United States President Donald Trump has set an August 8 deadline for a ceasefire deal between Russia and Ukraine, according to U.S. representative John Kelly at the UN. Trump stated that both sides must agree to peace, and Washington is prepared to take further action to ensure it. This announcement comes as Kyiv declared August 1 a day of mourning for the victims of a massive Russian attack on the capital, which killed at least 13 people and injured over 130, according to Reuters. In response to the attack, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko announced that flags would be flown at half-mast on all communal buildings on August 1, and entertainment events would be prohibited. The attack involved Shahed drones launched from multiple Russian regions, including Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Kursk, and Rostov. Meanwhile, Indian state refiners have halted Russian oil purchases as discounts narrow and President Trump threatens 100% tariffs on buyers who do not comply with his peace initiative. India, previously a leading buyer of seaborne Russian crude, is now shifting towards oil from the Middle East and West Africa. This move by India is contrasted with China, which continues to purchase Russian oil and possesses the capacity and alternative financing structures to do so despite Western pressure. China's control over rare earth element refining is also noted as a significant factor in its different approach. In military developments, Ukrainian forces reported destroying a North Korean M-1978 Koksan 170mm self-propelled howitzer with a HIMARS strike, eliminating its six-person crew. Separately, Ukrainian parliament passed a bill submitted by President Zelenskyy to restore the independence of anti-corruption agencies, NABU and SAPO, a move welcomed by the EU as essential for Ukraine's progress. Nicaragua officially recognized Ukraine's Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk Oblasts as integral parts of the Russian Federation, according to a letter sent by President Daniel Ortega to President Putin on July 30, 2025. Ortega expressed confidence in Russia's victory against "hegemonic powers" and "fascism."
