Here are the key events on day 1,254 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
As of Friday, August 1, the situation is as follows:
Fighting
- Before dawn on Thursday, Russia launched an attack consisting of missiles and drones on Kyiv, resulting in the deaths of 16 people, including two children, and injuring over 100. The Ukrainian government stated this, while Russia’s Ministry of Defence claimed responsibility for targeting military airfields, depots, and businesses linked to Ukraine’s military-industrial complex.
- Russia announced its complete control over Chasiv Yar in eastern Ukraine after 16 months of conflict, a claim denied by Ukraine as “propaganda”.
- Ukrainian SBU-operated drones targeted an electronics plant in Penza, Russia, producing combat control systems for the Russian military.
Military aid
- A United States Senate committee approved a military spending bill with $1bn for Ukraine, despite the Trump administration’s request to remove such funding from the budget request.
Ceasefire
- US special envoy Steve Witcoff plans to travel to Russia following his visit to Israel. President Trump, without disclosing further details, mentioned Witcoff’s past ceasefire negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- Trump criticized Russia’s actions in Ukraine as “disgusting” and threatened sanctions on Russia unless a ceasefire agreement is reached by August 8.
- The US urged the United Nations Security Council to enforce a Ukraine war ceasefire by August 8, with senior diplomat John Kelley stressing that “both Russia and Ukraine must negotiate a ceasefire and a lasting peace.”
- Trump warned Dmitry Medvedev against aggressive rhetoric, after Medvedev accused the US threats of sanctions as a game leading towards conflict with Russia.
- Medvedev responded by reminding the US of Russia’s Soviet-era nuclear capabilities.
Ukrainian affairs
- Ukraine’s parliament voted to reestablish the independence of two critical anticorruption agencies, addressing a major political crisis since Russia’s invasion.
- All 331 lawmakers supported the bill, submitted by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following protests from thousands and pressure from European officials.
Regional developments
- Chinese naval vessels arrived in Vladivostok, Russia, in preparation for joint military drills scheduled from August 1-5.
