Ukraine Invasion: Part 57

[MagicFox]

Welcome to 57. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

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@MissConductUS I presume the Russian troops are forced to kill their commander because the consequence of disobeying a suicidal order is to be killed by the commander.

I have often wondered how the dynamics of that works. Who would put their neck on the line to fire the first shot. Do the troops collude in advance or would someone just snap and the others don't mete out the consequences?

Just grim.

@blueshoes, it’s almost certainly planned and agreed ahead of time by the soldiers who want to surrender rather than fight.

Thanks @MissConductUS a high risk strategy. I guess it helps if some of the soldiers already know each other well or have some kinship, outside the army or brigade.

I suspect it's utter desperation. They are being thrown into near certain death, if they refuse it's near - certain death from Russian command brutality, some of the conditions are appalling. Desertion is extremely high risk. Whichever way they look, there's a very high chance of dying.

It's possible the families of deserters pay a very high price too. In Soviet times dissenters' families certainly did.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ Russia to spend $1.1 trillion preparing for 'upcoming large-scale war (kyivindependent.com/russia-plans-to-spend-1-1-trillion-on-rearmament-by-2036-ukraine-intel-chief-says/),' Ukraine's intel chief says.
Moscow has launched its most ambitious weapons program since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Kyrylo Budanov said.

⚡️'He sees Trump as emotional and susceptible to influence' — Putin not worried about 50-day ceasefire deadline (kyivindependent.com/he-sees-trump-as-emotional-and-susceptible-to-influence-putin-not-worried-about-50-day-ceasefire-deadline-guardian-reports/), Guardian reports.

⚡️ US NATO ambassador warns China over 'subsidizing' (kyivindependent.com/us-envoy-warns-china-over-subsidizing-russias-war-in-ukraine-calls-it-strategic-miscalculation/) Russia's war in Ukraine.
"I think they need to be called out for their subsidizing this killing that is happening on the battlefields in Ukraine," U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said.

⚡️Russia to draft year-round (https://kyivindependent.com/russia-to-draft-year-round-under-proposed-continuous-mobilization/) under proposed continuous mobilization.
The State Duma, the lower chamber of Russia's parliament, on July 22 submitted a bill that, if passed, will expand Russia's seasonal mobilization into a year-round draft.

Editorial: Zelensky just betrayed Ukraine's democracy — and everyone fighting for it
Last week, we warned of a coming anti-democratic backslide. Now, we see it happening.
A parliamentary vote, led by President Volodymyr Zelensky’s lawmakers, today took away the independence of Ukraine’s key anti-corruption bodies — the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO). Zelensky signed it into law the same day.

⚡️ BREAKING: Ukraine's parliament passes bill destroying independence (kyivindependent.com/bill-subordinating-top-anti-corruption-agencies-to-prosecutor-generals-office/) of key anti-corruption bodies.
The bill was passed with the support of 263 lawmakers, while 13 voted against it and 13 abstained.

⚡️Lawmakers seek (kyivindependent.com/lawmakers-seek-constitutional-court-review-of-law-limiting-nabu-and-sapo-powers/) Constitutional Court review of law curtailing independence of Ukraine's anti-graft agencies.
Lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak claimed that procedural rules were violated during the bill's passage, making the constitutional challenge viable. The motion will require at least 45 signatures from members of parliament.

⚡️ Update: NABU head asks Zelensky to veto bill (https://kyivindependent.com/bill-subordinating-top-anti-corruption-agencies-to-prosecutor-generals-office/) destroying independence of anti-corruption agencies.
National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) chief Semen Kryvonos warned that the bill recently passed by the parliament threatens Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration efforts.

⚡️ OECD warns (kyivindependent.com/oecd-warns-ukraines-anti-corruption-agencies-law-could-undermine-defense-investments-media-reports/) Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies law threatens foreign investment, media reports.
The OECD reportedly warned that the bill threatens the independence of anti-corruption agencies and could undermine Kyiv's credibility among foreign partners. This could negatively impact defense investment and reconstruction financing.

⚡️'Veto the law! (kyivindependent.com/veto-the-law-wartime-protests-sweep-ukraine-after-parliament-passes-bill-weakening-anti-corruption-institutions/)' — Protests held across Ukraine after parliament passes bill weakening anti-corruption institutions.
Demonstrators gathered in Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro, and Odesa to oppose the legislation.

⚡️'Everything needs to be cleansed' — Zelensky defends (kyivindependent.com/bill-subordinating-top-anti-corruption-agencies-to-prosecutor-generals-office/) law dismantling anti-corruption bodies amid mass protests.
"The anti-corruption infrastructure will work. Only without Russian influence — everything needs to be cleansed of this. And there must be more justice," President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video address published after midnight on July 23.

⚡️ Moldova's opposition forms pro-Russian bloc (kyivindependent.com/moldovas-leftist-opposition-forms-bloc-ahead-of-key-parliamentary-vote/) ahead of key parliamentary vote.

⚡️Ukraine loses French-made Mirage 2000 (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-loses-french-made-mirage-2000-fighter-jet-to-reported-technical-failure/) fighter jet to reported technical failure.
The pilot safely ejected from the aircraft and is now in stable condition, according to Ukraine's Air Force. A special commission has been appointed to investigate the incident.

⚡️ Ukrainian drones reportedly target key logistics hub (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-reportedly-target-key-russian-logistics-hub-in-novocherkassk/) in southwestern Russia.
A railway hub in Novocherkassk used by the Russian military and defense-industrial complex came under an attack, said Andrii Kovalenko, an official at Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council.

⚡️Commander of Ukraine's elite police-formed brigade dies (kyivindependent.com/commander-of-ukraines-liut-brigade-dies-in-car-crash/) in car crash.
Colonel Maksym Kazban was a veteran officer who commanded the Liut Brigade, a unique front-line formation made up of Ukraine’s elite police forces.

⚡️Anti-graft agency charges (kyivindependent.com/nabu-charges-sbu-officer-with-bribery/) SBU officer with bribery amid mounting pressure on anti-corruption institutions.
An SBU officer is suspected of demanding a $300,000 bribe from a person under investigation for allegedly organizing illegal border crossings for military-age men during wartime, NABU said.

⚡️ Russia recruits children into drone programs (kyivindependent.com/russia-recruits-children-into-drone-programs-through-games-education-incentives-media-reports/) through games, education incentives, media reports.
Russian schoolchildren are recruited into drone development and other military programs through seemingly harmless video games, state-run competitions, and promises of academic and career advancement.

⚡️Ukrainian military releases footage of Russian troops killing civilian (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-military-releases-footage-of-russian-troops-killing-civilian-in-occupied-donetsk-oblast/) in Donetsk Oblast — and Ukraine's retaliation.

⚡️Russian attacks kill (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-kill-2-injure-30-across-ukraine-in-past-day/) 2, injure 30 across Ukraine over past day, cause blackouts.
Russia launched 71 drones from multiple directions overnight. Air defenses shot down 27 drones, and 18 were lost or intercepted by electronic warfare, the Air Force said.

‪Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 4h
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — JUL 23, 2025
■ Engagements near average; casualties & equipment losses below
■ Officer deaths: +18 (all junior) — 5.4 per day since start
■ 🇷🇺 strikes down, 🇺🇦 strikes up — single-digit ratio

UNITED24 Media Telegrem Highlights

The Polish Foreign Ministry has advised its citizens to leave Russia.
“Polish citizens currently in Russia are advised to leave the country... unless their life, family, or professional situation requires them to stay,” the ministry said in a statement.

⚡️ Today, Ukraine and Russia will hold talks in Istanbul.
According to ISW, the Ukrainian delegation will focus on the return of prisoners of war and children taken to Russia.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has already downplayed expectations, saying there is “no reason to count on any breakthroughs,” as Russia “intends to achieve the tasks set.”

A court in The Hague has overturned the freeze on Gazprom’s assets in the gas companies Wintershall Noordzee and Gazprom International Projects B.V., — Reuters reports.
The assets had been seized at the request of Ukrainian companies Slavutych-Invest and Zhnyva, which filed separate cases over property lost in Russian-occupied territories during the war.
However, the Dutch court ruled that the asset seizure could violate the principle of state immunity, which bars Dutch courts from judging the actions of another state or its entities.

Russia Launches Disinformation Campaign to Try to Unseat European Commission President — Politico
Russian-sponsored propaganda outlets flooded the internet with content aimed at dividing public opinion and spreading disinformation in the lead-up to Ursula von der Leyen’s no-confidence vote in the European Parliament. Despite the campaign, she survived the vote.
Von der Leyen was portrayed as a villain and part of a corrupt, anti-democratic elite. The effort was detailed in a study by Finnish company Check First, presented to the European Commission in early July.
Unlike past campaigns, Russian propagandists didn’t fabricate news. Instead, they amplified political statements made by far-right European figures, including Romanian presidential candidate Gheorghe Simeon and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

❗️Russia launched overnight drone attacks on Ukrainian gas production facilities, Naftogaz reports.
Dozens of strikes were carried out, causing destruction. The extent of the damage is currently being assessed.

Germany is calling for women and pensioners to be trained as truck drivers in case of war with Russia, — Bild reports.
Amid growing concerns about a potential conflict, Germany faces a severe shortage of truck drivers. The country is currently lacking around 100,000 drivers, and in wartime, the deficit could rise to 400,000, warned Dirk Engelhardt, head of the drivers' union.
He proposed urgently recruiting women and pensioners. For women, he suggested ensuring safe parking and equipping trucks with showers, toilets, and kitchens.
For pensioners, Engelhardt called for scrapping the rule requiring qualification renewal every five years, arguing that it imposes unnecessary costs despite their extensive experience.

The Ukrainian Air Force is using new American AIM-9L/M Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.

🖤😔 Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath, has passed away. He and his wife were vocal supporters of Ukraine from the very beginning of the full-scale invasion.
May he rest in peace.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that he gathered all the heads of law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies, including the Prosecutor General, for a much-needed meeting.
“It was a frank and productive conversation that truly helps,” he said. “We all have a common enemy—the Russian occupiers. Protecting the Ukrainian state requires strong law enforcement and anti-corruption systems, and above all—a real sense of justice.
Criminal proceedings must not drag on for years without verdicts. Those working against Ukraine must not feel safe or immune from punishment.”
Zelenskyy thanked all participants for their readiness to work together:
• SBU – Security Service of Ukraine
• NABU – National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine
• SAPO – Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office
• NACP – National Agency on Corruption Prevention
• SBI – State Bureau of Investigation
• Ministry of Internal Affairs – responsible for police and public security
• Prosecutor General – head of the prosecution system in Ukraine
“Thank you for your willingness to act as one team—a team for Ukraine, and in Ukraine’s interests. We agreed that everyone will work constructively.”
He emphasized the importance of meeting public expectations: “We hear society. We understand what people expect from the state to ensure justice and institutional effectiveness.”
They also discussed administrative and legislative decisions needed to strengthen each institution, resolve contradictions, and eliminate threats.
“We will work together and provide political support,” Zelenskyy said.
He added that a more in-depth working meeting will be held next week, and in two weeks, a joint action plan will be presented—outlining the necessary steps to strengthen Ukraine, deliver more justice, and protect the interests of Ukrainian society.

❗️South Korea Halts Decades-Long Radio Broadcasts to North Korea — Bloomberg
South Korea has ended radio transmissions to North Korea that had been running since the 1970s, cutting off one of the few sources of uncensored information available to North Koreans.
Authorities confirmed the broadcasts were suspended to avoid escalating tensions with Pyongyang and to preserve inter-Korean relations.
Experts note that North Korea consistently jammed these signals—evidence of how threatening the regime considered them. The move aligns with President Lee Jae-myung’s broader policy shift aimed at softening Seoul’s stance toward Pyongyang.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

The US is stepping up its push to cut off the flow of “dual-use” materials (www.kyivpost.com/post/56786) from China to Russia — a vital lifeline fueling Putin’s war against Ukraine.

China’s commerce minister lodged “solemn representations” to his EU counterpart over two Chinese (www.kyivpost.com/post/56798) banks’ inclusion in the bloc’s sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine war.

Trump administration has allocated its FIRST security assistance (www.kyivpost.com/post/56814) for fiscal year 2025 to Ukraine, committing $9 million from the USAI to BAE Systems for the refurbishment of Bradley fighting vehicles.

Thousands of protesters defied wartime restrictions in Kyiv, rallying against the government’s move to strip anti-corruption agencies of their independence.
See the historic moment through photos captured on the ground by Kyiv Post. (www.kyivpost.com/post/56777)

Hundreds of Ukrainians gathered in central Kyiv on Monday evening to protest against a controversial law they say undermines the independence of the country’s leading anti-corruption bodies, NABU and SAP, by placing them under the control of the prosecutor general.
A Kyiv Post correspondent at the scene reported that demonstrators were calling on President Zelensky to veto bill 12414, warning it could roll back crucial reforms made since the 2014 revolution.

Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko and his brother Volodymyr are joining the protests in central Kyiv against parliament’s move to strip key anti-corruption bodies of their independence.

Trump has made the decision to withdraw the United States from UNESCO, the New York Post reported.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

“We’re waiting for our people” — Zelensky has announced a new prisoner exchange with Russia, expected to take place today.
According to the president, all necessary procedures for the exchange have already begun, and he hopes it will go ahead as planned. The swap is part of the agreements reached during the second round of Ukraine-Russia talks in Istanbul.

❗️The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has warned Kyiv that the attack on anti-corruption institutions will negatively affect defense-related investments in Ukraine and the funding of long-term reconstruction efforts.

The EU has responded to the situation surrounding NABU and SAPO, reminding Ukraine of the conditions tied to its support.
A spokesperson for the European Commission stressed that the EU provides substantial financial assistance to Ukraine “conditional on progress in transparency, judicial reform, and democratic governance.”

⚠️Nearly 90% of Russia’s strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure this year have been carried out using drones.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia has launched over 700 attacks on energy facilities across Ukraine.

When you look at the UNITED24 news and the long term German and Baltic state warnings and the Polish warning just issued, it's more and more clear that war is coming

😢

Anyone got any insights on what Zelenskyy is playing at with these reforms around the anti-corruption bodies? It feels very underhand and to be honest a bit of an own goal but wondering if I’m missing something obvious around why they’re a good idea.

I share your feelings about these reforms to the anti-corruption bodies, @Igotjelly . It seems so directly opposed to Zelensky's actions over previous years – and indeed the platform he was elected on and seemed (perhaps I'm ignorant?) to be making good on.

Thoughts, in no particular order:

1. His track record is anti-corruption

2. Corruption is very very deeply embedded in Ukraine, including in the judiciary right at the top levels.

3. The anti-corruption organisations are no exception. There have been incidents reported at high level, for hundreds of thousands of euros.

4. Russian influence within the judiciary and the anti-corruption organisations probably exists and it will be working as hard as it can to undermine transparency and integrity

5. plain old ordinary venal corruption exists too

6. It could be that he's gathered names of reliable and unreliable people and he wants to reform the organisations from scratch with the reliable people, giving the unreliable the old heave-ho

7. this is one hell of a dramatic way to go about it.

8. Are the structures themselves too flawed and fundamentally need re-making?

9. How successful can this be? Just how many honest people are there who can be recruited for this work, and how can dishonest people be kept out? realistically, it's not going to be perfect.

10. a lot of money will go towards reforming the anti-corruption organisations. Will it be worth it?

11. there seems to be a deep and huge fury at the corruption within Ukraine from Ukrainians, but I wonder how much 'all corruption is bad except my corruption' exists

12. without doubt the Russian agitators will be making the most of this

13. the severe reservations expressed by the Ukrainian media themselves, some of whom are not yes-men, are concerning.

14. the OECD and other European bodies' reservations are more measured but also worth noting.

I guess that Zelensky felt he had to do this as the situation was so bad. I sincerely hope he has a plan of action which has been very well researched strategically, organisationally and personnel-wise.

It's not impossible that this could make a real difference in the corruption levels. Or it could make things worse. We will have to wait and see.

Personally I wish they'd started an intense anti-corruption campaign on TV and social media from the start of his governance and worked to make it socially unacceptable, allied with judicial and governmental reforms. That works better in the long term than most things, I think.

Interesting thoughts, thanks Ducks.

I suppose what worries me more than anything is the secretive way in which it’s been done.

Saw this reposted on bsky, I don't know the original source

🚨 Just in: Under mounting pressure, Volodymyr Zelenskyy changes course and says he will propose a presidential bill to strengthen Ukraine’s law enforcement agencies.

“Very importantly – all the norms for the independence of anti-corruption institutions will be in place.”

ETA, Euronews
https://bsky.app/profile/jorgeliboreiro.bsky.social/post/3lunjjimd5s2l

Seeing it reported on Sky News now so must be true. Hope it’s not too late.

In other news talks in Istanbul have concluded already.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Trump announces (kyivindependent.com/trump-announces-us-eu-arms-agreement-including-aid-for-ukraine/) US-EU arms agreement including aid for Ukraine.
The deal stipulates that the U.S. will deliver weapons to the EU, which will handle distribution among member states, with most of the arms expected to go to Ukraine.

⚡️China covertly supplying drone engines (kyivindependent.com/china-covertly-supplying-drone-engines-to-russia-despite-sanctions-reuters-reports/) to Russia despite sanctions, Reuters reports.
The shipments have allowed Russian weapons-maker IEMZ Kupol to boost its Garpiya drone output, despite sanctions imposed by the U.S. and EU in October aimed at disrupting its supply chain.

⚡️'We all hear what society is saying' — Zelensky vows (kyivindependent.com/we-all-hear-what-society-is-saying-zelensky-promises-joint-anti-corruption-action-plan-in-2-weeks/) anti-corruption plan within 2 weeks amid backlash over controversial bill.

⚡️EU privately warns (kyivindependent.com/eu-privately-warns-ukraine-anti-graft-law-as-setback-for-membership-talks-media-reports/) Ukraine anti-graft agencies law is a setback for membership talks, media reports.
The legislation, swiftly pushed through by President Volodymyr Zelensky's lawmakers on July 22 and signed by the president the same day, "crossed red lines" for Brussels, European Pravda reported, citing EU sources.

⚡️Ukraine, Russia carry out another prisoner swap (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-russia-carry-out-another-prisoner-swap-under-istanbul-agreement/) as third round of Istanbul peace talks concludes.

⚡️US approves possible $172 million support package (https://kyivindependent.com/us-approves-possible-172-million-support-package-for-ukraines-air-defense-system/) for Ukraine’s air defense system. 
For its HAWK missile system – a medium-range, surface-to-air guided missile providing air defense against low-to-medium-altitude aircraft and aerial threats – Ukraine requested a broad range of sustainment-related equipment and services.
The package will include five-ton cargo trucks, spare parts, and the refurbishment and overhaul of air defense fire units.

⚡️ Over half of MPs suspected by NABU backed law (kyivindependent.com/over-half-of-mps-suspected-by-nabu-backed-law-curbing-anti-corruption-agencys-independence/) curbing anti-corruption agency's independence.
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) suspects 31 sitting or former members of the current parliament of corruption.

⚡️ Von der Leyen raises 'strong concerns,' (kyivindependent.com/von-der-leyen-raises-strong-concerns-urges-zelensky-to-explain-law-weakening-anti-graft-bodies/) urges Zelensky to explain law weakening Ukraine's anti-graft bodies.

⚡️ Russian Gazprom wins asset release in Dutch court (kyivindependent.com/russian-gazprom-wins-asset-release-in-dutch-court-following-claims-by-ukrainian-companies-reuters-reports/) after claims by Ukrainian companies, Reuters reports.
A Dutch court overturned seizure orders on Russian energy giant Gazprom's local assets, which had been imposed following lawsuits filed by two Ukrainian companies, Reuters reported on July 22, citing a published ruling on the court's website.

⚡️1 killed, 1 injured as Ukrainian drones attack (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-attack-russias-krasnodar-krai-hit-sochi-oil-refinery/) Russia’s Krasnodar Krai, hit Sochi, oil depot.

⚡️ Russia suffered 80,000 casualties (https://kyivindependent.com/russia-suffered-80-000-casualties-during-kursk-incursion-ukraines-military-chief-says/) during Kursk incursion, Ukraine's military chief says.

⚡️ Update: Ukrainian delegation reportedly [met] Erdogan (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-delegation-arrives-in-turkey/) in Turkey ahead of third round of peace talks with Russia.

⚡️Putin grants (kyivindependent.com/putin-grants-belarusians-residing-in-russia-right-to-vote-run-in-local-elections/) Belarusians residing in Russia right to vote, run in local elections.

⚡️ Belarus threatens to shift (kyivindependent.com/belarus-threatens-to-shift-zapad-2025-military-drills-closer-to-nato-border/) Zapad-2025 military drills closer to NATO border.

Invisible prisoners — the struggle to free thousands of Ukrainians in Russian captivity

• (kyivindependent.com/invisible-prisoners-families-rights-defenders-struggle-to-free-ukrainian-civilians-from-russian-captivity/)* Since the start of Russia’s war against Ukraine in 2014, Ukrainians in the occupied territories have been subject to illegal detentions, brutal interrogations, convictions in an unrecognized legal system, and torture. After Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, both sides captured large numbers of military personnel. Prisoner exchanges between the two countries became a top priority. They have freed thousands of Ukrainians. So far, however, only 10 civilians captured by Russia before 2022 have been returned home.

⚡️ Kyiv Independent suffers DDoS attack after publishing (kyivindependent.com/kyiv-independent-hit-by-major-ddos-attack-after-criticism-of-law-weakening-anti-graft-agencies/) criticism of anti-corruption rollback.
The attack followed the publication of a critical editorial and in-depth coverage of the government's push to expand the prosecutor general's control over key anti-corruption agencies.

⚡️Ukrainian fencer Vlada Kharkova (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-fencer-vlada-kharkova-wins-gold-in-2025-world-championship/) wins gold in 2025 World Championship.

⚡️Fire engulfs iconic Odesa market amid Russian attack (kyivindependent.com/fire-engulfs-iconic-odesa-market-amid-russian-attack/).
A Russian drone attack on Odesa damaged residential buildings, a gas station, and the city's Pryvoz market overnight on July 24.

⚡️Russian attacks kill (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-kill-4-injure-28-over-past-day-damaging-unesco-protected-landmarks-in-odesa/) 4, injure 28 over past day, damaging UNESCO-protected landmarks in Odesa.
Kharkiv Oblast saw the highest number of civilians affected by Russian attacks, which killed three people and injured five others.

‪Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 2h
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — JUL 24, 2025
■ Engagements increased, but casualties and equipment losses remain below average
■ Visually confirmed batch: 16 🇷🇺 : 58 🇺🇦 — 30-day ratio down to 0.9×
■ MLRS strikes up, but strike ratio remains in the single digits

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

President announces new law
Zelenskyy held a series of meetings with the heads of the SBU, NABU, SAPO, MIA, NACP, SBI, and the Prosecutor General. They discussed Law No. 12414, the public reaction to it, and the work of anti-corruption agencies.
The president announced he will submit a bill to the Verkhovna Rada aimed at strengthening the law and order system, guaranteeing the independence of anti-corruption institutions, and eliminating Russian influence.
[Yesterday] he also signed a decree to reduce bureaucratic procedures and immediately audit state spending to direct maximum resources to defense.

⚡️ Ukraine has proposed holding a leaders’ meeting with the participation of Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Donald Trump by the end of August, – Rustem Umerov.

✈️ The Air Force received unique complexes for servicing F-16
The Air Force has received two mobile technical hubs for aircraft and aviation weapons, as well as one mission planning complex. These were donated by the “Come Back Alive” charity fund with support from the state-owned company “Ukrnafta”.
The mobile complexes are expected to solve mobility issues, enable rapid response to emergency landings, speed up maintenance, and reduce the number of personnel required for servicing.

According to Bild, on Wednesday morning, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadeful held a phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha, urging him to consistently continue the fight against corruption in Ukraine.

🔻More than 1,200 people will take part in the humanitarian exchange between Ukraine and Russia, – Umerov.
The Russian side agreed to return those who have been in captivity for over three years, including the seriously wounded and young people.

⚡️ Ukraine has completed the ninth stage of the exchange — seriously ill and seriously injured servicemen are returning home.

NABU and SAP Support Zelenskyy's Initiative for New Bill Guaranteeing Independence of Anti-Corruption Bodies
The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) have expressed their readiness to engage in discussions and contribute to the preparation of President Zelenskyy’s proposed bill, which will guarantee the independence of Ukraine's anti-corruption institutions, according to their official statement on July 23.
NABU and SAP welcomed (t.me/nab_ukraine/3301) the President’s initiative to draft a new bill that will include comprehensive safeguards for the independence of anti-corruption bodies. Both agencies emphasized their support for measures aimed at strengthening the rule of law and ensuring the autonomy of anti-corruption institutions. https://united24media.com/latest-news/nabu-and-sap-support-zelenskyys-initiative-for-new-bill-guaranteeing-independence-of-anti-corruption-bodies-10124

📉 Russia’s oil and gas revenues may drop by more than a third in July, — Reuters reports.
Since the beginning of the year, energy export revenues have already fallen by 20% compared to the same period in 2024 — down to 5.4 trillion rubles. The main reason is declining oil prices: the average price of Urals crude in rubles remains below the level set in the state budget.
Russia’s Ministry of Finance has already revised its annual forecast — lowering it from 10.94 trillion rubles to just 8.32 trillion. For comparison, energy revenues in 2023 totaled 11.13 trillion rubles.
As Reuters notes, energy revenues account for around 25% of the Russian budget, and the sharp decline comes as the Kremlin faces mounting war expenses.

🇺🇦🛥 Ferry to the South Caucasus: Ukraine Joins Expansion of China–EU Transit Corridor
With the support of Ukrzaliznytsia, Ukraine has launched ferry services to the South Caucasus—marking a key step in developing the Central Transport Corridor linking China to the European Union.
The new route enables efficient cargo transport between Ukraine and Azerbaijan.
Ukrainian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Yuriy Gusev emphasized that the move strengthens the strategic partnership between Kyiv and Baku and supports the growth of the GUAM corridor, a vital route for regional logistics and geopolitics.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Ukraine will NOT receive the Patriot systems promised by Trump before spring 2026, Spiegel reports.

Naftogaz borrowed $113 million from state-owned PrivatBank — the bank’s biggest deal since nationalization (www.kyivpost.com/post/56831) — to stockpile gas ahead of the 2025–26 heating season.

Protesters in Kyiv have returned to the streets for a second consecutive day, rallying against the government’s passage of Bill 12414 – a controversial law that strips anti-corruption agencies of their independence.

Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence warned that Moscow could exploit the ongoing protests (kyivpost.com/post/56854) over Kyiv’s controversial new law to discredit Ukraine and undermine foreign aid.

Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Syrsky spoke to the Washington Post about his take on the war in Ukraine (www.kyivpost.com/post/56838) during an interview marking his 60th birthday.

Ukraine's intelligence chief Budanov says NO Enemies of Ukraine on Trump’s team.
In an EXCLUSIVE interview with Kyiv Post, (www.kyivpost.com/post/56830) he discussed Trump’s evolving stance, Kellogg’s key role, and Ukraine’s strategic ties with the US.

Ukraine’s drone revolution is reshaping modern warfare. (www.kyivpost.com/videos/56848) Chuck Pfarrer on FPV strikes, sea drones, and Kyiv’s plan to produce 4M drones by 2025.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Ukrainians have taken to the streets in Kyiv, Lviv, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Ternopil, Zaporizhzhia, and other cities to protest the law affecting NABU and SAPO.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has asked the Ukrainian government to clarify the law affecting NABU and SAPO.
According to Euronews, she also called President Volodymyr Zelensky to express her “serious concern.”

The Prosecutor General has stated that he does not believe NABU and SAPO have lost their independence.
He emphasized that he does not intend to abuse his new powers. He also assured that jurisdiction over cases handled by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) will not be reassigned without a review of case materials and the progress of the investigation.

As part of the July 23 prisoner exchange, the last captured defender of Zmiinyi (Snake) Island — State Border Guard Service fighter Vitalii Hyrenko — has returned to Ukraine.
He spent 3 years and 5 months in Russian captivity.
▪️On February 24, 2022, Russian forces attacked Snake Island, demanding the surrender of the garrison and opening fire from ships and aircraft. Contact with the Ukrainian border guards was lost shortly afterward, and the defenders were taken prisoner.

Three people were killed in the Kharkiv region as a result of an airstrike — all members of the same family.
According to preliminary reports, Russian forces dropped a FAB-250 high-explosive aerial bomb equipped with a Unified Gliding and Correction Module (UMPK) on the village of Pidlyman in the Izium district.

In the Zaporizhzhia region, the first anti-drone tunnel has been constructed to protect both civilian and military transport.
The tunnel, located along the Orikhiv highway, stretches 6.5 kilometers.
“This is just the beginning. We have an ambitious plan — over 200 kilometers of protected routes within the region,” said the head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration.

Love Zelenskyy but saddened that he’s taken this misstep.

It will harm Ukraines chances in the EU and weaken his ties further with US.

The WSJ has interviewed several Russian POWs about why they joined up and their experience fighting in Ukraine. The article also included some intercepted Russian radio communications.

The reason they joined was to get the huge enlistment bonuses. They also thought that the Russian army was winning handily, so it wouldn't be too dangerous. One Russian soldier told them that because he had no combat experience he thought he would be given a cushy post behind the lines. It didn't work out that way.

https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/russian-soldiers-view-ukraine-war-749a0494?st=Kpu82P&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-23-2025

Key Takeaways:

• Russia is weaponizing ongoing domestic protests in Ukraine to intensify rhetoric designed to undermine Ukraine's legitimacy and discourage Western support.
• The ongoing Ukrainian protests are notably not anti-war demonstrations, but Russian commentators are trying to paint them as protests against Zelensky and Ukraine's war effort in order to accomplish informational effects that will generate benefits for Russian forces on the battlefield.
• Ukrainian and Russian delegations met on July 23 in Istanbul for the third round of bilateral negotiations.
• Kremlin officials continue to undermine the negotiation process while reiterating Russia's commitment to achieving its original war aims.
• Russia continues to diversify and bolster its security apparatus in an effort to centralize state power in a way that will worsen the already systematic abuse of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) and civilians in Russia and occupied Ukraine.
• Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Chasiv Yar. Russian forces recently advanced in northern Sumy and in western Zaporizhia oblasts and near Borova.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ Update: Zelensky submits new bill (kyivindependent.com/48-lawmakers-from-various-factions-registering-bill-to-safeguard-independence-of-anti-corruption-bodies/) restoring anti-graft agencies' independence after protests.
President Volodymyr Zelensky submitted on July 24 a new draft law aimed at restoring the independence of Ukraine's anti-corruption institutions.

⚡️ Ukraine's ex-top general Zaluzhnyi warns war with Russia (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-ex-top-general-zaluzhnyi-warns-war-with-russia-could-last-until-2034/) could last until 2034.

⚡️ US senator Lindsey Graham criticises (kyivindependent.com/us-senator-lindsey-graham-criticises-zelenskys-signing-of-anti-corruption-law/) Zelensky's signing of anti-corruption law.

⚡️ Von der Leyen urges China to press Putin (kyivindependent.com/von-der-leyen-urges-china-to-press-putin-on-ukraine-peace-talks/) to engage seriously in Ukraine-Russia peace talks.

⚡️ Ukraine wants 10 new Patriots (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-wants-10-new-patriots-but-only-has-3-secured-zelensky-says/) but only has 3 secured, Zelensky says.
"I have officially received confirmation from Germany for two systems, and from Norway for one," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

⚡️Russia plans sweeping gasoline export ban (kyivindependent.com/russia-plans-sweeping-gasoline-export-ban-to-stabilize-domestic-market-sources-tell-reuters/) to stabilize domestic market, sources tell Reuters.
The Russian government has resorted to temporary gasoline export bans multiple times over the past two years, typically to address domestic fuel shortages and alleviate high prices.

⚡️ Russia deploys additional electronic warfare systems (kyivindependent.com/russia-deploys-electronic-warfare-systems-near-estonian-border/) near Estonian border.
The systems, deployed near the Russian town of Kingisepp — roughly 20 kilometers (around 12 miles) from Estonia's eastern border — are designed to jam communications, disrupt radar systems, and assert control over the electromagnetic spectrum.

⚡️Netherlands, OSCE seek investigation into Russian torture (kyivindependent.com/netherlands-40-other-osce-states-seek-probes-into-russian-torture-of-ukrainian-pows/) of Ukrainian POWs.

⚡️'Your move, Mr. President' — 48 Ukrainian lawmakers submit (kyivindependent.com/48-lawmakers-from-various-factions-registering-bill-to-safeguard-independence-of-anti-corruption-bodies/) bill to safeguard independence of anti-corruption bodies.
Forty-eight MPs from various factions have registered a new bill in the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament.

⚡️ Ukraine's central bank holds key rate (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-central-bank-holds-key-rate-at-15-5-lowers-growth-and-inflation-forecasts/) at 15.5%, lowers growth and inflation forecasts.
Ukraine's National Bank held its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 15.5% while revising down economic projections, citing war-related damage and weaker harvests, the bank said on July 24.

⚡️Kolomoisky embezzlement case to be sent (kyivindependent.com/oligarch-kolomoiskys-case-for-embezzling-250-million-from-privatbank-to-be-sent-to-court/) to court.
Ukrainian law enforcement agencies have completed an embezzlement investigation against the oligarch Ihor Kolomoisky, with the case now ready for trial, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) announced on July 23.
Kolomoisky, the former owner of Ukraine's largest bank PrivatBank, and five of his associates were charged in 2023 with money laundering and fraud. They are accused of embezzling Hr 9.2 billion ($250 million) from PrivatBank.

⚡️Over 23,000 civilians, 113 children (kyivindependent.com/over-23-000-civilians-113-children-trapped-in-active-combat-zones-in-donetsk-oblast-official-says/) trapped in active combat zones in Donetsk Oblast, official says.
Ukrainian and Western military experts assess that Russia may escalate its offensive operations during the 50-day period U.S. President Donald Trump allocated for Moscow to reach a ceasefire settlement.

⚡️Indian company sent explosives (kyivindependent.com/indian-company-sent-explosives-to-russia-despite-us-warnings-reuters-reports/) to Russia despite US warnings, Reuters reports.
An Indian company delivered $1.4 million worth of military explosives to Russia last December, ignoring U.S. warnings on potential sanctions, Reuters reported on July 24, citing data from Indian customs.
Among the Russian companies listed as recipients of the explosive substance octogen, also known as HMX, is Promsintez, an explosives producer that has ties to the Russian military, a Ukrainian Security Service official told Reuters.

⚡️ Over 1,300 residents remain (https://kyivindependent.com/over-1-300-residents-remain-in-embattled-pokrovsk-governor-says/)in embattled Pokrovsk, governor says.

⚡️ Soviet-era An-24 plane crashes (kyivindependent.com/soviet-era-an-24-crashes-in-russias-amur-oblast-killing-all-49-on-board/) in Russia's Amur Oblast, all 49 on board feared dead.

⚡️Ukrainian MP, businessman Yaroslav Rushchyshyn (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-mp-businessman-yaroslav-rushchyshyn-dies-in-motorcycle-accident/) dies in motorcycle accident.

⚡️Drones attack (kyivindependent.com/drones-attack-chemical-plant-in-russias-stavropol-krai/) chemical plant in Russia's Stavropol Krai.
The plant is located in Stavropol Krai, a region in southern Russia that lies roughly 250 kilometers (155 miles) from the Ukrainian border.

⚡️Russian glide bombs strike (kyivindependent.com/russian-two-glide-bombs-attack-kharkiv-targeting-residential-high-rise-building-injuring-at-least-25/) Kharkiv residential high-rise building, injuring at least 41.
Among the victims of the attack are a 10-year-old girl, two teenagers, aged 17, while a one-month-old infant suffered an acute stress reaction.

‪Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 1h
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — JUL 25, 2025
■ Engagements remain above, casualties below the 7-day average
■ Significant drone losses
■ Strike ratio increases but remains below average

oops

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

❗️President Zelenskyy has approved the text of a new bill aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s law and order system, ensuring the independence of anti-corruption bodies, and protecting them from any Russian influence or interference.
The bill is described as balanced, with a focus on real tools, full disconnection from Russian ties, and guaranteed independence for NABU (National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine) and SAPO (Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office).
The draft law will be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada today.

❗️The bill restores all powers and guarantees the independence of anti-corruption bodies — NABU has responded to President Zelenskyy’s proposed legislation.
NABU and SAPO were also involved in drafting the bill.
Key provisions include:
• The Prosecutor General is prohibited from assigning cases under NABU’s jurisdiction to any other investigative body.
• The only exception is if “objective circumstances” under martial law make it impossible for NABU to conduct the investigation.
• Employees of NABU, SAPO, the Bureau of Economic Security, the Prosecutor General’s Office, and the State Bureau of Investigation must undergo a polygraph test every two years to assess any potential involvement in actions benefiting Russia.

The European Commission has welcomed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s initiative to draft a new bill aimed at strengthening anti-corruption agencies, — The Guardian reports.

🇩🇪 German defense company HENSOLDT will produce an undisclosed number of TRML-4D and SPEXER 2000 radars for Ukraine, worth €340 million, according to the company’s CEO.
The source of funding for the order has not been disclosed.

🇺🇦 Ukraine to boost domestic production of explosives and ammunition with government grants
The Cabinet of Ministers has approved a resolution enabling private companies to scale up the production of explosives and ammunition, First Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced.
“Our task is to create game changers for the war — from drones to explosives — and produce them in the necessary volumes,” Fedorov said.
The grant program includes:
▫️ transparent selection procedures;
▫️ technical review by Ukraine’s security and defense forces;
▫️ product testing with a control commission;
▫️ oversight at every stage of project implementation.
Grant recipients can use funds to expand production, buy equipment, chemical components, and key systems.

Russia sends kidnapped Ukrainian children to the front — The Times
Russia is forcing deported Ukrainian children to serve in the army once they turn 18 and fight against Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities have collected evidence, including draft lists and information about the dead. This is not only aimed at replenishing the Russian army but also at pressuring Ukrainian society. According to The Times, thousands may be affected. Yale University is investigating and comparing these actions to Nazi practices.

🤡 Russia to create “demographic special forces” amid worst population crisis in 200 years
Each government body will now appoint a “deputy for demography,” announced Federation Council head Valentina Matviyenko.
She claims this will help make “family-centrism a sovereign cause” and “restore traditional values” as the country struggles with a deepening demographic collapse.

Serbia plans to relocate all its gold reserves to its own territory as a safety measure in case of a national crisis, — Bloomberg reports.
This move would make Serbia the first Eastern European country to store all of its gold domestically rather than abroad.

Zelenskyy said he respects public opinion and sees it as normal when people express disagreement.
The president admitted that “it was necessary to conduct a dialogue around the anti-corruption law before signing it,” and added that his current priority is the war, because “Ukraine’s main enemy is Russia.”

A Russian strike on Odesa has damaged the Vorontsov Palace, a listed cultural heritage monument.
The attack shattered 19 windows, destroyed exterior doors, caused plaster to collapse in eight rooms, damaged two historic lanterns, and partially destroyed the facade cornice.

Ukrainian athlete Mykhailo Kokhan won gold in the hammer throw at the 2025 Summer Universiade.
His best throw came in the fourth attempt, reaching 77.10 meters. Overall, Ukraine placed seventh in the medal standings, earning 11 medals in total.

The examination of Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchina’s body revealed additional injuries
Forensic experts documented multiple injuries, including a neck wound, bone fractures, and hemorrhages in the soft tissues of the head, shoulder, and legs. There was also an abrasion on her left foot and a broken rib. The exact cause of death remains undetermined.
▪️ Roshchina disappeared on August 3, 2023, while reporting from temporarily occupied territories. In May 2024, Russia confirmed it was holding her.
▪️ Her death was reported on October 10, 2024, during a transfer from Taganrog to Moscow. Ukraine’s military intelligence said she was to be exchanged soon. Her body, returned in February 2025, showed signs of torture and missing organs.