Ukraine is very close to obtaining its own ballistic missiles, Defense Minister Denis Shmygal said in his first interview since taking the position of Defense Minister, BBC Ukraine reported on 30 July.

“Ukraine’s president has already announced that Ukraine will have its own ballistics. We are very close to this. That’s basically all I can say publicly on this matter,” Shmyhal said during the interview.

The announcement comes after former Deputy Defense Minister Anatoliy Klochko said in June that Ukrainians would soon hear “more concrete statements” about Ukrainian ballistics, as the country had made “serious progress” on the issue.

The production of its own ballistic missiles is crucial for Ukraine to enhance its long-range strike potential, deter Russian aggression, and target deep Russian military infrastructure, thereby strengthening its security and defense amid ongoing war.

SIn his interview for BBC, Shmygal also outlined his vision for bringing Russia to genuine peace talks, emphasizing the need for dual pressure. “I would very much like our partners to help us create sufficient pressure on the Russian aggressor both on the battlefield and through sanctions, and bring them to the negotiating table,” he said.

The minister demonstrated his approach using two hands: “On one side, we must create pressure on the battlefield. There must be weapons supplies that will give us if not an advantage, then parity in this war. On the other side, there must be counter-pressure – sanctions that will financially bleed the enemy.”

“If these two factors are not present, then negotiations may continue, but more likely they will lead us and our partners in circles around this diplomatic negotiating table,” Shmygal said.

The German government approved on 30 July its draft budget for 2026 and medium-term financial planning through 2029, which includes increased support for Ukraine, European Pravda reported.

According to the report, the draft federal budget for 2026 envisions expenditures of approximately 520.5 billion euros—3.5% more than allocated in this year’s budget. Borrowing is projected at nearly 174.3 billion euros, representing a 31 billion euro increase from current levels.

Government investments will reach a record 126.7 billion euros in 2026, marking an 11 billion euro increase from this year. This unprecedented figure for Germany became possible partly due to relaxed debt rules.

The budget expansion extends to defense spending, which will surge from 62.4 billion euros to 82.7 billion euros in 2026—primarily driven by weapons and ammunition procurement funding. According to the medium-term budget plan, Germany’s defense expenditures will gradually increase through 2029, ultimately reaching NATO’s target of 3.5% of GDP.

The 2026 budget allocates approximately 8.5 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine.

Budget discussions in the Bundestag will begin at the end of September, with both chambers of the German parliament required to approve the budget by year’s end.

Russian service sector companies faced another wave of technical disruptions, with the Vkusvill supermarket chain’s website and mobile application ceasing operations, The Moscow Times reported on 30 July

The majority of complaints came from Moscow, the Moscow Oblast, and St. Petersburg. The company confirmed it experienced “a local internal failure” but ruled out a cyberattack, sying that “there are no configuration changes, suspicious logins, or data leaks.” Vkusvill did not specify what caused the technical problems but added that the failure did not affect offline store operations.

Simultaneously, the Samokat delivery service stopped functioning. The application indicated that “the failure will be resolved soon” without providing details about the causes.

Additionally, hackers attacked the Dobrocen discount chain network. The company was forced to suspend operations at distribution centers and all five offices in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, and Samara.

Dobrocen reported that its server was paralyzed, the official website would not open, and computers either failed to start or froze during endless updates. The attack is linked to the presence of network stores in occupied Ukrainian territories – in the “DNR,” “LNR,” and Crimea. Restoring IT infrastructure reportedly may take a week.

The previous day, on 29 July, the Neopharm and Stolichki pharmacy chains halted operations due to hacker attacks.

However, the most large-scale cyberattack targeted Aeroflot on 28 July. Hackers from the “Cyberpartisans” and Silent Crow groups breached the national carrier’s systems, destroying 7,000 servers and provoking a new collapse at Moscow airports. More than 100 flights were canceled, causing the airline to lose at least 250 million rubles in a single day. Cancellations continued on 29 July. Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office confirmed the disruption was caused by a cyberattack.

The “Cyberpartisans” claimed that Aeroflot’s system ran on outdated Windows XP and Windows 2003, and that company CEO Sergey Aleksandrovsky had not changed his password since 2022. According to the hackers, the total volume of the data leak was 20 TB.

Demonstrators gathered on the evening of 30 July in six Ukrainian cities calling on authorities to approve a draft law strengthening the powers of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).

The protests come after the parliamentary committee on law enforcement unanimously supported earlier on 30 July President Zelenskyy’s draft law №13533 on restoring the powers of the NABU and SAPO.

People assembled in Kyiv despite inclement weather. Protesters chanted “Power belongs to the people,” “Corruption kills,” and “Hands off NABU,” while also singing the national anthem.

People’s Deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak joined demonstrators, saying journalists that he has no doubt the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine’s Parliament) will pass presidential draft law #13533 on 31 July.

“One should expect the adoption of the law by which President Zelenskyy, together with the coalition, will heroically, powerfully and unstoppably fix everything that they so heroically, powerfully and unstoppably created on 22 July,” Zheleznyak responded with irony.

In Zaporizhzhia, people gathered near the regional administration building holding themed posters and chanting “Cancel,” “Our voice is stronger,” “We stand for democracy,” and “Hands off NABU,” according to correspondents.

Radio Svoboda reports that nearly 200 protesters assembled in Kharkiv, chanting “Corruption kills,” “Ukraine’s power belongs to the people,” and “Hands off NABU.” Similar demonstrations took place in Lviv, Dnipro, and Odesa.

The protests follow the parliamentary committee on law enforcement unanimously supporting presidential draft law #13533, which would restore powers to anti-corruption agencies that were previously removed.

On 22 July, the Verkhovna Rada passed law #12414 with amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code that made NABU and SAPO dependent on decisions by the prosecutor general. President Zelenskyy signed the legislation that same evening, prompting protests across multiple Ukrainian cities.

Following the backlash, Zelenskyy submitted a new draft law to parliament that he said would ensure “strength to the law enforcement system” while preserving “all norms for the independence of anti-corruption institutions.”

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau reproted that Zelenskyy’s draft law would restore all powers and independence guarantees for NABU and SAPO.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has once again declined to appoint Oleksandr Tsyvinsky as director of the Bureau of Economic Security (BEB), MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak said.

30 July marks the final day before Ukraine misses an International Monetary Fund benchmark regarding the BEB appointment.

Under the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program review, a new BEB director should have been selected by the end of February 2025. Ukraine failed to meet this deadline as the competition process was only in its initial stages at that time. The IMF then moved the benchmark deadline to July 2025.

Last week, the BEB Head Selection Commission resubmitted documents to the Cabinet regarding the appointment of competition winner Oleksandr Tsyvinsky. International partners’ commission member Donatas Malaskevičius told Forbes Ukraine that the Selection Commission rejected the government’s proposal to hold a repeat vote and insists on appointing their chosen candidate.

“The commission returned the documents because there are no reasons or legal grounds for submitting another candidacy,” Malaskevičius explained.

Prior to this, more than 50 civil society organizations published an appeal to the new Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, calling on them not to repeat the mistakes of the previous government and appoint Tsyvinsky as BEB director.

Background of the controversy

On 25 June, Oleksandr Tsyvinsky, a current NABU detective who previously led a special operation exposing “toilet schemes” in Kyiv, won the competition for BEB director and received unanimous support from international commission members, whose vote is decisive.

However, during the session it became known that Tsyvinsky has relatives with Russian citizenship. Tsyvinsky himself explained that his father holds a Russian passport, but he has not communicated with him for several years.

Subsequently, the government received a submission for Tsyvinsky’s appointment as BEB director, but the Cabinet rejected his candidacy. This decision was made after reviewing additional materials provided by the Security Service of Ukraine, among others, which “concern national security issues and contain relevant security assessments.”

In response, the Ukrainian business community expressed concern about the government’s decision not to appoint the BEB director and called on the Cabinet to reconsider its decision.

Tsyvinsky himself said that it is “a matter of principle for him to clarify what specific ‘security assessments’ became the basis for the corresponding decision,” given that he has state secret clearance.

Why does Ukraine risk losing IMF funding?

The Bureau of Economic Security (BEB) in Ukraine is responsible for combating economic crimes such as fraud, tax evasion, smuggling, and money laundering. It acts as both an analytical and law enforcement body to protect the economic interests of the state and improve the business environment.

The IMF (International Monetary Fund) and Ukraine’s Bureau of Economic Security (BEB) are connected through Ukraine’s IMF-supported reform programs, particularly the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). 

The IMF provides Ukraine with financial help but only if Ukraine commits to reforms like fighting corruption and economic crimes, which the Bureau of Economic Security (BEB) enforces. Essentially, the IMF funds support Ukraine’s economy in exchange for stronger institutions like the BEB to make sure the economy is safer and more transparent. This teamwork helps Ukraine keep receiving money from the IMF and improves the country’s financial health.

If the government does not appoint Tsyvinsky as BEB director after the second deadline, it will send a red signal for further support for Ukraine.

The risk of disrupting the BEB competition could cost Ukraine very dearly – not only the loss of billions due to the failure to fulfill the IMF’s structural beacon, but also the loss of further trust and financial support from international donors.

The parliamentary committee on law enforcement unanimously supported President Zelenskyy’s draft law №13533 on restoring the powers of the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), according to MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak.

The committee approved the document without any amendments to the originally registered text, Zheleznyak said. The draft law received 19 votes in favor, with no opposition or abstentions recorded.

“Tomorrow (July 31 — ed.) this decision will be put to a vote in the Rada hall. Immediately in two readings. Everything will be fine — there are more than enough votes,” Zheleznyak said.

The move represents a reversal from events, when on the evening of 22 July Zelenskyy signed a law that limited the independence of the anti-corruption institutions NABU and SAPO.

That decision prompted thousands of people to participate in protest rallies in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. Protesters chanted: “Veto the law,” “Return Europe,” and “Shame.”

Responding to the protests, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans to submit a draft law to the Verkhovna Rada that will restore independence to NABU and SAPO. Zelenskyy said that the text of the draft law “guarantees real strengthening of the law enforcement system in Ukraine, independence of anti-corruption bodies, as well as reliable protection of the law enforcement system from any Russian influence or interference.”

According to the document published on the Rada’s website, the subordination of the Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) to the Prosecutor General will be abolished. Other provisions include limiting the Prosecutor General’s influence on NABU, institutional independence of SAPO, and simplified procedures for appointing prosecutors.

On 30 July, MPs submitted two additional alternative draft laws concerning NABU and SAPO. The total number of alternative documents has now increased to six.

Ukrainian intelligence operatives conducted a major cyberattack against Russian authorities in occupied Crimea, downloading 100 terabytes of classified data before destroying the original files, according to RBK-Ukraine citing sources in Ukrainian intelligence.

The multi-day operation targeted electronic document management systems used by Russian-controlled government institutions across the peninsula, according to the report. Cyber specialists from Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) penetrated digital cabinets of Crimean Russian leadership and gained access to several key systems.

“Dialog” and “Delo” electronic document management systems were compromised, along with accounting systems “1C:Document Flow,” Directum, and “ATLAS,” the report said. The systems handle legally significant electronic document flow for government agencies, budget institutions, state committees, and municipal bodies including the apparatus of the Russian Council of Ministers of Crimea.

The downloaded data included documents marked “secret” containing information about Russian military facilities and logistical supply routes for Russian forces on the peninsula, RBK-Ukraine reported. After copying the information, GUR cyber specialists destroyed all data stored on servers of regional and district government institutions, ministries, and departments of Russian authorities in Crimea.

A DDoS attack reportedly paralyzed information systems and network infrastructure in Crimea during the operation. Russian media made only brief mention of the cyberattack, with the press service of the Russia-controlled Ministry of Information reporting “a massive DDoS attack on major fixed-line communication operators.”

“Some services may be periodically unavailable to subscribers,” the ministry said, without specifying the scale of the problem or the number of affected operators.

Russian State Duma officials expressed concern but provided no details about compromised information.

Ukrainian intelligence sources indicated the obtained data contains significant intelligence value.

“So much data was downloaded there that we will soon learn many sensations about the activities and crimes of Russian occupiers in Ukrainian Crimea,” a Ukrainian intelligence officer told RBK-Ukraine.

The breach also provided access to officials responsible for “patriotic education” and organizing exhibitions and street actions aimed at discrediting Ukraine, according to Armed Forces of Ukraine officer and political scientist Andriy Tkachuk writing for Ukrinform.

“Evidence was obtained of coordination between local administrations and the ‘representation of the Russian Foreign Ministry in Simferopol,’” Tkachuk wrote. “The Russian Foreign Ministry distributes narratives, ‘republican ministries’ transmit them to districts, and schools and universities become retransmitters of Kremlin lies.”

A military expert from Crimea, a former Ukrainian officer and reserve lieutenant colonel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, told Krym.Realii on condition of anonymi that “Russian authorities in Crimea during the war closely interact with Russian military forces. This means that GUR will have a set of correspondence from which many interesting intelligence data can be ‘extracted,’.”

“All civilian administrations of Crimean districts and cities, as well as ministries and departments, issue secret orders and other documents related to territorial defense and more. This is not just important information, but the most important, like the mentioned logistical supply routes for troops,” he added.

The Kremlin has rejected President Donald Trump’s ultimatum for Russia to negotiate an end to its war in Ukraine within 10 days, with officials reaffirming Moscow’s commitment to continue military operations until achieving its stated objectives.

Trump announced the deadline on 29 July before boarding Air Force One, warning that tariffs would take effect if Russia refused to stop the war. “Ten days from today. And then we’re gonna put on tariffs and stuff,” Trump told reporters, according to audio published by the White House.

The threatened tariffs would target secondary sanctions on countries purchasing Russian oil, gas and other products, including China and India. Trump acknowledged uncertainty about the measure’s impact, stating: “I don’t know if it’s gonna affect Russia, because he (Russian President Vladimir Putin) wants to obviously probably keep the war going, but we’re gonna put tariffs and various things.”

The announcement represents a shortened timeline from Trump’s previous ultimatum delivered 14 July, when he warned of “severe” tariffs up to 100% if Russia failed to agree to a peace deal within 50 days. Trump said on 28 July he was no longer willing to wait that long.

Russian Security Council Deputy Chairperson Dmitry Medvedev responded on his English-language X account, according to the ISW, that Trump cannot dictate negotiation timing. Medvedev said that negotiations will conclude only when Russia achieves all war objectives, likely referring to Moscow’s original aims including regime change in Ukraine, alterations to NATO’s open-door policy, and reducing Ukraine’s military capabilities.

Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov echoed the rejection, claiming Russia will continue its war to protect national interests despite Trump’s revised deadline. 

The Institute for the Study of War assessed Kremlin’s statements as efforts to compel Trump to abandon his deadline in favor of normalized bilateral relations and increased cooperation. ISW reported that the Kremlin remains uninterested in negotiations to end the war, instead seeking to protract the war to secure additional battlefield gains.

European Commissioner for Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas has warned that Europe’s roads, bridges and railways cannot support rapid movement of tanks, troops and military supplies in case of war with Russia, Financial Times reported on 29 July.

“If Nato’s tanks were called to respond to an invasion by Moscow’s forces across the EU’s eastern border, they would get stuck in tunnels, cause bridges to collapse and get snarled up in border protocols,” Tzitzikostas told the publication.

The Greek commissioner outlined plans to spend €17 billion ($20 bn) on overhauling continental infrastructure to boost military mobility.

“We have old bridges that need to be upgraded. We have narrow bridges that need to be widened. And we have nonexistent bridges to be built,” he said.

Current infrastructure poses significant obstacles for military operations. European trucks typically weigh up to 40 tonnes, while tanks reach 70 tonnes. “The reality today is that if we want to move military equipment and troops from the western side of Europe to the eastern side, it takes weeks and in some cases months,” Tzitzikostas added.

The European Union is developing a strategy to ensure troops can move “in a matter of hours, maximum a matter of days” in response to an attack. The plan involves upgrading 500 infrastructure projects along four military corridors across the continent.

These projects, identified in conjunction with NATO and the alliance’s military commanders, remain confidential for security reasons. Brussels also plans to reduce bureaucracy to prevent “tanks being stuck in paperwork” when crossing borders, according to Tzitzikostas.

The strategy, set to be presented later this year, forms part of broader war preparations amid warnings of possible confrontation with Moscow and expected reduction in US military presence in Europe.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned in June that Russia could attack alliance members by 2030. German Federal Intelligence Service assessments indicate Russia views itself in systemic conflict with the West and is preparing for major war with NATO.

EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius shared Western intelligence assessments that Russian attack on EU states could occur within the next few years.

Lithuania will deploy a Ukrainian-developed acoustic drone detection system starting in 2026, the country’s Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Raimundas Vaiknoras announced to LRT.

The deployment announcement comes after another incident involving a drone entering Lithuanian airspace. When asked whether Lithuania would have an acoustic drone detection system, Vaiksnoras confirmed that budget funds have already been allocated for purchasing the systems.

According to the Armed Forces chief, testing will be conducted by the end of the year, and next year there will be more intensive implementation of these systems.

“They have been known since last autumn, but procedural issues were somewhat delayed because this is a Ukrainian system, one could say, which had to be adapted to our implementation of American systems due to sensitive issues,” Vaiksnoras said.

The general noted that two drones that flew into Lithuania the day before “are not a coincidence.”

“It seems to me that we sometimes forget that we actually live very close to the combat zone. Belarus is used as a platform for Russia’s attack on Ukraine, so drones moving through our territory are the same thing that Poles, Romanians, and Latvians experience. This situation will not change while Ukraine is under attack by Russia,” the Armed Forces chief added.

Recent drone incidents

On 10 July, State Border Service personnel spotted an unknown object in the air flying at approximately 100 meters altitude at 50-60 km/h speed. Within minutes, it crashed near the closed Sumskas checkpoint, about one kilometer from the Belarus border. The object was identified as a Russian “Gerbera” type drone.

On 28 July, Lithuanian police reported detecting an unidentified drone type that entered the country from Belarus territory. Social media footage showing the drone suggests it resembles a Shahed or its Russian imitation “Gerbera,” according to Delfi, though the drone type is still being determined.

Belarus is a key ally of Russia, primarily due to their deep military, political, and economic cooperation. The country allowed Russian troops to use its territory for military operations, including during the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and hosts some Russian tactical nuclear weapons.

Lithuania will deploy a Ukrainian-developed acoustic drone detection system starting in 2026, the country’s Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Raimundas Vaiknoras announced to LRT.

The deployment announcement comes after another incident involving a drone entering Lithuanian airspace. When asked whether Lithuania would have an acoustic drone detection system, Vaiksnoras confirmed that budget funds have already been allocated for purchasing the systems.

According to the Armed Forces chief, testing will be conducted by the end of the year, and next year there will be more intensive implementation of these systems.

“They have been known since last autumn, but procedural issues were somewhat delayed because this is a Ukrainian system, one could say, which had to be adapted to our implementation of American systems due to sensitive issues,” Vaiksnoras said.

The general noted that two drones that flew into Lithuania the day before “are not a coincidence.”

“It seems to me that we sometimes forget that we actually live very close to the combat zone. Belarus is used as a platform for Russia’s attack on Ukraine, so drones moving through our territory are the same thing that Poles, Romanians, and Latvians experience. This situation will not change while Ukraine is under attack by Russia,” the Armed Forces chief added.

Recent drone incidents

On 10 July, State Border Service personnel spotted an unknown object in the air flying at approximately 100 meters altitude at 50-60 km/h speed. Within minutes, it crashed near the closed Sumskas checkpoint, about one kilometer from the Belarus border. The object was identified as a Russian “Gerbera” type drone.

On 28 July, Lithuanian police reported detecting an unidentified drone type that entered the country from Belarus territory. Social media footage showing the drone suggests it resembles a Shahed or its Russian imitation “Gerbera,” according to Delfi, though the drone type is still being determined.

Belarus is a key ally of Russia, primarily due to their deep military, political, and economic cooperation. The country allowed Russian troops to use its territory for military operations, including during the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and hosts some Russian tactical nuclear weapons.

Belarus has also experienced incidents where its defense systems intercepted drones. This month, a Belarusian Mi-24 helicopter shot down a Russian “Gerbera” drone that was reportedly heading toward Ukraine. On 29 July, Belarus downed a drone in Minsk airspace.

Belarus neutralized an unidentified drone in Minsk airspace on the morning of 29 July, according to the country’s Defense Ministry.

Belarus is a key ally of Russia, primarily due to their deep military, political, and economic cooperation. The country allowed Russian troops to use its territory for military operations, including during the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and hosts some Russian tactical nuclear weapons.

Air defense forces detected the “unknown aerial target” around 2:00 am, the ministry reported. No casualties were reported.

The ministry announced the start of the investigation into this fact.

The drone crashed in a residential area near a daycare center, landing in the courtyard of a building at 72 Matusevicha Street, according to local media reports.

Belarus has previously intercepted drones in its airspace. In July, a Belarusian Mi-24 helicopter shot down a Russian “Gerbera” drone that was reportedly heading toward Ukraine.

The Defense Ministry has not disclosed the drone’s origin or purpose.

On 28 July, an unidentified unmanned aircraft violated Lithuania’s airspace, likely originating from Belarusian territory. According to LRT, residents began reporting drone sightings to police early 28 July morning, with witnesses describing an aircraft flying at approximately 200 meters altitude near the capital Vilnius.

The event is part of a broader pattern of Russian drones occasionally crossing into NATO countries’ airspace amid rising regional tensions and military exercises planned by Russia and Belarus.

A video news agency Viory that launched in Abu Dhabi claiming to represent the “Global South” is actually a rebranded version of Ruptly, the Berlin-based footage supplier that was part of Russia’s state media network RT, according to a new investigation by the Organization for Ukrainian Freedom (OFU).

According to the researchers, the transformation from Ruptly to Viory represents “as Russia’s adaptation to sanctions and isolation, using rebranding techniques to continue propaganda operations under the guise of independent Global South media representation.”

Viory made its debut at the Abu Dhabi Global Media Conference in 2023, presenting itself as an independent company. However, the investigation, conducted by multiple outlets including RND and Tagesspiegel, using facial recognition software and LinkedIn analysis, has identified dozens of former Ruptly employees now working for the new agency.

Ruptly operated as a news agency dealing primarily in footage from its Berlin headquarters, running a global network of freelance video journalists who filmed events worldwide. The footage was sold to major outlets including the BBC, Daily Mail, and Al Jazeera, according to the investigation.

The transformation began after Germany’s Bild investigative team exposed Katerina Mavrenkova, Ruptly’s chief content officer, for requesting a Berlin-based journalist to “penetrate into Charité” hospital where Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny was being treated following his poisoning.

“Mavrenkova, an employee of the Russian state, was asking the journalist to do espionage on the prominent critic of the Russian state,” said in the report.

Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Ruptly faced a flood of staff resignations and intensified scrutiny from German authorities, necessitating relocation. The agency initially operated under Lensum, which Tagesspiegel identified as “a shell company for Ruptly’s continued operations,” citing an insider source.

According to OFU research, Lensum was initially known as Tocha and was founded by ELA Verwaltungs GMBH, a firm offering “ready-to-go” shelf companies for clients wanting to bypass bureaucratic procedures. The company was owned by Marina Sevciuc, who “has virtually zero online presence” and appears to be a placeholder owner, according to the investigation.

Despite denying connections to Ruptly or the Russian state, Lensum hired a head of human resources whose LinkedIn profile showed work experience at RT Germany.

The investigation identifies several key figures linking Ruptly to Viory. Mavrenkova, despite maintaining “a very low online presence,” signed an agreement on behalf of Viory in Riyadh with the Union of News Agencies of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. She was later listed as “Director of Content of the international media agency Viory” at the 2024 Kazan Forum, a significant conference between the Russian government and the OIC.

Dinara Toktosunova, identified by German publications as the former CEO of Ruptly, also appeared as a panelist at the Kazan Forum in 2023, where she was described as “director of Ruptly.” A Google search anomaly shows her described as “director of international media agency Viory” in relation to the 2024 Kazan Forum, though she did not appear to participate in that year’s panels.

Content analysis reveals Russian fingerprints all over “independent” agency

The investigation found that Viory’s content reveals its Russian state affiliation through several indicators. Videos about Ukraine refuse to use the term “war,” instead labeling content as “Donbas conflict” or “Russia-Ukraine conflict.” Ukrainian cities are spelled using “old, Russified spellings” rather than official transliterations, and Russian-occupied regions are referred to as “DNR” and “LNR” without the “self-proclaimed” qualifier used in pre-invasion content.

Viory’s exclusive content suggests extraordinary access to Russian officials and military operations. The agency published drone footage titled “Might of Moscow” showing Russian military equipment preparing for the 9 May 2024 Victory Day parade. The investigation said that “given the prevalence of small armed drones in the war in Ukraine, one can imagine it takes a high level of security clearance and trust to film such footage.”

The agency has published at least 352 videos under the “80th Victory Day Anniversary” tag and produced six exclusive videos from Putin’s June 2024 visit to North Korea. The investigation questions how “an apparently six-month-old Viory managed to pull this off” when “few international news agencies even have the capability to film in North Korea.”

Analysis of Viory’s coverage reveals “a significant bias in favour of Russia,” including exclusive footage of residents celebrating Russian control of Avdiivka and multiple exclusives from Wagner mercenary group activities. The agency also hosts “an enormous amount of Ruptly’s old content,” with footage matching exact headlines and scripts from Ruptly’s previous output.

The rebranding reflects Russia’s pivot toward the Global South following diplomatic isolation after the Ukraine invasion. EU-wide bans on Russian state media forced the search for new markets, with Viory’s tagline explicitly targeting “the video news agency of the Global South.”

The investigation said that Russia has been “expanding its presence over the last decade” in Africa, with Wagner mercenaries deployed to Russia-aligned states. Russian-linked disinformation campaigns have already been reported across the continent, including content featuring leaders like Ibrahim Traore, who “appears in dozens of videos on the Viory site.”

The investigation concluded that while Viory “evidently did a pitiful job of covering its tracks,” the operation demonstrates “an increasingly decentralized and diffuse Russian state approach to international messaging.” Unlike traditional Russian state media’s “overly incredulous or inflammatory rhetoric,” Viory presents content with “a veneer of objectivity” while maintaining the same pro-Kremlin narratives.

Russia’s prestigious Higher School of Economics (HSE) launched what it describes as the country’s first two-year master’s program dedicated to sanctions compliance, according to the university’s website.

Officially titled “International Corporate Compliance,” the program includes modules on “identifying and detecting sanctions risks,” Russian media outlet IStories reported on 15 July, citing university materials.

The two-year course will focus on international corporate compliance and business ethics, and will be taught in both Russian and English.

The program costs 490,000 rubles (over $6,000) per year with no state-funded places available. Graduates will be positioned to work in state corporations and companies closely cooperating with the government. 

HSE has simultaneously introduced a development course called “Sanctions Compliance.” This training teaches participants to “identify risk zones for secondary sanctions and enforcement measures by foreign and Russian regulators during transactions with Russian and foreign entities, and conduct transaction analysis for sanctions risk,” according to the reports.

Priced at 84,000 rubles ($1,049), the course includes theoretical instruction and real-world case studies and runs for 136 hours of webinars.

A third HSE professional development program focuses on working with crypto assets under sanctions conditions.

Moscow State University’s law faculty has partnered with the National Compliance Association to offer its own sanctions circumvention course for 95,000 rubles (almost $1,200).

Following Vladimir Putin’s decree, MSU is establishing a scientific-educational center for sanctions compliance.

Sanctions compliance courses reportedly were previously taught as mandatory subjects for international law department students at HSE and the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration.

Sanctions on Russia

European Parliament lawmakers are pushing to accelerate the EU’s ban on Russian gas imports by one year, moving the deadline from January 2028 to January 2027, Reuters reported on 25 July.

The EU vowed to reduce its dependence on Russian gas following the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The bloc cut imports by more than half since 2022 through diversification to other suppliers and increased LNG (liquefied natural gas) purchases.

The recent proposal comes from deputies representing the Parliament’s largest political group, the European People’s Party, and the Greens, who favor a tougher stance than the European Commission’s June proposal. 

Vaidere has also proposed requiring governments to impose penalties on companies that violate the ban, “potentially including by revoking licences for energy trading,” Reuters reported. Niinisto wants a full ban on Russian oil imports from January 2027, which the European Commission did not propose.

The European Parliament will vote in autumn to confirm its negotiating position with EU countries. The final measures require approval from both Parliament and a qualified majority of EU member states. It means that Hungary and Slovakia cannot block the decision despite their continued imports of Russian pipeline gas and opposition to EU-wide bans.

Under the Commission’s original proposal, the EU would begin phasing out Russian gas imports under new and short-term contracts from January 2026, with complete elimination by January 2028.

Russian gas supplied about 19% of Europe’s needs last year through the TurkStream pipeline and LNG shipments, down from roughly 45% before Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. This share is expected to fall to 13% in 2025 as the EU works to end what it calls “decades-old energy relations with Europe’s former top gas supplier.”

Tim Schramm, a 22-year-old deputy chairman of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) district association in Wuppertal, Germany, faces expulsion from the far-right party after serving as a volunteer in the Ukrainian army from March to June 2024, Welt reported on 23 July.

According to the German media, which obtained the exclusion application from the North Rhine-Westphalia regional leadership, Schramm is accused of “extremely party-damaging behavior.”

The application, authored by AfD European Parliament member Hans Neuhoff, seeks confirmation of the immediate withdrawal of Schramm’s membership rights, which the board has already decided by majority vote.

“By serving in the Ukrainian army and publicly commenting on his participation in combat operations, the respondent seriously violated the principles and order of the party, causing it significant damage,” the application reads.

Schramm told Nius portal journalists that he first visited Ukraine in 2022 when delivering humanitarian aid to the combat zone. At age 19, he attempted to join the International Legion of the Ukrainian army but was rejected. In late 2024, he tried again to join Ukrainian forces, this time “through connections,” as he explained, successfully entering the Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine in a unit from Eastern Ukraine.

The young politician served as a mortar gunner and drone pilot, fighting against Russian forces.

“We shot, we were shelled, launched drones and were attacked by drones ourselves. I cannot say more for security reasons,” Schramm said.

During his frontline service, nobody from his party knew about his activities.

The regional board criticized Schramm for reporting about his mission “in a boastful manner” during interviews. T

he party maintains an “anti-interventionist line” and opposes arms deliveries to Ukraine. Leading AfD politicians “repeatedly emphasized that Germany should stay out of the Ukraine war.”

“Defending the free world alongside a European people is apparently already National Socialism for Hans Neuhoff. Neuhoff’s actions correspond to those of members of Putin’s party United Russia,” Schramm responded to accusations.

A BBC Russian investigation has documented the deaths of at least 245 eighteen-year-old Russian contract soldiers in Ukraine between April 2023 and July 2025.

This followed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s repeated claims that no 18-year-olds would be sent to fight.

The deaths occurred after Russia quietly dropped restrictions in April 2023 that previously required men to complete at least three months of conscript service before signing military contracts. Now any 18-year-old who has finished school can enlist directly as a contract soldier.

The BBC investigation, part of an ongoing project using open sources to count Russia’s war dead, found that most of the 245 identified soldiers joined the armed forces voluntarily, based on published obituaries. The real numbers are likely higher since not every death is publicly reported.

Russia has avoided national mobilization by offering substantial financial incentives to volunteers, particularly attractive to those in poorer regions with limited job prospects. The military recruitment now extends directly into schools and colleges.

Since the full-scale invasion began, teachers have been legally required to hold classes about the “special military operation.” Military recruiters attend career lessons, and a new subject called “The Basics of Safety and Homeland Defence” was introduced in September 2024, teaching students to use Kalashnikov rifles and hand grenades.

The investigation revealed that since the start of the full-scale invasion, at least 2,812 Russian men aged 18-20 have been killed in Ukraine. By late July, the BBC had established names of 120,343 Russian soldiers killed during the war.

Military experts estimate this represents 45-65% of actual deaths, suggesting total Russian military fatalities could range from 185,143 to 267,500.

In Ukraine, the minimum conscription age is 25, five years higher than Russia’s recruitment threshold.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on 25 July proposed “strategic cooperation” with Ukraine instead of full European Union membership, arguing that Kyiv’s EU accession would bring the war with Russia directly into Europe’s core.

The Hungarian government, widely viewed as the EU’s most pro-Russian leadership, has blocked or delayed military aid to Ukraine, maintained ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and repeatedly echoed Kremlin narratives regarding the war.

“EU membership for Ukraine would drag the war into the heart of Europe, a risk our families should not have to face,” Orban wrote on X. “These times call for calm judgement, not theatrical threats.”

The Hungarian leader outlined his country’s alternative approach as “pragmatic, flexible, and rooted in mutual interest — not irreversible integration.” This position puts Hungary at odds with 26 other EU member states, which on 26 July declared support for continued accession talks with Ukraine and agreed to consider the European Commission’s assessment that Ukraine is ready to open the “Fundamentals” cluster of negotiations.

Orban characterized Ukraine as a “buffer state” and drew parallels to Hungary’s Cold War experience.

The Hungarian government has cited domestic opposition to Ukraine’s EU membership as justification for its stance. In a national consultation announced 26 June, Budapest claimed 95% of participants rejected Kyiv’s accession. Orban publicly voted against Ukrainian membership and shared a photo of his ballot in April.

However, the poll’s credibility faced scrutiny. Opposition leader Peter Magyar dismissed the consultation as a “government propaganda campaign” and cited internal data from Magyar Posta indicating only 3-7% of mailed ballots were returned.

Telex reported that the voting system could be manipulated, with testing showing users could vote twice using different email addresses.

Ukraine applied for EU membership shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 and received candidate status within months. As an EU member, Hungary holds veto power over Ukraine’s accession progress.

Earlier in July, Orban claimed that most EU countries would vote against Ukrainian membership if “national referendums” were held, similar to Hungary’s consultation. Political director and advisor to Orban, Balazs Orban, recently stated that Ukraine’s war against Russia is not fought for Hungary’s security.

Ukrainian Security Service long-range drones struck the Signal plant in Russian Stavropol on 26 July, targeting one of Russia’s largest radio electronics manufacturers, hromadske reported, citing a source in the Security Forces.

One of the strikes reportedly hit building No. 2 (workshop No. 5), where” expensive imported equipment is located — machine tools based on numerical program control,” the source told hromadske.

The second strike was recorded in building No. 1, which houses workshop No. 17 for radio electronic devices.

The Signal plant specializes in producing various types of electronic warfare systems, radar, radio navigation equipment, and remote control radio equipment for Russia’s military-industrial complex. The facility operates under international sanctions.

The targeted workshops house critical infrastructure for military production: from imported machinery with numerical program control systems to radio electronic devices essential for military communications and navigation systems.

Russia’s Defense Ministry reported intercepting 54 unmanned aircraft overnight on 26 July across five oblasts, as well as over temporarily occupied Crimea and the Azov and Black Seas. By morning, Russian forces claimed to have downed six additional drones over North Ossetia and Moscow Oblast.

The attack represents a significant strike on Russia’s defense manufacturing capabilities, targeting a facility that produces electronic warfare equipment and radar systems used by Russian forces.

Elon Musk ordered the shutdown of Starlink internet coverage near Kherson during Ukraine’s counteroffensive in September 2022, disrupting military operations and preventing Ukrainian forces from surrounding Russian positions, according to three sources familiar with the command, Reuters reported on 25 July.

According to Reuters, when Ukrainian troops attempted to reclaim territory from Russian forces, Musk instructed a senior SpaceX engineer to cut service in the strategic region north of the Black Sea. The order affected at least 100 Starlink terminals and extended to other Russian-occupied areas including parts of Donetsk province.

“We have to do this,” Michael Nicolls, the Starlink engineer, told colleagues upon receiving Musk’s directive, according to one source. Company staff complied with the order, causing hexagon-shaped cells to go dark on internal coverage maps.

The shutdown created immediate battlefield consequences for Ukrainian forces. Troops faced communications blackouts, surveillance drones lost connectivity, and artillery units struggled to target Russian positions without Starlink’s guidance systems. Ukrainian military officials and advisors confirmed the service failures occurred near front lines during the counteroffensive.

“The encirclement stalled entirely,” a Ukrainian military official told Reuters. “It failed.” The source said Ukrainian forces were unable to surround Russian positions in Beryslav, east of Kherson’s administrative center, due to the communications breakdown.

Despite the setback, Ukraine’s counteroffensive ultimately succeeded in reclaiming Beryslav, Kherson city, and additional occupied territory. However, the shutdown represents the first documented instance of Musk actively cutting Starlink coverage over an active battlefield during the war.

The decision “shocked some Starlink employees and effectively reshaped the front line of the fighting, enabling Musk to take ‘the outcome of a war into his own hands,'” according to another source.

Musk’s intervention contradicts his previous public statements about Starlink operations in Ukraine. In March, he wrote on X: “We would never do such a thing.”

This incident differs from a previously reported September 2022 case near the Black Sea, where CNN reported that Musk disabled Starlink near occupied Crimean coastline to prevent Ukrainian attacks on Russian naval forces. 

Neither Musk nor Nicolls responded to Reuters requests for comment. A SpaceX spokesperson called the reporting “inaccurate” and referenced a company post stating “Starlink is fully committed to providing service to Ukraine.” The spokesperson did not specify inaccuracies or answer detailed questions about the incident.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office and the Ministry of Defence did not respond to requests for comment, according to the report.

Musk said, during a clash with Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski on X, that,“No matter how much I disagree with the Ukraine policy, Starlink will never turn off its terminals.” He claimed that without it, Ukraine’s “entire front line would collapse.”

Russian forces launched a massive attack on Dnipro, Sumy, and Kharkiv oblasts, injuring 14 people and killing two others, according to regional authorities.

The Russian military regularly attacks Ukrainian oblasts with various types of weapons. Russia’s leadership denies that the Russian army has been conducting targeted attacks on the civilian infrastructure of Ukrainian cities and villages, killing civilians and destroying hospitals, schools, kindergartens, energy and water supply facilities.

On the night of 26 July, the Russian forces attacked with 235 air assets (208 UAVs and 27 missiles of various types). Ukraine’s Air defence shot down 200 Russian air targtes (183 attack UAVs and 17 missiles of various types)

Russian occupying forces launched a massive combined attack on Dnipro and the oblast overnight on 26 July, killing three people and injuring six others, Dnipro Oblast Governor Serhiy Lysak said.

Air defense forces shot down seven missiles and 26 drones, according to Lysak.

The attack claimed the life of a man in Dnipro, while a woman was injured. A multi-story building sustained damage, and industrial enterprises were hit. Fires broke out across multiple locations, including a parking lot where vehicles caught fire.

The Dniprovskyi district experienced several fires, with flames engulfing a shopping center. Fires also erupted at an enterprise, and dry grass burned in various locations, according to the regional administration head.

One person died in Dniprovskyi district, while four others sustained injuries, Lysak said. Russian forces struck the Pokrovska community in Synelnykivskyi district with guided aerial bombs, causing a fire to break out.

Russian forces also hit the Pokrovska community in Nikopolskyi district with an FPV drone and attacked Marhanetska community. No casualties were reported.

Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, located several tens of kilometers west of the frontline, has been under repeated Russian attacks.

Russian forces also launched a massive attack on Kharkiv and the oblast, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said. The attack with two missiles, four CABs, and 15 UAVs injured six people, including three employees of the State Emergency Service and a medical worker.

The attack also damaged industrial premises, food warehouses, and a car. The total area of the fires is approximately 2,500 square meters.

The Russian army also attacked Zmiiv overnight, injuring three people, including a medical worker.

Kharkiv, Kupiansk, and Chuhuiv districts also suffered Russian attacks, which resulted in damage to private houses, outbuildings, cars, an outpatient clinic, and a gymnasium.

Russians also attacked Sumy Oblast overnight on 26 July. According to Governor Oleh Hryhorov, women aged 57 and 50 and a 55-year-old man were injured in the attack. The attack also damaged residential houses, a shop, and an internet club.

The Russian army also attacked Zaporizhzhia district. Several fires were recorded, a non-residential building was hit, Governor Fedorov said. There were no casualties reported.

Russia is wiping out Ukrainian cities daily. In the first half of 2025, 6,754 civilians in Ukraine were killed or injured, the highest number for a six-month period since 2022, Miroslav Jenča, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia, and the Americas, said.

One-third of Americans approve of President Donald Trump’s handling of the situation in Ukraine, according to a new Gallup poll that shows declining support for the president’s foreign policy approach six months into his second term.

Since his inauguration in January 2025, President Trump has pursued ending the Russia-Ukraine war by engaging in direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, seeking a ceasefire, and pressuring Ukraine to agree to terms. Trump also paused some military aid and intelligence sharing to Ukraine in March 2025.

Despite initial confrontations with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and criticism for sidelining Ukraine in talks, Trump later announced renewed weapons support and coordinated arms deliveries through NATO. He also claimed to impose potential sanctions on Russia if a settlement is not reached quickly.

The poll, conducted 7-21 July, found that 33% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of Ukraine, representing an eight-point decline from earlier measurements this year.

The survey began days after Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on 4 July, which addressed “tax cuts for individuals and corporations and increased spending for border security, defense and energy production.”

Trump’s overall job approval rating has fallen to 37%, “the lowest of this term and just slightly higher than his all-time worst rating of 34% at the end of his first term,” Gallup reports. The president’s rating “has fallen 10 percentage points among US adults since he began his second term in January, including a 17-point decline among independents, to 29%.”

On Ukraine specifically, partisan divisions remain stark. Republicans approve of Trump’s handling of the situation at 70% – the lowest rating he receives from his party on foreign policy issues.

“Aside from the situation in Ukraine, his ratings on the other issues range from 81% to 88% within his party,” according to Gallup.

Democrats give Trump his highest marks on Ukraine compared to other issues, with 12% approval. 

Among independents, no more than 36% approve of Trump’s performance on any measured issue. Ukraine ranks among the lower-rated issues for this group, though Gallup did not specify the exact percentage.

The survey shows Trump “earns the highest marks for his handling of the situation with Iran (42%) and foreign affairs (41%).” His approval ratings on other issues include immigration at 38%, the economy at 37%, and the federal budget at 29%.

Gallup reported that “apart from the situation with Iran, which was not previously measured in Trump’s second term, ratings on each of the issues are lower now than earlier this year.” The poll included approximately 750 respondents.

Ukraine has secured commitments for three Patriot air defense systems but requires 10 to adequately protect its airspace, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a meeting with journalists on 24 July

“Officially I received confirmation from Germany for two systems, Norway — one. Now we are working with Dutch partners,” Zelenskyy said, according to hromadske.

The announcement comes after German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius recently reported that Germany and the United States had agreed to transfer five additional Patriot systems to Ukraine.

According to Telegraph, Germany will provide funding for two systems under these arrangements, while Norway has promised to pay for the third. The replacement systems are expected to come through orders once promised to Switzerland.

Telegraph reported that one Patriot system and a batch of PAC-3 interceptor missiles have already arrived in Ukraine, though Ukrainian authorities have not officially confirmed this delivery.

Zelenskyy revealed Ukraine’s broader air defense requirements during the briefing.

“We are now working with partners to secure these 10. We are working on the missile issue, we have missiles. We are still fighting for a production license. It’s important that a production facility is appearing in Germany. Not yet with us, but with Europeans with whom we have good relations,” he said.

The Patriot commitments are part of expanding defense cooperation between Ukraine and its allies. Zelenskyy announced on 24 July that the United States had agreed to purchase Ukrainian-made drones, with potential contracts worth $10-30 billion under discussion.

“I really want America to help us protect our sky. This is very important,” Zelenskyy said, linking the drone deal to Ukraine’s air defense needs.

The systems are urgently needed to counter Moscow’s escalating long-range strikes. The US has already sent three systems and is involved in ongoing discussions to provide up to 17 systems in total.

Ukraine’s parliament will convene on 31 July to review President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s draft law 13533, which promises to restore independence to the country’s anti-corruption agencies, according to parliamentary speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk.

The speaker said that he would propose adopting the bill immediately as a basis and in full, while supporting its urgent signing. Beyond Zelenskyy’s anti-corruption measure, parliament will also consider other “important legislative initiatives,” Stefanchuk added.

The session will come nine days after parliament passed law №12414 on 22 July, which amended the Criminal Procedure Code to make NABU and the Specialized Anti-corruption Prosecutor’s Office dependent on decisions by the prosecutor general. Zelenskyy signed the document the same evening.

The 22 July law triggered protest actions across multiple Ukrainian cities. Amid the protests, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the heads of law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies, including the Prosecutor General.

 Zelenskyy announced later he submitted the new draft law to parliament, stating it would ensure “strength for the law enforcement system” and preserve “all norms for the independence of anti-corruption institutions.”

The National Anti-corruption Bureau confirmed that Zelenskyy’s bill would restore all powers and independence guarantees for NABU and SAPO that were affected by the earlier legislation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on 24 July that the United States has agreed to purchase Ukrainian-made drones, with potential contracts worth $10-30 billion under discussion.

“We have an agreement with America, with President Trump, that they will buy drones from us,” Zelenskyy told journalists during a briefing. “I have set the task for Umerov, Shmyhal and Kamyshin. They will deal with this. It is very important to prepare this contract for 10-20-30 billion dollars.”

The president has tasked National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov, Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal, and presidential advisor on strategic issues Oleksandr Kamyshin with preparing the contracts.

Zelenskyy first disclosed American interest in Ukrainian drone technology on 16 July, when he revealed discussions with President Trump about bilateral defense procurement.

“There are many drones that only we have. We are discussing this with President Trump. I told him that I really want to buy things from you that only you have. He told me that America wants to buy Ukrainian drones,” Zelenskyy said in an interview with Newsmax correspondent Shelby Wilder in Kyiv.

The Ukrainian leader framed the potential deal as part of broader defense cooperation, emphasizing Ukraine’s need for American Patriot air defense systems.

“I really want America to help us protect our sky. This is very important,” Zelenskyy said during the 16 July interview.

Ukraine urgently needs these systems to counter Moscow’s escalating long-range strikes. The US along with Germany has agreed to deliver five Patriot systems, with Germany, Norway, and other allies financing and facilitating the deliveries. The US has already sent three systems and is involved in ongoing discussions to provide up to 17 in total.

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy not to abandon the fight against corruption amid ongoing concerns over the independence of Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies, Poland’s Foreign Ministry reported on 24 July

“We conveyed to President Zelensky that the worst thing he could do now is turn away from the fight against corruption. Ukrainians are fighting for an honest, European state,“ Sikorski said, according to the Polish Foreign Ministry.

The ministry did not specify when or how this message was conveyed to the Ukrainian president.

The Polish announcement comes against the backdrop of legislative changes that threatened to make the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) – the main anti-corruption agencies in Ukraine – dependent on the prosecutor general.

On 24 July, Zelenskyy submitted a bill to parliament containing provisions to ensure NABU and SAP independence. This move followed mass protest actions – the first since Russia’s full-scale invasion began – and extensive criticism from Ukraine’s Western partners, who warned of risks to European integration and financial support.

In response to the backlash, Zelenskyy, together with law enforcement agencies, has already prepared and submitted a new bill on “strengthening the independence of anti-corruption agencies.”

The legislative changes followed extensive searches of NABU and SAPO employees.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected media reports about his conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen regarding a law that limits the independence of anti-corruption agencies.

“I have not spoken with Ursula von der Leyen in recent days. Everything that was written about this, everything she supposedly told me, is fake. We did not have a conversation,” Zelenskyy announced during a meeting with journalists attended by Hromadske.

On 23 July, multiple media outlets cited European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier, reporting that von der Leyen expressed concern to Zelenskyy about signing legislation that restricts the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). According to the spokesperson, the European Commission was “very concerned” about the law’s adoption.

The controversy stems from Zelenskyy’s decision on the evening of 22 July to sign legislation limiting NABU and SAPO’s independence. MP Anastasiia Radina said amendments were added that “make SAPO a decorative institution and provide for complete subordination of NABU and SAPO activities to the will of the prosecutor general.”

The presidential decision triggered mass protests in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. Demonstrators chanted “Veto the law,” “Return Europe,” and “Shame.”

In response to the backlash, Zelenskyy, together with law enforcement agencies, has already prepared and submitted a new bill on “strengthening the independence of anti-corruption agencies.”

The legislative changes followed extensive searches of NABU and SAPO employees. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Office of the Prosecutor General announced they had uncovered Russian influence on NABU. Individual Bureau employees face charges including treason, illegal trade with Russia, and corrupt actions in the interests of oligarchs.

Zelenskyy maintains that “criminal proceedings should not last for years without legal verdicts,” apparently referring to accusations of NABU’s “ineffective work.” SBU chief Vasyl Maliuk said that the anti-corruption bureau “needs to be cleansed of Russian intelligence influence.”

NABU emphasizes that even if individual employees’ guilt is proven, this does not justify eliminating the independence of anti-corruption agencies.

The NABU and SAPO developments have drawn attention from Ukraine’s international partners. Over recent days, several politicians have appealed to Zelenskyy and Ukrainian authorities with public calls or personal communications, emphasizing the need to preserve anti-corruption institutions.

Ten Russian oblasts came under drone attacks overnight against 25 July, according to Russia’s Ministry of Defense and Russian Telegram channels.

Russian air defense intercepted 105 unmanned aerial vehicles, the ministry reported. Over 20 drones were destroyed above Belgorod, Bryansk and Rostov oblasts each. The remaining drones were shot down over the Sea of Azov waters, Krasnodar and Stavropol oblasts, and Kursk, Tambov, Voronezh and Oryol regions.

Nevinnomyssk mayor Mikhail Minenkov said about “37 arrivals” in the Stavropol Oblast city. The attacks allegedly passed without casualties or destruction, according to the mayor.

The Nevinnomyssk Azot chemical plant came under attack, reports Astra resource. Local residents reported the attack on the facility overnight, and eyewitness footage documented the strikes, according to Astra.

The city mayor later showed the plant territory from a distance on video and praised the “plant workers,” indirectly confirming that the enterprise was the target of the attacks. 

The chemical plant has been struck for the second time in two months. On 14 June, a 13-drone attack on the Nevinnomyssk Azot facility knocked out doors, windows and premises of one of the workshops. The plant’s cafeteria roof and anti-drone protection were also damaged. Some 800 chemical plant employees waited out the attack in a bomb shelter, with no evacuation conducted. The enterprise had to suspend operations.

Reuters reported that two EuroChem plants – Nevinnomyssk Nitrogen Plant and Novomoskovsky Azot – shipped at least 38,000 tons of acetic acid and nearly 5,000 tons of nitric acid to the Sverdlov plant in Dzerzhinsk, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, from 2022 to 2024. These materials are used to produce octogen and hexogen, which are then used for artillery shells, the publication noted.

According to Astra, the NAK Azot plant in Novomoskovsk, Tula Oblast, has also been attacked by drones at least three times this year.

In Krasnodar Oblast, minor damage to private houses and damage to the Timashevsk railway station occurred, reported governor Veniamin Kondratyev.

Drone debris damaged one of the passenger train cars there. Two people sustained minor injuries.

During the drone attacks, airports in Vladikavkaz, Grozny, Mineralnye Vody, Nalchik, Stavropol, Tambov and Sochi temporarily ceased operations.

German defence contractor HENSOLDT has secured a contract worth over 340 million euros ($399 mn) to supply radar systems for Ukraine’s air defence capabilities, the company reported on 24 July.

The order includes TRML-4D high-performance radars and SPEXER 2000 3D MkIII short-range radars as part of the Near and Very Short Range Air Defence System commissioned by the German Armed Forces.

“Our high-performance radars are urgently needed by Ukrainian air defence,” HENSOLDT CEO Oliver Dörre said. “A number of radars have been protecting Ukraine since the start of Russia’s war of aggression. We are proud to be supplying further systems. The radars are extremely important for protecting citizens.”

Ukraine first received the TRML-4D radar in October 2022, with an initial delivery of four units integrated into their IRIS-T air defense systems. Additional deliveries followed, including another four TRML-4D radars in June 2023, and six more units are scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2024 as part of a major contract with HENSOLDT. 

The TRML-4D radar operates on AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) technology and can detect and track approximately 1,500 targets within a 250-kilometre radius. The system identifies and classifies cruise missiles, drones, aircraft and helicopters.

SPEXER radars provide surveillance across various ranges for automatic detection and classification of ground, sea and low-flying air targets. The SPEXER 2000 forms part of Rheinmetall’s Skyranger 30 cannon-based air defence system and is deployed in German artillery installations and qualified air defence systems.

According to HENSOLDT, several of their radar systems have been operational in Ukraine since the beginning of the war. The company maintains decades of experience in air defence radar systems and continues developing technologies in this sector.

The radar delivery represents part of Germany’s broader military support package for Ukraine’s defence against Russian forces.

Russia has deployed additional electronic warfare equipment near the Baltic nation’s frontier, escalating regional tensions as GPS jamming incidents increase across the region, Estonia’s Interior Minister Igor Taro said on 24 July.

Western security assessments warn that Russia poses a continuing threat of future aggression against EU countries, with concerns growing over its long-term strategic intentions beyond Ukraine. The Baltic nations – Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia – are named among the most threatened nation.

Russian forces moved signals jamming systems to the Kingisiepp area, located 20 kilometers from Estonia’s border, Igor Taro announced during a press conference in Tallinn on 24 July, according to Bloomberg.

The Russian Defense Ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

The equipment mirrors technology Russia employs in Ukraine to disrupt drone navigation systems. However, the electronic warfare capabilities create widespread interference with GPS systems used by commercial aviation and maritime vessels.

Estonia’s internal security agency has contacted Russian military officials regarding the deployment, according to Taro. The development follows earlier warnings from Estonian authorities about intensified GPS interference near Narva and the Narva Bay coastline.

The jamming campaign extends beyond Estonia’s borders. Lithuanian Deputy Defense Minister Karolis Aleksa said that Russia’s GPS signal blocking scope “is expanding.” Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said on 17 June that his country “records GPS disruptions over the Baltic Sea” linked to Russian activities.

Estonia, positioned on NATO’s eastern flank, maintains strong support for Ukraine while rapidly expanding its defense capabilities to counter potential Russian aggression. Regional tensions have heightened since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with Baltic states reporting increased electronic warfare incidents.

The electronic warfare systems pose risks beyond military applications, as GPS interference affects civilian aircraft navigation and commercial shipping operations throughout the Baltic region.

A new forensic examination of Ukrainian journalist Victoria Roshchyna’s body has uncovered additional injuries not previously reported, according to the Office of the Prosecutor General’s response to a LIGA.net inquiry.

The examination, conducted on 9 July by the Main Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination of the Ministry of Health, revealed that Roshchyna suffered neck trauma, bone fractures, hemorrhages in soft tissues of the temporal area, right shoulder and shins, and abrasions on her left foot. The previous examination had identified hemorrhages on various body parts and a broken rib.

Roshchyna, 27, disappeared on 3 August 2023, in occupied Ukrainian territory. The Security Service of Ukraine and later the Russian side confirmed that Russian forces had taken the journalist captive. On 10 October 2024, the Coordination Headquarters confirmed her death in Russia, with an investigation into her death in Russian captivity beginning the following day.

The journalist’s body was returned to Ukraine on 24 April 2025, according to the Prosecutor General’s Office, which reported that numerous signs of torture were found on Roshchyna’s body.

Despite the additional findings, the cause of death remains undetermined.

“At the time of the examination, Roshchyna’s body was in a state of pronounced cadaveric changes with tissue structure disruption, which does not allow establishing the cause of death and linking it to bodily injuries,” said Maryana Hayovska-Kovbasyuk, head of the information policy and communications department of the Prosecutor General’s Office.

Hayovska-Kovbasyuk added that the body was transferred to Ukraine in a state of “deep freezing with signs of mummification and decomposition.”

Results from biological samples previously collected by French experts from Roshchyna’s body are still pending, according to Hayovska-Kovbasyuk. Ukraine is currently conducting another examination – a forensic medical-criminalistic one.

As part of the case regarding the illegal detention and murder of the Ukrainian journalist on Russian territory, the National Police has questioned witnesses about the circumstances of Roshchyna’s stay in places of detention in Russia, including investigative isolator No. 2 in Taganrog, Rostov region, and detention center No. 3 in Kizel, Perm region.

Measures are being taken to identify individuals involved in her torture and murder. The article under which the case was opened – cruel treatment of civilians resulting in death – carries a penalty of life imprisonment.

The US State Department has approved the sale of two military assistance packages to Ukraine totaling $322 million, the Pentagon announced on 23 July.

The approval covers $172 million in HAWK Phase III missile system support and $150 million for Bradley infantry fighting vehicle restoration services.

According to Pentagon press releases, the Ukrainian government requested the purchase of goods and services for maintaining HAWK missile systems. The $172 million package includes spare parts for HAWK systems, missile complex repairs, testing and auxiliary equipment, storage containers and related spare parts storage equipment, spare parts for MIM-23 HAWK missiles and missile repairs, plus additional logistics and program support elements.

The second package addresses Ukraine’s request for equipment and services to restore Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, along with technical assistance and training for Ukrainian military personnel. This component carries a $150 million price tag, Pentagon officials said.

US officials stated the packages will enhance Ukraine’s capacity to address current and future threats.

“Ukraine will not have difficulties implementing these goods and services into its armed forces,” the Pentagon press service reported.

The approval comes weeks after President Donald Trump confirmed on 14 July that the US will provide Ukraine with weapons worth “billions of dollars.” According to Trump, European NATO allies will purchase and distribute the equipment, including up to 17 Patriot air defense systems currently being prepared for shipment to Ukraine.

Read also:

• 21-year-old Ukrainian adopted by Italian family dies fighting Russia
• Zelenskyy’s anti-corruption crackdown killed EU’s secret plan to bypass Hungary for Ukraine accession—European Pravda
• EU Officials demand Ukraine explain controversial anti-corruption law weakening NABU, SAPO

A 21-year-old Ukrainian man who was adopted by an Italian family as a child has been killed fighting Russian forces after voluntarily joining Ukraine’s army to defend his homeland and reconnect with his brother.

Artiom Naliato died Monday in a missile strike on a training facility near Kyiv where he was stationed with Ukraine’s International Legion of Territorial Defense, according to ANSA and Il Fatto Quotidiano.

Naliato was adopted at age 12 and raised in Tribano, a town in Padua province. In August 2022, he decided to travel to Ukraine to search for his brother. After initially returning to Italy, he made the choice to go back to Ukraine and enlist in the Ukrainian military.

“What brought him to Ukraine was certainly closeness to his brother, but also the desire to make Ukraine free,” Tribano Mayor Massimo Cavazzana told reporters. “Today Tribano loses its son. The emptiness he leaves is deep, but we will remember him for the courage of his choices.”

According to LaPresse, Cavazzana received notification of Naliato’s death the previous day. The young man was reportedly killed when a missile struck the barracks where he was located, likely during lunch time. Il Giornale reports he was taken to a hospital in critical condition but died despite medical efforts.

“He had decided to fight a war to defend a land he had in his heart,” the mayor said. “A difficult, dramatic choice, but driven by a sense of belonging and responsibility that we can only respect.”

Naliato had returned to Tribano several weeks before his final departure for the front on June 1st. A fellow soldier notified his adoptive family of his death via Facebook Messenger.

The mayor described Naliato as intelligent, noting that “although he didn’t finish school, he managed to find work.” The young man was employed as a security guard with Aries Srl, a company based in Vicenza.

“We gather with affection and pain around the family that welcomed and raised him with love,” Cavazzana wrote on Facebook announcing the death.

A vigil in memory of Artiom Naliato will be held Friday at 9 PM in the Duomo of San Lorenzo in Conselve, Padua province.

This marks the second war death of a Ukrainian-origin resident from Padua province. In 2023, Oleh Dozydenko, who had lived in the provincial capital for 15 years, was killed by mortar fire in Ukraine.

The European Commission has expressed deep concern over Ukraine’s adoption of legislation subordinating the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) to the Prosecutor General, with top EU officials requesting explanations from Kyiv.

This comes one day after parliament passed law #12414 on 22 July, which eliminated the independence of these anti-corruption institutions. President Zelenskyy signed the law the same day, despite public opposition, who came out to protest and call for the law to be vetoed.

European Commission (EC) spokesperson Guillaume Mercier told Ukrainska Pravda that the EC is “extremely concerned about the adoption of the draft that significantly weakens the powers of Ukrainian anti-corruption institutions.”

“Both institutions, NABU and SAPO, are widely considered cornerstones of the rule of law in Ukraine. They play a key role in Ukraine’s reform agenda and must be independent to fight corruption and maintain public trust,” Mercier said.

“Respect for the rule of law and the fight against corruption are fundamental principles of the EU. Ukraine as a candidate country is expected to fully comply with these standards. There can be no compromises here,” the spokesperson added.

Following the law’s passage, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen contacted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressing “strong concerns” and requesting explanations.

European Parliament Deputy Daniel Freund from the Greens party, who was in Kyiv when the law was adopted, called it “a clear breach of trust” and warned that “the Ukrainian government is jeopardizing the EU accession process.”

“The EU very much wants to help Ukraine. But it cannot continue to transfer money if the country is moving in the wrong direction,” Freund told Spiegel, according to European Pravda.

European Commissioner for Economic Affairs Valdis Dombrovskis emphasized that financial aid to Kyiv and its progress toward EU membership depend on the independence of anti-corruption institutions.

Ukraine’s response

Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka assured European Commission representative Gert Jan Koopman that reforms necessary for Ukraine’s EU accession “remain an unchanged priority, despite discussions around NABU and SAPO independence.”

Kachka informed about President Zelenskyy’s meeting with all heads of law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies. He added that the government “takes issues related to anti-corruption very seriously” and is conducting “active work to collect and analyze opinions and positions of all stakeholders regarding the law.”

Ukraine and Russia have completed the ninth stage of prisoner exchanges under agreements reached during the second round of negotiations in Istanbul on 2 June, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote on social media.

According to Zelenskyy, the exchange conducted on 23 July brought home seriously ill and seriously injured defenders.

“We can already talk about the details – through all stages of the latest Istanbul agreements, we managed to return more than 1,000 of our people. For a thousand families, this is the joy of embracing their loved ones again,” Zelenskyy said.

The returned soldiers defended Ukraine on various front directions, according to the president. A significant number reportedly were in captivity for more than three years.

“All will receive the necessary support and medical care. It is important that exchanges continue and our people are returning home,” Zelenskyy said.

The prisoner exchange program stems from agreements made on 2 June in Istanbul, where Ukrainian and Russian representatives agreed to exchanges in a format of 1,000 for 1,000, plus an additional 200 for 200 military prisoners. The sides also agreed on repatriation of 6,000 bodies of fallen soldiers from each side.

The first stage of exchanges under the Istanbul agreements began on 9 June, when Ukraine returned military personnel under 25 years old. Subsequent exchanges occurred on 10, 12, 14, 19, 20, and 26 June, with 4 July, marking the most recent prior exchange before today’s ninth stage.

Between 11-16 June, Ukraine completed the repatriation portion of the Istanbul agreements, receiving 6,057 bodies of fallen Ukrainian citizens, including military personnel. Russia received 27 bodies during the initial June 11 repatriation, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense.

The Ukrainian Coordination Headquarters for Treatment of Prisoners of War has not disclosed specific numbers of returned soldiers during ongoing exchange processes for security reasons, stating these figures will be announced upon completion of the exchange program.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans to submit a draft law to the Verkhovna Rada that will restore independence to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), according to his evening video address on 23 July.

The announcement comes one day after parliament passed law #12414 on 22 July, which eliminated the independence of these anti-corruption institutions.

The Rada supported the legislation with 263 votes, and Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk signed it the same day, despite calls from NABU chief Semen Kryvonos urging the president not to sign it. Zelenskyy ultimately signed the controversial law the same day as well.

“I held many meetings with government officials, as well as officials from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Security Service of Ukraine, National Anti-Corruption Bureau, State Bureau of Investigation, Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office, National Agency for Corruption Prevention and the Office of the Prosecutor General,” Zelenskyy said in his address.

Zelenskyy revealed that institutional leaders will jointly propose an action plan with concrete steps to strengthen the rule of law in Ukraine.

“Of course, everyone heard what people are saying these days – on social networks, to each other, on the streets. This is all not in vain. We analyzed all concerns, all aspects of what should be changed and what needs to be activated,” the president said.

The promised legislation will serve as “a response that will ensure strength to the law enforcement system,” according to Zelenskyy.

“There will be no Russian influence or interference in the activities of law enforcement agencies. And very importantly: all norms for the independence of anti-corruption institutions will be there,” the president said.

Zelenskyy expects concrete proposals from heads of law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies. He described the upcoming initiative as a presidential draft law that will be implemented “within our state transformation strategy.” The controversial law’s passage sparked protests in major Ukrainian cities.

Against the backdrop of these events, rallies against the adoption of the scandalous law were held in major Ukrainian cities. On 23 July, protests have been announced in at least 17 Ukrainian cities.

In Kyiv, there are at least 2 times more people today as on the first day, 22 July, when Zelenskyy signed the law. Participants of the protest in Kyiv chant “Power to the people!” and “Hands off NABU and SAPO.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has contacted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to express “strong concerns” about a newly signed law that restricts the independence of Ukraine’s National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP).

According to RBK-Ukraine and Liga.net, Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier told reporters in Brussels that the EU executive is very concerned about the adoption of law №12414, which could significantly weaken the competencies and powers of Ukraine’s anti-corruption bodies.

The spokesperson emphasized that NABU and SAP are considered cornerstones of the rule of law in Ukraine. He added that these institutions are crucial for implementing reforms in the country and must remain independent.

Mercier reminded that respect for the rule of law and the fight against corruption are key elements of the European Union, and Ukraine, as a candidate state for membership, must fully comply with these standards.

“There can be no compromise here,” the Commission spokesperson stressed.

Background

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed the controversial law on the evening of 22 July, which limits the independence of NABU and SAP.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) is a Ukrainian law enforcement agency established in 2014 to investigate and expose corruption, particularly among high-ranking officials, and prepare cases for prosecution. It works to prevent, detect, and terminate corruption within its jurisdiction, aiming to clean the government and foster a successful society.

The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) is an independent branch within Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office. It oversees and supports corruption investigations started by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and leads prosecution of high-level corruption offenses, especially involving senior officials.

According to MP Anastasia Radina, amendments were added that “make SAP a decorative institution and provide for complete subordination of NABU and SAP activities to the will of the Prosecutor General.”

Protests against the law’s signing took place in several cities, including Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, Dnipro, Lutsk, Poltava, and Ternopil. Participants called for the law to be vetoed.

Prior to the law’s adoption, massive searches were conducted at NABU and SAP offices. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and the Prosecutor General’s Office announced the exposure of Russian influence on NABU. Individual Bureau employees are accused of state treason, illegal trade with Russia, and corruption in the interests of oligarchs. However, NABU stated that these investigative actions were carried out without court warrants.

President Donald Trump’s ultimatum to Vladimir Putin over Ukraine has been interpreted by Moscow as permission to intensify military operations through the summer, Politico reported on 22 July, citing Russian analysts.

Trump delivered his demands during an Oval Office press conference last week, largely leaving NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte to outline the new American policy. The president stipulated that Putin must agree to a ceasefire by September or face additional economic penalties, including tariffs on countries trading with Western-sanctioned Russia.

The US will also sell Patriot air defense systems to Europe for transfer to Ukraine and provide additional weapons, though specific numbers and types remain undisclosed.

Russian markets responded positively to the announcement, with stocks rising 2.7 percent in the hours following Trump’s statement. The ruble also reversed some losses against the dollar.

“The ultimatum was essentially interpreted by Moscow as carte blanche to intensify its offensive in Ukraine,”  Russian political scientist Tatiana Stanovaya said, according to Politico.

Russian military analyst Yury Fedorov said the Kremlin had feared “immediate imposition” of secondary sanctions on Russian oil buyers and immediate deliveries of long-range missiles. Instead, Moscow now believes “Trump is not prepared and does not want to engage in a major confrontation with Russia,” according to Fedorov.

Trump’s former Russia czar Fiona Hill warned in a recent interview that the president is “deferential towards Putin because he really is worried about the risk of a nuclear exchange.” Hill added that Trump “thinks it’s just about real estate, about trade and who gets what, be it minerals, land or rare earths.”

“Putin doesn’t want a ceasefire. [He] wants a neutered Ukraine, not one that is able to withstand military pressure. Everybody sees this, apart from Trump,” Hill said.

Putin has maintained his preconditions for ending the war. At the recent St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, he reiterated demands for international recognition of territories he claims are Russian and Ukraine’s adoption of neutral, non-aligned status.

Ella Paneyakh, a sociologist at the New Eurasian Strategies Center, argues Putin needs to prolong the war because an abrupt halt would trigger “cruel and vicious competition for diminishing resources at every level of society.”

“Returning veterans — especially socially-connected contract soldiers — are likely to demand privileges and disrupt local balances of power, challenging both elites and institutions,” Paneyakh said. She warned that conflicts would “inevitably take place with those they perceive as ‘cowards’ who did not go to fight.”

Russian state oil and gas revenue is set to fall in July by around 37% from the same month in 2024 to 680 billion roubles ($8.66 billion) due to cheaper oil and a stronger local currency, Reuters reported on 22 July.

The oil and gas revenues significantly fund Russia’s war effort, and a reduction narrows Moscow’s ability to sustain its military campaign. This drop has mainly been caused by Western sanctions, persistent price caps, discounting of Russian oil, lower global oil prices, and declining gas exports amid the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The decline marks a significant drop in proceeds from what has been “the most important source of cash for the Kremlin, making up a quarter of total federal budget proceeds,” according to Reuters analysis.

Despite the annual decline, the proceeds are “set to increase by 37% from June due to cyclical payments of oil profit-based tax,” Reuters calculations indicate.

According to Reuters, the average Russian oil price calculated in roubles has remained below the federal budget’s target for 2025 throughout the period analyzed.

The broader impact extends beyond July, with Russia’s oil and gas revenue for January-July potentially declining “by 20% year-on-year to 5.4 trillion roubles,” Reuters calculations show.

The finance ministry will publish its official estimates on 5 August, according to the report.

Budget projections have undergone substantial revisions this year. The ministry had initially planned to earn 10.94 trillion roubles from oil and gas sales this year, but due to falling oil prices, it revised that expectation down to 8.32 trillion roubles.

This represents a sharp contrast to 2024 performance, when “oil and gas revenue reached 11.13 trillion roubles last year,” according to the data.

Archaeological excavations at Primorsky Boulevard near the Duke de Richelieu monument in Odesa have uncovered 14th-century Genoese materials, rector of the South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University, Andriy Krasnozhen, wrote on Facebook on 19 July.

The three-week dig, conducted by students from South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University and researchers from the Academy of Sciences Institute of Archaeology, revealed cultural layers from the Italian fortress called Ginestra, followed by the Ottoman fortress Hadjibey.

“The archaeological expedition on Primorsky Boulevard in Odesa is complete. An extraordinarily successful season in terms of results,” wrote university rector Andriy Krasnozhon on Facebook.

The excavated materials show that an Italian fortress originally stood on this territory, later replaced by Ottoman fortifications. Remains of these fortifications were discovered near the funicular railway.

Ivan Liptuga, director of Odesa City Council’s culture department, commented that this represents “a major event for the city, for the country, for history.”

“Now this will become one of the attributes of the universal value of the UNESCO World Heritage Site!,” he said.

The excavations resumed on 30 June 2025.

“Now we know exactly what is literally located under the Duke. Under him are cultural layers 2,500 years old. These are remains of the ancient Greek colony Harbor of Istrians. It was created in the 6th century BCE and existed for 300-400 years,” Krasnozhon said earlier.

Ground-penetrating radar studies in 2021 first detected an anomaly on Primorsky Boulevard unrelated to modern communications. Follow-up investigations in spring 2025 confirmed these findings. Krasnozhon expressed confidence that “a stone fortress Hadjibey stood here.”

The rector thanked Odesa Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov and European Solidarity faction MP Oleksiy Goncharenko for supporting the expedition. He promised to provide more detailed results later.

No previous excavations had been conducted on the semicircular square where the Duke monument stands.

The Italian maritime republic centered in Genoa existed from 1005-1797, maintaining an extensive network of settlements and trading posts across the Mediterranean, Black Sea, and European Atlantic coast. The merchant-ruled oligarchic republic profited significantly from Black Sea slave trade until the mid-15th century, actively exporting slaves to Egypt and Western Europe.

The Italian Ministry of Culture has reversed its decision to allow Russian conductor Valery Gergiev to perform at the Un’Estate da RE festival this summer, marking what would have been his first Western appearance since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began.

The concert of Russian conductor Valery Gergiev was scheduled for 27 July at the Royal Palace of Caserta, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Gergiev publicly supports the Russian regime and its military aggression against Ukraine. Russia strategically uses culture—through events, institutions, and historical narratives—as a tool to spread propaganda, justify state actions, and shape public opinion both domestically and abroad. The Ukrainian community in Italy has called to cancel his concert. 

Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli explained the reversal by distinguishing between artistic freedom and political messaging. “Art is free and cannot be censored,” Giuli said, according to ANSA.

“Propaganda, however, even if done with talent, is something else. That is why the concert by Putin’s friend and adviser Valery Gergiev, which the Campania Regional Government wanted, organized and paid for, at the Reggia di Caserta, which is independent in its choice of events to host like all autonomous institutes of the ministry of culture, risks giving the wrong message,” he added.

Gergiev was scheduled to conduct the Orchestra of the Teatro Verdi di Salerno alongside soloists from the Mariinsky Theater Orchestra on 27 July. The St. Petersburg-based Mariinsky Theater is where Gergiev serves as artistic director.

The planned performance sparked significant opposition from Italian politicians and international activists. Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, urged Italy to cancel the concert.

Campania’s president Vincenzo De Luca defended the original invitation, arguing that cultural boycotts were counterproductive.

De Luca, who has criticized Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, said he invited both Gergiev and Israeli conductor Daniel Oren to keep “channels of communication open even with those who do not think like us.”

The conductor Valery Gergiev has faced widespread boycotts across Western cultural institutions since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Peter Gelb, General Manager of New York’s Metropolitan Opera, stated that Gergiev “is no less than an artistic stand-in for Putin.”

Following the invasion, Gergiev was dismissed from his position as Chief Conductor of the Munich Philharmonic. Additional institutions that severed ties included the Rotterdam Philharmonic, Festspielhaus Baden-Baden, BIS Records, Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, and the Vienna Philharmonic.

Most recently, Gergiev was named on a fresh list of Canadian sanctions against Russia released in late June 2025. The sanctions were announced by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney following his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the G7 summit.

Ukrainian journalist Olena Kurbanova presented Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev with chevrons from Ukrainian Armed Forces units during a media forum in Shusha.

During the meeting, Kurbanova thanked Aliyev for the restoration of Nagorno-Karabakh before presenting him with the collection of military patches from various Ukrainian Armed Forces brigades.

“This is the most valuable thing — chevrons of our defenders. Because our army is the only guarantee of security for Ukraine. The most valuable thing we have,” Kurbanova told Aliyev, according to the YouTube footage.

Aliyev responded by thanking the Ukrainian journalist: “Thank you for what you are doing. Keep up the good work.”

The exchange occurred against the backdrop of Aliyev’s previous statements supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The Azerbaijan president advised Ukrainians never to agree to occupation of their territories, drawing parallels with the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

“Never agree to occupation. That’s the main advice. This is what we did,” Aliyev said at the Shusha Media Forum when responding to questions from Ukrainian journalist Dmitry Gordon.

The Azerbaijan president recalled that the UN Security Council had adopted four resolutions demanding the withdrawal of Armenian forces from Nagorno-Karabakh, but the international community failed to achieve their implementation.

“We decided that we would create new realities, and you would have to accept them. That’s what happened,” Aliyev said, advising Ukrainians not to give up and do the same.

The diplomatic gesture comes as Azerbaijan-Russia relations have deteriorated significantly over the past year. In December 2024, an Azerbaijan Airlines civilian aircraft crashed in Kazakhstan after being allegedly hit by Russian air defense systems in Grozny during a Ukrainian drone attack on the city. The incident killed 38 people, with Baku holding Moscow responsible.

Relations further soured in June 2025 when brothers Ziyaddin and Hussein Safarov, considered main suspects in the murder of businessman Yunis Pashayev, died during mass searches and detentions of Azerbaijanis in Yekaterinburg. Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry demanded an investigation, accusing FSB officers of “brutal murder” of the republic’s nationals and delivering a protest note to Russia’s ambassador in Baku.

The tensions escalated with a series of mutual detentions and arrests in both countries. On 16 July, a Yekaterinburg court sent Mutvali Shikhli’s son, head of the Ural Azerbaijani diaspora, to pretrial detention on charges of using violence against a Russian government representative.

Azerbaijan’s control over Nagorno-Karabakh was established in September 2023 when Baku launched what it called “anti-terrorist measures” to “restore constitutional order.” The unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh capitulated on 20 September 2023, after Azerbaijan claimed to have “completed all tasks of the anti-terrorist operation” and “restored sovereignty” within 24 hours.

On 30 September 2023, Azerbaijan recognized Armenia’s territorial integrity. The unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh ceased to exist on 1 January 2024.

New round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia could take place in Istanbul this week, tentatively scheduled for 23-24 July, Independent Türkçe reported on 21 July.

Independent Türkçe reported, citing diplomatic sources, that “international diplomatic meetings will take place in Istanbul this week.”

“In addition to negotiations with European countries regarding Iran’s nuclear program, negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are also expected in Istanbul this week,” the report said.

The parties have not disclosed precise information about the venue, time and level of delegations. However, the meeting reportedly will likely take place on 23-24 July.

The sides are expected to focus on humanitarian aid, prisoner exchanges, critical infrastructure security and the situation in border areas. Work is currently underway to determine the meeting location, develop security protocols and logistical preparation. The negotiations will be held behind closed doors, with the public informed through written statements, according to the report.

The potential talks follow recent developments in Ukraine’s leadership structure. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed former Defense Minister Rustem Umerov as Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council on Friday.

Speaking about Umerov’s tasks in this position, Zelenskyy said it was necessary to “intensify the negotiation track” with Russia. “The implementation of agreements from the second meeting in Istanbul is currently underway. More dynamics are needed in this process,” he said.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia supports adding “more dynamics” to the negotiation process with Ukraine.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on 18 July, during which they discussed the possibility of holding a new round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul.

On 19 July, Zelenskyy announced that NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov had proposed a meeting with the Russian side for the following week, emphasizing that Ukraine was ready for a leader-level meeting.

Previous meetings between Russian and Ukrainian delegations took place on 16 May and 2 June in Istanbul. Istanbul has previously hosted critical diplomatic processes including Iran nuclear negotiations, Russia-Ukraine peace contacts and international meetings on Syria.

A former high-ranking Ukrainian police official has been found dead under mysterious circumstances in the same Spanish residential complex where Russian defector pilot Maxim Kuzminov was assassinated earlier this year, El Español reports.

Ihor Hrushevskyi, 61, a former senior official in Ukraine’s Interior Ministry’s Department for Combating Organized Crime, was discovered floating in a community pool at the Cala Alta residential complex in Villajoyosa on June 29. The death occurred just 503 days after Kuzminov’s murder at the same location.

According to El Español, Hrushevskyi was found “face down and without pulse” in what “appeared to be a drowning” around 9:30 pm. A Ukrainian neighbor and young people passing through the common areas discovered the body and attempted CPR, but “could not save his life,” the publication states.

The circumstances surrounding Hrushevskyi’s death have raised suspicions among residents. While the Ukrainian showed no signs of violence, he was bleeding from one ear, leading some to suspect a stroke. Others question how someone could drown in a pool that “does not exceed 1.50 meters in depth.”

Hrushevskyi had recently purchased an apartment in block 1 of the complex and was renovating it. His background in law enforcement remained largely unknown to neighbors – of approximately 20 residents consulted by El Español, “only one knew his name” and that he worked in organized crime fighting.

Ukrainian legal records show Hrushevskyi served as head and authorized representative of the Interior Ministry’s Department for Combating Organized Crime in the Cherkasy and Kirovograd oblasts in 1993. The department was officially dissolved in 2015 as part of police reforms aimed at “cutting corrupt practices” and aligning with European standards.

The location adds an unsettling dimension to the death. Kuzminov, the Russian helicopter pilot who defected to Ukraine with a sophisticated Mi-8 combat helicopter in exchange for 500,000 euros, was “shot dead on 13 February 2024” in the complex’s garage. The pilot had been living under a false identity when Russian Foreign Intelligence Service agents tracked him down.

Of the “more than 3,000 kilometers separating Alicante from Ukraine,” both deaths occurred within meters of each other – “one in the garage and another in the pool,” El Español notes. Some residents fear this proximity may not be coincidental, particularly given that Russian President Vladimir Putin “used to vacation in his luxury refuge in Altea Hills” before the war and has contacts who “know the area perfectly.”

The Wall Street Journal later reported that the killers received payment from Russian officials in Vienna.

Ukrainian air defense forces shot down 224 targets during the Russian assault overnight into 21 July.

According to the Ukriane’s air defense forces, an additional 203 drones failed to reach their intended targets. The miitary confirmed 23 strike drones hit targets at 3 locations, with debris from destroyed drones falling at 12 locations.

The overnight assault represented another large-scale combined air attack by Russia on Ukraine, with occupying forces deploying strike drones and missiles of various types. Explosions were heard across multiple oblasts throughout the night. Among other oblasts, Kyiv and Ivano-Frankivsk faced the heaviest attack.

Four people, including one child, were injured in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast during Russia’s overnight rocket and drone attack on 21 July, according to the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (DSNS). Residential buildings were damaged.

The attack on Ivano-Frankivsk was particularly severe. Mayor Ruslan Martsinkiv described the strikes as “the most large-scale” since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, stating there were “very many” hits on the city.

Beyond the residential casualties, fires erupted across multiple locations in the oblast. In the Gorodenkivka territorial community of Kolomyia district, a fire broke out in an agricultural building, which has been extinguished with no casualties reported. In Ivano-Frankivsk city center, emergency services extinguished fires at garages and vehicles in an open parking area covering 220 square meters, as well as industrial and warehouse facilities spanning 300 square meters.

Kyiv bore significant damage from the attack. One person died and six others were injured in the capital, including a 15-year-old girl, reports the National Police of Ukraine.

In Solomianskyi district, a man died. In Darnytskyi district, five people aged 36 to 55 years received shrapnel injuries. Among them is a 15-year-old girl. In Shevchenkivskyi district, an elderly woman was hospitalized.

The capital sustained widespread damage to residential buildings, a kindergarten, a supermarket, small architectural forms, garages, transport, warehouse facilities, and the ground section of a metro station. Destruction and debris were recorded in Holosiivskyi, Darnytskyi, Dniprovskyi, Obolonskyi, Sviatoshynskyi, Solomianskyi, and Shevchenkivskyi districts.

The blast wave also affected a police crew responding to an emergency call.

Metro station “Lukianivska” in Kyiv temporarily suspended passenger service due to damage to its ground section caused by the Russian shelling. Traffic was blocked on several streets in Darnytskyi and Shevchenkivskyi districts following the attack.

US President’s Special Representative Keith Kellogg visited training facilities of Ukraine’s National Guard on 16 July, according to the National Guard’s press service.

The American delegation, accompanied by National Guard Commander Brigadier General Oleksandr Pivnenko, observed the preparation of Ukrainian guardsmen, their equipment, and modern battlefield technologies. The delegation was presented with tank and combat vehicle crew training, simulator work, as well as drones and robotic systems.

According to National Guard officials, Kellogg noted the courage of Ukrainian fighters and high quality of training, emphasizing that Ukraine’s experience is valuable for armies of other countries.

The visit represents the third day of Kellogg’s mission to Kyiv, following meetings with top Ukrainian officials on 14-15 July. During his previous days in the capital, Kellogg met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss pathways to peace between Ukraine and Russia, as well as ways to bring the war to a conclusion.

The special representative also held discussions with Defense Minister Rustem Umerov about joint projects for localizing production of air defense systems and other weapons in Ukraine and Europe. Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrsky, Chief of Main Intelligence Directorate Kyrylo Budanov, and Chief of General Staff Andriy Hnatov briefed Kellogg on Russia’s plans and preparations for a more large-scale war with NATO.

Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha discussed with Kellogg ways to expand defense cooperation between Ukraine and the United States. “Despite what Russian propaganda claims, Russia is not winning, and Ukraine is not losing this war,” Sybiha noted during their meeting.

Kellogg also met with British Armed Forces Commander Admiral Tony Radakin during his Kyiv visit. The American official stated that America and European allies continue working toward achieving lasting peace in the war between Russia and Ukraine.

The special representative’s visit coincided with several large-scale air raid alerts on July 14 and 15, related to Russian MiG-31K aircraft that can carry hypersonic Kinzhal missiles.

A Danish company’s Russian subsidiary is facilitating grain exports through the occupied Berdiansk port, helping ship at least 172,000 tons of grain between March 2024 and May 2025, according to an investigation by Slidstvo.Info and KibOrg.

The investigation reveals that “Baltic Control Novorossiysk,” registered in Russia, provides cargo hold inspection and draft survey services at Berdiansk port, which Russia has controlled since March 2022. The company’s parent organization, Baltic Control, operates from Denmark and positions itself as a leading global inspection and certification firm established in 1980 with over 50 offices worldwide.

IT specialists from KibOrg obtained documentation related to the occupied Berdiansk port’s operations. Analysis by Slidstvo.Info journalists found Baltic Control mentioned dozens of times in correspondence between Russian companies regarding grain shipment preparations.

After Russia’s full-scale invasion began, information about Baltic Control’s Russian operations disappeared from the Danish company’s website. However, when journalists contacted the central office in Denmark seeking contact details for the Russian branch, they received the phone number of “Baltic Control Novorossiysk” director Alexander Shalimov.

Speaking to a journalist who presented herself as a manager from a Polish company, Shalimov confirmed his firm’s inspection services in Berdiansk port.

“I’ll tell you this – we are the only ones located in Berdiansk. All the rest are visitors. This is a very significant nuance. So you will see quality throughout the entire loading process, operatively,” Shalimov said during the call.

When a Slidstvo.Info journalist called Shalimov and identified himself as Ukrainian media, Shalimov denied working in Berdiansk and refused to answer follow-up questions.

Neither the Danish Baltic Control nor the Russian “Baltic Control Novorossiysk” responded to written inquiries from journalists.

International law attorney Kateryna Rashevska told Slidstvo.Info that the Danish Baltic Control’s involvement in grain exports from occupied Zaporizhzhia region territories could be considered complicity in Russian crimes.

The investigation documents Russian companies’ systematic use of the occupied port for grain shipments, with Baltic Control’s subsidiary providing crucial inspection services that enable these operations to proceed.

Europe is considering using profits from nearly €200 billion of frozen Russian Central Bank assets to fund President Donald Trump’s $10 billion weapons package for Ukraine, The Telegraph reported on 15 July.

Trump confirmed on 14 July a new military assistance package that would provide Ukraine with “billions of dollars” worth of weaponry, funded and distributed by European NATO allies. Trump said the package includes up to 17 Patriot air defense systems.

The proposal to use frozen Russian assets to fund President Donald Trump’s $10 billion weapons package emerged during EU foreign ministers’ discussions in Brussels on 15 July, marking the first formal talks since Trump announced the NATO-coordinated arms deal.

Diplomatic sources told The Telegraph that ministers asked how Trump’s plan would work, though detailed information had yet to be shared with European capitals.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the deal involves NATO buying American air defence systems, missiles and ammunition before delivering them to Kyiv. At least eight member states have signed up to the scheme, announced during Trump’s Oval Office meeting with Rutte on 14 July.

“It is widely considered that NATO’s support mission for Ukraine – Nsatu – will play the lead role in coordinating purchases of American weapons and their eventual delivery to Kyiv,” a NATO official said.

The plan involves a central NATO-controlled fund topped up by European allies and Canada, which would purchase items from a Ukrainian government “shopping list” of American weapons.

Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski suggested the EU’s contribution could come from frozen Russian asset profits. “Should it be a burden shouldered by our taxpayers or the Russians,” he told colleagues, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

Brussels had been developing its own weapons purchase fund using seized assets, but directing money toward Trump’s scheme is viewed as more efficient for maintaining US support for Ukraine. Contributing to the American plan would also count toward NATO’s 3.5 percent defense spending target.

During the 14 July meeting, Trump threatened “severe tariffs” against Russia if it doesn’t make peace within 50 days. He described Putin as “a tough guy” and said he was “angry” at the Russian leader for not being “nice.”

First deliveries of Patriot air-defence batteries are expected in Ukraine within days, though details about long-range missiles remain to be finalized by the White House.

Kremlin officials dismissed US President Donald Trump’s 50-day ultimatum for a Ukraine ceasefire while Russian President Vladimir Putin remained silent on the demands, the Institute for the Study of War reported on 15 July, citing Russian Telegram channels, controlled by Kremlin.

During a 14 July Oval Office meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump threatened “severe tariffs” if Russia doesn’t make peace within 50 days but declined to specify how far he would escalate if Putin increases pressure. Trump also called Putin “a tough guy” and said he was “angry” at the Russian leader for not being “nice.”

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told TASS on 15 July, according to the ISW, that Russia views “especially ultimatums” as “unacceptable.” Ryabkov said Russia’s position is “unshakable” and Moscow will continue pursuing war aims militarily if the US and NATO ignore Russian demands.

Security Council Deputy Chairperson Dmitry Medvedev posted that “Russia didn’t care” about Trump’s “ultimatum.” Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed confidence Russia will cope with US tariffs, as Moscow is already “coping” with prior sanctions.

Putin has yet to officially respond and is likely attempting to identify narratives that could convince Trump not to follow through with tariffs in September 2025, according to ISW.

Trump announces $10 billion Ukraine aid

Trump announced a $10 billion military package for Ukraine including Patriot missiles and air defense weapons. NATO countries will purchase the weapons from the US and transfer them to Ukraine.

The package may authorize Ukraine to use 18 long-range ATACMS missiles at full 300-kilometer range, enabling strikes on Russian military bases and supply depots previously out of reach.

Trump considered sending Tomahawk cruise missiles – the same weapons used against Iranian targets last month. “If fired from Ukraine, these could hit Moscow and St. Petersburg,” the Washington Post reported. Tomahawks aren’t included in current deliveries but could be deployed later.

Trump’s announcement followed his disappointment with Putin’s unwillingness to pursue ceasefire talks. Putin told Trump during their 3 July call that Moscow plans to escalate operations in eastern Ukraine within 60 days, “securing the full administrative borders of occupied Ukrainian oblasts.”

“Trump is really pissed at Putin. His announcement tomorrow is going to be very aggressive,” Sen. Lindsey Graham told Axios.

President Donald Trump announced on 15 July that Patriot air defense missiles destined for Ukraine are already being shipped from Germany, marking a significant acceleration in military aid delivery to Ukraine.

“They’re already being shipped,” Trump told journalists at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, when asked about Patriot missiles and other weapons that NATO allies will purchase for Ukraine. The missiles are “coming in from Germany and then replaced by Germany,” he explained.

The announcement comes as part of a broader military assistance package that Trump confirmed on 14 July would provide Ukraine with “billions of dollars” worth of weaponry, funded and distributed by European NATO allies. Trump said the package includes up to 17 Patriot air defense systems.

“In all cases, the United States gets paid back in full,” Trump emphasized. “NATO’s going to pay us back for everything. In some cases, we’re going to be paid back by countries of the European Union directly. We’re always getting our money back in full.”

Ukraine needs more air defence systems to defend its citizen and infrustructure from Russian attacks that included more than 700 missile and drone strikes on some days last week.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called the arrangement “completely logical” during an Oval Office meeting with Trump on 14 July. According to Rutte, Trump called  him on 10 July to say he had decided Ukraine should receive “everything necessary for self-defense,” but wanted Europeans to pay for it.

The initiative has attracted interest from Germany, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Canada, Rutte noted.

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on 14 July that Germany cannot provide Ukraine with additional Patriot air defense systems as the country has only six left from its original stock of 12. Pistorius reportedly planned to discuss US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth a proposal he made last month allowing Germany to purchase two Patriot systems from the US specifically for Ukraine

Beyond the Patriot systems, the military assistance reportedly may include authorization for Ukraine to use its 18 long-range ATACMS missiles at their full 300-kilometer range, enabling strikes on military bases, airfields, and supply depots deep inside Russia that are currently out of reach.

Trump also considered sending Tomahawk cruise missiles to Ukraine – the same weapons used against Iranian targets last month. The Washington Post reported that “if fired from Ukraine, these could hit Moscow and St. Petersburg, and they were included in discussion as late as Friday.” However, the Tomahawks are not included in the current delivery list, though they could be deployed later if Trump seeks additional leverage.

These decisions represent a significant policy shift from Trump’s previous stance of providing only defensive equipment. The announcement followed Trump’s expressed “disappointment” with Russian President Vladimir Putin over Putin’s unwillingness to move towards a ceasefire and Russia’s escalating attacks on Kyiv and other cities.

During a phone call on 3 July, Putin reportedly told Trump that Moscow plans to escalate military operations in eastern Ukraine within the next 60 days, “securing the full administrative borders of occupied Ukrainian oblasts.”

Trump also threatened to impose “severe tariffs” against Russia if it doesn’t make peace within 50 days. During the meeting with Rutte, Trump described Putin as “a tough guy” and said he was “angry” at the Russian leader for not being “nice.”

Trump confirmed he has not spoken to Putin since announcements made on 14 July.

Russia launched a massive overnight attack on Ukraine using an Iskander-M ballistic missile and 400 drones of various types, targeting primarily Kryvyi Rih, Kharkiv, and Vinnytsia, according to Ukraine’s Air Force Command.

Ukrainian air defenses destroyed 198 Russian drones and suppressed an additional 145 decoy drones, the Air Force reported. One ballistic missile and 57 drones struck targets in 12 locations, with debris from intercepted drones falling in two additional areas.

The attack originated from multiple Russian positions including Shatalovo, Bryansk, Kursk, Millerovo, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Russia, as well as Chauda in occupied Crimea. 

The Russian military regularly attacks Ukrainian oblasts with various types of weapons. Russia’s leadership denies that the Russian army has been conducting targeted attacks on the civilian infrastructure of Ukrainian cities and villages, killing civilians and destroying hospitals, schools, kindergartens, energy and water supply facilities.

Vinnytsia bears heavy casualties

Vinnytsia suffered the most significant impact, with strikes against industrial and civilian infrastructure. About eight people are injured, Nataliia Zabolotna, deputy head of the Vinnytsia Regional Military Administration, said.

The attack damaged industrial facilities, with firefighters successfully containing a blaze at one site while continuing operations at another. Four residential buildings in the Vinnytsia Oblast sustained damage, with one house receiving substantial destruction.

“In total, Vinnytsia Oblast was attacked by 28 UAVs today, of which approximately 18 targets were destroyed,” Zabolotna said.

Kryvyi Rih industrial facility destroyed

Kryvyi Rih faced a combined assault involving both the ballistic missile and 28 kamikaze drones, resulting in the destruction of an industrial enterprise and widespread power outages. A 17-year-old boy suffered severe abdominal injuries in the attack, Governor Serhii Lysak said.

Kharkiv enterprise targeted

In Kharkiv, Russian drones struck a civilian enterprise in the Kyiv district, causing a large-scale fire and injuring three people, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said. The attack also resulted in a fire at an apartment building in Kramatorsk.