Aug 5, 2026, 11:00 PM UTC

Tehran called off planned military strikes against three targets in Ukraine following diplomatic outreach, according to Mohsen Rezaei, a senior adviser to Iran’s supreme leader. Iranian officials previously accused Ukraine of attacking a merchant vessel in the Caspian Sea, prompting the initial retaliation plans.

Concurrently, Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Kingdom, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, warned that NATO military doctrines remain outdated compared to modern battlefield realities. Zaluzhnyi noted that the Western alliance lags significantly behind Russia’s drone capabilities and operational experience gained during the war in Ukraine.

These warnings coincide with growing concern among Western defense analysts regarding the deepening strategic alliance between Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, which experts frame as a primary security challenge for allied nations.

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

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that deliveries of air defence interceptor missiles have dropped to one-third compared to previous levels, warning that the shortage is not "just a summer phenomenon." The announcement comes as Russian forces launched their third major air strike against Kyiv and surrounding areas within a single week, leaving at least 15 people dead and 51 injured amid heavy structural damage.

Concurrently, Kyiv continues its push for European integration. Zelensky affirmed that Ukraine has fulfilled "all the necessary conditions" to open four additional negotiation clusters for European Union accession. In support of the country, the European Union transferred a fifth financial tranche worth 1.4 billion euros, generated from interest on frozen Russian central bank assets.

Sources: Adevărul, Economedia, HotNews, Moldova1, Ziarul de Gardă.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported significant outcomes from a 40-day strategic campaign aimed at compelling Russia to end its invasion. According to the agency, the operation resulted in the destruction or damage of more than 21,000 Russian military assets and infrastructure targets, alongside nearly 5,000 Russian casualties.

On the frontlines, specialized units reported targeted successes. In the Zaporizhzhia region, the 118th Separate Mechanized Brigade stated that reconnaissance regularly detects and destroys Russian assault columns up to 10 kilometers before they reach defensive positions. Meanwhile, Special Operations Forces captured two Russian soldiers to replenish the prisoner exchange fund. In a separate operation, the Ukrainian Navy's "Angels" unit evacuated relatives of a Ukrainian officer from occupied territory to neutralize surveillance by Russian security services.

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

At least 17 people were killed and dozens injured following intensive overnight Russian missile strikes across the Kyiv region. Ukrainian authorities reported that air defense systems failed to intercept incoming missiles during an air raid alert lasting over an hour, damaging residential areas and warehouses. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Western allies to supply additional ballistic missile interceptors, stating they "could have saved lives." Moscow asserted that its forces targeted only military facilities.

Separately, Portuguese drone manufacturer Tekever dismissed concerns regarding Russian state media reports about the potential capture of one of its drones in Ukraine. The company stated its technology constantly evolves, minimizing operational risks.

Sources: Diário de Notícias (DN), Expresso, Expresso das Ilhas, Jornal Económico, RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal)

Ukrainian drone strikes against Russian retail distribution networks have expanded across the Moscow, Leningrad, and Tver regions. Attacks recently targeted major facilities belonging to marketplace Wildberries and supermarket chain Lenta. An August 4 strike on a Wildberries site in the Moscow region resulted in five deaths. Analysts note that targeting commercial hubs forces retailers to alter supply routes, threatening higher consumer prices.

In response to mounting logistical challenges, Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed Valery Solodchuk to oversee unified rear logistics services alongside new troop commanders. Putin stated the move aimed to "concentrate in one hands all rear services," calling logistics "quite combat work" in current conditions. Separately, the FSB opened a case into an attempted enlistment office arson in Kaluga.

Sources: Belsat, Mediazona, NEXTA, The Insider, Verstka.