On August 5, significant events occurred in Ukraine. Russia attacked Ukrainian railway infrastructure with Shahed-type drones and a ballistic missile. The strikes hit Lozova in Kharkiv region: one person was killed, ten injured, and a railway station, residential buildings, and private sector were damaged. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 29 out of 46 enemy drones.
In response, Ukrainian drones hit the Tatsinskaya railway station in Russia's Rostov region, causing a fire. Strikes on Russian oil refineries led to shutdowns in Novokuibyshevsk and reduced capacity in Ryazan, driving fuel prices to record highs.
Meanwhile, Panama strengthened tanker registration controls to combat the shadow tanker fleet, used to transport Russian oil circumventing sanctions. International relations also saw movement: the EU prepares a sanction package against Chinese companies supplying Russia’s military sector, and Germany is sending its fighters to Poland ahead of the “Zapad 2025” military exercises in Belarus.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to visit Kyiv, with the main agenda being the potential signing of a free trade agreement, as well as discussing prospects for ending the war. However, it is doubtful Erdogan will become a key mediator.
Polling shows most Donald Trump supporters favor a tough stance on Russia and support sanctions on its oil. Inside Russia, prosecution of mid-level officials is on the rise, and one of Putin's alleged daughters, Luiza Rozova, openly criticized her father’s role in the war for the first time.
These events reflect the escalating military, economic, and political tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine, and growing international pressure on Russia and its supporters.
