Aug 10, 2026, 06:30 PM UTC

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that Ukraine will not voluntarily withdraw from the Donbas region, emphasizing that future post-war security guarantees from the United States remain crucial. Meanwhile, political discussions surrounding military aid raised concerns regarding defense technology, with Donald Trump cautioning, "We have to be careful who we give our weapon secrets to."

On the battlefield, Ukrainian drone attacks hit several Russian targets, including positions in Belgorod, Crimea, and near Gelendzhik, alongside an attack on the outskirts of Moscow that left five people dead. Simultaneously, Russian air strikes and glide bombs inflicted casualties across Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia. In maritime developments, an Italian naval ship boarded a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker off the coast of Pantelleria.

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

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has formally rejected a 15-point peace initiative backed by US President Donald Trump, declaring that Israel will not withdraw its forces from Gaza until Hamas is "truly disarmed." Netanyahu distanced his government from the framework, stating, "We did not agree to it. It is not our draft."

In response to Israeli security fears regarding a potential power vacuum, Trump's Peace Council assured leadership in Israel that any troop withdrawal remains strictly conditional on the complete disarmament of Hamas.

Meanwhile, military action in the enclave has intensified. Health officials in Gaza reported at least 19 deaths within 24 hours, casting doubt on the viability of the diplomatic framework.

Sources: Adevărul, Digi24, HotNews, La Repubblica, RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal).

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be reached in the coming days, while framing the diplomatic effort as "like a chess game." Speaking on the situation, Trump downplayed the immediate urgency of the standoff, pointing to Iran's internal economic pressures. Meanwhile, Iranian officials reiterated that the critical waterway will remain closed unless the United States meets key conditions, including sanction relief, military threat cessation, and war damage compensation. Iran continues indirect negotiations mediated by Oman to establish secure maritime routes. Concurrently, regional stability talks proceed in Rome with a seventh round of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, as nearly 800,000 displaced Lebanese citizens begin returning south.

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

Russian authorities reported that 12 people were killed following an attack targeting energy infrastructure inside the country. Details regarding the exact location of the strike and the specific facility affected remain sparse, though local emergency services responded to the scene.

Energy installations have increasingly emerged as key targets during the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, as both sides seek to degrade military logistics and economic capabilities. Officials have not provided comprehensive details about operational disruptions or potential physical damage to the site. The incident underscores the continuing vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure as long-range strikes remain a central feature of the conflict.

Sources: Svenska Dagbladet.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump have dismissed media reports alleging critical shortages in American military ammunition reserves following recent operations involving Iran. Writing on Truth Social, Trump insisted the military maintains substantial stockpiles and warned individuals who leak inventory details with lengthy prison sentences.

Meanwhile, Trump announced that diplomatic negotiations with Tehran have restarted, calling the discussions a final opportunity for Iran to secure an agreement. However, Iranian representatives had previously denied that any talks were taking place or scheduled.

Domestically, the administration faces mounting pressure as several states file legal challenges against newly implemented tariffs, while recent polling indicates declining approval ratings ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

Sources: Der Standard, Die Zeit, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau