Editors led with a massive Russian ballistic missile attack on Kyiv and the surrounding region, a story that dominated from the evening of August 4 through the entire day. The assault, involving 28 missiles—none intercepted—killed at least 17 and injured over 40, striking logistics centers and residential areas. Coverage evolved through the night as casualty figures rose and details of an ammonia leak emerged.

By morning, attention turned to the air defense failure: reports highlighted a critical shortage of Patriot interceptors, with the US refusing additional transfers and Zelensky suggesting partners may be deliberately limiting supplies to pressure Ukraine. The EU announced new rules for Ukrainian men of conscription age, and drone strikes hit Russian oil infrastructure and a Wildberries warehouse in Tula. In the afternoon, the new British defense minister visited Kyiv, and Zelensky addressed ambassadors, framing the attack as a consequence of weapons withheld in warehouses.