Vue normale

Aujourd’hui — 18 juillet 2025Ukraine

Ukrainian sabotage groups penetrated 600 km into Russian territory, says former intelligence deputy Pavlenko

18 juillet 2025 à 15:59
Special forces of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine conducted operations during which they entered 600 km deep into Russian territory. In particular, they entered the Novgorod region, where a Tu-22M3 bomber was destroyed.

  • ✇Euromaidan Press
  • London also slashes price cap on Russian oil to $47.60 per barrel after EU’s sanctions adoption
    London and Brussels jointly cut the Kremlin’s oil revenues. The UK government decided to lower the price cap on Russian oil from $60 to $47.60 per barrel after the EU adopted the 18th EU sanctions package on 18 July. The new Russia sanctions package will include a formal ban on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines. It will also target 105 ships from Russia’s shadow fleet and the entities enabling their operations. In addition, 22 Russian banks will face new financial restrictions aimed at cutting
     

London also slashes price cap on Russian oil to $47.60 per barrel after EU’s sanctions adoption

18 juillet 2025 à 16:26

A Russian oil tanker, illustrative image. Photo via Wikimedia.

London and Brussels jointly cut the Kremlin’s oil revenues. The UK government decided to lower the price cap on Russian oil from $60 to $47.60 per barrel after the EU adopted the 18th EU sanctions package on 18 July.

The new Russia sanctions package will include a formal ban on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines. It will also target 105 ships from Russia’s shadow fleet and the entities enabling their operations. In addition, 22 Russian banks will face new financial restrictions aimed at cutting their access to international funding. Brussels will also ban the export of European technologies used in Russian drone production.

According to Western analysts, Moscow’s oil profits have already dropped by 35% compared to last year. The new lower price cap will further restrict the Kremlin’s financial resources used to fund its aggression against Ukraine.

“The UK and its EU allies are turning the screw on the Kremlin’s war chest by stemming the most valuable funding stream of its illegal war in Ukraine even further,” said UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves.

The official added that this decisive step to lower the crude oil price cap will target Russia’s oil revenues and intensify pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin by exploiting his greatest vulnerability.

London emphasized that the sanctions are intended to punish the aggressor and preserve the stability of the global energy market.

 

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  • ✇Euromaidan Press
  • New Ukrainian PM Svyrydenko: Kyiv, Washington to launch joint drone deal under Trump-Zelenskyy mega pact
    The US plans to invest in the production of Ukrainian drones. New Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko has announced that Ukraine intends to sign a drone agreement with American partners, Reuters reports. Drone warfare has defined the Russo-Ukrainian war, with unmanned systems deployed across air, land, and sea. Ukraine and Russia remain locked in a fast-paced arms race, constantly advancing their drone technologies and testing new offensive and defensive systems. “We plan to sign a ‘drone deal’ wi
     

New Ukrainian PM Svyrydenko: Kyiv, Washington to launch joint drone deal under Trump-Zelenskyy mega pact

18 juillet 2025 à 16:06

zelenskyy; major executive overhaul

The US plans to invest in the production of Ukrainian drones. New Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko has announced that Ukraine intends to sign a drone agreement with American partners, Reuters reports.

Drone warfare has defined the Russo-Ukrainian war, with unmanned systems deployed across air, land, and sea. Ukraine and Russia remain locked in a fast-paced arms race, constantly advancing their drone technologies and testing new offensive and defensive systems.

“We plan to sign a ‘drone deal’ with the United States. We are discussing investments in the expansion of production of Ukrainian drones by the US,” says Svyrydenko.

The official has clarified that the deal involves the purchase of a large batch of Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles.

Svyrydenko added that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump made the political decision on the agreement earlier, and officials are now discussing its details.

Earlier, Euromaidan Press reported that both leaders were considering what’s being called a “mega deal.” Under the proposed agreement, Kyiv would sell its combat-hardened drone systems to Washington. In return, it would sell Ukraine a significant array of American weapons.

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is ready to share its knowledge gained from over three years of fighting against Russia’s full-scale invasion.

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  • ✇Euromaidan Press
  • UK forms second “NATO” inside Alliance amid fears of 2027 global conflict with Russia and China
    The UK is forming a new military alliance that mirrors NATO’s Article 5. Within a single week, London signed two defense agreements with key players, Germany and France, reports Defense Express. Previously, US Army Europe and NATO Allied Forces Supreme Commander General Alexus Grynkewich has warned that American and its European allies likely have only a year and a half to prepare for a potential global military conflict with China and Russia. According to Bild, the two dictatorships may launch
     

UK forms second “NATO” inside Alliance amid fears of 2027 global conflict with Russia and China

18 juillet 2025 à 15:38

London-UK-britain-united-kingdom

The UK is forming a new military alliance that mirrors NATO’s Article 5. Within a single week, London signed two defense agreements with key players, Germany and France, reports Defense Express.

Previously, US Army Europe and NATO Allied Forces Supreme Commander General Alexus Grynkewich has warned that American and its European allies likely have only a year and a half to prepare for a potential global military conflict with China and Russia. According to Bild, the two dictatorships may launch a coordinated strike in 2027.

Experts are already calling this the emergence of a trilateral military bloc that could either supplement NATO or act as its insurance policy.

The UK-Germany agreement outlines deep mutual defense commitments, including military assistance in case of an attack. Meanwhile, the declaration with France explicitly states that while the nuclear forces of both countries remain independent, they can be coordinated in case of an extraordinary threat.

“It’s clear that the UK is effectively creating an additional trilateral defense arrangement centered around itself,” notes Defense Express.

This is happening despite all three nations already being bound by obligations within NATO. Analysts believe such an initiative signals a “need to reaffirm mutual commitments.”

The core of the signed documents essentially duplicates NATO’s famous Article 5, a collective response to aggression. Across Europe, there is growing concern that relying solely on NATO in the event of a large-scale crisis may no longer be sufficient.

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  • ✇Euromaidan Press
  • UK hits Russian intel unit involved in killings of 600 Ukrainian civilians in Mariupol, with historic sanctions
    The UK hits a Russian military intelligence unit behind the destruction of the Mariupol Drama Theater with the largest-ever sanctions package in history. It is also responsible for prolonged malicious hybrid operations worldwide.  On 16 March 2022, at least 600 people were killed as a result of a Russian airstrike on the Mariupol Drama Theater. Many of the victims were civilians sheltering inside the building, where the word “Children” was clearly written in large letters on its roof. Around 40
     

UK hits Russian intel unit involved in killings of 600 Ukrainian civilians in Mariupol, with historic sanctions

18 juillet 2025 à 13:22

The UK hits a Russian military intelligence unit behind the destruction of the Mariupol Drama Theater with the largest-ever sanctions package in history. It is also responsible for prolonged malicious hybrid operations worldwide. 

On 16 March 2022, at least 600 people were killed as a result of a Russian airstrike on the Mariupol Drama Theater. Many of the victims were civilians sheltering inside the building, where the word “Children” was clearly written in large letters on its roof. Around 400 more people were injured. The exact number of casualties remains difficult to determine due to the city’s occupation.

“In 2022, Unit 26165, sanctioned today, conducted online reconnaissance to help target missile strikes against Mariupol, including the strike that destroyed the Mariupol Theatre, where hundreds of civilians, including children, were murdered,” says the UK government. 

The restrictions hit three units of Russia’s military intelligence (GRU) and its 18 officers accountable for conducting a sustained campaign of cyberattacks over many years, including attacks inside the UK. 

“The GRU routinely uses cyber and information operations to sow chaos, division and disorder in Ukraine and across the world with devastating real-world consequences,” the UK government said.

Sanctions also target GRU officers responsible for hacking a device of Yulia Skripal, a daughter of former Russian military officer Sergei Skripal, using the malicious software known as X-Agent. This happened five years prior to the failed attempt by GRU officers to assassinate them with the deadly nerve agent “Novichok” in Salisbury.

Russian operatives have also attempted to disrupt UK media outlets, telecom providers, political and democratic institutions, as well as critical energy infrastructure.

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  • ✇Euromaidan Press
  • Digital occupation: Russia deploys AI army of bots on Telegram for promoting Kremlin’s propaganda narratives
    Russia has begun using artificial intelligence-based bots for spreading propaganda on social media, especially on Telegram, according to a joint investigation by OpenMinds and the Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab). The tactic is part of Russia’s broader strategy to dominate the information space in occupied areas, which began by forcibly switching residents to Russian telecom providers, cutting off Ukrainian media, and launching dozens of Telegram channels posing as local news outlets. Rese
     

Digital occupation: Russia deploys AI army of bots on Telegram for promoting Kremlin’s propaganda narratives

18 juillet 2025 à 12:50

Russia has begun using artificial intelligence-based bots for spreading propaganda on social media, especially on Telegram, according to a joint investigation by OpenMinds and the Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab).

The tactic is part of Russia’s broader strategy to dominate the information space in occupied areas, which began by forcibly switching residents to Russian telecom providers, cutting off Ukrainian media, and launching dozens of Telegram channels posing as local news outlets.

Researchers have uncovered over 3,600 bots that posted more than 316,000 AI-generated comments in Telegram channels linked to Ukraine’s temporarily occupied territories. Another three million messages were spread in broader Ukrainian and Russian Telegram groups. These bots used human-like language, adapting replies to the context of each conversation to promote pro-Kremlin narratives and undermine Ukraine.

Unlike traditional bots that spam identical messages, these accounts simulate real users. They reply directly to other users, shift tone and content, and tailor messages to appear authentic. On average, a bot posts 84 comments per day, with some exceeding 1,000 daily.

The goal is not just to spread fake news, but to create the illusion of widespread public support for the occupation regime, filling comment sections with praise for Russia and attacks on Ukraine. In an environment of information isolation, this becomes a potent tool of mass manipulation.

AI-generated bots often give themselves away through:

  • absurd usernames,
  • unnatural or AI-generated profile pictures,
  • overly formal or awkward phrasing,
  • and highly diverse language: one in three comments is uniquely generated by AI.

Even when bot accounts are deleted, their influence lingers. Locals repeatedly exposed to these comments may perceive Kremlin propaganda as the majority opinion, especially in regions where Ukrainian news is inaccessible.

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  • ✇Euromaidan Press
  • Russia’s drones now target civilians with napalm firebombs that burn through sand and cannot be extinguished
    Russian Shaheds now carry napalm and break through Ukrainian electronic warfare systems. Moscow continues to upgrade its Shahed attack drones, enhancing their warheads, engines, and protection, says Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov, a military expert, in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.   “Recently, we discovered a fluid in a Shahed’s warhead that resembled napalm. It not only spreads but keeps burning even in sand. This is terrorism, when drones attack residential areas with incend
     

Russia’s drones now target civilians with napalm firebombs that burn through sand and cannot be extinguished

18 juillet 2025 à 12:27

Russian Shaheds now carry napalm and break through Ukrainian electronic warfare systems. Moscow continues to upgrade its Shahed attack drones, enhancing their warheads, engines, and protection, says Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov, a military expert, in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

 

“Recently, we discovered a fluid in a Shahed’s warhead that resembled napalm. It not only spreads but keeps burning even in sand. This is terrorism, when drones attack residential areas with incendiary mixtures that cannot be extinguished,” explains Beskrestnov.

According to him, such weapons are absolutely inappropriate for warfare in large cities. Russia is also using at least 4–5 different types of warheads on Shahed drones, expanding their operational roles, from striking industrial targets to deliberate terror against civilians.

Flash reports that Russian engineers have upgraded Shahed engines, allowing them to reach speeds of up to 220 km/h in favorable weather conditions. However, the expert notes that this speed increase is not a decisive advantage: “Globally, whether it’s 180 or 200 km/h. It doesn’t change much.”

The most serious threat now comes from the improved Shahed defense systems against Ukrainian electronic warfare.

“We are increasingly seeing the same target being hit repeatedly. This indicates electronic warfare’s failure to disrupt navigation,” says Beskrestnov.

According to him, Chinese reinforced antennas have been found among the drone wreckage, successfully breaking through Ukrainian electronic warfare defenses.

“Our electronic warfare systems simply aren’t designed to handle such a number of elements. That’s why urgent modernization is needed,” the expert emphasizes.

Beskrestnov separately emphasized that electronic warfare systems do not physically destroy drones but only help protect targets and give air defense systems time to strike them.

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Ukraine's new defense minister meets military command to address frontline needs

18 juillet 2025 à 11:21
Newly appointed Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal met with Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, and Chief of the General Staff, Major General Andrii Hnatov, to assess the battlefield situation and the urgent needs of Ukrainian defenders.

Kremlin’s mouthpiece calls Europeans “imbeciles,” says strikes on Kyiv will intesify after EU imposed new sanctions against Putin’s war machine

18 juillet 2025 à 10:45

The Kremlin has once again erupted in threats and vitriol. Following the adoption of the EU’s 18th sanctions package against Moscow’s aggression, Dmitry Medvedev, the Russian former president, lashed out, calling European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen a “disgusting old hag” and branding Europeans as “imbeciles.”

Medvedev is often called the Kremlin’s “mouthpiece” for his apocalyptic social media statements reflecting Moscow’s official position. The former Russian president has frequently issued nuclear threats aimed at the West.

“European imbeciles have approved the 18th package of sanctions against our country. There’s no point in writing that it will change Russia’s stance any more than the previous seventeen did,” Medvedev said on social media.

EU agrees on new Russia sanctions package targeting energy and finance

He believes the Russian economy would endure and stated that the destruction of Ukraine would continue.

“Strikes on targets in the so-called Ukraine, including Kyiv, will be carried out with increasing force,” he stressed.

Medvedev then escalated his tirade, launching insults at EU nations including Poland, Germany, France, the Baltic states, and the UK. He urged maximum detachment from the EU, which he claimed is now home to “Brits mired in their own shit.”

He went further, stating that Russians should learn to hate Europeans, just as their ancestors once did.

“Hatred is the most powerful weapon, allowing us to move most effectively toward its opposite—love. Naturally, toward those who deserve it,” he claimed.

Von der Leyen received particular scorn, with Medvedev attempting to mock her medical background.

“I’m not sure she even knows where the heart is. Though it seems she’s always thought with the part of her body she used during her failed medical career,” he said. 

Medvedev’s outburst once again illustrates the tone of official Russian rhetoric amid intensified missile strikes on Ukrainian civilians, Russia’s answer to US President Donald Trump’s recent peace efforts.

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  • ✇Euromaidan Press
  • Romania wants to build drones with Ukraine—but can’t fund it before 2026
    Romania wants to build drones with Ukraine, but production is delayed until 2026 due to lack of military funding. Digi24 reports that Romania’s Defense Ministry wants to launch a joint drone-manufacturing project, but no funds are available this year to begin construction or procurement. Drone warfare has shaped the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, with Ukraine deploying UAVs across all domains. The ongoing Russian invasion has driven a surge in Ukrainian drone production, and the Ministry of Defense r
     

Romania wants to build drones with Ukraine—but can’t fund it before 2026

18 juillet 2025 à 10:18

romania wants build drones ukraine—but can’t fund before 2026 skyeton drone developers prepare raybird uav launch during field test ukraine engineers company flagship production delayed until due lack military funding

Romania wants to build drones with Ukraine, but production is delayed until 2026 due to lack of military funding. Digi24 reports that Romania’s Defense Ministry wants to launch a joint drone-manufacturing project, but no funds are available this year to begin construction or procurement.

Drone warfare has shaped the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, with Ukraine deploying UAVs across all domains. The ongoing Russian invasion has driven a surge in Ukrainian drone production, and the Ministry of Defense recently stated it could produce up to 10 million drones a year if properly funded.

Romania wants to build drones with Ukraine, but budget delay blocks start

Romania wants to build drones with Ukraine, aiming to manufacture UAVs inside Romania and eventually export them to other European countries. Digi24 reports that the Romanian Ministry of Defense has confirmed it is set to negotiate with officials from Kyiv. The two sides aim to establish a co-production plan for drones, following models already used by Ukraine in partnerships with Denmark and Norway.

According to Digi24, the business plan is not complex: Romania would purchase the technical specifications of drones that Ukraine has developed during its war experience. Those designs, proven in combat, would serve as the base for production inside Romania.

The proposed facility would likely be located in Brașov, Transylvania. Romanian and Ukrainian engineers would cooperate on-site to assemble the UAVs. Most of the drones would enter service with the Romanian army, but many would also be intended for sale across Europe, per the reported plan.

Factory plan awaits funding, likely in 2026

Despite alignment on the concept, the project faces a major obstacle: Romania currently lacks the funding to implement it. Digi24 notes that while Ukraine is willing to move forward and eager to secure income from such cooperation, Romania cannot commit to payments this year.

The next opportunity to fund the drone partnership would come with Romania’s 2026 defense budget. Until then, the joint production initiative remains in the planning phase.

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France to train more Ukrainian pilots on Mirage fighter jets, capable of carrying missiles that destroy Russian command posts

18 juillet 2025 à 10:05

france deliver three mirage 2000-5 fighter jets ukraine early 2025 french air force's dassault 2000-5f

Ukrainian pilots to gain greater chances in the sky due to Paris’s support. After an hour-long meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron on 18 July, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that France is ready to continue training Mirage fighter jet pilots on its own territory.

In February 2025, Ukraine received the first batch of Dassault Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets, modified to carry the powerful SCALP-EG cruise missiles and Hammer glide bombs. The SCALP-EGs are crucial to Ukraine’s strategy. With a range of up to 155 miles and bunker-busting warheads, these 2,900-pound missiles are designed to target Russian command posts, disrupting military coordination and weakening their resistance.

“I want to specifically highlight our agreement on Mirage pilot training: France is ready to accept additional pilots for training on additional aircraft,” said Zelenskyy.

Among other key issues was the strengthening of Ukraine’s air defense system. The two leaders discussed the supply of missiles for modern SAMP/T systems and the launch of a joint project to fund interceptor drones. Zelenskyy noted that relevant decisions will be prepared at the level of both countries’ defense ministries.

The Ukrainian president also thanked France for its active role in promoting the EU’s 18th package of sanctions and confirmed that Kyiv and Washington are working together so that “Russia feels truly global pressure.”

The EU agreed on a new package after the bloc’s ambassadors reached consensus on restrictions targeting key sectors of the Russian economy. Malta and Slovakia reportedly lifted their vetoes after receiving critical assurances. 

The new Russia sanctions package will include a formal ban on the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said the bloc would also reduce the oil price cap as part of efforts to cut the Kremlin’s war revenues.

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  • ✇UKR Inform
  • UK imposes sanctions on Russia
    On Friday, July 18, the British government imposed new sanctions on the Russian Federation in response to its prolonged campaign of malicious cyber activity over several years, including operations conducted in the United Kingdom.
     

From adrenaline seekers to war veterans: New book of British journalist shows diverse faces of Ukraine’s International Legion

18 juillet 2025 à 09:41

They paid the highest price for Ukraine’s freedom. British journalist Colin Freeman, in his book The Mad and the Brave, told the stories of foreign volunteers who joined Ukraine’s International Legion, writes The Telegraph.

The International Legion of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, a military unit established in 2022, brings together volunteers from over 50 countries, including the US, Canada, and the UK, to help Ukraine fight off Russian aggression.

Freeman compares the influx of volunteers who rushed to aid Ukraine in the early weeks of the all-out war to the International Brigades in the Spanish Civil War of 1936–1939 when thousands from around the world fought fascism.

He portrays a variety of individuals, from veterans of the Syrian war against ISIS to adrenaline seekers and those fleeing heartbreak.

One striking story is that of British combat medic John Harding, who joined the Azov Battalion in 2018. He disproved Russian propaganda about “national extremists” and endured the horrors of the battle for Mariupol, the siege of Azovstal, and months of torture in captivity.

Another hero is Briton Christopher Perryman, a veteran of wars in Iraq, Somalia, and Bosnia, who left behind a young son to fight the Russian aggressor.

Perryman believed he had no moral right to abandon millions of Ukrainian parents in distress, given his extensive military experience. Sadly, he was killed by artillery fire at the end of 2023.

After more than three years of war, the fates of foreign volunteers vary: some died, some cope with PTSD, and others continue fighting alongside Ukrainians.

Earlier, Euromaidan Press published a story about a former paramedic from Colombia, known as Miguel, who came to Ukraine intending to serve as a combat medic. However, due to the language barrier, he was assigned to the infantry.

Despite this, he never abandoned his mission. Every day on the front line, he saves the lives of his comrades. He is learning Ukrainian by singing Chervona Kalyna, the country’s patriotic anthem, and surviving tactics against Russian artillery. 

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International Fencing Federation seeks to reinstate Russian thletes — even those who support killing of Ukrainians

18 juillet 2025 à 09:12

The International Fencing Federation seeks to bring back athletes who support or take part in the killing of Ukrainians. Over 440 fencers from 40 countries have signed an open letter to the organization, urging it to reinstate strict background checks for Russian and Belarusian athletes, Reuters reports.

The reason is the admission of athletes from aggressor states to the World Championship in Tbilisi, scheduled for 22–26 July, without thorough vetting of their involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Russia’s war has killed over 500 Ukrainian athletes, including children. Nearly 500 sports facilities have been partially or completely destroyed in Russian attacks. 

“By removing comprehensive background checks, the FIE risks allowing individuals whose affiliations or actions conflict with the values of neutrality and non-violence to compete under a neutral status,” the athletes stated in the letter, published by the Global Athlete movement.

Elite fencers voiced their opposition to the International Fencing Federation’s decision to replace screening procedures with a formal declaration of neutrality.

Putin’s “neutral” athletes cheer Russia’s atrocities in Ukraine — but FIFA can’t wait to get them back

“The FIE’s decision contradicts the core principles of fencing, respect, integrity, and fair play, and deviates from the approach originally taken by the international sporting community,” the letter reads.

The Ukrainian Fencing Federation has warned it may pursue legal action, as some admitted Russian athletes hold military ranks. The European Fencing Confederation also condemned “the lack of independent verification in the eligibility process for so-called neutral athletes.”

Last week, the organization claimed that its position “underscores the Federation’s commitment to peace, fairness, and the global unity of sport.” But many athletes and federations see this as a cover for bringing aggressors back into international sports.

Ukrainian Olympic champion Olga Kharlan, who was disqualified in 2023 for refusing to shake hands with a Russian opponent, says that such International Fencing Federation policies could destroy fencing’s presence in the Olympic program.

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  • ✇Euromaidan Press
  • Zelenskyy installs ex-defense minister Umierov to run Security Council
    Zelenskyy installs ex-defense minister Umierov to run Security CouncilThe man once in charge of defense now oversees war tech, arms deals, and talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Rustem Umierov to lead the country’s National Security and Defense Council. He takes over the Security Council after stepping down as defense minister in a wartime Cabinet reshuffle, and will now oversee arms deals, tech coordination, and peace negotiations. Umierov led Ukraine’s Defense Ministr
     

Zelenskyy installs ex-defense minister Umierov to run Security Council

18 juillet 2025 à 08:32

zelenskyy installs ex-defense minister umierov run security council rustem umerov defense ukraine man once charge now oversees war tech arms deals talks news ukrainian reports

Zelenskyy installs ex-defense minister Umierov to run Security Council
The man once in charge of defense now oversees war tech, arms deals, and talks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Rustem Umierov to lead the country’s National Security and Defense Council. He takes over the Security Council after stepping down as defense minister in a wartime Cabinet reshuffle, and will now oversee arms deals, tech coordination, and peace negotiations.

Umierov led Ukraine’s Defense Ministry for almost two years amid the ongoing full-scale Russian invasion. The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine — known as RNBO — is the executive coordination body under the president, tasked with shaping and directing national security and defense policy.

Umierov replaces Lytvynenko in key wartime reshuffle

Zelenskyy signed the decree appointing Umierov secretary of the Security Council on 18 July, according to the presidential website. He replaces Oleksandr Lytvynenko, who had held the position since 26 March and is now reportedly being considered for an ambassadorial role in Serbia, Forbes reports, citing a government source speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the issue.

Umierov had served as defense minister since 6 September 2023 until his dismissal on 17 July 2025. That same day, former Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal was appointed Ukraine’s new defense minister.

Yuliia Svyrydenko was appointed Prime Minister, with new ministers named across the government. Zelenskyy emphasized that the new cabinet must ensure Ukraine’s defenders have confidence in reliable supply, and that boosting internal economic potential would support that goal.

Umierov was floated for a US ambassador role, but Kyiv opted to keep him in command. Forbes says Washington “did not reject” his candidacy, though it likely preferred he remain in Ukraine’s negotiation track. Olha Stefanishyna now serves as special envoy to the US.

Weapons, tech, and coordination now fall under Umierov

In a post on X, Umierov confirmed his appointment and outlined his top priorities in his new role.

“Coordination and control of the security and defense sector,” he wrote, adding that an audit will be conducted on the implementation of decisions made by the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.

He pledged to coordinate all arms deliveries, joint production, and sensitive international defense partnerships.

“I remain in constant dialogue with our international partners,” he said, referring to critical yet discreet defense agreements.

Umierov also stated he would fully restore the operation of the Technological Command Post to accelerate front-line modernization and battlefield tech innovation. One of the primary missions now under his oversight is the synchronized execution of orders across all components of Ukraine’s defense system.

Umierov to run Security Council and peace track

Umierov’s responsibilities also include overseeing the negotiation track.

“Ukraine consistently advocates for a just peace — and we are working to achieve it in close coordination with our allies,” he wrote.

RFE/RL reports that Zelenskyy met with Umierov on 18 July to discuss the new leadership tasks. Among the key priorities mentioned by the president was “more dynamics” in implementing the agreements with Russia reached during the second summit in Istanbul.

The president referred to failed ceasefire negotiations with Moscow under US President Donald Trump’s pressure. It is not immediately clear, what the “reached agreements” Zelenskyy implied – the only tangible outcome of the talks was prisoner exchanges.

Zelenskyy also tasked Umierov with continuing weapons coordination with Ukraine’s partners, fully implementing all supply agreements, and advancing new projects for joint arms production and defense manufacturing facilities on partner territory.

According to the president’s office, Umierov is expected to strengthen the format of the technological headquarters, enforce decisions delayed in execution, and ensure full compliance across the defense and security sectors.

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  • ✇Euromaidan Press
  • ISW: Russia is “burning the candle at both ends”—bankers quietly brace for bailouts
    Russia is “burning the candle at both ends” economically as top bankers quietly brace for bailouts amid a growing Russian debt crisis, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) wrote on 17 July. While the Kremlin pretends its economy is stable amid the ongoing protracted invasion of Ukraine, structural fractures continue to widen beneath that illusion. In the fourth year of its all-out war against Ukraine, Russia’s wartime economy is buckling under sanctions and military losses. Yet Kremlin propa
     

ISW: Russia is “burning the candle at both ends”—bankers quietly brace for bailouts

18 juillet 2025 à 07:53

isw russia burning candle both ends—bankers quietly brace bailouts central bank russia’s top financial execs reportedly fear growing debt crisis despite claims stability ukraine news ukrainian reports

Russia is “burning the candle at both ends” economically as top bankers quietly brace for bailouts amid a growing Russian debt crisis, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) wrote on 17 July. While the Kremlin pretends its economy is stable amid the ongoing protracted invasion of Ukraine, structural fractures continue to widen beneath that illusion.

In the fourth year of its all-out war against Ukraine, Russia’s wartime economy is buckling under sanctions and military losses. Yet Kremlin propaganda continues to mask the damage as the West targets Moscow’s ability to fuel its invasion.

Russian bankers brace for fallout as loans go unpaid

Bloomberg reported on 17 July that senior executives at several of Russia’s largest banks have quietly discussed the possibility of requesting government bailouts. This comes as non-performing loans — debts that are late or unpaid — continue to rise in 2025. Documents reviewed by Bloomberg show that three systemically important Russian banks may need to recover funds lost to bad credit.

Russian banks have already seen non-performing loans grow by 1.2% this year. Forecasts suggest the rate could increase from the current 4% to as high as 6–7% by 2026. While ISW cannot independently verify these figures, it notes mounting signs of concern within the financial sector. 

Russia’s Central Bank has advised lenders to restructure credit instead of fully recognizing their bad loans, a move ISW views as reflective of Russia’s risky and contradictory financial policies.

Central Bank Chairperson Elvira Nabiullina has dismissed fears of a banking crisis, claiming that reserves totaling eight trillion rubles (around $102.5 billion) are sufficient to cushion any shocks. However, ISW assesses that the Central Bank is likely unwilling to bail out major banks outright — a decision that could spark liquidity problems or even bank failures, directly undermining Russian President Vladimir Putin’s narrative of economic resilience.

War-driven spending pressures the economy

ISW argues that the Kremlin is worsening the growing Russian debt crisis by expanding military spending while relaxing monetary policy to support short-term growth. Since 2022, the government has boosted one-time payments and salaries to attract military recruits and reinforce its defense industrial base. These high payments are necessary due to sustained battlefield losses and the challenge of attracting volunteers.

This dual policy has triggered a competition for labor between military factories and civilian businesses.

As defense wages rise, civilian industries struggle to retain workers, pushing up prices across service sectors. Labor shortages now impact both economic growth and war production. ISW maintains that Russia cannot indefinitely sustain these payouts or replace troops lost at current rates without a general mobilization — a step Putin has avoided.

Inflation appears tamed — but only on paper

On the surface, the Russian Central Bank reports success in reducing inflation. Bloomberg noted that in June 2025, the seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of inflation fell to 4%, matching the Bank’s target. The drop is attributed in part to a temporarily strong ruble, which lowered the cost of imported goods and helped suppress input costs and inflationary pressures for companies.

However, the Central Bank acknowledged that official annual inflation still stands at 9%. The SAAR is a short-term measure and does not reflect deeper economic trends. ISW argues that this data masks the real problems. Two complicating factors — the fading effect of ruble strength and rising service costs — are expected to slow progress in bringing inflation under control.

Moreover, Russia’s Central Bank expects average interest rates to fall below 18% between August and October 2025, further stimulating demand, but risking weakening consumer purchasing power and devaluing the ruble over time.

Contradictions threaten long-term stability

The think tank concludes wrote:

“Russia is effectively burning the candle at both ends by simultaneously loosening monetary policy to stimulate short-term growth, while expanding fiscal expenditure to feed the military effort.”

This path is likely to deepen the country’s macroeconomic instability, erode the value of the ruble, and diminish consumers’ ability to cope with rising costs. Behind the Central Bank’s controlled narrative, ISW sees rising stress in Russia’s economic foundation — a crisis building quietly but steadily.

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this. We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. Become a patron or see other ways to support
  • ✇UKR Inform
  • Kellogg shown Russian weapon components made in West
    The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense showed US Special Representative Keith Kellogg some Western-made parts of Russian weapons that Ukrainian military intelligence found in destroyed or captured Russian gear.
     
  • ✇Euromaidan Press
  • Ukraine to get Patriot missiles “very shortly,” Merz says
    Germany will deliver Patriot missiles to Ukraine “very shortly,” following US President Donald Trump’s NATO agreement to increase weapons aid. The delivery, part of a Europe-funded supply plan, could make the system operational in Ukraine within weeks, according to Germany’s leader. This comes amid daily Russian drone and missile attacks, targeting primarily Ukrainian residential areas and civilian infrastructure. Germany finalizing Patriot missile transfer with NATO According to Politico, Germa
     

Ukraine to get Patriot missiles “very shortly,” Merz says

18 juillet 2025 à 06:13

ukraine get patriot missiles very shortly merz says chancellor germany friedrich during joint press conference nato secretary general mark rutte headquarters brussels 09 2025 9 confirms germany's air-defense transfer happen

Germany will deliver Patriot missiles to Ukraine “very shortly,” following US President Donald Trump’s NATO agreement to increase weapons aid. The delivery, part of a Europe-funded supply plan, could make the system operational in Ukraine within weeks, according to Germany’s leader.

This comes amid daily Russian drone and missile attacks, targeting primarily Ukrainian residential areas and civilian infrastructure.

Germany finalizing Patriot missile transfer with NATO

According to Politico, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed during a 17 July press conference in the UK that Ukraine will receive Patriot air-defense systems “very shortly, very soon.” He stressed that Kyiv urgently needs deep strike capability and that additional support is on the way. According to Merz, defense ministers are now finalizing logistics to fulfill the delivery.

Politico reports that the announcement followed Trump’s new NATO deal earlier this week. The plan allows European countries to send weapons to Ukraine now and buy replacements from the US.

NATO and Germany already preparing transfer

Alexus Grynkewich, NATO’s Allied Air Command leader, said on 17 July that preparations for the Patriot transfer were already under way.

Trump stated on 14 July that part of the Patriot system would arrive “within days,” though others have raised questions about the exact timeline. Merz later clarified that the capability could be active in Ukraine within weeks.

 

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this. We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. Become a patron or see other ways to support
  • ✇Euromaidan Press
  • Russia’s “human safari” drone smashes into rabbi’s vehicle — family in car survives direct hit
    Amid the Russian “human safari,” a drone attack on Kherson’s rabbi Yossef Itzhak Wolff left his family unharmed after a Russian FPV drone slammed into their vehicle near the regional capital. The strike occurred while the rabbi, his wife, and their young daughter were inside the car. Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Azman reported the incident on 17 July. The drone attack on rabbi is part of Russia’s ongoing “human safari” campaign against civilians in Kherson. Russian forces positioned just across
     

Russia’s “human safari” drone smashes into rabbi’s vehicle — family in car survives direct hit

18 juillet 2025 à 05:56

russia's “human safari” drone smashes rabbi’s vehicle — family car survives direct hit wrecked suv kherson’s chief rabbi itzhak wolff after russian strike toyota-kherson-rabbi amid human safari attack kherson's yossef

Amid the Russian “human safari,” a drone attack on Kherson’s rabbi Yossef Itzhak Wolff left his family unharmed after a Russian FPV drone slammed into their vehicle near the regional capital. The strike occurred while the rabbi, his wife, and their young daughter were inside the car. Chief Rabbi of Ukraine Moshe Azman reported the incident on 17 July.

The drone attack on rabbi is part of Russia’s ongoing “human safari” campaign against civilians in Kherson. Russian forces positioned just across the Dnipro River launch FPV drones and munition-dropping UAVs daily, deliberately targeting moving cars and people on the streets and inside buildings. Civilians in Kherson are killed or injured every day in these attacks. In addition to drones, Russia continues to shell Kherson and nearby towns with artillery and missiles, forcing many residents to remain indoors for safety.

Drone strike targeted rabbi’s family in moving vehicle

On 17 July, Moshe Azman wrote on X that “two hours ago” a Russian FPV drone attacked the car of the Chief Rabbi of Kherson, Yossef Wolff. He stated that the drone hit the car at the entrance to Kherson, with the rabbi, his wife, and their daughter inside at the moment of impact.

Azman said he had just spoken with Rabbi Wolff, and emphasized the survival as a “very great miracle.” According to the post, the drone entered the car “at a very high speed.” No one was injured in the explosion.

Human safari drones Kherson
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Video shows damage to SUV after direct strike

Azman shared a video recorded by Rabbi Wolff showing his Toyota Land Cruiser, which sustained significant damage. In the video, Rabbi Wolff says:

“A drone got into our car and exploded, but incredibly we are alive.”

Yossef Itzhak Wolff has served as Chief Rabbi of Kherson and the oblast since 1998 and is also chairman of the Board of the Kherson Jewish community.

Moscow’s “human safari” continues

Also on 17 July, Russian forces struck an ambulance in Kherson Oblast. The strike hit a medical team en route to a call in Zymivnyk. The vehicle was damaged, and two medics — a 49-year-old medical assistant and a 65-year-old paramedic — were injured.

And this morning, 18 July, Russian forces killed a man in the village of Veletenske in Kherson Oblast’s Bilozerka community. According to oblast head Oleksandr Prokudin, around 09:00, a Russian drone struck a local resident born in 1990 as he rode his bicycle. He sustained fatal injuries.

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this. We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. Become a patron or see other ways to support
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