Ukraine has declared a nationwide missile alert following the takeoff of a Russian MiG-31K fighter jet, as reported by Ukrinform. “All of Ukraine is at missile risk! MiG-31K takeoff recorded,” announced the Ukrainian Air Force via Telegram.
Overnight drone warfare between Ukraine and Russia intensified. Ukrainian drone strikes reportedly hit the Russian city of Volgograd, halting trains at the station this morning, according to TASS. Russian air defenses repelled a “massive drone attack” on the Volgograd region, stated Governor Andrey Bocharov, confirming no casualties. While some drones fell in fields causing brush fires, a larger blaze erupted at Archeda railway station in Frolovo. Nearby residential buildings suffered shattered windows, though the station’s passenger infrastructure remained intact. Falling drone debris caused significant train delays and cancellations; regional Russian Railways officials stated efforts are underway to restore service.
The Russian Defense Ministry, cited by TASS, claimed its air defenses destroyed 61 Ukrainian drones overnight across multiple regions between 21:00 GMT August 3 and 03:20 GMT August 4. The breakdown includes 18 drones over the Black Sea, 12 over Voronezh, 11 over Crimea, eight over Belgorod, six over Volgograd, two over Bryansk, two over Rostov, one over Moscow, and one over Ryazan. A separate drone attack was also repelled in the Rostov region, according to reports.
Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump announced that his envoy, Steve Witkoff, will travel to Moscow midweek (Wednesday or Thursday). Trump reiterated his stance that “there will be sanctions” if Russia fails to meet his previously stated ceasefire ultimatum. “But they seem to be pretty good at avoiding them. You know, they’re clever people, and they’re pretty good at avoiding sanctions, so we’ll see what happens,” Trump added before departing his Bedminster resort.