometers, 507 in May, 379 in April, and 240 in March.

3:03 PM | August 1

Zelensky and Starmer's talks focused on anti-Russia measures.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of the United Kingdom held a conversation with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who expressed his condolences for the victims of the Russian attack on Kiev. It was an absolutely cowardly and brutal missile and drone attack that killed 31 people, including five children."Our conversation today focused on how to stop the killings, ensure greater protection for our people, and force Russia to end this war," Zelensky wrote on X."We discussed the urgent need to increase the production of drones, especially interceptor drones. There is a specific financial need, and we agreed to find a solution. We also talked about sanctions. Russia genuinely fears them, as much as it pretends not to care. The sanctions are undoubtedly working, and there will be more. We are working with everyone to coordinate restrictive measures," the president added.

2:36 PM | August 1

Zelensky: Ready to meet Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded to Russian President Vladimir Putin's latest statements, reiterating his openness to a discussion with the Russian president at any time."We have listened to Russia's statements. If these are signs of a genuine desire to end the war with dignity and establish a truly lasting peace—and not simply an attempt to buy time for the war or delay sanctions—then Ukraine once again reiterates its willingness to meet at the leadership level at any time," Zelensky wrote on X."Ukraine calls for moving beyond the exchange of statements and technical-level meetings, aiming for talks between leaders. The United States proposed this. Ukraine supported it. What is needed is Russia's willingness," the Ukrainian president concluded.

2:30 PM | August 1

Lukashenko: If Trump wants peace, he must join the negotiating process.

If the US president wants peace in Ukraine, he must join the negotiating process. Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko said this, meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Valaam Island in Lake Ladoga. There is a military conflict, and (Trump) cannot give orders here, Lukashenko declared, urging the parties to sit at the negotiating table instead of throwing stones at each other.

2:18 PM | August 1

Putin: We're just taking back what's ours

Russia, which is waging military operations on the territory of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic in eastern Ukraine, is taking back what is its own, not someone else's. This is how Russian President Vladimir Putin, answering journalists' questions, commented on the situation at Chasiv Yar, reiterating that the Russian military has taken control, despite Kiev's denials. Tass reported. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, criticizing the Kiev authorities, noted that they do not understand the success of the Russian Armed Forces' operations:"They will attack, capture, and move on, recapture. We will take back what is ours," Putin corrected, after meeting with the Belarusian dictator at Valaam.

2:17 PM | August 1

Putin: Regime change? Moscow is the legitimate government, not Kiev.

The Russian government was formed in strict accordance with the Constitution, which cannot be said of Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin said this in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who yesterday called on Western allies to push for regime change in Moscow. The current government in Ukraine is not based on the Constitution; the Constitution has been clearly violated, Putin said, quoted by Tass. Zelensky remained in office despite his term expiring in May 2024 because elections could not be held due to martial law.

2:08 PM | August 1

Putin: Without political sovereignty, the EU will lose its economic sovereignty.

The EU currently has no political sovereignty, and its economic sovereignty will also be lost, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, quoted by Tass.

2:08 PM | August 1

Putin: Oreshnik hypersonic missile is in service

President Vladimir Putin announced that the Russian military has received the first Oreshnik hypersonic ballistic missile."We have the first mass-produced Oreshnik missile. It is already in service with the troops," the Kremlin chief said on public television in Valaam, northwestern Russia.

1:54 PM | August 1

Putin: We continue to advance, Kiev is not well informed

Russian troops continue to advance along the entire front in Ukraine, while the authorities in Kiev are poorly informed about the progress of the fighting, denying that Moscow forces have captured the town of Chasiv Yar in Donetsk, President Vladimir Putin said, quoted by Tass.

1:51 PM | August 1

Putin: Our conditions for peace remain unchanged.

Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed today that the conditions he set a year ago remain valid for achieving peace in Ukraine: recognition of Crimea and the four regions partially occupied by Russia and Kiev's renunciation of NATO membership. The news agency Tass reported this. Putin emphasized the positive momentum at the front for Moscow's troops.

1:35 PM | August 1

Madrid condemns attacks in Kiev: Moscow must abandon terror

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares expressed firm condemnation of the Russian mass attacks against the Ukrainian civilian population in Kiev, which have left at least 31 people dead, including five children, in an interview with X. He also expressed his condolences to the victims' families."Our support for Ukraine is unwavering," the Spanish foreign minister reiterated."Russia must abandon its path of terror and negotiate a ceasefire as the first step toward a just and lasting peace," Albares stated in his message.

1:02 PM | August 1

Attack in Kiev, Yermak contacts Italy, France, Germany and Great Britain

Ukrainian presidential cabinet chief Andriy Yermak announced that he spoke this morning with senior security officials from Italy, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom about the consequences of last night's Russian attack on Kiev and the next steps in relations with the United States. The Guardian reports."I am grateful to my colleagues for their sincere words of solidarity with our nation in connection with the latest barbaric bombing of Kiev. Thirty-one people have already died, including five children. Russia continues its terror against civilians. We must strengthen our joint response," he said. The officials confirmed positive signals from the White House regarding its planned response to Russia, including sanctions on Russian oil and secondary tariffs. They also discussed the preparation of a historic bilateral security agreement between Ukraine and the United States, which would be co-financed by European allies.

11:56 AM | August 1

Tajani: Attacks on children unacceptable, Moscow should choose negotiations

Yet another Russian attack in Kiev, targeting men, women, and children. They are all civilians: it is unacceptable that the war is now directed against them, including children. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani denounced the attack in a post on X, expressing his condolences and closeness to the Ukrainian people. Italy is in mourning. Russia must choose negotiation, must return to negotiations to restore peace and security to Europe, Tajani urges.

11:33 AM | August 1

Moscow: 60 drones shot down overnight, one injured in Belgorod

The Russian Defense Ministry said that air defense forces shot down 60 Ukrainian drones overnight. More than half were destroyed over the Russian region of Belgorod, bordering Ukraine, it said. Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said one person was injured.

11:12 AM | August 1

AFP: Record 6,297 Russian drones fired against Ukraine in July

Russia launched more drone strikes against Ukraine in July than in any other month since the invasion began in 2022, according to a tally by the AFP news agency. The analysis, based on data provided by Ukrainian authorities, indicates that Moscow's military launched 6,297 long-range drones against the country last month, a 16% increase from June and a third consecutive month of increases. This demonstrates an intensification of the bombing despite US President Donald Trump's ultimatums, the agency comments.

10:48 AM | August 1

Russian intelligence: Sevastopol resident arrested for treason, who provided information to Kiev

A Sevastopol resident who transmitted data on the city's air defense facilities to Ukrainian intelligence has been arrested for treason, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) reported. The suspect allegedly contacted a representative of the Ukrainian Army's special forces via a Telegram channel used by Kiev's intelligence services to gather intelligence. On his supervisor's instructions, the suspect took photographs and videos of the operation of air defense facilities in Sevastopol. The suspect passed on the information he received on the air defense systems in service and their location coordinates to Ukrainian intelligence, the FSB statement said.

10:19 AM | August 1

Berlin: Delivery of two Patriot batteries to Kiev imminent

Berlin has announced the imminent delivery of two Patriot anti-missile batteries to Ukraine. Following the agreement reached with Washington, the German military will be able to deliver Patriot launchers to Ukraine in the coming days, followed by other system components over the next two to three months, the German Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

10:01 AM | August 1

Zelensky: Russia launched 3,800 drones and 260 missiles on Ukraine in July. Thirty-one people died in Kiev.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko presented a report. Emergency restoration work is underway in Kiev at the sites affected by yesterday's attack. All search and rescue operations have already been completed. President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote this on X, also publishing images of the affected sites.

He added: Sadly, to date, 31 victims have been confirmed, including 5 children. The youngest was only two years old. My condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. 159 people were injured, including 16 children. All are currently receiving the necessary medical care. I am grateful to the rescuers, police officers, doctors, nurses, public service workers—to everyone who is helping the population at this time. This is truly vital.

The president's post continues: Once again, this cowardly attack by Russia demonstrates the need to increase pressure on Moscow and impose further sanctions. No matter how much the Kremlin denies their effectiveness, sanctions are working and must be strengthened. They must target everything that allows such attacks to continue. It is also crucial that the world does not remain silent. I thank everyone who has supported our people. We appreciate that President Trump, European leaders, and other partners clearly see what is happening and condemn Russia. In July alone, Russia dropped over 5,100 bombs on Ukraine, more than 3,800 drones, and nearly 260 missiles of various types, including 128 ballistic missiles. This can only be stopped through joint efforts by America, Europe, and other global actors. Every commitment matters. Every day matters. I thank everyone who is helping Ukraine.

9:01 AM | August 1

Joint Russia-China naval exercise in the Sea of Japan today

The joint Russian-Chinese naval exercise Maritime Interaction-2025 will take place from today until August 5 in the Sea of Japan, the Pacific Fleet press service reported in a statement. The traditional exercise will take place in the Sea of Japan with the aim of exchanging experience between sailors of the Russian Navy and the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy. The exercise is defensive in nature and is not directed against other countries, the statement reads. The exercise will reportedly consist of a land and a sea phase. At sea, the two countries' ships will refine joint search and rescue operations, conduct anti-submarine and air defense exercises, and conduct artillery live-fire exercises at one of the Pacific Fleet's training ranges, the press service added.

9:00 AM | August 1

Lukashenko visits Moscow, talks with Putin scheduled

Belarusian authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko will travel to Russia today for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin. Russian media, including Interfax, reported the visit, specifying that Lukashenko's visit was a private one. The two leaders will discuss bilateral relations and international issues, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. Putin and Lukashenko will hold informal talks, during which they will discuss the full range of bilateral relations, including trade and economic ties, the implementation of trade union projects, and so on. They will also have a thorough exchange of views on international issues, he specified.

8:59 AM | August 1

Kiev: 44 out of 72 Russian drones shot down overnight

Russian forces attacked Ukraine last night with 72 drones of various types, including Shahed kamikaze drones, the Kiev Air Force announced on Telegram. Ukrainian air defenses downed or disabled 44 enemy unmanned aerial vehicles across the country with electronic warfare systems. A total of 28 drones were hit in nine locations. The Russians attacked border areas in the Kharkiv, Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kiev regions.

8:16 AM | August 1

Attack on Kiev: Death toll rises to 28, 159 injured

Russian forces launched a joint attack on the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, last night, with the shelling destroying part of a skyscraper. As of 8:30 a.m. today, the death toll has risen to 28, RBC-Ukraine reported, citing a telegram from the Ukrainian Interior Ministry and a telegram from KMVA chief Timur Tkachenko. Rescuers have extracted the body of another person from under the rubble. The death toll has risen to 28, the KMVA chief noted. Three children aged 2 and 6 and a 17-year-old boy were killed in yesterday's enemy attack. Furthermore, as of this morning, 159 people have been injured, including 16 children.

7:32 AM | August 1

27 dead, 12 children injured in massive Russian attack in Kiev

At least 27 people were killed and 159 injured in one of the most serious Russian attacks in recent weeks, which occurred overnight in Kiev. A barrage of missiles and drones struck the Ukrainian capital, killing three children and wounding 12, according to Tymur Tkachenko, head of the city's military administration. Unfortunately, the worst-case scenarios regarding the number of people trapped under the rubble have been confirmed, Tkachenko added, referring to the ongoing rescue operations. Among the victims is Police Lieutenant Liliia Stepanchuk, a patrol officer who has served with the Kiev police since 2017. Her body was recovered from the rubble in the Sviatoshynsky district during rescue operations, the Interior Ministry said. Three police officers were among the injured. Thirty people, including five children, remain hospitalized, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said, adding that the number of injured children is the highest recorded in the city since the start of the full-scale invasion. Russian forces launched over 300 drones and eight missiles into Ukraine overnight, targeting Kyiv and other regions, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. In response to the attack, today has been declared a day of mourning in Kyiv. Flags will be flown at half-mast on all municipal buildings. All entertainment events in the city are banned for the entire day. The attack came shortly after US President Donald Trump threatened to impose new tariffs on Russia within 10 days unless the Kremlin agreed to end its full-scale war against Ukraine.

7:10 AM | August 1

Russian attack in Zaporizhia leaves one dead and five injured

One person was killed and five others were injured in a Russian attack on a private home in Zaporizhzhia. The head of the Regional Military Administration, Ivan Fedorov, reported this on Telegram, according to Ukrinform. Russians are continuing their attacks in the Zaporizhzhia region. In Veselianka, a 63-year-old man was killed in an attack on a private home. In Malokaterynivka, a house was damaged by shelling and a fire broke out. A 65-year-old man, a 36-year-old man, and a 77-year-old woman were injured, he said. In another attack in the Zaporizhzhia district, Ukrinform reports, a 17-year-old boy and a 64-year-old woman were injured, several homes were destroyed, and a fire broke out.

6:10 AM | August 1

Russian attack on Kiev: at least 26 dead, 159 injured

The death toll from the massive Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv on the night of July 31 has risen to at least 26, according to Ukrainian media reports. At least 159 people were injured, including three police officers and 12 children. Tymur Tkachenko, head of the city's military administration, said:"Unfortunately, the worst predictions about the number of people trapped under the rubble have been confirmed." According to Mayor Vitali Klitschko, the number of injured children is the highest recorded in the city since the beginning of the Russian invasion. Moscow's troops launched over 300 drones and eight missiles into Ukraine overnight, targeting Kyiv and other regions, President Volodymyr Zelensky said. In response to the attack, today, August 1, has been declared a day of mourning in Kyiv. Flags will be flown at half-mast on all municipal buildings. All entertainment events in the city are prohibited throughout the day.

Zelensky: We are holding our positions on the front line

On the front line, particularly in the Pokrovsk sector, our units hold all positions. Pokrovsk and Dobropillia are currently the scene of the heaviest fighting. It is important for our soldiers to eliminate Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups, small units that constantly attempt to break into the city and establish strongholds. This is Russian tactics, and our response is the destruction of the occupier. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated this in a video on Telegram. Today, he added, false Russian news about Chasiv Yar was circulating. This is Russian disinformation. Ukrainian units are holding our positions, and every Russian attempt to advance in the Donetsk, Sumy, and Kharkiv regions is being repelled.

0:54|August 1

Trump: I will impose sanctions against Russia, but I don't know if they will be effective.

I will impose sanctions against Russia, but I don't know if they will be effective. US President Donald Trump said this while speaking to reporters at the White House.

August 1, 12:53 AM - Updated August 1, 8:24 PM