Ukrainian forces have recaptured Novomykhailivka in the Lyman direction and raised their flag in Zelenyi Hai, Donetsk region, according to reports received on August 22nd. Simultaneously, Ukraine is now producing approximately 3,000 long-range FP-1 drones per month, matching Russia's Shahed output at a lower cost. These developments come as Russia launched strikes on a residential building in Kostyantynivka, using FAB-250 aerial bombs, and hit a railway traction substation in Voronezh Oblast, Russia, causing a fire. In addition to territorial gains, Ukraine's military announced the destruction of a Russian Rubikon drone command post and a large ammunition depot in occupied Donetsk region. Reports also indicate that Ukrainian forces are utilizing US-supplied ADM-160B MALD airborne decoys to confuse Russian air defenses, with a range of over 550 miles. The European Union disbursed €4.05 billion in aid packages to Ukraine ahead of its Independence Day, with €3 billion allocated to Ukraine facility projects and €1 billion from seized Russian assets. Meanwhile, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that the recent attack on the Druzhba pipeline, which he described as a third attack in a short period using drones and missiles, was more serious than previous incidents. He warned that repairs would take at least five days and urged the European Commission to act against Ukraine to prevent further disruptions to oil deliveries to Hungary. The attack is seen by Hungary as a clear attack on their energy security and an attempt to draw them into the war. President Donald Trump displayed a photo of himself with Russian President Vladimir Putin, suggesting Putin might attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S. Politico reported that U.S.-Russia-Ukraine peace talks are stalling, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissing Western discussions as "a road to nowhere." Trump reportedly remains reluctant to pressure Putin, believing he has more leverage over Ukraine and European allies. A senior administration official stated that Trump did not threaten Putin with significantly arming Ukraine if peace talks failed, but rather blamed his predecessor for Ukraine's lack of leverage. Further details emerged regarding the "Flamingo" missile, with analysis suggesting that claims of Russia identifying the production site due to unblurred interior shots were possibly inaccurate, pointing to similarities in building materials between alleged Russian intelligence and actual production facilities. Separately, Russia has reportedly conducted 81 attacks on maternity units in Ukraine since 2022, according to The Guardian. Fighting is ongoing in the Lyman direction, with Ukrainian forces continuing to press southward after recapturing Zelenyi Hai. An air alert was heard in Kyiv during a visit by the NATO chief, and foreign delegations have begun arriving in Kyiv.
