As Kyiv signals openness to diplomacy amid daily contacts with Trump's team, US intelligence assessments warn of Russian ballistic strikes every 3-4 days in August.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday that Ukraine is ready for all formats of negotiations and that intensive work is underway with partners to create conditions for real diplomacy. At the same time, he released data on heavy Russian losses in July, while independent sources warn of an imminent escalation in Russian ballistic attacks.
In an address on August 4, 2026, Zelensky revealed that the Ukrainian side maintains daily contacts with representatives of US President Donald Trump. "We are in daily contact with representatives of President Trump, which is important. At the meeting in Washington, we discussed how to create new circumstances for real diplomacy. We are trying to make all of this happen," Zelensky said.
The President noted that members of the Ukrainian delegation-Budanov, Umierov, Arakhamia, and Kyslytsia-submitted reports on progress in various parts of the negotiation process, including an assessment of Moscow's stance on talks. "We will be ready for all meeting formats; we expect that in August, Witkoff and Kushner will be active," Zelensky added, referring to representatives of the US administration.
The Ukrainian leader also emphasized that work is ongoing with other partners, particularly in the Gulf states, which could support diplomatic efforts and Kyiv's security needs.
On August 4, Zelensky posted detailed data on Twitter about the effectiveness of Ukrainian drones on the battlefield. "In total, in July, all our units at the front eliminated 30,272 Russians-exclusively using drones. This figure includes both killed and seriously wounded. And this number includes only cases with clear video evidence," the President wrote.
According to him, the trend at the front remains unchanged-Russian forces are losing approximately 30,000 soldiers every month. Zelensky announced that the Ukrainian military and security forces will receive even more drones and specifically thanked partners for delivering air defense missiles. "Air defense is the top priority. It is important that our partners hear Ukraine and know that every package for our air defense truly protects lives," he said.
While Kyiv signals diplomatic openness, warnings of new escalation are coming from the front. According to US intelligence assessments reported by Slavyangrad, Russia could carry out ballistic attacks on Ukraine every 3 to 4 days during August, with up to three mass strikes per month.
The warning particularly highlights an increased threat in the next 48 hours, with Russia having accumulated up to 25 ballistic and anti-ship missiles of the Zircon type. Ukrainian monitoring sources draw special attention to Kyiv and its surroundings as potential targets.
