A shallow sea in the Donbas region’s hinge
Ukraine’s long-range strikes have hit oil refineries and energy facilities across Russia, fueling a fuel shortage in several regions. Attacks have disrupted refining capacity from Omsk to Yaroslavl, triggering rationing and price pressures while Moscow promises restoration efforts.
Ukraine has intensified drone and naval-drone strikes that have hit dozens of commercial tankers in the Sea of Azov and struck multiple Russian oil refineries and terminals. Kyiv is targeting a so-called "shadow fleet" that supplies occupied Crimea; strikes have produced fires, fuel shortages in Russia and a wider logistics lockdown.
A roundup of how AI openness debates, OpenAI leadership views, and the legal battles over social media's impact on youth are shaping tech policy and the public conversation.
Ukraine’s president has announced a cabinet change and indicates a broader political strategy shift. Svyrydenko is stepping down, with potential replacements including Koretskyi or Shmyhal. The leadership change follows a wave of reforms and external pressure as Kyiv reorients its political approach and diplomacy.
Across Paris, Bastille Day preparations unfold as leaders from Europe gather to show unity with Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. The parade will include thousands of troops, with the Coalition of the Willing presenting a show of support. France also confronts a third heatwave, prompting some restrictions on fireworks and public events.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has carried out a surprise cabinet reshuffle that has removed defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, nominated Serhii Koretskyi as prime minister and named SBU head Yevhenii Khmara as acting defence minister. The moves have provoked mass protests in Kyiv and other cities, prompted at least one senior military resignation and raised questions about unity in Kyiv’s war effort.
A multi-day barrage of ballistic missiles hits Kyiv while Ukraine claims it has targeted Russia's shadow fleet and oil facilities. Dozens are confirmed dead or injured in Kyiv and regional strikes. The conflict broadens with renewed attacks on Black Sea shipping and energy infrastructure.
A Ukrainian drone campaign has expanded its strikes into Russia, hitting Wildberries warehouses in Krasnodar and Stavropol regions and causing casualties and fires. Attacks have also targeted logistics hubs and an oil depot, while Russia and Ukraine have exchanged strikes near Ukraine’s ports and in the Black Sea region.
Kazakhstan’s leader has urged a freeze on the Ukraine conflict and a return to Istanbul-style talks, while Ukraine and Russia signal potential diplomacy. The move comes as oil disruptions hit Kazakhstan’s CPC export routes and Moscow-Kazakhstan ties loom large.
Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky and Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu are in Washington for the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham. They are seeking stronger defense cooperation with the United States as Kyiv presses for Patriot missile licences and co-production talks, while Iran’s role in the Middle East remains a focal point after a tense U.S.-Israel dynamic.
Ukraine has reported intensified Russian missiles and drones; Kyiv appeals for air defences as civilian casualties rise. Ukraine and its partners are negotiating further support and arms deliveries amid ongoing violence.
Ukrainian drone operators are increasingly using satellite connections to control interceptor drones from distant locations, reducing exposure. Ground teams still transport, assemble, and arm drones, and protect crews amid Russian targeting. The trend marks a shift toward safer remote operation while preserving frontline capabilities.
Ukrainian forces continue to face Russian drone and missile strikes across Ukraine while seeking more interceptor missiles and air defense support from allies. Kyiv reports civilian casualties and damage, and Moscow says it has targeted drone hubs and fuel depots.
Traders have participated in Tuesday’s tenders with Bunge, CHS and Olam. A new wheat tender is expected to close on August 18, with shipments planned for September-October. Russia’s export tax changes and congestion at Black Sea ports have shaped a cautious market, while forecasts point to a potential fall in August grain exports.
Ukraine has expanded its drone campaign against Russia’s e-commerce sector, targeting Ozon in addition to Wildberries. Attacks have disrupted logistics hubs in several regions, prompting evacuations and halting operations at Ozon’s Samara center. Moscow and Kyiv trade statements as the campaign intensifies, with analysts watching the wider impact on Russia’s economy.
Ukraine has expanded drone strikes against Russia’s e-commerce logistics, broadening from Wildberries to Ozon. Attacks have damaged multiple Ozon hubs across Dagestan, Krasnodar, Adygea and nearby regions, sparking evacuations and sharp declines in Ozon shares. Analysts say the campaign is aimed at disrupting Russia’s fragile wartime economy.
Global grain markets have tightened as attacks on Black Sea grain terminals persist and port disruptions limit exports from Russia and Ukraine. Futures have risen, and importers like Egypt and Indonesia are scrambling to secure supplies amid higher costs.
The Black Sea has become the world's most dangerous route for commercial shipping as July saw more crew deaths and attacks on 35 vessels, intensifying a broader conflict involving Ukraine, Russia, and allied states. Attacks stretch from Ukrainian ports to global grain markets, prompting warnings from maritime authorities.
The Moscow Times reports that Russian grain exports face substantial disruption after drone and missile strikes damage key terminals in the Azov-Black Sea basin. Three of nine major terminals have suffered serious damage, idling about 53 million tons of capacity while Russia seeks alternative routes through Baltic and Arctic ports. Conditions threaten domestic inventories and could push up global prices.
Ukraine’s conflict and related energy attacks dominate UN discussions as Zelenskyy meets Trump in New York. Kyiv seeks de-escalation and energy ceasefires, while Moscow campaigns against oil targets. Western leaders push for renewed diplomacy ahead of winter.
Ukraine has sustained strikes on Russian targets as Russia escalates attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. Civilians remain at risk as both sides exchange long-range strikes and diplomacy remains stalemated. The war has disrupted grain flows and energy markets globally.