A French-supplied Mirage 2000 fighter jet operated by Ukraine crashed on Tuesday due to technical issues, with the pilot ejecting safely, according to Ukrainian military officials. This marks the first loss of such an aircraft since Ukraine began receiving them this year. A military statement noted, "A technical malfunction occurred, which the pilot reported to air traffic control. The pilot responded appropriately, as trained for emergencies, and successfully ejected. Rescue teams located the pilot in stable condition. No ground casualties were reported." Local sources indicated the crash occurred in Ukraine’s northwestern Volyn region.
Reports indicate that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed a controversial bill reducing the powers of the country’s anti-corruption agencies. The decision followed protests in Kyiv, where approximately 1,500 demonstrators gathered near the presidential offices, chanting slogans such as "Shame" and "Veto the law" while holding banners. Similar protests occurred in cities like Dnipro, Lviv, and Odesa. Critics argue the bill enables political interference and undermines anti-corruption efforts.
An investigation by exiled Russian media outlet the Insider revealed that Russian authorities have systematically engaged children in drone development for military use through nationwide competitions. These contests start as video games but culminate with top participants being recruited by defense firms. Three teenage finalists described how they were aware of the military applications of their projects but were instructed to conceal them.
The U.S. Energy Secretary, Chris Wright, stated on Fox News that sanctioning Russian oil to pressure an end to the war in Ukraine is a "very real possibility." Former U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed imposing full tariffs on Russian oil buyers unless Moscow agrees to a peace deal within a 50-day deadline ending in early September. However, Trump has repeatedly extended or disregarded such deadlines in the past, including unfulfilled pledges to resolve the conflict quickly.
Ukraine’s former defense minister and current security council chief, Rustem Umerov, will lead Kyiv’s delegation in potential talks with Russia scheduled for Wednesday in Istanbul. The Kremlin has only acknowledged hopes for discussions "this week." Zelenskyy has expressed readiness to secure prisoner releases, return abducted children, halt hostilities, and arrange leadership-level negotiations.
Meanwhile, a Russian drone and missile attack in the eastern city of Kramatorsk resulted in the death of a 10-year-old boy and injured others.
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