Following a US Embassy closure due to a potential large-scale air attack on Kyiv, Italy, Spain, and Greece followed suit. The UK and Germany maintained a presence, while Ukraine accused Russia of spreading disinformation about the impending attack. This escalation comes amidst the recent provision of long-range missiles to Ukraine and Russia’s altered nuclear doctrine.
Ukrainian Fashion Week made a powerful return to Kyiv, showcasing the resilience of the nation and the impact of the ongoing war. The event featured war veterans walking the runway and designs that reflected the challenges and losses faced by Ukrainians. Despite the tragedy unfolding, Ukrainian Fashion Week aims to keep Ukraine’s voice heard and its talent recognized on a global stage.
Russia launched its third ballistic missile attack on Kyiv this month, targeting the Ukrainian capital for the third time in August. Ukrainian forces successfully intercepted most of the projectiles, but debris caused damage to homes in the Kyiv region. The attack came after a week of intense Russian bombardment across Ukraine, raising concerns about the ongoing conflict.
Explosions shook Kyiv on Saturday night as Ukraine’s air force reported two Russian missiles heading towards the city. Air raid sirens sounded, and the city’s air defense systems were activated. The attacks come amid growing concern about potential Russian retaliation for Ukrainian offensives within Russia. Meanwhile, Russia reported casualties in Kursk from debris falling from a downed Ukrainian missile.
Ukraine’s largest music festival, ATLAS, returns as ATLAS UNITED, bringing together Ukrainian artists for the first time since Russia’s invasion. Headliners include BoomBox, Artem Pyvovarov, and Bez Obmezhen. The festival will run from July 12-14 at Kyiv’s Blockbuster Mall, with over 600,000 attendees expected. Safety remains a priority, with Instagram posts stating that the festival will utilize certified State Emergency Service of Ukraine coverage in case of air alarms.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s performance of Neil Young’s ‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ with a local band in Kyiv has drawn criticism from Ukrainian netizens, who found it inappropriate in light of the ongoing conflict with Russia. Some netizens called Blinken’s performance ‘disgraceful’ and an ’embarrassment’ amid the daily loss of life in Ukraine due to lack of support from allies.
