Aug 13, 2026, 06:30 AM UTC

Cross-border strikes between Russian and Ukrainian forces have intensified, resulting in significant casualties across both countries. Russian attacks targeted Kyiv and residential areas in Zaporizhzhia with glide bombs, killing at least 17 people and injuring dozens. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky renewed calls for additional Western air defense interceptors and affirmed Ukraine would not voluntarily withdraw from the Donbas region.

Concurrently, Ukrainian drone strikes hit targets in Belgorod, Crimea, Gelendzhik, and the suburbs of Moscow, causing multiple deaths and injuries. Amid ongoing aerial threats, Moscow reportedly repositioned frontline air defense systems to construct three protective rings around the capital and Saint Petersburg.

In related developments, former US President Donald Trump urged caution regarding Patriot missile production in Ukraine, citing risks to military technology secrets. Meanwhile, an Italian naval vessel boarded a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker near Pantelleria.

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

As the United States approaches the midterm elections on November 3, President Donald Trump faces a key political test driven by low approval ratings. All 435 House seats, 35 Senate seats, and 36 governorships are up for election, determining congressional control for the remainder of his term. Meanwhile, former Vice President Kamala Harris is positioning for a political comeback, publicly arguing that former President Joe Biden acted too leniently toward congressional Republicans.

In parallel policy moves, the US State Department is shuttering five overseas outposts, including its embassy in Grenada and consulates in Japan and Indonesia, to consolidate operations. Furthermore, new administrative guidelines require foreign journalists seeking US media visas to make their social media profiles publicly accessible for official background screening.

Sources: Avaz, CDM (Cafe del Montenegro), HRT Vijesti, Index, Klix.

Rescue operations are ongoing across western Colombia following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake centered near San José del Palmar at a depth of roughly 107 kilometers. Military personnel and emergency workers are searching collapsed structures for survivors, while tremors were also felt in neighbouring Ecuador. The government has declared a national state of emergency to expedite relief.

Reported casualty figures vary significantly across outlets as recovery efforts advance. Moldova1 reported that the death toll has reached at least 164, while Digi24 and Ziarul de Gardă placed the count at 132, with over 500 injured. HotNews reported dozens of fatalities, whereas Adevărul initially cited at least 20 deaths. Authorities expect figures to climb further.

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

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that defense forces hit a petrochemical facility in Tobolsk, Siberia, located over 2,500 kilometers from the border, demonstrating Ukraine's capability for long-distance targeting. Zelensky noted the operations aim to show Russian citizens "the necessity of ending the war."

Concurrently, Russian artillery and aerial bombardment across eastern Ukraine killed at least three civilians and injured nine others, including children. Attacks in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast caused civilian fatalities, while power plant damage in Chernihiv Oblast left approximately 99,000 subscribers without electricity.

In Donetsk Oblast, constant shelling has severely damaged the frontline city of Druzhkivka. Part of Ukraine's fortified belt, its population has fallen from nearly 56,000 before the full-scale invasion to under 4,000 residents.

Sources: Investor.bg, Mediapool, Nova TV