Aug 5, 2026, 05:00 PM UTC

Tehran prepared to strike three targets in Ukraine following a Caspian Sea maritime incident involving an Iranian merchant vessel before cancelling the operations after diplomatic discussions, according to Mohsen Rezaei, a senior adviser to Iran's supreme leader.

The disclosure coincides with warnings from Ukraine's ambassador to the United Kingdom, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, who stated that NATO relies on outdated military doctrines. Zaluzhnyi cautioned that the alliance could require up to 12 years to reach even half of Russia's combat capabilities in drone warfare.

Meanwhile, security analysts warn that a deepening strategic alignment among Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea poses an escalating threat to Western security. Commentators note a growing disparity between authoritarian military cooperation and Western military readiness, urging NATO allies to adapt rapidly to modern conflict dynamics.

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

Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has detailed the results of a 40-day strategic campaign intended to press Russia toward concluding the war. The SBU claimed strikes on more than 21,000 military assets and infrastructure targets, alongside nearly 5,000 Russian casualties.

In parallel operational developments, the Ukrainian Navy’s "Angels" special reconnaissance unit evacuated a couple from Russian-occupied territory. Officials reported the couple faced intense Russian surveillance aimed at pressuring a family member serving in Ukraine's military.

Elsewhere, Special Operations Forces covertly captured two sleeping Russian soldiers during a stealth mission. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s 118th Separate Mechanized Brigade reported that Russian forces falsely attributed a failed assault near Mala Tokmachka in Zaporizhzhia to a river wider than the Dnipro, despite only a small creek crossing the area.

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

German authorities temporarily halted operations at Leipzig/Halle Airport overnight after discovering an explosive-laden drone near a parked Ukrainian Antonov An-124 cargo aircraft. Federal police and NATO officials secured the unmanned aerial vehicle, which investigators are treating as a potential targeted attack.

The security alert disrupted air traffic, forcing controllers to divert incoming passenger and cargo flights to nearby regional airports. German law enforcement has launched a full investigation into the incident, which comes amid broader concerns regarding unauthorized drone flights over critical infrastructure and transport hubs across the country. Flight operations at the airport have since resumed following security checks.

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

Discrepancies remain between central and regional authorities over the scale of the recent migrant influx into Ceuta. Local officials estimate that up to 80,000 people crossed the border and 6,000 remain in the enclave, whereas central government representatives state that only 2,500 stay, including 500 unaccompanied minors.

Humanitarian efforts continue as local officials report up to 88 fatalities linked to the Tarajal breakwater crossing. To assist families, the Guardia Civil established a specialized office and contact service to identify bodies and trace missing persons.

In Madrid, administrative and political friction has escalated. A communications official at the National Security Department was dismissed after issuing an unauthorized alert claiming 49,000 entries. Furthermore, divisions have surfaced between Spain's Interior and Defense ministries over military involvement in detaining and deporting migrants.

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