Aug 4, 2026, 05:00 PM UTC

Ukrainian forces launched overnight strikes targeting key Russian military and intelligence assets, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The operations hit a temporary Federal Security Service (FSB) deployment point in occupied Shchaslyvtseve, Kherson Oblast, alongside a road bridge across the Seim River in Russia's Kursk region and a railway bridge over the Molochna River in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Simultaneously, Ukrainian police reported that Russian forces continue targeting civilians with drones in Kherson Oblast, releasing footage of a 52-year-old vendor surviving a targeted strike.

Meanwhile, Russian authorities have begun prosecuting captured Ukrainian service members under terrorism charges following Ukraine's cross-border offensive in the Kursk region. Ukrainian outlets note that Moscow is trying these captured soldiers as terrorists rather than recognizing them under standard prisoner-of-war protections.

Sources: Liga net, NV, Радіо Свобода, Українська правда

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has executed a major restructuring of the nation's security apparatus and diplomatic corps. Former National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov was appointed to head the Foreign Intelligence Service, with Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko replacing him at the security council. Umerov stated his mandate will center on expanding "international cooperation" and advancing strategic defense initiatives.

In parallel, Zelenskyy dismissed ambassadors to France, Austria, Singapore, and several other countries, while appointing Viktoriia Lyalina-Boiko as representative to UNESCO. The high-level leadership changes occur as Ukraine prepares for severe winter energy disruptions caused by persistent Russian strikes against critical infrastructure amid ongoing air defense shortages.

Sources: Liga net, NEXTA, NV, Radio Svoboda, Ukrainska Pravda

Ankara has called on Russia and Ukraine to safeguard maritime navigation in the Black Sea following drone strikes on two Turkish-owned commercial vessels near Novorossiysk, which injured several crew members. Turkish officials warned that escalating attacks on commercial shipping lanes pose serious risks to global food security.

Concurrently, Russian forces launched air and drone bombardments across Ukraine. Guided bomb attacks in Sumy killed several civilians, including two children, while Shahed drone strikes targeted port infrastructure in Mykolaiv, damaging two merchant ships.

Despite ongoing aerial attacks, Institute for the Study of War data indicates Russian territorial progress slowed significantly in July, with monthly frontline gains constrained to under 40 square kilometers.

Sources: Adevărul, Digi24, HotNews, Moldova1, Ziarul de Gardă

Authorities face conflicting metrics following the recent migrant surge into Ceuta. Regional President Juan Jesús Vivas estimated 80,000 arrivals, equivalent to the enclave's population, while Morocco acknowledged 40,000 border attempts towards Ceuta and 1,135 toward Melilla.

Discrepancies also surround casualties; Moroccan officials confirmed 11 deaths on their territory, whereas Ceuta local authorities estimate up to 88 fatalities. In response, the Guardia Civil has established a specialized office to handle missing persons reports.

In Madrid, Spain's central government dismissed a communications official from the National Security Department after an unapproved publication claimed 49,000 entries, citing a loss of confidence. Meanwhile, Spanish military deployments at the perimeter continue returning migrants, exposing political friction between the Interior and Defense ministries over the response.

Sources: Canarias7, El Día, El Mundo, La Vanguardia

Ukrainian drone strikes hit multiple regions across Russia, resulting in civilian casualties and damage to commercial infrastructure. In Krasnodar Krai, regional Governor Veniamin Kondratyev confirmed that a drone crash on a beach in Arkhipo-Osipovka killed seven people, including three children, and injured around 40 others.

In Moscow Oblast, Governor Andrey Vorobyov reported five deaths and 10 injuries after drones struck warehouse facilities. Further north in Leningrad Oblast, air defenses intercepted 17 drones, though fallen debris sparked a fire at a Wildberries logistics complex in Krasny Bor, injuring one person.

Concurrently, a Russian attack on Kyiv left nine people dead and 33 injured. On the frontline, Russian troops achieved tactical progress near Artelne, while Ukrainian forces continued advancing toward Uspenovka. Additionally, Belarus announced the formation of a new air assault brigade near the Ukrainian border.

Sources: France24, Mediazona, Point, Радіо Свобода, The Insider