Narratives in Media Coverage of Ukraine

Ukraine’s Military Recruitment

• Zelenskyy announced the dismissal of the heads of Ukraine’s regional military recruitment centers after a review revealed signs of corruption and professional abuse. (NBC News, Euractiv, Le Soir)
• Zelenskyy said that the “system should be run by people who know exactly what war is and why cynicism and bribery in times of war constitutes high treason.” (Politico)

Turkey and Russia

• Putin may visit Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey in a Turkish attempt to revive the Black Sea grain deal.  Turkey has continued to balance between condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine while also not alienating Moscow due to energy dependence on Russia. (Politico)

EU Delivered Shells to Ukraine

• The EU delivered 223,800 shells to Ukraine as part of its plan to deliver a million artillery rounds in over 12 months. (Euractiv)

Russian Plot to Kill Zelenskyy Failed

• Ukraine’s security service detained a Russian informant who had planned to assassinate Zelenskyy in July through a Russian airstrike in the Mykolaiv region during Zelenskyy’s visit. (Politico)

Missile Strikes

• Strikes on Pokrovsk in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region killed at least seven people and injured at least 81.  The strikes damaged a dozen high-rise buildings, “a hotel, a prosecutor’s office, a pension fund, a pharmacy, two shops, two cafes, and two civilian cars.” (Politico)
• Russia blamed Ukraine for launching drone attacks near Moscow and Sevastopol.  Moscow regularly blames Ukraine for attacks often targeting the capital, but Ukrainian officials have largely avoided taking responsibility for the strikes. (Politico and AP News)
• A Russian missile hit a hotel in Zaporizhzhia on 10 August, leaving one dead and 16 injured.  The hotel is regularly used by United Nations staff when they are in the town. (Euractiv)

Russia Aiming to Take Control of Recaptured Areas

• Russia has intensified attacks on Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region in an attempt to regain territory recaptured during Ukraine’s counteroffensive in the fall.  Serhii Cherevatyi, a spokesman for Ukraine’s Armed Forces Command East, said, “Russians are aiming to retake the Kharkiv region to take revenge for their loss there last year.  But we’re ready, we know their plans; we have built a strong defense line.” (Politico)

Beaches on Odesa Reopened

• Several beaches in Odesa have reopened for swimming for the first time since the start of the invasion.  The beach was closed for the safety of residents after mines exploded on the beaches. (Reuters)

Humanitarian Corridor

• Ukraine announced a “humanitarian corridor” through the Black Sea on 10 August.  This will release cargo ships trapped in its port since the beginning of the war but will be tested by Russia’s de facto blockade since Moscow abandoned the grain deal last month. (Euractiv)

Author: Sophie Adams-Smith, Media Analyst, Promote Ukraine