Ukraine Invasion: Part 57

[MagicFox]

Welcome to 57. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

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Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ US reportedly resumes (kyivindependent.com/us-reportedly-resumes-some-arms-deliveries-to-ukraine-after-pause-06-2025/) some arms deliveries to Ukraine after pause.
The full content of the resumed shipments is not immediately clear, though officials told the U.S. media they include 155 mm artillery rounds and GMLRS guided rocket munitions.

⚡️ Slovakia continues to block (kyivindependent.com/slovakia-continues-to-block-eus-18th-russia-sanctions-package-media-reports-06-2025/) EU's 18th Russia sanctions package, media reports.
Since EU sanctions require unanimous backing, a single country's veto prevents the package from being implemented.

⚡️Estonia may veto EU's 18th sanctions package if Russian oil price cap (kyivindependent.com/estonia-may-veto-eus-18th-sanctions-package-if-russian-oil-price-cap-not-lowered-foreign-minister-says-06-2025/) not lowered, foreign minister says.

Trump to exit Ukraine peace effort, Bolton says ()

⚡️US Congress ready to move forward on Russia sanctions bill (kyivindependent.com/us-congress-ready-to-move-forward-on-russia-sanctions-bill-but-trump-wants-changes-politico-reports-06-2025/), but Trump wants changes, Politico reports.
A date for a vote on the bill has not been set. Trump has reportedly pushed to delay a vote as he works with senators to water down the legislation, softening the impact of the sanctions law.

⚡️ Ukraine needs over $40 billion in foreign aid (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-needs-over-40-billion-in-foreign-aid-for-2026-prime-minister-says-06-2025/) for 2026, prime minister says.

Ukraine war latest: Russia launches record 741 drones (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-98-06-2025/), missiles at Ukraine

⚡️Russia targets Kyiv, western Ukraine with mass attack (kyivindependent.com/russia-targets-kyiv-western-ukraine-in-mass-attack-for-second-night-in-a-row-06-2025/) second night in a row.

⚡️EU suspends (kyivindependent.com/european-commission-suspends-ukrainian-interpreter-for-allegedly-spying-on-zelensky-for-russia-le-monde-reports-06-2025/) Ukrainian language interpreter suspected of spying on Zelensky for Russia, Le Monde reports
The European Commission's interpreter was present during a closed-door meeting between European Union leaders and Volodymyr Zelensky on Dec. 19, 2024.

⚡️ Europe's human rights court (https://kyivindependent.com/europes-human-rights-court-rules-russia-violated-international-law-in-ukraine-06-2025/) rules Russia violated international law in Ukraine, was behind MH17 downing.

⚡️ US Army to sharply increase (kyivindependent.com/us-army-to-sharply-increase-patriot-missile-purchases-in-fiscal-year-2026-media-reports-06-2025/)Patriot missile purchases in fiscal year 2026, media reports.
Internal Pentagon documents reportedly revealed that the Army has boosted its planned purchases of the most advanced Patriot interceptors from 3,376 to 13,773.

⚡️Czech Republic to train up to 8 Ukrainian F-16 pilots (kyivindependent.com/czech-republic-to-train-up-to-8-ukrainian-f-16-pilots-this-year-06-2025/) this year.

⚡️Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces behind every 3rd Russian target (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-unmanned-systems-forces-behind-every-3rd-russian-target-hit-in-june-commander-in-chief-says-06-2025/) hit in June, commander in chief says.

⚡️ Zelensky meets Trump's envoy (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-meets-trumps-envoy-kellogg-in-italy-ahead-of-06-2025/) Kellogg in Rome.

⚡️Ukraine detains (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-detains-2-chinese-nationals-suspected-of-spying-on-neptun-missile-technology-sbu-says-06-2025/) 2 Chinese nationals suspected of spying on Neptune missile technology, SBU says.
According to the SBU, the two individuals, a 24-year-old former student of a Kyiv technical university and his father, were gathering classified documentation with the intent to illegally transfer it to Chinese intelligence.

Kremlin exacts loyalty amid tightening crackdown on Russian elite (kyivindependent.com/russia-cracks-down-on-elites-06-2025/)
The Kremlin's grip on the Russian elite appears to be closing ever tighter as two major figures of Russian business and security structures were detained in the past few days.
Konstantin Strukov, a billionaire running a gold mining empire, and Viktor Strigunov, a former top officer in Russia's National Guard, are now facing corruption accusations.

⚡️ Despite security risks, Russia to reopen (kyivindependent.com/despite-security-risks-russia-to-reopen-gelendzhik-airport-in-drone-struck-krasnodar-krai-06-2025/) Gelendzhik Airport in drone-struck Krasnodar Krai.

⚡️In historic feat, Ukraine's 3rd Brigade captures (https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-assault-brigade-captures-russian-troops-using-only-drones-and-robots-in-historic-operation-military-says-06-2025/) Russian troops using only drones and robots, military says. 
The operation took place in Kharkiv Oblast in northeastern Ukraine, where the brigade deployed first-person view (FPV) drones and kamikaze ground robotic platforms to attack Russian fortifications, the brigade said in a statement.

⚡️Ex-military chief Zaluzhnyi tops (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-former-top-general-zaluzhnyi-tops-trust-rankings-new-poll-finds-06-2025/) Ukraine's trust ranking, his successor falls behind.
The poll, conducted on July 4 and 5, found that 73% of Ukrainians trust Valerii Zaluzhnyi, who was dismissed as commander-in-chief in February 2024 but continues to command strong public support.

⚡️Pro-Ukraine partisans sabotage (kyivindependent.com/pro-ukraine-partisans-sabotage-railway-in-russias-volgograd-occupied-crimea-disrupting-military-logistics-group-claims-06-2025/) railways in Russia's Volgograd, occupied Crimea, group claims.

⚡️ Update: 2 killed, 16 injured (kyivindependent.com/russia-targets-kyiv-western-ukraine-in-mass-attack-for-second-night-in-a-row-06-2025/) in Russian drone, missile strike on Kyiv.

⚡️ 12 killed, 52 injured in Russian attacks (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-july-10-06-2025/) against Ukraine over past day.

‪Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 1h
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — JUL 10, 2025
■ Engagements well above the 7-day average, but relatively few 🇷🇺 casualties reported
■ Record number of drones downed & six missiles intercepted
■ Fewer MLRS and airstrikes, but 14 missiles used

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Zelenskyy Discusses Arms Supplies and Air Defense with Trump’s Special Representative Kellogg
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Trump’s special representative, Keith Kellogg, to discuss arms supplies and the strengthening of Ukraine’s air defense.

The Economist: At Current Pace, Russia Would Need 89 Years to Capture All of Ukraine
According to The Economist, Russia is currently advancing at a rate of just 0.05 km² per day in certain areas, such as the Sumy and Donetsk regions. Despite these localized gains, the publication notes that there is no sign of a strategic breakthrough on the front.
At this rate, it would take 89 years for Russian forces to occupy the entire territory of Ukraine.
The article also highlights that the summer offensive has become the bloodiest phase of the full-scale war so far, resulting in the highest number of casualties.

Massive Internet Outages Reported Across Russia; Experts Suggest Nationwide Restrictions
Russian internet users have reported widespread outages for several consecutive days, with the largest disruption occurring on July 8. Users in 79 of Russia’s 89 regions experienced issues, with the country’s main internet provider, Na Svyaz, also down in 48 regions.
“This is not just a technical failure,” Russian tech resources say. “A failure is when a cleaning lady pulls out a cable with a mop. You might see an outage at one provider in a district or even an entire city — but not across all providers nationwide. What’s happening now is a partial national shutdown, when one or more forms of communication are restricted due to actions by regulators.”

Zelenskyy Meets with Italian President Sergio Mattarella in Rome

Zelenskyy Thanks Pope Leo XIV for Support During Meeting at Papal Residence

Russia Shifts Tactics: Targeting Ukrainian Recruitment Centers to Undermine Mobilization — The Washington Post
Ukrainian authorities are reporting a dangerous shift in Russian military tactics: targeted attacks on military registration and enlistment offices aimed at disrupting Ukraine’s mobilization efforts. In the first days of July alone, five Recruitment Centers were hit, killing three people and injuring 88—mostly civilians.
Facing an enemy with overwhelming numerical superiority, Ukraine is under constant pressure to replenish its forces. But after three years of grueling war, enlistment is increasingly difficult, with many actively trying to avoid the draft. The attacks on mobilization institutions have only deepened these challenges.

Oleksandr Prokudin, head of the Regional Military Administration, reported that Russian forces struck the village of Pravdyne, targeting a child and an elderly woman who were in the courtyard of a home at the time.

oops

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

US Secretary of State Rubio will meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on July 10 in Kuala Lumpur — Reuters

Kyiv chokes in smoke after yet another massive Russian assault. Air quality has plunged to dangerous levels. Rescue efforts continue at the sites of the strikes.
https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/30608

Denmark has woken up to the threat to its territory from long-range Russian cruise missiles (www.kyivpost.com/analysis/55975) and drones and is urgently taking steps to bolster its air defenses by urgently acquiring German, French and Norwegian systems.

Precision strike: Ukraine’s drones just destroyed a $10M Russian Buk-M1 (www.kyivpost.com/post/55998) air defense system. Footage shows the system trying to hide – only to be torched by a direct hit. Another one bites the dust.

One of Ukraine’s most feared drones — the Nemesis — can fly 20 km, strike tanks and artillery with surgical precision, and be guided via Starlink from anywhere in the world.
The Russians call it “Baba Yaga” for a reason: silent, deadly, and unstoppable at night. Kyiv Post filmed it up close.

The Pope proposed to Zelensky to hold negotiations between Ukraine and Russia at the Vatican.
During the meeting, they also discussed the return of Ukrainian children who were illegally taken to Russia.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Russian occupation forces attacked the towns of Rodynske and Kostyantynivka in Donetsk Oblast using an FPV drone and aerial bombs, killing 8 civilians, according to the regional prosecutor’s office.

🇭🇺 Hungarian oil company Mol is seeking an alternative to Russian oil, and considers a pipeline from the port of Odesa the best option.
The European Union has allowed Hungary to continue importing Russian crude, but the country is under pressure to gradually phase out these deliveries. The EU aims to end all energy imports from Russia by 2027.
Connecting to Ukrainian infrastructure won’t be easy, as Odesa is frequently targeted by Russian attacks, and the currently inactive pipeline would require significant investment. It would also demand political flexibility from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has signed several energy deals with Russia.
Mol wants the EU and other stakeholders to contribute to restoring the pipeline, which the company says could also serve as an alternative oil source for Serbia. Hungary and Serbia are currently working together to build a new oil pipeline.

❗️Russia launched a massive overnight attack on Kyiv and the surrounding region. What we know:
🔴The attack lasted nearly 10 hours and involved both drones and missiles.
🔴In the capital, 2 people were killed and 14 injured — 9 of them hospitalized. In the region, one man was wounded.
🔴In the Shevchenkivskyi district, drone debris hit a residential building, causing a fire.
🔴In the Darnytskyi district, debris sparked fires at garages and a gas station. Debris also landed in the courtyard of a residential building.
🔴In the Solomianskyi district, the roof of a non-residential building caught fire; in the Holosiivskyi district, a truck ignited; and in the Podilskyi district, debris fell on the grounds of a non-residential area.

Overnight, Russia launched 415 drones and missiles at Ukraine. Among them:
🔴397 UAVs, including 200 Shaheds
🔴8 Iskander-M ballistic missiles
🔴6 Kh-101 cruise missiles
🔴4 S-300 surface-to-air guided missiles
Ukraine’s Air Force reports that air defense shot down 178 targets: 164 drones, all 8 Iskander-M missiles, and 6 Kh-101 missiles. Additionally, 204 drones and missiles were either lost from radar tracking or suppressed by electronic warfare systems.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-10-2025

Key Takeaways:

• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed frustration following a June 10 meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov about Russia's lack of progress towards ending the war in Ukraine.
• The Kremlin continues efforts to use its diplomatic engagements with the United States in an effort to divert attention from the war in Ukraine and toward the potential restoration of US-Russian relations.
• The Economist assessed that it would take Russia about 89 years to seize all of Ukraine at its current relatively accelerated rate of advance, which has fluctuated throughout the war and is unlikely to remain constant.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US Special Envoy to Ukraine General Keith Kellogg in Rome on July 9.
• The United States reportedly resumed some military aid shipments to Ukraine.
• Ukraine’s Western allies continue to provide military aid to Ukraine.
• Russia launched another large-scale missile and drone strike against Ukraine on the night of July 9 to 10 that heavily targeted Kyiv City, resulting in civilian casualties and significant damage to civilian infrastructure.
• Russia's strike tactics, coupled with the increased scale and concentrated targeting of Russia's recent strike packages, aim to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses and are resulting in significant damage.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed Deputy Foreign Minister and Presidential Special Representative to the Middle East and Africa Mikhail Bogdanov on July 9.
• Russian forces recently advanced near Borova, Toretsk, and Novopavlivka.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Trump promises 'major statement (kyivindependent.com/trump-promises-major-statement-on-russia-reveals-new-nato-weapons-deal-for-ukraine-06-2025/)' on Russia, reveals new NATO weapons deal for Ukraine.
In a July 10 interview with NBC News, U.S. President Trump said he plans to make a "major statement" on Russia next week and revealed a new U.S.-NATO weapons deal for Ukraine.

⚡️Rubio discusses 'new approach' (kyivindependent.com/rubio-discusses-new-approach-to-ending-russias-war-in-talks-with-lavrov-despite-frustration-06-2025/) to ending Russian war in talks with Lavrov despite US 'frustration.'

⚡️Trump to send weapons (kyivindependent.com/trump-to-send-weapons-to-ukraine-for-first-time-via-presidential-power-sources-tell-reuters-06-2025/) to Ukraine for first time via presidential power, sources tell Reuters.

⚡️Zelensky considers (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-considers-defense-minister-rustem-umerov-to-become-ukraine-ambassador-to-us/) Defense Minister Rustem Umerov for ambassador post in US.

After years of relative calm, a western Ukrainian city comes to terms with being in Russia's crosshairs (kyivindependent.com/a-western-ukrainian-city-comes-to-terms-with-being-in-russias-crosshairs/)
Located in far-western Ukraine, just 90 kilometers from the Polish border, the city of Lutsk in Volyn Oblast has largely avoided the mass Russian missile and drone attacks that regularly terrorize cities further east.

⚡️ Zelensky urges (https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-arrives-to-ukraines-recovery-conference-in-rome-06-2025/) 'Marshall Plan-style' support for Ukraine at Recovery Conference in Rome.
"We need a Marshall Plan-style approach, and we should develop it together," President Volodymyr Zelensky said at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome on July 10.

⚡️ EU aims to mobilize (kyivindependent.com/eu-launches-ukraine-fund-06-2025/) up to $12 billion for Ukraine's recovery under new agreements.
"With 2.3 billion euros in agreements signed, we aim to unlock up to 10 billion euros in investments to rebuild homes, reopen hospitals, revive businesses, and secure energy," Ursula von der Leyen said at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome on July 10.

⚡️'If someone doesn't like it, we'll close it' — Poland's Duda calls out (kyivindependent.com/outgoing-polish-president-criticizes-ukraine-allies-06-2025/)Ukraine, allies over attitudes toward key military aid hub.
Andrzej Duda expressed frustration over Poland's exclusion from key international discussions on aid deliveries through its territory.

⚡️ Germany, Norway ready to buy 3 Patriots (kyivindependent.com/germany-norway-ready-to-buy-3-patriots-for-ukraine-zelensky-says-06-2025/) for Ukraine, Zelensky says.

⚡️Ukraine, UK pen deal (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-secures-major-uk-deal-for-thales-air-defense-missiles-06-2025/) for Thales air defense missile supply.
The U.K. committed to producing Thales-produced missiles for Western air defense systems used in Ukraine over the next 19 years, in a £2.5 billion ($3.1 billion) project.

⚡️'Coalition of the willing' moves to finalize (kyivindependent.com/coalition-of-the-willing-moves-to-finalize-command-structure/) command structure for future reassurance force in Ukraine.
The post-war plan will aim to regenerate Ukraine’s land forces, provide air policing in coordination with Ukraine’s Air Force, and expand Black Sea mine-clearing efforts to restore maritime access.

⚡️The Netherlands pledges over $300 million for Ukraine's reconstruction (kyivindependent.com/the-netherlands-pledges-over-300-million-for-ukraines-reconstruction-economic-strengthening-06-2025/), economic strengthening.

Updated: Ukrainian ombudsman admits mistakenly attributing (kyivindependent.com/un-analysis-finds-russia-responsible-for-2022-olenivka-prison-explosion-killing-ukrainian-pows-ombudsman-says/) Olenivka prison explosion report to UN.
Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets mistakenly presented a June 30 report by a little-known group as an internal U.N. analysis on the 2022 Olenivka prison explosion, which killed over 50 Ukrainian POWs, Slidstvo.Info reported on July 10, citing a response from Lubinets’s office.

⚡️ Russia's summer offensive (kyivindependent.com/russias-summer-offensive-becomes-its-costliest-campaign-during-ukraine-invasion-economist-reports-06-2025/) becomes its costliest campaign during Ukraine invasion, Economist reports.
The Economist estimates roughly 31,000 Russian soldiers were killed in the offensive so far, in comparison to some 190,000-350,000 deaths and up to 1.3 million overall Russian casualties of the entire full-scale war.

⚡️Update: Russian forces attack (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-across-ukraine-kill-9-injure-42-over-past-day-06-2025/) Kharkiv overnight, targeting maternity hospital, injuring patients.
"Women in labor with children, women after surgery. Fortunately, there were no children among the victims. Russia targets life. Even where it is just beginning," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

⚡️ Ukrainian drone strikes (https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drone-strikes-reported-at-russias-mig-plant-other-defense-facilities-06-2025/) reported at Russian MiG plant, other defense facilities amid mass attack.
Russia's Defense Ministry claimed its forces downed 155 Ukrainian drones overnight, including 53 over Kursk Oblast and 13 over Tula Oblast.
Residents of Tula, a city over 300 kilometers (roughly 200 miles) from the Ukrainian border, reported explosions in the city's industrial Proletarsky district.

⚡️ EU transfers $1.2 billion (kyivindependent.com/eu-transfers-1-2-billion-to-ukraine-using-profits-from-frozen-russian-assets-06-2025/) to Ukraine using profits from frozen Russian assets.
Ukraine has received more than $18.5 billion from frozen Russian assets this year, directing the money toward swift recovery projects, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said.

⚡️Ukrainian tech gets $58.5 million boost (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-tech-gets-58-million-boost-from-global-backers-06-2025/) from global backers.
Ukrainian venture capital firm Flyer One Ventures announced the first closing of its new multi-million fund, dedicated to supporting early-stage technology companies across Ukraine as well as central and eastern Europe.

⚡️ Norway pledges $200 million (kyivindependent.com/norway-pledges-200-million-for-ukraine-06-2025/) for Ukraine's emergency energy support, green recovery.
According to the Energy Ministry, the initiative will restore heating and water services to millions of Ukrainians, particularly in front-line communities.

⚡️ EU unveils (kyivindependent.com/eu-unveils-new-ukraine-support-package-06-2025/) $700 million Ukraine support package for energy and infrastructure.
The package focuses on restoring energy systems damaged by Russian attacks, repairing transport networks and border crossings, and supporting small enterprises.

⚡️Ukraine's largest battery (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-largest-battery-energy-storage-project-enters-final-testing-phase-set-to-power-600-000-homes/) energy storage project enters final testing phase, set to power 600,000 homes.
According to energy company DTEK, the project can store 400 megawatt-hours of electricity — enough to power 600,000 Ukrainian homes for two hours.

⚡️Lukashenko regime designates (kyivindependent.com/lukashenko-regime-designates-exiled-belarusian-opposition-as-terrorist-organization-06-2025/) exiled Belarusian opposition body as 'terrorist organization.'

⚡️ Russia must pay at least 500 billion euros (kyivindependent.com/russia-must-pay-ukraine-500-billion-euros-in-damages-germanys-merz-says-06-2025/) in compensation to Ukraine, Germany's Merz says.

First-ever catalog on Ukraine's battlefield-proven drones, technologies, published by KI Insights and Tech Force in UA
(https://kyivindependent.com/first-ever-catalog-on-ukraines-battlefield-proven-drones-technologies-published-by-ki-insights-and-tech-force-in-ua/)

⚡️ SBU officer shot dead (kyivindependent.com/sbu-officer-shot-dead-in-kyiv-investigation-underway-06-2025/) in Kyiv, investigation underway.
A Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) officer was murdered on July 10 in the Holosiivskyi district of Kyiv, the SBU's press service told the Kyiv Independent after a reported shooting in the district.

Trump administration immigration policies leave Ukrainian refugees in limbo
(kyivindependent.com/trump-administration-immigration-policies-leave-ukrainian-refugees-in-limbo/)
As the U.S. President Donald Trump administration clamps down on illegal immigration and seeks to largely end refugee resettlement in the United States, Ukrainian refugees find themselves in a particularly certain predicament.

⚡️Russia arrests (kyivindependent.com/truck-driver-allegedly-transporting-drones-for-ukraines-operation-spiderweb-arrested-in-russia-06-2025/) truck driver allegedly transporting drones for Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb.
Mediazona's source said that Mikhail Ryumin was unaware that his vehicle was carrying Ukrainian drones hidden beneath the roofs of the frame house structures.

⚡️ Update: 2 killed, 28 injured (kyivindependent.com/russia-targets-kyiv-western-ukraine-in-mass-attack-for-second-night-in-a-row-06-2025/) in Russia’s July 10 strike on Kyiv.

⚡️Russian attacks across Ukraine kill (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-across-ukraine-kill-9-injure-42-over-past-day-06-2025/) 9, injure 42 over past day.
Regional authorities reported casualties in at least six Ukrainian oblasts over the past day.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 1h
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — JUL 11, 2025
■ Increased engagements & casualties
■ Fourteen missiles intercepted
■ Double-digit strike ratio

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

UN: June Marks Deadliest Month for Ukrainian Civilians in Three Years
The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission reported that 232 civilians were killed and 1,343 injured in Ukraine in June — the highest monthly toll in the past three years.

Zelenskyy: Ukraine Has a Solution to Destroy 700–1,000 Russian Drones Daily
“If our partners fully hear everything that I discussed with them — we will shoot down everything,” he said. “We have a solution — interceptor drones that shoot down almost everything. We will be able to mass-produce them.”
Zelenskyy added that once the issue of additional Patriot air defense systems is resolved, Ukraine will also be protected from ballistic missile threats.

Russian authorities have seized assets worth approximately $50 billion over the past three years, Reuters reports.
In response to what it calls “illegal actions” by the West, the Kremlin has enacted a series of decrees allowing the confiscation of Western-owned property, targeting companies like Germany’s Uniper and Denmark’s Carlsberg.
Alongside foreign firms, major domestic companies have also been brought under state control. Seizures have been justified by claims of strategic necessity, corruption, violations during privatization, or poor management.
Russian officials argue that the war in Ukraine has made such actions necessary to counter what they describe as Western efforts to destroy the Russian economy. Dictator Vladimir Putin has said that the departure of Western companies has opened opportunities for domestic businesses, calling for a “new model of development” separate from “outdated globalization.”
However, the shift toward a war economy—with a heavy focus on arms production and sustaining the conflict in Ukraine—has significantly strengthened the state’s influence at the expense of private enterprise.
Most recently, prosecutors have moved to seize billionaire Konstantin Strukov’s controlling stake in Uzhuralzoloto, a major gold producer. Since the full-scale invasion began, over a thousand companies—from McDonald’s to Mercedes-Benz—have exited Russia. Some have sold their assets, handed over operations to local managers, or abandoned them entirely, while others have had their holdings seized or forced into sale.

Zelenskyy on URC 2025: Over €10 Billion in Support for Ukraine’s Reconstruction
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy summarized the results of the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025, highlighting substantial international support for the country’s reconstruction.
“There is a program from Finland for more than €300 million — funds specifically for reconstruction. There is a package from the Netherlands — €300 million. There is readiness from Germany to help with the purchase of an additional Patriot system. Over 200 different agreements have been signed, totaling more than €10 billion. A new European support package is also underway — worth over €2 billion,” he said.
Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Italy for hosting the conference, noting the high level of participation: “More than 30 countries, hundreds of companies, political and public leaders from around the world.”

On the sidelines of the Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine in Rome, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Government of Ukraine signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to support Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts.

Zelenskyy, Dutch Prime Minister Schoof Discuss Joint Defense and Air Protection
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held talks with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, focusing on joint defense production, strengthening Ukraine’s air defense, and coordinated diplomatic efforts.

Zelenskyy Thanks Italy and PM Meloni for Leadership in Ukraine’s Reconstruction Efforts

Coalition of the Willing Agrees on Command Structure for Post-Ceasefire Forces in Ukraine — UK Government
European leaders have agreed on a command structure for the multinational forces to be deployed in Ukraine after a ceasefire, the British government announced following the “coalition of the willing” meeting.
According to the statement, the military plan was finalized after a gathering of top defense officials in Paris on July 7. Military leaders from NATO, the EU, the U.S., and more than 30 international partners, including 200 planners, coordinated strategies for future deployment.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the coalition’s operational headquarters would initially be located in Paris under joint UK-French leadership and would oversee all tactical and operational activities. After 12 months, the headquarters is expected to relocate to London.
Upon deployment in Kyiv, a coordination group will also be established, led by a British major general.
Post-Ceasefire Mission Objectives:
▫️ Rebuild Ukraine’s Ground Forces: Coalition experts will support logistics, training, and rearmament to help reconstruct and reorganize Ukraine’s army.
▫️ Secure Ukrainian Airspace: Coalition aircraft, working with the Ukrainian Air Force, will patrol the skies to reassure the population and facilitate the return of international air traffic.
▫️ Support Maritime Security: The Black Sea Task Force (Türkiye, Romania, Bulgaria) will be reinforced with specialized personnel to accelerate mine clearance and ensure safe passage for commercial vessels to and from Ukrainian ports.

Greece’s tanker fleet is increasing inspections of its vessels at Russian ports following a series of unexplained explosions, Reuters reports.
According to Greek shipping and security sources, the measures include underwater inspections by divers to check for foreign objects. Remote underwater scans of ship hulls are also under consideration.
At least six ships visiting the Russian ports of Ust-Luga and Novorossiysk have experienced unexplained explosions, alarming industry participants. As a precaution, vessels at Russian anchorages have started changing positions at varying times to reduce predictability, while crews remain alert for unusual activity around their ships.
Although official investigation results have not been released, security sources believe magnetic mines may have caused some of the blasts.
Three independent security advisers, though not directly involved in the investigations, suggested a possible link to Ukraine. They pointed to Kyiv’s known opposition to Greek tankers transporting Russian oil. Ukraine has not commented publicly on the incidents.

In Kyiv, Donor Heart for Child Transported Under Shelling — Transplant Successful
During last night’s shelling of Kyiv, the team led by Dr. Borys Todurov successfully transported a donor heart for a child.
The transplant was carried out despite ongoing explosions, coinciding with the second anniversary of Ukraine’s first pediatric heart transplant.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Zelensky announced the dismissal of Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova. She may be replaced by Ukraine’s current Defense Minister, Rustem Umerov, but no final decision has been made yet.

If Russia’s war in Ukraine prolongs into 2026, Kyiv’s defense funds may be $18B short. (www.kyivpost.com/analysis/56069?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=topic%2Feconomics) Economists expected the war to end in 2025 and policy makers have no new financing plans.

Pentagon unveils ambitious drone dominance strategy, (www.kyivpost.com/post/56090) citing urgent battlefield need.

Ukraine is not fighting to exhaust Russia.
It’s fighting to dismantle it—at the source.
— Putin’s bombers are burning on the tarmac.
— Railroads are sabotaged across Russian territory.
— His regime is fracturing from within.
The battlefield has moved.
And Ukraine is dictating the terms. [not sure at all that's actually the case]

After losing his seat in last year’s UK General Election, Jack, a former Afghanistan veteran, signed up with the International Legion of Ukraine. He now serves with Defense Intelligence.
www.kyivpost.com/videos/56113

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇺🇦 Ukraine to Become the First in Europe to Launch Starlink Mobile Internet
Mobile operator Kyivstar is already conducting the necessary tests. The connection will operate via satellites equipped with modems, functioning like cell towers—transmitting mobile signals from space directly to smartphones.
By the end of this year, OTT messaging will become available, enabling text transmission through WhatsApp, Signal, and other services. A full-scale launch of satellite-based mobile internet and connectivity is expected in 2026.

🇺🇸🇺🇦 Trump to Use Presidential Authority to Send Weapons to Ukraine for the First Time — Reuters
Donald Trump is set to use his presidential authority to provide weapons to Ukraine for the first time, signaling a renewed interest in supporting Kyiv’s defense, according to a Reuters report.
Sources say Trump’s team will transfer arms to Ukraine from U.S. stockpiles under the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) — a power that allows the president to send existing weapons directly. The upcoming package could be worth nearly $300 million.
The aid may include Patriot air defense systems and medium-range offensive missiles, though the final list has yet to be confirmed. A decision was expected during a meeting held on July 10.
Up until now, the Trump administration had only continued deliveries of weapons pre-approved during Joe Biden’s presidency.
▪️ Background: Ukraine receives U.S. military support through two main channels — PDA and the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI).
— PDA allows the president to draw directly from U.S. military stockpiles for immediate delivery.
— USAI involves placing orders with defense contractors, with delivery scheduled as production is completed.

🇩🇪🇸🇰 Germany Urges Slovakia Not to Block Sanctions Package Against Russia — Bratislava Responds with Conditions
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has criticized Slovakia for blocking the 18th EU sanctions package against Russia. In response, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that Slovakia is willing to support the package, but only if it receives firm guarantees that its energy security and access to energy resources won’t be jeopardized by what he called the “ideological proposal” of the European Commission to halt Russian gas imports starting January 1, 2028.
“This is a serious national and state interest — the very kind of interest Germany itself would defend,” Fico said.
He added that he is ready to meet with Chancellor Merz at any time for a constructive discussion that “could significantly move things forward.”

Russian Commander of the 155th Naval Infantry Brigade, Sergey Ilyin, Has Died — Likely Killed in the Ukrainian Strike on Kursk Region
▪️Troops from the 155th Naval Infantry Brigade were among those implicated in war crimes during the occupation of Bucha, Irpin, and Hostomel.

Beijing Responds to Ukraine’s Arrest of Two Chinese Nationals Suspected of Espionage
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed the issue during a press briefing on July 10, stating that the Chinese government is still verifying the information.
“If this indeed concerns Chinese citizens, we will protect their rights in accordance with the law,” she emphasized.

🇪🇺 The European Commission has dismissed an interpreter suspected of espionage during a meeting with President Zelensky.
The incident occurred on December 19 during a European Council session in Brussels, attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The meeting focused on the EU’s support for Ukraine following the election of President Trump in the United States.
Interpreters were strictly prohibited from taking any written notes. However, Czech interpreters noticed their colleague in the adjacent booth transcribing the content of the discussions. They immediately alerted security, who entered the booth and caught the interpreter in the act.
The woman was born into a Russian family and had lived in Ukraine with her sister, who was also an interpreter. For nearly twenty years, the sisters had worked as freelance interpreters for NATO, the European Commission, and the French Ministries of Defense and Foreign Affairs.
Ukrainian diplomats in France and Brussels had repeatedly refused to allow the interpreter to take part in presidential visits, citing her professional ties with Russian officials.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-11-2025

Key Takeaways:

• US President Donald Trump announced on July 10 that the United States will sell NATO weapons, including air defense systems and interceptors, that NATO can then give to Ukraine.
• Ukraine’s European allies continue to provide additional aid and pursue joint production initiatives with Ukraine’s defense industrial base (DIB).
• Ukraine continues to expand its production and innovation of interceptor drones for use against Shahed-type drones.
• Ukrainian intelligence assesses that Russian forces are unlikely to realize the Kremlin's goal of seizing the entirety of Donetsk Oblast by the end of 2025, which is consistent with ISW's ongoing assessment of Russia's offensive capabilities.
• Kremlin officials continue to justify the Kremlin's ongoing censorship efforts and appear to be seizing on Russia's hypercontrolled information space to push the Kremlin's informal state ideology.
• Ukrainian forces advanced near Kupyansk, Lyman, and Novopavlivka. Russian forces advanced in northern Sumy and western Zaporizhia oblasts, and near Kupyansk, Lyman, and Toretsk.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️'Aid shipments have been restored (kyivindependent.com/aid-shipments-have-been-restored-zelensky-says-amid-halt-of-us-weapons-deliveries/),' Zelensky says amid halt of US weapons deliveries.
U.S. military aid shipments to Ukraine have been restored amid a previous pause in weapons deliveries, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an evening address on July 11.

⚡️Germany-funded long-range weapons to arrive (kyivindependent.com/germany-funded-long-range-arms-to-arrive-in-ukraine-by-late-july-general-says/) in Ukraine by late July, general says.
German Major General Christian Freuding confirmed that the weapons systems' initial deliveries are expected by the end of July. The arms will be supplied in a "high triple-digit quantity," he said.

⚡️Poland's president-elect urges Ukraine to allow (kyivindependent.com/polands-president-elect-urges-zelensky-to-allow-full-exhumations-in-volyn-as-work-already-resumes/) full exhumations of Volyn massacre victims, despite resumed work.

⚡️EU considering tougher (kyivindependent.com/eu-considering-tougher-russian-oil-price-cap-as-bloc-aims-to-pass-18th-sanctions-package-bloomberg-reports/) Russian oil price cap as bloc aims to pass 18th sanctions package, Bloomberg reports.
The European Union is considering imposing a new Russian oil price cap as part of its 18th sanctions package against Moscow, Bloomberg reported on July 11.

⚡️ Trump's envoy Kellogg to visit Ukraine (kyivindependent.com/trumps-envoy-kellogg-to-visit-ukraine-on-july-14-06-2025/) on July 14.
U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg will arrive in Kyiv on July 14 for a week-long visit, he told a Novyny Live journalist at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome.

⚡️Russian troops tasked (kyivindependent.com/russian-troops-tasked-to-create-10-kilometer-buffer-zone-in-dnipropetrovsk-oblast-ukraines-spy-chief-says/) to create 10-kilometer buffer zone in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine's spy chief says.
According to Ukraine's military intelligence head Kyrylo Budanov, Russia’s earlier announcement of its entry into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast serves a political goal.

⚡️US Senate committee backs $500 million (kyivindependent.com/us-senate-committee-backs-500-million-in-ukraine-aid-in-2026-defense-budget/) in Ukraine aid in 2026 defense budget.

⚡️Ukraine secures $200 million (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-secures-200-million-from-world-bank-for-reconstruction-projects/) from World Bank for reconstruction projects.

⚡️Russian drone, missile attacks (https://kyivindependent.com/russian-drone-attacks-rock-ukrainian-cities-far-from-front-line-for-third-straight-night/) rock Ukrainian cities far from front line for third straight night.
Explosions were heard in the western city of Chernivtsi around 3 a.m. local time, and shortly afterwards in Lviv, according to Kyiv Independent journalists on the ground. Public broadcaster Suspilne also reported explosion in the city of Lutsk around 3:30 a.m.

⚡️Additional explosions, fire reported in Lviv amid large-scale (https://kyivindependent.com/russian-drone-attacks-rock-ukrainian-cities-far-from-front-line-for-third-straight-night) attack on western Ukraine.

⚡️Ukraine deploying (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-deploying-drone-interceptor-system-to-defend-kyiv-amid-surge-in-russian-attacks-06-2025/) interceptor drones to defend Kyiv amid surge in Russian attacks.
During several months of testing, the system intercepted nearly 550 Russian drones over Kyiv Oblast, an official said.

⚡️Ukraine's HUR destroys (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-kill-5-russian-soldiers-destroy-satellite-communications-facility-in-russian-occupied-melitopol-06-2025/) Russian command post in occupied Melitopol in joint operation with partisans.
"As a result of the explosion, a satellite communication hardware station—intended by Russian military leadership to coordinate occupying forces—was also destroyed," Ukraine's military intelligence said.

⚡️Ukraine behind new pipeline explosion (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-behind-new-pipeline-explosion-in-siberia-that-supplies-russian-military-industrial-complex-source-claims/) in Siberia that supplies Russian military-industrial complex, source claims.
A source in Ukraine's military intelligence told the Kyiv Independent the attack had destroyed a section of a key pipeline supplying Russian military-industrial facilities in Chelyabinsk, Orenburg, and Sverdlovsk oblasts.

⚡️ Ukrainian robotics company Tencore raises $3.7 million (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-robotics-company-tencore-raises-3-7-million-in-investment-06-2025/) in one of the largest known investments.
A U.S.-Ukrainian investment group, MITS Capital, has invested $3.74 million in Tencore, a Ukrainian company that manufactures military robots deployed on the front lines against Russia, the companies announced in a press release on July 11.
The deal is one of the largest publicly disclosed investments in Ukrainian defense technology since Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022.

⚡️Norway allocates (kyivindependent.com/norway-allocates-2-5-million-towards-ukraines-cybersecurity-joins-international-cybersecurity-mechanism/) $2.5 million towards Ukraine's cyber defenses, joins international cybersecurity mechanism.

⚡️Germany to provide (kyivindependent.com/germany-to-provide-47-million-grant-to-support-small-medium-sized-ukrainian-businesses/) $47 million grant to support small, medium-sized Ukrainian businesses.

⚡️Update: Ukrainian anti-corruption activist faces charges (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-anti-corruption-activists-home-military-unit-searched-his-team-alleges-government-pressure/) as his team alleges government pressure.
Vitaliy Shabunin, head of the Anti-Corruption Action Center's (AntAC) executive board, who is currently serving in the army, has been charged with military service evasion and fraud following searches at his home and military unit on July 11.

Europe will also benefit from US-Ukraine minerals investment fund, Americans say (https://kyivindependent.com/europe-will-also-benefit-from-us-ukraine-minerals-investment-fund-americans-say/)

⚡️Russia confirms (kyivindependent.com/russian-brigade-commander-buried-06-2025/) brigade commander's death, allegedly linked to Ukrainian strike in Kursk Oblast.
Russian authorities confirmed that Colonel Sergei Ilyin, commander of Russia's 155th Marine Brigade, has been buried, without disclosing the cause of death.

⚡️ Update: 11 injured in Russian drone attack (kyivindependent.com/russian-attack-on-odesa-06-2025/) on Odesa, horse stable hit.
A Russian attack against Odesa on July 11 hit a stable, killing one of the horses, the State Emergency Service reported.

⚡️ 'Cut off the head' — Ukrainian intelligence accuses (kyivindependent.com/cut-off-the-head-ukrainian-intelligence-accuses-putins-favorite-brigade-of-another-war-crime/) 'Putin's favorite' brigade of another war crime.
"Cut off the head, impale it on a pike, throw it the f**k away," says the voice attributed by HUR to a company commander from Russia's infamous 155th Marine Brigade.

⚡️Hungarian foreign fighter killed (kyivindependent.com/hungarian-citizen-killed-fighting-for-ukraine-against-russia-telex-reports/) in Ukraine fighting against Russia, media reports.
Benjamin Aser, originally from Hungary, was previously a contracted soldier in the Hungarian Defense Forces.

⚡️Over 118,000 Russian military personnel killed (kyivindependent.com/over-118-000-russian-soldiers-killed-in-ukraine-identified-by-media-investigation-06-2025/) in Ukraine identified by media, including 523 foreigners.
The media investigation has identified 523 foreign nationals from 28 countries who were killed while serving in the Russian army.

⚡️Ukrainian doctors transplant (kyivindependent.com/amid-russian-strikes-ukrainian-doctors-transplant-organs-of-deceased-girl-saving-three-children/) organs of deceased girl amid Russian strikes, saving 3 children.

⚡️Update: 2 killed (kyivindependent.com/russian-drone-attacks-rock-ukrainian-cities-far-from-front-line-for-third-straight-night/), 18 injured in overnight attack on western Ukraine.

⚡️At least 13 killed, (kyivindependent.com/at-least-13-killed-injured-in-russias-massive-air-attacks-across-ukraine-over-past-day/) 46 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over past day.
Russia launched 623 aerial weapons overnight, including 339 Shahed-type drones, various decoy UAVs, and 26 Kh-101 cruise missiles, the Air Force said.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 2h
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — JUL 12, 2025
■ Casualties slightly above average, drop in engagements
■ Record overnight attacks (incl. 25 missiles); 97% intercepted
■ Visually confirmed: 19 🇷🇺 : 38 🇺🇦 (30-day ratio 1.1×)
■ Strikes on both sides below average

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

🇺🇦 Budanov: Ceasefire with Russia Is Realistic in Coming Months
Ukraine’s intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov told Bloomberg that achieving a ceasefire with Russia in the near future is realistic — but will require the involvement of three parties: Ukraine, Russia, and the United States.
“Is it realistic to do this? Yes. Is it difficult? No,” Budanov said, expressing confidence in the possibility of halting hostilities.
Key points from the interview:
• Russia’s goal is to declare entry into the Dnipropetrovsk region by creating a 10-kilometer-deep buffer zone — a directive issued to its troops.
• Budanov dismissed the idea that Russia could capture the entire Donetsk region by the end of 2025 as unrealistic.
• He also revealed that North Korea currently supplies up to 40% of the ammunition used by Russia in its war against Ukraine.

Putin urged Iran to accept a U.S. nuclear deal with “zero uranium enrichment” to ease talks with Washington — Axios.
According to the report, the Russian dictator supports a complete halt to uranium enrichment in Iran and has discussed this with Trump, Macron, and Iranian officials.
Two sources said Israel was also informed of Putin’s position, aimed at making negotiations with the U.S. more favorable. Moscow has also signaled, both publicly and privately, that it is willing to remove highly enriched uranium from Iran if a deal is reached.
However, Iran has rejected this proposal and said it will not consider such an option.

The EU is discussing a proposal to lower the price ceiling for Russian oil from $60 to around $50 per barrel — 15% below the market price based on a 10-week average, Bloomberg reports.
The new mechanism would include automatic reviews every three months.
This initiative is part of the EU’s proposed 18th sanctions package, which is currently being blocked by Slovakia. While Greece, Malta, and Cyprus had previously voiced concerns, they are now open to talks — particularly if the G7 countries back the idea. A final decision has not yet been made.

❗️Russia is the main threat to France, — Chief of the General Staff of the French Armed Forces Thierry Burkhard.
“Russia poses a threat, if not in everything, then in almost everything — a long-term, close threat, and for me it is the most large-scale. First of all, it is a real military power, possessing both conventional and nuclear potential, and this is not hidden,” Burkhard said.

West African country Ghana is ready to invest in the production of Ukrainian drones, — Zelenskyy
The President of Ukraine said that Ghana has shown interest in Ukrainian technologies, particularly drones, and is prepared to finance their production. In return, Ukraine offered support in strengthening Ghana’s border security. The two sides also discussed agricultural cooperation and the creation of a logistics hub.

Gas Pipeline Explosion in Khanty-Mansiysk Reportedly Linked to Ukrainian Operation — Bloomberg
A pipeline with a capacity of 2.6 billion cubic meters per year was blown up overnight in Russia’s Khanty-Mansiysk region, about 3,000 km from Moscow, according to a Ukrainian military intelligence official cited by Bloomberg.
📍 The damaged pipeline reportedly supplied gas to military production facilities in Russia’s Orenburg, Chelyabinsk, and Sverdlovsk regions — all located thousands of kilometers from the explosion site.
The incident is said to have been part of a Ukrainian special operation and comes amid heavy Russian airstrikes across Ukraine.
📊 Russia's domestic gas consumption reached nearly 396 billion cubic meters last year, according to Gazprom. The company has not commented on the reported explosion.
Bloomberg notes that it was unable to independently verify the claim.

🇺🇦 Ukrainian General Staff Confirms Destruction of Russian Aircraft and Missile Plants
On the night of July 11, Ukraine’s Armed Forces struck two key military-industrial facilities deep inside Russia:
▫️ Lukhovitsky Aviation Plant named after Voronin — a branch of JSC “RSK MiG” that carries out full-cycle production of MiG combat aircraft. The General Staff confirmed explosions and fire on-site.
▫️ Shipunov Design Bureau of Instrument Making — a manufacturer of missiles for Russia’s anti-aircraft and anti-aircraft gun systems. The strike caused explosions, smoke, and emergency response activity around the area.
The attacks were carried out by Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces in cooperation with other Defense Forces components. The General Staff is currently clarifying the full extent of the damage.

❗️Two people were killed in Chernivtsi as a result of Russian shelling — Head of the Chernivtsi Regional State Administration, Ruslan Zaparanyuk.
A 26-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man died from falling debris of enemy UAVs.

Russia launched 10 strikes on Kharkiv using guided aerial bombs and Shahed drones. Critical infrastructure was hit.

⚡️Air Defense Forces downed 319 of 597 strike UAVs and 25 of 26 missiles — Air Force.
Another 258 mimic drones were lost or suppressed by electronic warfare.

🔴 Russia Attacks Odesa with Drones: 11 Injured, Fire and Destruction Reported

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Trump is considering a new military aid package for Ukraine worth hundreds of millions of dollars — Politico sources

Russia has begun to restrict access to data relating to demographic statistics (www.kyivpost.com/post/56084) in a sign that they are likely to reveal a deteriorating population situation.

Putin awards ‘Hero of Russia’ title to ‘Butcher’ (www.kyivpost.com/post/56152) general who led troops into a bloodbath.

In this exclusive Kyiv Post interview, Dr. Pekka Kallioniemi – Finnish disinformation expert and creator of the viral “Vatnik Soup” series – reveals how Russia is waging a global war without bullets.
As Ukraine strikes deep inside Russian territory, the Kremlin is fighting back in a different arena: our minds.
From local “peace” movements to populist calls to “bring tax dollars home,” Russia seeds narratives that weaken NATO unity and block aid to Ukraine – without the public ever realizing who benefits.
Watch the video on our website:

US State Dept. Began Firing Nearly 1,400 Workers. Diplomats gathered in the lobby of the department’s headquarters last night to clap out their laid off colleagues.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Despite Trump’s recent shift in rhetoric regarding Russia and Putin, there is skepticism in Europe that this signals a genuinely pro-Ukrainian stance from the U.S. administration, according to the Financial Times.
At the same time, the outlet notes that President Zelensky has recently become more effective in building a rapport with Trump.
Sources say that following a disagreement between Trump and Zelensky in the Oval Office, both Macron and Starmer advised the Ukrainian president to adjust his approach to dealing with the U.S. leader.

🇱🇹 Lithuania Confirms Russian “Geran” Drone Entered and Crashed on Its Territory
Lithuanian officials have confirmed that a Russian “Geran” drone entered the country’s airspace and crashed on its territory on July 10. Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas emphasized that the incident was most likely unintentional. However, with the upcoming joint Russian-Belarusian military exercises “Zapad,” border provocations could become more frequent.
The drone was not shot down by military systems, as Lithuania does not use such means during peacetime. Instead, alternative peacetime protocols were applied, according to Major Gintautas Ciunis, a representative of Lithuania’s Armed Forces.

🇺🇸 U.S. Secretary of State Rubio on Trump’s NATO Weapons Proposal for Ukraine: “This Isn’t a New Scheme”
Commenting on Donald Trump’s statement that weapons for Ukraine would be supplied through NATO, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that this is not a brand-new delivery scheme, but rather one of the existing mechanisms.
“In the end, some of the systems Ukraine needs are not produced in Europe. They’ll have to be purchased from the U.S.,” he said. “I’d also point out that a number of the defense systems Ukraine requires are already in the stockpiles of our NATO allies… And some allies have already placed orders for them.”
Rubio added that the U.S. is urging its NATO partners to supply Ukraine with weapons from their own inventories and then replenish those stockpiles by purchasing replacements from the United States.
“After all, it’s much faster to transport something from Germany to Ukraine than to place a factory order and wait for it to be built and delivered,” he emphasized.

🇳🇱 Dutch Man Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Sharing Tech Data with Russia
A man in the Netherlands has been sentenced to three years in prison for exchanging technological information with Russian contacts.
Over an 18-month period, the individual shared sensitive materials, including files related to the configuration of microchip production lines, with a contact in Russia. He also intentionally and without authorization accessed the internal systems of ASML and NXP, two major Dutch semiconductor companies where he had been employed.
The prosecution had sought a four-year sentence, but the court reduced the penalty due to the lack of evidence that he received compensation for the information he disclosed

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-12-2025

Key Takeaways:

• Russia launched another large-scale drone and missile strike against Ukraine on the night of July 11 to 12 — the third combined strike with over 500 drones and missiles in July alone.
• Russian forces recently advanced from the international border toward Velykyi Burluk in northeastern Kharkiv Oblast — likely in an effort to connect Russian operations near Vovchansk with those near Dvorichna, possibly to facilitate Russian efforts to establish a buffer zone along the international border.
• Ukraine signed several strategic agreements with Western defense companies to bolster Ukraine's defense industrial base (DIB) during the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome.
• Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Pokrovsk. Russian forces recently advanced near Novopavlivka.

Welcome back @blueshoes !

Could I ask if someone could take over the roundup from Thursday - Sunday, as well as from July 28 - August 2nd please? (I know people said they'd handle end of July, but now I have to go back to the UK again for a funeral now).

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights Thread

Analysis: Russia is stepping up attacks. Allies are stepping back. What happens to Ukraine next? https://kyivindependent.com/ahead-of-trumps-major-russia-announcement-what-will-happen-next-to-ukraine/

⚡️Trump considering sending new funds to Ukraine (kyivindependent.com/trump-considering-sending-new-funds-to-ukraine-for-first-time-since-taking-office-cbs-news-reports/) for first time since taking office, CBS News reports.
The funds could come from the $3.85 billion remaining in Presidential Drawdown Authority from the Biden administration or from frozen Russian assets, current and former U.S. officials said.

⚡️North Korea supplied (kyivindependent.com/north-korea-supplied-russia-with-12-million-rounds-of-152mm-shells-south-korean-intel-estimates/) Russia with 12 million rounds of 152mm shells, South Korean intelligence estimates.
The report by the South Korean Defense Intelligence Agency estimated that North Korea could have provided around 28,000 containers containing weapons and artillery shells to date.

⚡️Kim Jong Un pledges to 'unconditionally' (kyivindependent.com/kim-jong-un-pledges-to-unconditionally-support-russias-war-against-ukraine/) support Russia's war against Ukraine.

⚡️Russia launched over 1800 drones (kyivindependent.com/russia-launched-over-1800-drones-on-ukraine-in-one-week-zelensky-says/) on Ukraine in one week, Zelensky says.
Over 1200 glide bombs and 83 missiles of various types were also launched on Ukraine in the past week, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on July 13.

⚡️Slovakia seeks (kyivindependent.com/slovakia-seeks-eu-guarantees-on-russian-gas-phase-out-ahead-of-sanctions-deal/) EU guarantees on Russian gas phase-out ahead of sanctions deal, Reuters report.
While Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said the sanctions package itself is not objectionable, his government has blocked the proposal over concerns about a separate EU plan to fully phase out Russian gas imports by 2028.

⚡️Russia blames Western sanctions for collapse of UN food deal.

• (kyivindependent.com/russia-blames-western-sanctions-for-collapse-of-un-food-deal/)* A day earlier, the U.N. announced that the three-year agreement would end on July 22. The deal "will not be renewed" because of disagreements, a source close to the discussions told the AFP.

⚡️Zelensky signals (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-signals-major-cabinet-reshuffle-calls-for-defense-reforms/) major cabinet reshuffle, calls for defense reforms.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine "requires more positive momentum in relations with the United States, alongside new steps in managing the nation's defense sector."
The announcement comes amid broader speculation of significant personnel changes within Ukraine's government.

⚡️Russia's Lavrov cautions West on North Korea (kyivindependent.com/russias-lavrov-cautions-west-on-north-korea-security-pact/) security pact.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused the U.S., South Korea, and Japan of military buildups around North Korea. "We warn against exploiting these ties to build alliances directed against anyone, including North Korea and, of course, Russia."

⚡️'Impeccable results' — New Skynex video (kyivindependent.com/impeccable-results-new-skynex-video-shows-ukrainian-forces-destroying-russian-drones/) shows Ukrainian forces destroying Russian drones with German gun.
Filmed in an undisclosed location at an unspecified time, the video published on July 12 shows Ukrainian soldiers shooting down multiple Russian targets with a German-made Skynex air defense system.

⚡️SBU claims liquidation (kyivindependent.com/sbu-liquidated-russian-agents-who-killed-sbu-officer-in-kyiv-days-ago/) of Russian agents responsible for killing officer in Kyiv.

The origins and meaning of the tryzub, the Ukrainian coat of arms (https://kyivindependent.com/the-origins-and-meaning-of-the-tryzub-the-ukrainian-coat-of-arms/)

⚡️Update: Number of injured (kyivindependent.com/russian-drone-attacks-rock-ukrainian-cities-far-from-front-line-for-third-straight-night/) in Russian attack on Lviv rises to 12.

⚡️Update: Number of injured (kyivindependent.com/russian-drone-attacks-rock-ukrainian-cities-far-from-front-line-for-third-straight-night/) in Russian attack on Chernivtsi rises to 26.
Three of them are in serious condition, according to Governor Ruslan Zaparaniuk.

⚡️Russian attacks across Ukraine (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-across-ukraine-kill-7-injure-21-over-past-day/) kill 7, injure 21 over past day.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 2h
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — JUL 13, 2025
■ Engagements above average & biggest casualties since May 31
■ Equipment losses above average; 32 missiles shot down (interception rate not available)
■ Heavy air strikes, strike ratio slightly above average

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

⚡️Russia’s stockpiles of ballistic missiles have decreased — HUR
According to Ukrainian intelligence, the occupiers currently have over 250 Iskander-M missiles and around 50 KN-23s. More than 60 tactical missile system launchers capable of firing these missiles have been deployed near the border.
As of mid-May, Russia had about 580 ballistic missiles.

💥 In one week, Russia launched over 1,800 drones, more than 1,200 surface-to-air missiles, and 83 missiles of various types across Ukraine — President Zelenskyy.

🇩🇪 The next meeting in the “Ramstein” format will take place within 10 days, said General Christian Freuding, coordinator of German military aid to Ukraine.
The meeting will be held online, co-chaired by the United Kingdom and Germany.

South Korea is gradually becoming a key weapons supplier to U.S. allies in Europe, CNN reports.
Poland remains the main customer, having finalized a deal for a second batch of 180 South Korean tanks under a 2022 contract. This will bring the total number of armored vehicles Poland receives to nearly 1,000.

The format of the Istanbul talks with Russia has nearly exhausted itself, First Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Serhiy Kyslytsia said in an interview with the Kyiv Independent.
According to him, there were no real negotiations in Istanbul — the sides only managed to agree on humanitarian issues.
“At both meetings in Istanbul, the Russian side presented ultimatum demands. It wasn’t even a classic ‘maximalist’ approach, where multiple options are considered, and a high bar is set to gain leverage. No — they came with a mandate to dictate terms. They weren’t authorized to listen or seek common ground. They firmly rejected even the idea of an unconditional ceasefire ahead of a leaders’ meeting.
The Russian delegation strictly follows Putin’s mandate — and that mandate is to force surrender. We propose a ceasefire to help create a constructive environment for a summit. They openly reply: ‘No — accept our demands first, surrender, and only then we’ll hold a leaders’ meeting. After that, you begin implementing our terms.’

[repeated]
Putin urged Iran to accept a U.S. nuclear deal with “zero uranium enrichment” to ease talks with Washington — Axios.
According to the report, the Russian dictator supports a complete halt to uranium enrichment in Iran and has discussed this with Trump, Macron, and Iranian officials.
Two sources said Israel was also informed of Putin’s position, aimed at making negotiations with the U.S. more favorable. Moscow has also signaled, both publicly and privately, that it is willing to remove highly enriched uranium from Iran if a deal is reached.
However, Iran has rejected this proposal and said it will not consider such an option.

❗️Russian Propaganda Spreads Fake Claim About Merz “Hunting” Seals and Polar Bears
A fake video has surfaced online, allegedly accusing German Chancellor Friedrich Merz of hunting polar bears and seals in Canada. According to investigations by Deutsche Welle and Bild, this is yet another piece of disinformation created by Russian propagandists.
The video was distributed via a website with fictional authors and fake photos, and was likely generated using artificial intelligence.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

‘Pointed Message’ — Ex-US diplomat’s unexplained denial of entry to Georgia sparks alarm. (www.kyivpost.com/post/56204)

OPINION: How the epstein (www.kyivpost.com/opinion/56104) case impacts Ukraine.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

❗️Environmental damage to Ukraine caused by the war has reached €108 billion.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources has recorded over 9,000 instances of environmental destruction due to Russia’s actions. These include the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam, contamination of the Seym River, strikes on facilities at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, and other environmental crimes.
Additionally, nearly 23% of Ukraine’s territory is mined, and 50% of the country’s critical mineral resources are located in regions currently occupied by Russia.

🇫🇮 A former mercenary of Russia’s private military company Wagner has been detained in Finland after seeking asylum in the country, Yle reports.
According to the outlet, the man is a Russian soldier named Yevgeny. Finnish media note that he had posted photos and videos on social media confirming his participation in the war against Ukraine.
In interviews with Russian propaganda channels, Yevgeny said he voluntarily joined Russian forces in 2022, underwent training with Wagner, and took part in operations in Bakhmut.
He disappeared from the public eye in the fall of 2024. Then, in February 2025, he released a video harshly criticizing the Russian military command.
On June 30, Yevgeny again published a video on VKontakte attacking Russian military leadership. According to Yle, he was already in Finland at the time of the video’s release.

Russia Today filmed a segment about an American woman who moved to Russia due to discrimination.
In Russia, she was beaten bloody by her racist neighbors.
https://t.me/liveukraine_media/32700
https://t.me/liveukraine_media/32701

She is crying from pain.
A mare named Sigma sustained serious injuries during yesterday's drone attack on Odesa — she has numerous burns and large wounds. The animal is currently receiving the necessary veterinary care. According to preliminary estimates, rehabilitation will take at least two months.
[GRAPHIC] t.me/liveukraine_media/32703

It's odd that on the surface Putin is telling Iran to accept a zero-enrichment deal with the US. I wonder what's going on.

I'm so sorry to hear your news @DucklingSwimmingInstructress. I hope it goes as well as these things can.

I can do the weekend, I don't think I can do week days though. Is anyone else able to do Thursday and Friday.
I can also do 2nd August.

@DucklingSwimmingInstructress

Pessimistic piece but maybe worth a read..

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jul/13/ukraine-europe-donald-trump-nato