Aug 8, 2026, 06:30 PM UTC

U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker confirmed that a long-term agreement between Washington and Kyiv to co-produce Patriot missile interceptors will not be finalized before winter, though broader air defense cooperation persists.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump warned Tehran that ongoing negotiations mark Iran's "last chance" to reach an agreement, stating that talks are advancing rapidly while emphasizing American military readiness. Trump added that Iran would not levy tolls in the Strait of Hormuz.

In Russia, Ukrainian drone attacks struck facilities belonging to e-commerce retailer Wildberries across the Moscow, Tver, and Saint Petersburg regions. Moscow Regional Governor Andrey Vorobyov stated that at least five people were killed and ten injured near the capital.

Sources: Kanal 5, MIA (Media Information Agency), SDK, Sloboden Pečat

Former Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte addressed a parliamentary commission investigating the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining that his administration acted lawfully throughout the crisis. Speaking during an extended hearing, the Five Star Movement leader rejected political criticisms from the ruling coalition, cautioning against turning the inquiry into a "firing squad."

Conte revealed he submitted an anonymous document to Rome prosecutors regarding a 100-million-euro mask contract linked to JC Electronics, urging authorities to fully investigate procurement dealings. He defended Italy's emergency measures and scientific protocols, asserting that his government operated with total transparency and integrity.

The parliamentary inquiry, backed by the governing majority, continues to review emergency executive decrees, mask acquisitions, and healthcare policies enacted during the pandemic's initial phases.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica.

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be reached within days, citing significant progress in diplomatic talks between Iran and Oman regarding secure maritime passage. Tehran seeks oversight of shipping traffic through the strategic waterway, though Washington noted a final deal has not yet been concluded.

Despite diplomatic movement, regional security concerns remain elevated. Iran warned that any new U.S. military strikes on its targets would trigger retaliatory attacks against Gulf energy infrastructure, prompting Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi to conduct urgent discussions with Saudi Arabian officials. Separately, an Indian vessel was reportedly struck and sunk near Yemen.

Elsewhere, Israeli and Lebanese representatives initiated a seventh round of talks in Rome, while the United Nations confirmed that roughly 800,000 displaced residents have started returning to southern Lebanon.

Sources: CDM, Dan, Klix, N1, Vijesti.

Russian bombardments across Ukraine, including strikes on Kyiv and glide-bomb attacks on Zaporizhzhia, left at least 17 people dead and dozens injured. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Western allies to supply additional air defense capabilities, asserting that "interceptors could have saved the lives" of those killed, while welcoming proposed US Senate sanctions targeting Russia and Iran.

In response, Ukrainian drone attacks struck targets in Crimea, Belgorod, and areas near Moscow, causing multiple casualties. Off the coast of Pantelleria, Italian naval forces intercepted a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker. Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump voiced caution regarding the transfer of Patriot missile technology, and reports surfaced from Russia detailing fraudulent quick-marriage schemes designed to claim war death benefits.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica, La Stampa.

Overnight Russian missile strikes against the Kyiv region killed at least 14 to 17 people and injured dozens, according to Ukrainian authorities and media reports. Air defense systems failed to intercept incoming missiles during air raid alerts lasting over an hour, causing extensive damage to residential neighborhoods and commercial warehouses. Moscow maintained its forces targeted military infrastructure, whereas Kyiv accused Russia of deliberately striking civilian areas. Following the barrage, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky renewed calls for Western allies to supply advanced air defense systems, stating that "interceptors of ballistic missiles could have saved lives."

Meanwhile, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic denied exporting weaponry to Ukraine following a meeting with Zelensky. A senior Ukrainian official described the diplomatic engagement as an effort to pull Belgrade away from its traditional alignment with Moscow.

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