Zelensky running out of candidates for top posts – ex-Ukrainian diplomat

In Ukraine in early August 2026 (4 August), Zelensky made a series of personnel changes. Le Journal du Dimanche wrote that he dismissed Ukraine's ambassador to the United States, Izvestia said he announced new purges in the SBU, and Lenta.ru said he described his expectations of the new head of the National Security and Defence Council. An ex-Ukrainian diplomat, quoted by RT, said Zelensky is running out of candidates for top posts.

On the diplomatic front, Zelensky said peace talks could intensify in August, according to Gazeta.ru. TASS wrote that Russia's foreign ministry has not yet heard constructive ideas from the West. Kyiv Post said two EU negotiation clusters were opened with four still ahead, and Zelensky set three priorities. Euronews wrote that Washington is sending mixed signals on a Patriot licence for Ukraine. The Guardian quoted the military's former top commander saying Kyiv has no chance of joining NATO, and UNICEF demanded an end to child deaths in the war.