5th August 2026

In one of the deadliest Russia strikes across Kyiv this year occurred in the early hours of this morning. Ballistic missiles and drones killed at least 17 people and left at least 44 injured. The Russia has said it had struck logistics hubs and supply centres in Kyiv and the surrounding region. In the Crimea, a Russian soldier ⁠opened fire ​on comrades, killing one and wounding ⁠another, before shooting civilians killing ⁠three and wounding three others. Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Russian ‌governor of the Sevastopol region said.  In a separate incident, a video, released by Ukrainian authorities, shows a Russian drone chasing down a street vendor in the city of Kherson in southern Ukraine.  The drone stalks a 52-year-old man as he runs around the van to escape the drone. Eventually, the drone dives towards the man suddenly and detonates.  Earlier this week, Ukraine repeatedly targeted warehouses, including those operated by Wildberries. Five people have been killed and 10 others wounded in the Moscow region. On Monday, Russian officials said seven people were killed and 58 injured after a Ukrainian drone hit a busy beach in the southern Krasnodar region.

Loving God, forgive us that we continue this madness of killing one another.  Forgive us the we do not respect the lives of others, people you have made in your image. Forgive us that we seek to resolve our difference and seek to get our way usinging violence nad destruction. Why are we not able to live in unity with our neighbours?  So, Father God, we ask your comfort and compassion for all who mounr the deaths of people they love. We ask your healing for all who are injured, and wll who are hurting inside, traumatised by war and conflict. Guide the Russian and Ukrainian leaders to find ways to bring this madness to an end.  In Jesus' name we pray.  Amen.

With support from global health agency Unitaid, manufacturers in Uganda, Kenya and South Africa are to produce their own HIV prevention products.  Unitaid said that strengthening local manufacturing could help create more resilient supply chains while allowing African producers to play a larger role in making medicines for the continent’s own needs.  This development comes as US foreign aid cuts, implemented last year, have disrupted access to prevention innovations, shut more than 1,700 HIV treatment centres around the world with the loss of at least 16,000 health worker jobs.  An important new drug drug, alimatravir, is a once-monthly oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medicine currently in Phase III clinical trials. PrEP is 99 per cent effective in preventing sexually transmitted HIV for people who take it consistently. In addition, Aspen Pharmacare, South Africa’s largest drug company, has received a licence to make generic versions of an HIV prevention pill, alimatravir (MK-8527).  This pill could help reduce the number of South Africa’s new HIV infections which currently stands at around 140,000 a year.

Almighty and eternal God,

you are the King of love.

the King of peace,

and the King of glory.

I love you with all my soul.

With all my heart, soul, mind and strength

I sing your praise.

All that is within me glorifies your Holy name;

for though I am a sinful person

and do not follow your commands

you are a forgiving and merciful God.

I will sing of your love forever,

yet all of eternity is insufficient time

to praise your Holy Name.

Amen.