On August 4, Valeriy Klychok provided an overview of key events influencing Ukraine and the world. He described overnight drone attacks on both Ukrainian and Russian targets: Ukrainian drones hit a major railway station in the Volgograd region and a defense enterprise in Penza, while Russian strikes in Zaporizhzhia resulted in three deaths and three injuries, including a baby, in Dnipropetrovsk. In Kherson, Russian forces used a FAB-3000 bomb, damaging a bridge, causing a casualty, and prompting local evacuations. Odesa faced drone attacks, with major fires swiftly contained and no casualties reported.
Diplomatically, the US and Donald Trump are putting pressure on India and China to reduce purchases of Russian oil. India's recent partial switch to American oil involves small volumes compared to its overall imports. Trump highlights the importance of India not financing the war by buying Russian oil, with similar demands made on China.
A potential US delegation visit to Moscow for peace initiatives is mentioned, but no breakthroughs from Russia are expected. US State Department representatives reiterate their focus on a long-term, sustainable settlement rather than quick fixes, indicating that sanctions against Russia have been largely ineffective thus far.
In the Middle East, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stresses that Hamas is not interested in peace or hostage release, as international debate about the future of Gaza continues. France, the UK, and Canada have called for a discussion on Palestine’s status at the upcoming UN session.
