Ukraine Invasion: Part 57

[MagicFox]

Welcome to 57. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

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Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

A major global outage in Starlink (www.kyivpost.com/post/56945) on the evening of July 24 knocked out connectivity for Ukrainian forces across the entire front line. Service was restored after roughly two and a half hours.

Russia has used a new type of long-range guided bomb (www.kyivpost.com/post/56941) in a devastating airstrike on Kharkiv, wounding at least 33 people.

OPINION: The overconcentration of power around the head of Zelensky’s Office, Yermak, is unhealthy (www.kyivpost.com/opinion/56905) — there must be checks and balances, but last week’s cabinet reshuffle removed them.

Kyiv’s anti-corruption protests have entered their third day, despite Zelensky’s announcement that the changes – stripping key anti-graft agencies of their independence – will be reversed.

As Russia launches its “July Storm” global naval exercise (www.kyivpost.com/post/56906) across 13 different time zones its once feared Black Sea Fleet remains tied up and will seemingly play no part for fear of Ukrainian attack.

Valery Zaluzhny, Ukraine’s former commander-in-chief and current ambassador to the UK, (www.kyivpost.com/post/56912) voiced skepticism on Wednesday about the British-and French-led “Coalition of the Willing.”

Ukraine’s Security Service foiled a Russian-planned terror attack (www.kyivpost.com/post/56919) in central Kyiv, detaining a woman who tried to plant explosives in a café.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇺🇦 Ukraine’s international passport ranks 29th in the global Henley & Partners index.
Ukrainian passport holders can travel visa-free to 147 countries. Ukraine shares the 29th spot with Grenada, a Caribbean island nation.
Singapore tops the ranking — its citizens can enter 193 out of 227 destinations without a visa. Japan and South Korea are in second place, followed by seven EU countries in third.
The lowest ranking belongs to Afghanistan, whose citizens can travel visa-free to only 25 countries.

Ukraine has begun working on lists of Russian-held civilian prisoners, President Zelensky said.
Following the third round of negotiations in Istanbul, both sides agreed on a prisoner exchange involving 1,200 military personnel. One of the key issues, according to the president, is the fate of Kremlin political prisoners and journalists in captivity.
“We’ve started compiling the lists. This now includes political prisoners and journalists. And as you know, we can’t exchange civilians — they must be released. So now we’re working on a format for these lists — from both our side and theirs,” Zelensky explained.
He also revealed that Russia has demanded the return of 20 Russian children and 30 residents of the Kursk region. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is not holding any Russian minors on its territory.

A vessel exploded in the Bystre estuary of the Danube in Odesa region — three people have been killed.
According to the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority, the incident occurred on the evening of July 23 during routine operations in the Bystre estuary. A dredging vessel detonated, killing three employees of the authority.
There were 11 crew members on board. The remaining crew sustained injuries and have been hospitalized.
Specialized services are working at the scene, and the circumstances of the explosion are being investigated.
Due to the incident, the Bystre access channel has been temporarily closed to navigation. Vessel traffic to and from ports in the Danube region is currently being rerouted through the Sulina Channel.

The message I take from this fuss is that Zelenskyy proposed a bill which caused Ukrainian citizens to protest, loudly, in the streets. So he has proposed a different bill acceptable to the people who disliked the original one.

I have been trying to think of a single other leader of a country who has been swayed into such behaviour by the population of that country. Hasn't happened here (remembering the millions marching against going to war in Iraq). In the States the current president would call out the national guard; in Russia or China the "dissidents" would be imprisoned indefinitely. Is listening to your voters a purely European thing? (And do the French, Dutch, German governments immediately change course because of widespread protests?)

In the States the current president would call out the national guard

I assume you're referring to the riots in Los Angeles in June. There were some peaceful protests over immigration enforcement. There were also riots where the rioters set fire to cars and shops and threw concrete blocks at the police. The national guard was sent in quite lawfully to protect Federal office buildings and property in LA, which reduced the burden on the LAPD, allowing them to get the situation under control.

If it was you car or business that was set on fire, you would probably be glad that the police got the riots stopped as quickly as possible. The whole affair had nothing to do with "listening to the voters". Most voters don't like rioting and arson.

Not drowning but waving?

Kadyrov not dead.

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/56994

www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-24-2025

Key Takeaways:

• Russia will likely implement new policies to augment its military administrative capacity to significantly expand the rate at which Russia can call up a larger volume of conscripts and reservists.
• Russia has planned the gradual expansion of the Russian military since 2022, and the proposed changes to Russia’s personnel processing system are likely intended to support ongoing efforts to increase the size of the Russian military.
• The expansion of Russia’s administrative capacity to process conscripts and mobilized personnel would allow Russia to mobilize forces faster and more efficiently both during a protracted war in Ukraine and a possible future war against NATO.
• Reductions in the bottlenecks in the Russian conscription process would also impact Russia's ability to wage future wars.
• Kremlin officials continued to signal Russia's unwillingness to engage substantively in efforts to establish a lasting peace in Ukraine during the third round of bilateral talks in Istanbul.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky submitted a draft bill to the Ukrainian parliament on July 24 aimed at bolstering the independence of Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies in response to public backlash against the controversial bill that Zelensky signed on July 22.
• The US State Department approved two Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to Ukraine totaling $322 million.
• Ukraine and Russia conducted their ninth prisoner of war (POW) exchange on July 23, in accordance with agreements reached during the June 2 bilateral negotiations in Istanbul.
• Russian forces recently advanced in northern Sumy Oblast and near Kupyansk, Borova, Toretsk, and Novopavlivka.

From what I heard, the National Guardsmen spent most of their time bored in their accommodation, and much of the rest bored standing outside federal buildings.

LAPD meanwhile were so bored that they took a couple of random potshots at the press with baton rounds, just to entertain themselves.

Im off on holiday now. Thank you very much to the people who are taking over the roundup!

I -can- remember Margaret Thatcher rolling back the poll tax due to extreme discontent among UK citizens, long ago @AskingQuestionsAllTheTime One of the few times the Iron Lady actually listened to people. Shame she encouraged all the gerrymandering and the destruction of so much else.

Have a lovely time.

@DucklingSwimmingInstructress have a good break! I will be covering ISW and Kyiv Ind for the next week.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-25-2025

Key Takeaways:

• Russian officials continue to delay high-level negotiations between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin amid US calls for a meeting.
• Russian forces likely seized Novoekonomichne (northeast of Pokrovsk) and appear to be conducting limited sabotage and reconnaissance missions into Pokrovsk amid ongoing Russian efforts to envelop the town.
• Russian forces recently advanced into and northwest of Kupyansk.
• The Russian military command could pursue at least three courses of action (COAs) following a future seizure of Kupyansk.
• The Russian Central Bank lowered its key interest rate for the second time in two months, likely in an attempt to increase capital available to the Russian defense industrial base (DIB).
• The Kremlin dismissed First Deputy Director-General of the Kremlin newswire TASS Mikhail Gusman, likely in a continued effort to increase control over domestic media sources affecting Russian-Azerbaijani relations.
• Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Pokrovsk. Russian forces recently advanced near Kupyansk, Toretsk, and Pokrovsk.

* *

United 24 Media:

🇩🇪 Germany will soon transfer another, eighth, IRIS-T air defense system battery to Ukraine — Ukraine’s Ambassador to Germany Oleksiy Makeyev told Interfax.

🔹 The Era of Oil Sanctions as a Tool of Coercion Is Coming to an End. The Cases of Iran and Russia Show the Rise and Fall of Oil Restrictions as an Economic Policy Tool — Foreign Policy

After the U.S. withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, reimposed sanctions led to a decline in Iranian oil exports as its traditional buyers in Western Europe and East Asia turned to alternative sources. In 2020, Iran’s exports fell to almost zero amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, since the lifting of pandemic-related restrictions, China’s purchases of Iranian oil have increased sharply, recently reaching nearly 2 million barrels per day. This has allowed Iran to return its total exports to almost pre-sanctions levels. The Iranian oil market has not disappeared but has adapted to the new reality.

Unlike the sanctions on Iran, Washington’s 2022 restrictions on Russian oil target the country’s finances, not its physical flows. Measures such as the G7 price caps were designed to limit Russia’s ability to earn revenue without eliminating Russian exports from the market—which Western leaders believe would have a negative impact on prices.

But targeting Russia’s revenues has not worked as hoped. Despite the pressure, Russian finances have held up, although like other producers, Moscow is struggling to cope with falling prices.

In neither case have the sanctions changed the behavior of states. Iran has not caved to U.S. pressure over its nuclear program, and Russia has not backed down on Ukraine. Attempts to isolate both countries, as well as Venezuela, from the global oil market have made these producers dependent on Chinese demand, which in turn has provided Beijing with reliable sources of crude oil and other products.

There have been other negative side effects. While the sanctions have weakened the economies of Russia and Iran, they have generally strengthened the authoritarian regimes in those countries. Money now ends up in fewer hands, creating incentives for the dominant players in those regimes to maintain the sanctions.

Moreover, the sanctions are increasingly ineffective. And as their dependence on the global economy diminishes, Tehran and Moscow have less to lose from further restrictions. While the United States continues to impose new measures based on a deep understanding of the illicit oil networks, it cannot completely stop the flow.

This brings us to another limiting factor of oil sanctions: if the United States goes too far, it risks shocking the market and causing prices to rise. That is why Trump is unlikely to impose 100 percent tariffs on Russian oil.

On Iran, the United States could promise sanctions relief as an incentive to bring the country into the nuclear deal, while acknowledging that its ability to significantly curtail Iran’s oil exports (short of bombing) is limited.

On Russia, the United States should follow a similar path, relying more heavily on alternative means, including expanding support for Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russian arms exports.

Oil sanctions can be maintained, but the notion that they will significantly change Iran’s or Russia’s behavior is an illusion that must be abandoned. At the same time, Washington and its allies must recognize a new reality: sanctions have reshaped the world oil market, bringing Iran and Russia closer to China and dividing global energy flows along geopolitical rather than commercial lines.

🔸 The US has approved $180 million in air defense support for Ukraine.

The Defense Cooperation Agency has notified Congress of the decision.

The package includes training, maintenance, repairs, spare parts, logistics, and engineering support. It does not involve the transfer of weapons but will help ensure the continued operation of Ukraine’s existing air defense systems.

🤦‍♂️The summit meeting between Russia and Ukraine should conclude the settlement process and formalize the results of expert-level work, said Kremlin press secretary Peskov.

"At the moment, the approaches of Moscow and Kyiv are diametrically opposed. It is unlikely that they can be reconciled overnight," Peskov stated.

❗️Erdoğan to discuss with Trump and Putin the possibility of a leadership-level meeting in Istanbul

This week, after talks with Putin and Trump, we will try to determine whether it is possible to bring these leaders together in Istanbul, the Turkish Communications Directorate reported.

🔹 Germany plans to recruit up to 40,000 new reservists annually until 2031 to build Europe's most powerful army — Financial Times.

According to the draft law, volunteers will receive €2,000 for six months of military training, after which they will automatically be added to the list of reservists. During the training, they can also take language courses and obtain a driver’s license.

As early as 2025, the Bundeswehr aims to recruit 15,000 people, gradually increasing this number. The authorities hope many reservists will later choose a career as professional soldiers. Currently, about 182,000 people serve in the German army; the plan is to expand this number to 260,000.

🔸 Russia is rapidly expanding its Shahed drone production facility in Alabuz, CNN reports.

Satellite images show that construction has accelerated sharply, with dozens of new buildings under construction, including dormitories and production facilities. Analysts believe the plant’s goal may be to mass-produce drones for export worldwide.

Between late 2024 and mid-July 2025, at least eight new warehouse-like structures appeared near previously identified Shahed production sites. Residential areas have also grown significantly.

An image from July 12 shows at least 104 identical rectangular buildings, either completed or under construction, likely serving as worker dormitories. In February, there were only 15 such buildings. Construction appears to have started in March as snow melted.

According to the US think tank ISIS, once finished, these facilities could house up to 40,000 workers, enabling a major boost in drone production.

❗️UPD. Erdoğan is still working on a meeting of four leaders, including Zelenskyy.

Earlier today, Turkish media misquoted President Erdoğan, reporting that “this week we will hold talks with Putin and Trump to try to bring these leaders together in Istanbul.”

Erdoğan actually referred to a meeting in the format proposed by Ukraine.

“In the future, possibly this week, by holding talks with Putin and also with Trump, we will try to find out whether we can bring these leaders (Putin and Zelenskyy) together in Istanbul,” his office clarified.

🔹 Trump has signaled that secondary sanctions against Russia could be introduced even before the previously announced 50-day deadline.

“We’re looking at this whole situation. We may have to put secondary sanctions on them,” he said.

🔸 Russia has begun using a new long-range air-to-air missile with an upgraded seeker head.

Russian fighter jets are now employing the K-77M (also known as R-77M or “Product 180”) to target Ukrainian aircraft, Defence Express reports.

Russia has claimed to be finalizing the missile’s development since 2020. It now appears to have reached the stage of operational use. Along with the Su-57, the missile can also be launched from the Su-35. A photo of an aircraft carrying this missile appeared in Russian sources only a few days ago.

Given Russia’s tactics of high-altitude fighter patrols, any long-range air-to-air missile is a threat. Until now, the main concern was the R-37, which also has long range but falls short of the 400 km advertised by Russian propaganda. The new K-77M adds another danger.

Experts say the missile’s advanced seeker may require upgrades to Ukrainian aircraft’s electronic warfare systems.

❗️A terrible night. Massive combined Russian attack on the Dnipro region.

▪️ A man was killed in Dnipro, and a woman was injured. A multi-storey building and industrial facilities were damaged. Fires broke out, including in a parking lot where cars burned.

▪️ Several fires also started in the Dnipro district. A shopping center and an enterprise caught fire, and dry grass was burning in different locations.
One person was killed, and four more were injured.

▪️ The aggressor struck the Pokrovsk community in the Synelnykove district with aerial bombs, causing a fire.

▪️ An FPV drone hit the Pokrovsk community in the Nikopol district. The Marhanets community was also attacked.

🔹 Russia attacked Kharkiv more than 20 times overnight with aerial bombs, ballistic missiles, and drones.

Seven fires are being extinguished in the city. Houses, a business, and roads were damaged. Five people, including three rescue workers, were injured.

‼️A 21-year-old victim of the Russian night shelling has died in a Dnipro hospital, the Regional Military Administration reported.

According to updated information, two other men, aged 46 and 33, remain hospitalized in moderate condition.

In total, three people were killed and six injured in Dnipro and the region as a result of the shelling.

Live:Ukraine

🇪🇺🇺🇦 Zelensky addressed concerns over Ukraine’s EU integration amid the controversy surrounding NABU and SAPO, assuring partners that a solution will be found.

“We are part of Europe’s infrastructure; we want to belong to Europe. No one wants to risk that. I’ve assured all our partners — those who spoke to me about the war, about Turkey — that we will resolve the issue concerning our anti-corruption institutions,” the president said.

He added that the UK Prime Minister personally assured him that support would not decrease. Zelensky noted that partners understand Ukraine has internal issues to deal with — and they remain internal.

Here are a few more key points from Zelensky’s meeting with journalists:

about:blank 🔴Ending the war starts with a leaders’ summit. According to Zelensky, such a meeting needs a clear agenda — something Ukraine has long advocated. He noted that Russians are now publicly mentioning such talks too, which he sees as a sign of movement toward a possible meeting format.

about:blank 🔴Ukraine is discussing joint arms production abroad with Denmark, Norway, and Germany. An agreement with Copenhagen has already been reached.

about:blank 🔴Zelensky said an agreement with Donald Trump has been made under which the U.S. would buy Ukrainian drones — a major deal potentially worth $10–20–30 billion.

🔹 One German Patriot system has reportedly already been delivered to Ukraine, according to The Telegraph.

The outlet refers to the week between July 14 and 20, though there has been no official confirmation. Notably, on July 17, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that defense ministers were still discussing how to deliver the Patriot systems to Ukraine “in a matter of days or weeks, not hours.”

The Telegraph also reported that earlier this week, Berlin announced an agreement with Washington to provide five Patriot batteries to Ukraine. However, on July 22, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius denied this claim. He clarified that while Ukraine needs five Patriot systems, Germany has not committed to supplying all of them.

▪️On July 16, the German government officially rejected claims that Patriot systems had already been sent to Ukraine. Days later, Donald Trump told reporters that the first shipment — part of the systems he previously announced — had allegedly already been dispatched by Berlin.

🔸 Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the remaining 30 days of the 50-day deadline allegedly set by Donald Trump for Putin to reach a peace deal on the war in Ukraine are unlikely to be enough to organize a meeting between Presidents Zelensky and Putin.

He once again reiterated that Russia’s position is outlined in the memorandum handed to the Ukrainian side during the second round of negotiations, and claimed that it is “diametrically opposed” to the terms proposed by Ukraine in its own draft memorandum.

🇹🇷 Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will speak with both Putin and Trump.

Turkey’s Presidential Communications Directorate announced on X that Erdoğan will hold talks this week with representatives from Russia and the United States.

“This week, after holding talks with Putin and Trump, we will try to determine whether we can bring these leaders together in Istanbul,” the statement reads.

🔹 Elon Musk personally complicated — and at one point disrupted — Ukraine’s counteroffensive to liberate Kherson and its surrounding region in the fall of 2022 by ordering Starlink satellite internet to be shut off over parts of the territory, Reuters reports.

According to the outlet’s sources, the billionaire feared that Ukraine’s advance might provoke a nuclear response from Russia.

As a result, Ukrainian forces experienced a communications blackout — drones used to guide HIMARS and M777 artillery strikes on Russian logistics lost connectivity.

This was reportedly the first known instance of Musk directly interfering in military operations by restricting access to critical infrastructure.

🔸 NATO’s Joint Forces Command held a meeting on Wednesday, July 23, at NATO headquarters with representatives of Allied nations to accelerate the delivery of Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine.

“This is not about a one-off meeting. It’s an ongoing process aimed at providing Ukraine with urgently needed support as quickly as possible,” a NATO representative emphasized.

🔹 The European Parliament is considering moving up the deadline for phasing out Russian gas by one year.

In June, the European Commission proposed a full ban on Russian gas and oil imports starting January 1, 2028. However, MEPs Inese Vaidere of Latvia and Ville Niinistö of Finland have submitted proposals to bring the gas ban forward to January 2027.

Diplomats say EU governments are unlikely to support the earlier date, but lawmakers may use the proposal as leverage to secure other concessions in negotiations.

For example, Vaidere has also proposed requiring member states to impose penalties on companies that violate the ban — including revoking energy trade licenses. Niinistö is pushing for a complete ban on Russian oil imports from 2027.

🔸 Protests in Kyiv have entered their fourth day in response to the adoption of the controversial law that curtails the independence of anti-corruption institutions.

❗️Russia has deployed additional electronic warfare systems near the Estonian border.

Estonia’s Minister of the Interior stated that the systems were installed near the town of Kingisepp in Russia’s Leningrad Oblast, just 20 kilometers from the border.

He recalled that Russia is already using electronic warfare (EW) to disable drones, but these systems can also cause “serious disruptions to GPS signals, which are essential for aviation and maritime navigation.”

Estonia considers these actions a security threat and plans to discuss the situation with NATO partners.

Kyiv Post:

🔹 Russia may be preparing to attack NATO within the next five to ten years — Top US defense analyst warns
https://www.kyivpost.com/videos/56988

🔸 Trump predicts Zelensky-Putin meeting “in months” as US boosts European security.

🔹 US Senator Blumenthal said Zelensky’s international credibility and future support from allies depend on his ability to restore trust in the country’s anti-corruption institutions, days after mass protests erupted in Kyiv over a controversial new law.

UNITED24Media

🇺🇦 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. https://t.me/United24media/33804
“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 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. https://t.me/United24media/33805
She claims this will help make “family-centrism a sovereign cause” and “restore traditional values” as the country struggles with a deepening demographic collapse.

Russia sends kidnapped Ukrainian children to the front — The Times https://t.me/United24media/33806
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.

Zelenskyy said he respects public opinion and sees it as normal when people express disagreement. https://t.me/United24media/33807
“It is very important what society says. I respect the opinion of society. I think it is absolutely normal to react when people do not want something, when people do not like it. It is normal. People have the right to say what they think. People said — everything should be according to the law. It was very important for me that we heard and responded adequately. People asked for changes. We responded,” he said.
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.”

🇩🇪 Germany will soon transfer another, eighth, IRIS-T air defense system battery to Ukraine — Ukraine’s Ambassador to Germany Oleksiy Makeyev told Interfax. https://t.me/United24media/33808

The Era of Oil Sanctions as a Tool of Coercion Is Coming to an End. The Cases of Iran and Russia Show the Rise and Fall of Oil Restrictions as an Economic Policy Tool — Foreign Policy https://t.me/United24media/33809
After the U.S. withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, reimposed sanctions led to a decline in Iranian oil exports as its traditional buyers in Western Europe and East Asia turned to alternative sources. In 2020, Iran’s exports fell to almost zero amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, since the lifting of pandemic-related restrictions, China’s purchases of Iranian oil have increased sharply, recently reaching nearly 2 million barrels per day. This has allowed Iran to return its total exports to almost pre-sanctions levels. The Iranian oil market has not disappeared but has adapted to the new reality.
Unlike the sanctions on Iran, Washington’s 2022 restrictions on Russian oil target the country’s finances, not its physical flows. Measures such as the G7 price caps were designed to limit Russia’s ability to earn revenue without eliminating Russian exports from the market—which Western leaders believe would have a negative impact on prices.
But targeting Russia’s revenues has not worked as hoped. Despite the pressure, Russian finances have held up, although like other producers, Moscow is struggling to cope with falling prices.
In neither case have the sanctions changed the behavior of states. Iran has not caved to U.S. pressure over its nuclear program, and Russia has not backed down on Ukraine. Attempts to isolate both countries, as well as Venezuela, from the global oil market have made these producers dependent on Chinese demand, which in turn has provided Beijing with reliable sources of crude oil and other products.
There have been other negative side effects. While the sanctions have weakened the economies of Russia and Iran, they have generally strengthened the authoritarian regimes in those countries. Money now ends up in fewer hands, creating incentives for the dominant players in those regimes to maintain the sanctions.
Moreover, the sanctions are increasingly ineffective. And as their dependence on the global economy diminishes, Tehran and Moscow have less to lose from further restrictions. While the United States continues to impose new measures based on a deep understanding of the illicit oil networks, it cannot completely stop the flow.
This brings us to another limiting factor of oil sanctions: if the United States goes too far, it risks shocking the market and causing prices to rise. That is why Trump is unlikely to impose 100 percent tariffs on Russian oil.
On Iran, the United States could promise sanctions relief as an incentive to bring the country into the nuclear deal, while acknowledging that its ability to significantly curtail Iran’s oil exports (short of bombing) is limited.
On Russia, the United States should follow a similar path, relying more heavily on alternative means, including expanding support for Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russian arms exports.
Oil sanctions can be maintained, but the notion that they will significantly change Iran’s or Russia’s behavior is an illusion that must be abandoned. At the same time, Washington and its allies must recognize a new reality: sanctions have reshaped the world oil market, bringing Iran and Russia closer to China and dividing global energy flows along geopolitical rather than commercial lines.

The US has approved $180 million in air defense support for Ukraine. https://t.me/United24media/33810
The Defense Cooperation Agency has notified Congress of the decision.
The package includes training, maintenance, repairs, spare parts, logistics, and engineering support. It does not involve the transfer of weapons but will help ensure the continued operation of Ukraine’s existing air defense systems.

🤦‍♂️The summit meeting between Russia and Ukraine should conclude the settlement process and formalize the results of expert-level work, said Kremlin press secretary Peskov. https://t.me/United24media/33811
"At the moment, the approaches of Moscow and Kyiv are diametrically opposed. It is unlikely that they can be reconciled overnight," Peskov stated.

❗️Russian strike on Kharkiv medical facility: State Emergency Service shows consequences https://t.me/United24media/33812
Guided aerial bombs hit a three-story medical facility in the city’s Industrial District. The third floor and ceiling were partially destroyed, emergency services reported.

❗️Erdoğan to discuss with Trump and Putin the possibility of a leadership-level meeting in Istanbul https://t.me/United24media/33819
This week, after talks with Putin and Trump, we will try to determine whether it is possible to bring these leaders together in Istanbul, the Turkish Communications Directorate reported.

Germany plans to recruit up to 40,000 new reservists annually until 2031 to build Europe's most powerful army — Financial Times. https://t.me/United24media/33820
According to the draft law, volunteers will receive €2,000 for six months of military training, after which they will automatically be added to the list of reservists. During the training, they can also take language courses and obtain a driver’s license.
As early as 2025, the Bundeswehr aims to recruit 15,000 people, gradually increasing this number. The authorities hope many reservists will later choose a career as professional soldiers. Currently, about 182,000 people serve in the German army; the plan is to expand this number to 260,000.

Russia is rapidly expanding its Shahed drone production facility in Alabuz, CNN reports. https://t.me/United24media/33821
Satellite images show that construction has accelerated sharply, with dozens of new buildings under construction, including dormitories and production facilities. Analysts believe the plant’s goal may be to mass-produce drones for export worldwide.
Between late 2024 and mid-July 2025, at least eight new warehouse-like structures appeared near previously identified Shahed production sites. Residential areas have also grown significantly.
An image from July 12 shows at least 104 identical rectangular buildings, either completed or under construction, likely serving as worker dormitories. In February, there were only 15 such buildings. Construction appears to have started in March as snow melted.
According to the US think tank ISIS, once finished, these facilities could house up to 40,000 workers, enabling a major boost in drone production.

❗️UPD. Erdoğan is still working on a meeting of four leaders, including Zelenskyy. https://t.me/United24media/33823
Earlier today, Turkish media misquoted President Erdoğan, reporting that “this week we will hold talks with Putin and Trump to try to bring these leaders together in Istanbul.”
Erdoğan actually referred to a meeting in the format proposed by Ukraine.
“In the future, possibly this week, by holding talks with Putin and also with Trump, we will try to find out whether we can bring these leaders (Putin and Zelenskyy) together in Istanbul,” his office clarified.

Trump has signaled that secondary sanctions against Russia could be introduced even before the previously announced 50-day deadline. https://t.me/United24media/33824
“We’re looking at this whole situation. We may have to put secondary sanctions on them,” he said.

Russia has begun using a new long-range air-to-air missile with an upgraded seeker head. https://t.me/United24media/33825
Russian fighter jets are now employing the K-77M (also known as R-77M or “Product 180”) to target Ukrainian aircraft, Defence Express reports.
Russia has claimed to be finalizing the missile’s development since 2020. It now appears to have reached the stage of operational use. Along with the Su-57, the missile can also be launched from the Su-35. A photo of an aircraft carrying this missile appeared in Russian sources only a few days ago.
Given Russia’s tactics of high-altitude fighter patrols, any long-range air-to-air missile is a threat. Until now, the main concern was the R-37, which also has long range but falls short of the 400 km advertised by Russian propaganda. The new K-77M adds another danger.
Experts say the missile’s advanced seeker may require upgrades to Ukrainian aircraft’s electronic warfare systems.

Consequences of the Russian assault https://t.me/United24media/33826
📹: IC Unit

❗️Russians launched a missile strike on the Dnipro region, causing a fire in the city. https://t.me/United24media/33827

Live: Ukraine

The most massive drone attack ever on Russian Sochi and Adler is currently underway, according to Russian media. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/32979

Russia has attacked Odesa with drones, damaging the city’s historic center. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/32982
Preliminary reports say at least three people were injured. The strike hit architectural landmarks in Odesa’s UNESCO-protected historic district. Several fires broke out across the city — including at the Pryvoz Market, a private home, and a gas station. Emergency services are working at the scenes.
A 9-story residential building was heavily damaged. Residents from the 5th to 8th floors have lost their homes, and apartments on the 5th and 6th floors caught fire. Structural collapse remains a serious risk.
Rescuers evacuated 33 people and saved another 5 who were trapped in their apartments
Russia launched a missile strike on Cherkasy — seven people were injured, including a 9-year-old child. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/32992
At least 15 apartment buildings were damaged, along with educational and healthcare institutions, the city cemetery, garages, and vehicles.

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. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/32996
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.https://t.me/liveukraine_media/32997
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.
The bodies of the victims were found beneath the rubble of their home. Killed were a 57-year-old woman, her 58-year-old husband, and their 36-year-old son. They were internally displaced persons from the nearby village of Bohuslavka in the same district.

Zelensky has published photos from Kharkiv following a Russian airstrike with guided bombs. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33002
The city was hit with two KAB-type precision bombs. Dozens have been injured — including children. One strike landed near a residential building, the other hit a civilian enterprise. Emergency services are battling a fire at the site.
All available first responders are working at the scenes.
The number of injured has risen to 33.

🇺🇦 Ukraine’s international passport ranks 29th in the global Henley & Partners index.https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33009
Ukrainian passport holders can travel visa-free to 147 countries. Ukraine shares the 29th spot with Grenada, a Caribbean island nation.
Singapore tops the ranking — its citizens can enter 193 out of 227 destinations without a visa. Japan and South Korea are in second place, followed by seven EU countries in third.
The lowest ranking belongs to Afghanistan, whose citizens can travel visa-free to only 25 countries.

❗️Zelensky has announced that he has approved the text of a new draft law aimed at ensuring the independence of Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33010
“The most important things are real tools, zero Russian influence, and the independence of NABU and SAPO. The draft law will be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada today,” the president emphasized.

A vessel exploded in the Bystre estuary of the Danube in Odesa region — three people have been killed. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33011
According to the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority, the incident occurred on the evening of July 23 during routine operations in the Bystre estuary. A dredging vessel detonated, killing three employees of the authority.
There were 11 crew members on board. The remaining crew sustained injuries and have been hospitalized.
Specialized services are working at the scene, and the circumstances of the explosion are being investigated.
Due to the incident, the Bystre access channel has been temporarily closed to navigation. Vessel traffic to and from ports in the Danube region is currently being rerouted through the Sulina Channel.

⚡️ Zelensky has submitted a draft law on NABU and SAPO to the Verkhovna Rada. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33012
According to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau, the presidential bill restores all procedural powers and guarantees the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO).
NABU stated that both institutions took part in drafting the law and are calling on parliament to adopt it without delay.

New forensic findings reveal additional injuries on the body of Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roschina. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33014
The latest examination identified a neck injury, bone fractures, and hemorrhaging in the soft tissues of the temple area, right shoulder, and lower legs, as well as abrasions on the left foot.
A previous report had noted internal bleeding in various parts of the body and a broken rib. Despite the new findings, the official cause of death has yet to be determined.
▪️Viktoria Roschina disappeared on August 3, 2023, in Russian-occupied territory, where she was preparing a report. In May 2024, Russia officially confirmed for the first time that she was in captivity.
▪️Her death was reported on October 10, 2024 — she died while being transferred from Taganrog to Moscow. Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) stated that Roschina was due to be returned in a planned prisoner exchange. Her body was returned to Ukraine in late February and showed signs of torture and missing organs.
Photo: Victoria Roschina / Facebook

A global outage is affecting Starlink services, according to data from Downdetector. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33015
Commander of Ukraine’s Armed Forces Drone Systems, Robert Brovdi (“Madyar”), reports that Starlink connectivity is down along the entire front line.
Photo: Downdetector

https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33016🇺🇸The United States has approved the sale of air defense equipment to Ukraine worth $180 million.
In addition, the U.S. has approved a separate $150 million weapons package, which includes maintenance and overhauls for M109 self-propelled howitzers.

The Russian Azot chemical plant was targeted by drones for the second time in two months, according to Telegram channels citing local residents https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33019
The attack reportedly struck the Azot facility in the city of Nevinnomyssk. The city’s mayor claimed there were 37 impacts, though he insisted there was no damage. In a video filmed from a distance, he praised the plant workers and showed no close-up evidence of destruction.
The Nevinnomyssk Azot plant supplies the Sverdlov Plant with chemicals — including nitric and acetic acids — which are used in the production of explosives for artillery shells.
Telegram channels also report that the Kotovsky gunpowder plant may have been hit in a separate drone strike. In total, drones reportedly targeted ten regions across Russia overnight on July 25. Russia’s Ministry of Defense claims it shot down 105 drones.

Ukraine has begun working on lists of Russian-held civilian prisoners, President Zelensky said. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33022
Following the third round of negotiations in Istanbul, both sides agreed on a prisoner exchange involving 1,200 military personnel. One of the key issues, according to the president, is the fate of Kremlin political prisoners and journalists in captivity.
“We’ve started compiling the lists. This now includes political prisoners and journalists. And as you know, we can’t exchange civilians — they must be released. So now we’re working on a format for these lists — from both our side and theirs,” Zelensky explained.
He also revealed that Russia has demanded the return of 20 Russian children and 30 residents of the Kursk region. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is not holding any Russian minors on its territory.

❗President Zelensky explained why he didn’t initiate public discussion of the NABU and SAPO law before signing it. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33023
“Perhaps there should have been dialogue. Communication is always necessary. But I’m focused on the war — right now, the number one issue in Ukraine is the war. The main problem is the war. The main enemy is Russia,” Zelensky said.
He also addressed why a provision — proposed by the business community — to allow emergency searches only through the court system was not included in the new bill, which is based on the principles of anti-corruption independence.
Zelensky acknowledged it was a good idea, but claimed that “this rule had paralyzed the entire law enforcement system — not only NABU and SAPO, but all agencies.” That’s why it was ultimately removed.

🇪🇺🇺🇦 Zelensky addressed concerns over Ukraine’s EU integration amid the controversy surrounding NABU and SAPO, assuring partners that a solution will be found.https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33024
“We are part of Europe’s infrastructure; we want to belong to Europe. No one wants to risk that. I’ve assured all our partners — those who spoke to me about the war, about Turkey — that we will resolve the issue concerning our anti-corruption institutions,” the president said.
He added that the UK Prime Minister personally assured him that support would not decrease. Zelensky noted that partners understand Ukraine has internal issues to deal with — and they remain internal.
Here are a few more key points from Zelensky’s meeting with journalists:
🔴Ending the war starts with a leaders’ summit. According to Zelensky, such a meeting needs a clear agenda — something Ukraine has long advocated. He noted that Russians are now publicly mentioning such talks too, which he sees as a sign of movement toward a possible meeting format.
🔴Ukraine is discussing joint arms production abroad with Denmark, Norway, and Germany. An agreement with Copenhagen has already been reached.
🔴Zelensky said an agreement with Donald Trump has been made under which the U.S. would buy Ukrainian drones — a major deal potentially worth $10–20–30 billion.

Russia has attacked Kharkiv with a guided aerial bomb (KAB) — at least one person has been killed. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33025
Six others were injured. The strike hit the city’s Industrialnyi district, where the KAB impacted a medical facility. Another nearby building used for patient care was also affected.

Kharkiv strike: three people may be trapped under the rubble. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33026
Rescuers have been unable to establish contact with three individuals who were believed to be inside the medical facility at the time of the attack.
State Emergency Service (SES) teams are working at the site, and a search and rescue operation is underway.

Member of Parliament Yaroslav Rushchyshyn from the Holos party has died in a car accident. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33032
Rushchyshyn was 57 years old. He served as an MP in the 9th convocation, and was a well-known entrepreneur, civic activist, co-founder of the Dzyga Art Association and the Ukrainian Catholic University Business School.
He was an active participant in the Revolution of Dignity and one of the organizers of the student hunger strike on Independence Square.
Rushchyshyn was among the MPs who voted against draft law No. 12414 — the bill that dismantled the independence of NABU and SAPO — and actively blocked the parliamentary rostrum in protest.

One German Patriot system has reportedly already been delivered to Ukraine, according to The Telegraph. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33033
The outlet refers to the week between July 14 and 20, though there has been no official confirmation. Notably, on July 17, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that defense ministers were still discussing how to deliver the Patriot systems to Ukraine “in a matter of days or weeks, not hours.”
The Telegraph also reported that earlier this week, Berlin announced an agreement with Washington to provide five Patriot batteries to Ukraine. However, on July 22, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius denied this claim. He clarified that while Ukraine needs five Patriot systems, Germany has not committed to supplying all of them.
▪️On July 16, the German government officially rejected claims that Patriot systems had already been sent to Ukraine. Days later, Donald Trump told reporters that the first shipment — part of the systems he previously announced — had allegedly already been dispatched by Berlin.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the remaining 30 days of the 50-day deadline allegedly set by Donald Trump for Putin to reach a peace deal on the war in Ukraine are unlikely to be enough to organize a meeting between Presidents Zelensky and Putin. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33034
He once again reiterated that Russia’s position is outlined in the memorandum handed to the Ukrainian side during the second round of negotiations, and claimed that it is “diametrically opposed” to the terms proposed by Ukraine in its own draft memorandum.

🇹🇷 Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will speak with both Putin and Trump.

Turkey’s Presidential Communications Directorate announced on X that Erdoğan will hold talks this week with representatives from Russia and the United States. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33035
“This week, after holding talks with Putin and Trump, we will try to determine whether we can bring these leaders together in Istanbul,” the statement reads.

Elon Musk personally complicated — and at one point disrupted — Ukraine’s counteroffensive to liberate Kherson and its surrounding region in the fall of 2022 by ordering Starlink satellite internet to be shut off over parts of the territory, Reuters reports. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33037
According to the outlet’s sources, the billionaire feared that Ukraine’s advance might provoke a nuclear response from Russia.
As a result, Ukrainian forces experienced a communications blackout — drones used to guide HIMARS and M777 artillery strikes on Russian logistics lost connectivity.
This was reportedly the first known instance of Musk directly interfering in military operations by restricting access to critical infrastructure

Kyiv Post
Zelensky announced that he has approved the draft law on the independence of Ukraine’s anti-corruption bodies. https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/30865
“The most important thing is real tools, no Russian ties, and full independence for NABU and SAPO. The draft law will be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada today.”

Zelensky has submitted a draft law to Parliament that prohibits the Prosecutor General from issuing directives to anti-corruption agencies. https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/30866
The agencies have confirmed that the bill RESTORES full procedural powers and guarantees their institutional independence.

Even in wartime, Ukrainians stand their ground. https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/30867
Thousands rallied in Kyiv against a bill threatening NABU and SAPO’s independence.
Peaceful and principled — no fences broken, no benches harmed.
Just shoes left behind, so people could stand taller for the law.
Photo: arinka_risha / Instagram

“Of course, it’s important that Ukrainians respond to events with such dignity. Ukraine is its people — people who care,” President Zelensky said, commenting on the protests in Kyiv. https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/30869

Kyiv’s anti-corruption protests have entered their third day, https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/30870 despite Zelensky’s announcement that the changes – stripping key anti-graft agencies of their independence – will be reversed.
But some protesters remain determined to stay until the rollback actually happens. Here’s what the protests look like on the ground.

A global outage has been reported in the operation of Starlink, according to the official website.https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/30871

The US approved $300 million in military sales to Ukraine, https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/30872(https://www.kyivpost.com/post/56933)
amid EU-funded arms deal.

The US calls for a “full, unconditional ceasefire”
(https://www.kyivpost.com/post/56935) in Ukraine, following a third round of
direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow in Istanbul on Wednesday. https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/30873
The warring sides remained far apart on core issues.

Ukraine launched its largest drone attack region overnight, targeting a chemical plant that supplies explosives to the Russian war machine. https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/30874

Russia has used a new type of long-range guided bomb in a devastating airstrike on Kharkiv, wounding at least 33 people. https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/30875
A major global outage in Starlink on the evening of July 24 knocked out connectivity for Ukrainian forces across the entire front line. Service was restored after roughly two and a half hours. https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/30876

Zelensky’s new anti-corruption bill includes mandatory
polygraph tests for officials with suspected ties to Russia.
(https://www.kyivpost.com/post/56961) The tests would be conducted every two
years. https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/30877

Zelensky signs off on three-month extension of martial law and mobilization — in effect until November 5. https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/30878

Kyiv Post videographer and Ukrainian defender loses right
arm in combat, (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/56967) faces it with strength,
humor and optimism. https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/30879
“I survived… Went through something terrible this week.”

Ukrainian military hackers not only accessed the servers of the Russian-installed occupation authorities in Crimea but downloaded then deleted 100TB of data causing peninsula-wide chaos. https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/30881

A Russian airstrike slammed into a hospital in Kharkiv,
(https://www.kyivpost.com/post/56982) killing one and injuring at least 14
others, including a 12-year-old girl. https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/30882

Russia may be preparing to attack NATO within the next five to ten years — Top US defense analyst warns https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/30883
https://www.kyivpost.com/videos/56988

Trump predicts Zelensky-Putin meeting “in months”
(https://www.kyivpost.com/post/56992) as US boosts European security. https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/30885

Many young men seen at protest rallies in Ukraine – But why aren’t they at the front line? https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/30886

US Senator Blumenthal said Zelensky’s international credibility and future support from allies depend on his ability to restore trust in the country’s anti-corruption institutions, days after mass protests erupted in Kyiv over a controversial new law. https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/30887

Russia is rapidly expanding its Shahed drone production facility in Alabuz, CNN reports

....and that,.plus similar, is a major problem that unfortunately additional Iris -T, Patriots or Hawk systems won't get close to solving.

Ukraine needs to have the ordnance and ability to stop production at source...

Not an easy thing to achieve.

Kyiv Independent Telegram highlights

⚡️ 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.

⚡️Kolomoisky embezzlement case to be sent (kyivindependent.com/oligarch-kolomoiskys-case-for-embezzling-250-million-from-privatbank-to-be-sent-to-court/) to court. 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.

⚡️Zelensky vows (kyivindependent.com/48-lawmakers-from-various-factions-registering-bill-to-safeguard-independence-of-anti-corruption-bodies/) to submit bill restoring anti-graft agencies' independence on July 24.

⚡️ Over 1,300 residents remain (kyivindependent.com/over-1-300-residents-remain-in-embattled-pokrovsk-governor-says/)in embattled Pokrovsk, governor says. The situation in the region is growing more difficult by the day as Russian forces intensify their offensive.

⚡️ 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. Manufactured in January 1976, the An-24 had reached the end of its planned service life but continued flying after its airworthiness certificate was renewed, the Moscow Times reported.

⚡️ Update: 41 injured (kyivindependent.com/russian-two-glide-bombs-attack-kharkiv-targeting-residential-high-rise-building-injuring-at-least-25/) in Russia’s July 24 strike on Kharkiv. The number of injured in a Russian attack on Kharkiv on July 24 has risen to 41, the regional prosecutor's office reported.

⚡️ 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.

⚡️ 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. The bill follows Zelensky's decision on July 22 to sign a bill that effectively destroyed the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO).

⚡️ 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.

⚡️ 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.

⚡️ 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. "If we try to establish a ceasefire without building up our future defenses, the war will drag on for many more years," former Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi said.

Ukraine war latest: China covertly supplying drone engines to Russia despite sanctions, Reuters reports
(kyivindependent.com/ukraine-war-latest-107/)
Beijing is reportedly circumventing Western sanctions by discreetly shipping Chinese-made drone engines to a state-owned Russian manufacturer;

⚡️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.

⚡️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.
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.

⚡️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.

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

⚡️ 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.

⚡️Russian attacks kill (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-kill-3-injure-69-over-past-day/) 3, injure 69 over past day. Russian forces launched two Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles and 61 Shahed-type drones against Ukraine overnight.

⚡️ Germany sending Ukraine 8th IRIS-T (kyivindependent.com/germany-sending-ukraine-8th-iris-t-air-defense-system-heres-what-they-can-do/) air defense system — here's what they can do. The IRIS-T is an integral part of Ukraine's layered air defense system which consists of multiple different systems, most supplied by Western allies.

⚡️ In latest sign of Russian economy woes, Kamaz truck company cuts working week (kyivindependent.com/unpopular-but-necessary-russias-kamaz-cuts-working-week-amid-truck-market-collapse/) due to market collapse. More than 30,000 imported trucks now sit unsold in warehouses, the company said.

⚡️Russian Central Bank lowers (kyivindependent.com/central-bank-of-russia-has-lowered-its-key-rate-from-20-to-18/) interest rate from 20% to 18%. The Central Bank has kept raising the interest rate since September 2022, when it stood at 7.5%. By October 2024, the rate had climbed to 21%, the highest in modern Russian history, where it remained through early 2025.

⚡️ EU cuts next Ukraine Facility aid tranche (kyivindependent.com/eu-cuts-next-ukraine-facility-aid-tranche-over-delayed-reforms/) over delayed reforms. Ukraine had aimed to receive 4.5 billion euros ($5.2 billion) in the fourth installment, the largest so far, but will instead receive 3.05 billion euros ($3.5 billion).

⚡️ Zelensky sets 1,000-daily interceptor drones goal (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-sets-goal-of-1-000-interceptors-per-day-amid-surging-russian-drone-attacks/) amid surging Russian attacks. Interceptors are designed to detect, track, and neutralize other drones or aerial threats — a capability Ukraine sees as increasingly vital to defend cities from Russian barrages.

⚡️ Trump suggests Russia sanctions (kyivindependent.com/trump-suggests-secondary-russia-sanctions-could-come-sooner-than-50-day-deadline/) could come sooner than 50-day deadline. "We're looking at that whole situation. It could be that we'll have to impose secondary sanctions on you," U.S. President Donald Trump said, adding "maybe" when asked whether they could come sooner than 50 days.

⚡️Zelensky seeks (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-seeks-65-billion-western-aid-to-support-military-spending-pushing-europe-to-finance-ukrainian-army/) $65 billion in Western aid to support military spending. Ukraine needs to cover a $40 billion annual deficit, while domestic military production – namely missiles, drones, and electronic warfare systems – requires $25 billion yearly to operate properly.

⚡️Serbia signals possible sanctions on Russia (kyivindependent.com/serbia-signals-possible-sanctions-on-russia-if-eu-membership-nears/) if EU membership 'in sight.' While Belgrade has not joined EU sanctions against Moscow, the decision reflects economic pragmatism rather than political alignment, Serbian European Integration Minister Nemanja Starovic said.

⚡️Update: Ukrainians take to streets for 4th day (kyivindependent.com/there-should-have-been-a-dialogue-zelensky-on-law-stripping-anti-corruption-bodies-of-independence/) as Zelensky backtracks on anti-corruption law. Ukrainians on July 25 participated in mass protests against a controversial new law impacting anti-corruption agencies for the fourth day in a row. President Zelensky earlier addressed criticism of the law, saying there should have been a dialogue between parliament and society before its adoption.

⚡️Russia attacks Ukrainian cities with ballistic missiles (kyivindependent.com/russia-attacks-ukrainian-cities-with-ballistic-missiles-overnight/)overnight. Explosions rocked Kharkiv, Kamianske, and Dnipro as Russia launched waves of missiles, drones, and guided aerial bombs overnight on July 26. Kharkiv's Kyviskyi district has been hit twice by ballistic missiles.

⚡️US, China argue over Ukraine (kyivindependent.com/us-china-argue-over-ukraine-at-united-nations/) at United Nations, Reuters reports. The U.S. on July 25 urged China to stop enabling Russia's war in Ukraine during a UN Security Council meeting, prompting a sharp rebuke from Beijing, which accused Washington of creating confrontation.

⚡️ Ukrainian drones strike major Russian military (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-strike-major-russian-radio-warfare-plant-in-stavropol/) radio factory in Stavropol. The plant manufactures countermeasure stations for front-line aircraft and is a major part of Russia's military-industrial complex. [photo]

⚡️ 9 killed, 61 injured in Russian attacks (kyivindependent.com/9-killed-61-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day/) on Ukraine over past day. Ukraine's Air Force said Russia launched 208 drones and 27 missiles overnight, targeting cities and infrastructure in multiple regions.

⚡️ Lukashenko resumes use of migrants to 'exert political pressure (kyivindependent.com/lukashenko-resumes-use-of-migrants-to-exert-political-pressure-on-eu-ukraines-intelligence-says/)' on Europe, Ukraine's intelligence says. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is facilitating transit primarily to Poland, with some migrants arriving from Libya directly or through Russia — pointing to coordinated efforts between Minsk and Moscow.

I’ve duplicated the round up (see above your posts) @littledrummergirl! Apologies I just assumed I’d be taking over earlier if ducks was away. I did have in my Calendar to start on Monday so I’ll leave it to you tomorrow.

I don't mind, better to have it twice than not at all. I may have duplicated some as well, but thats ok.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-26-2025

Key Takeaways:

• Russian forces conducted a combined missile and drone strike against Ukraine on the night of July 25 to 26 and appear to be increasingly integrating missiles into overnight strike packages after mainly relying on drones in Spring and early Summer 2025.
• Russia is increasingly targeting densely populated cities as part of a cognitive warfare effort to weaken Ukrainian resolve and to undermine Ukraine's long-term defense capacity.
• Ukraine’s Western partners continue to provide critical air defense and military assistance to Ukraine.
• Ukrainian forces recently advanced in northern Sumy Oblast and near Velykyi Burluk and Lyman. Russian forces recently advanced near Siversk, Toretsk, Novopavlivka, and Velyka Novosilka.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ US Senator Blumenthal warns Zelensky (kyivindependent.com/us-senator-blumenthal-warns-zelensky-over-anti-graft-rollback-backs-protests-as-democracy-in-action/) over anti-graft law, backs protests as 'democracy in action.' U.S. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal co-authored a bipartisan bill that would impose 500% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, gas, or uranium.

⚡️Ukraine's F-16 have a new trick to avoid Russian ballistic missiles (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-f-16-have-a-new-trick-to-avoid-russian-ballistic-missiles/) Ukraine's fleet of F-16 fighter jets have been given a badly-needed boost with the creation of new mobile maintenance and operations modules which will help them evade Russian ballistic missile strikes.

F-16 fighter jets are crucial for Ukraine as they significantly strengthen its air defense and help counter ongoing Russian drone and missile attacks, which target both Ukrainian cities and military objects such as the airfields where F-16s are stationed. [photo]

⚡️ Ukraine 'thwarts Russian plan (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-disrupts-russian-advance-into-sumy-oblast-pushing-the-forces-out-zelensky-says/) for the Sumy Oblast,' Zelensky says.

How effective were Ukraine's anti-corruption agencies targeted by Zelensky, and who were they investigating? (kyivindependent.com/how-effective-were-ukraines-anti-corruption-agencies-targeted-by-zelensky-and-who-were-they-investigating/) Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to sign a bill targeting the independence of anti-corruption agencies followed pressing investigations that involved high-ranking officials and those close to the president.

But how effective were the anti-corruption institutions that have been at the center of the scandal, and who were they investigating to spark such an outcry?

⚡️ Russia could be ready for 'confrontation with Europe (kyivindependent.com/russia-could-be-ready-for-confrontation-with-europe-by-2027-polish-prime-minister-says/)' by 2027, Polish prime minister Donald Tusk said.

⚡️ After being battered by Ukraine, Russia hopes to 'strengthen (kyivindependent.com/russia-to-strengthen-black-sea-fleet-with-marine-robotics-new-warships/)' Black Sea Fleet. "In the coming years, the Black Sea sailors will be further strengthened — with the arrival of new frigates, corvettes, aviation, marine robotic complexes," Nikolai Patrushev, the head of Russia's Maritime Collegium, said.

⚡️ 'Resistance inside Russia is growing' — Su-27UB jet set alight (kyivindependent.com/russian-su-27ub-fighter-jet-catches-fire-in-apparent-act-of-resistance-ukraine-military-intelligence-says/) in Krasnodar Krai, Ukraine's HUR claims.

⚡️Lithuania to allocate (kyivindependent.com/lithuania-to-allocate-32-million-toward-joint-purchase-of-patriot-missile-systems-for-ukraine/) $32 million toward joint purchase of Patriot missile systems for Ukraine.

⚡️Russian drone strike damages (kyivindependent.com/russian-drone-strike-damages-regional-military-administration-building-in-sumy/) Regional Military Administration building in Sumy.

⚡️Ukraine reports killing Russian colonel (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-military-reports-russian-colonel-killed-in-kharkiv-oblast/) leading assaults in Kharkiv Oblast.

⚡️Pope Leo meets Russian Orthodox cleric (kyivindependent.com/pope-leo-meets-russian-orthodox-cleric-to-discuss-ukraine-war/) to discuss Ukraine war.

⚡️Russian forces attack Sumy Oblast (kyivindependent.com/russian-forces-attack-sumy-oblast-injure-3-civilians/), injure 3 civilians.

UNITED24Media
“Gods of War” are striking enemy positions and equipment. https://t.me/United24media/33828
Each shot is aimed at inflicting maximum losses on the occupiers.
📹: 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade

“Zala”, “Supercam”, “Orlan”, and “Molniya” under the sights of border guards. https://t.me/United24media/33830
In the Vovchansk direction, fighters of the Forpost Brigade use interceptor drones to destroy enemy UAVs. After detecting a target, operators launch an interceptor that neutralizes it by direct collision. This prevents the occupiers from conducting aerial reconnaissance and strikes.

The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine has returned to Ukraine the 1844 prayer book Trebnyk with the autograph of Metropolitan Sheptytsky. https://t.me/United24media/33831
The book was used during church visits in the village of Kosteniv in 1902. It was lost during World War II, when the local church was looted.
The return of this copy with Sheptytsky’s notes restores a fragment of the country’s lost spiritual heritage, the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine said.

❗️A terrible night. Massive combined Russian attack on the Dnipro region. https://t.me/United24media/33835
▪️ A man was killed in Dnipro, and a woman was injured. A multi-storey building and industrial facilities were damaged. Fires broke out, including in a parking lot where cars burned.
▪️ Several fires also started in the Dnipro district. A shopping center and an enterprise caught fire, and dry grass was burning in different locations.
One person was killed, and four more were injured.
▪️ The aggressor struck the Pokrovsk community in the Synelnykove district with aerial bombs, causing a fire.
▪️ An FPV drone hit the Pokrovsk community in the Nikopol district. The Marhanets community was also attacked.

Russia attacked Kharkiv more than 20 times overnight with aerial bombs, ballistic missiles, and drones. https://t.me/United24media/33842
Seven fires are being extinguished in the city. Houses, a business, and roads were damaged. Five people, including three rescue workers, were injured.

❗️The State Emergency Service has released footage of the aftermath of the night attack on Kharkiv. https://t.me/United24media/33843
In the city’s Kyivskyi district, enemy shelling caused large fires at an enterprise, and the blast wave damaged multi-story buildings.
When rescuers arrived to extinguish the fire, the enemy launched a second strike. Preliminary reports say five people were injured, including three State Emergency Service employees.

‼️A 21-year-old victim of the Russian night shelling has died in a Dnipro hospital, the Regional Military Administration reported. https://t.me/United24media/33844
According to updated information, two other men, aged 46 and 33, remain hospitalized in moderate condition.
In total, three people were killed and six injured in Dnipro and the region as a result of the shelling.

🇭🇺 Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán said his country is offering Ukraine “strategic cooperation” instead of full EU membership due to fears of being drawn into war. https://t.me/United24media/33847
“Ukraine’s EU membership would bring war to the very heart of Europe, and our families should not face such a risk,” Orbán said.

On the night of July 26, drones struck the Signal plant in Stavropol, Russia, one of the country’s largest radio electronics manufacturers https://t.me/United24media/33848
The plant produces electronic warfare, radar, radio navigation, and remote-control radio equipment for the Russian military-industrial complex.
Russian media said a fire broke out but reported no injuries.

😡 After the night attack on Ukraine, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed it had used “precision weapons” to strike “military-industrial complex enterprises.” https://t.me/United24media/33849
Moscow cynically alleged that the targets were factories producing components for missiles, ammunition, and explosives.

In Kharkiv, the number of people injured in Russian attacks and during cleanup operations has risen to six. https://t.me/United24media/33850
Rescuers were able to fully extinguish the fires caused by the airstrike only in the afternoon.

⚡️An Su-27UB aircraft was destroyed at the Armavir airfield in Russia, the HUR reported. https://t.me/United24media/33851

Ukrainian sabre fencer Yulia Bakastova defeated Russian Army Major Sofya Velikaya in the 1/64 finals of the World Fencing Championship 💪🏻🤺 https://t.me/United24media/33852
The two had already met in the qualification round, where Bakastova won 15:14 — the decisive touch came with the final jab 🇺🇦
Velikaya is an eight-time world champion, two-time Olympic champion, and a major in the Russian Army. She holds medals “For Military Courage” and “For Services to the Fatherland.”

The head of the Sumy Regional Military Administration, Oleh Hryhorov, showed the aftermath of the Russian strike on the regional administration building. https://t.me/United24media/33853
“This is a targeted attack on a civilian facility, and sadly, not the first. Fortunately, there were no casualties or injuries. Rescue services are working at the site, and the area is being inspected. Russia continues to terrorize peaceful cities. But Sumy is holding on. We keep working and fighting despite everything,” he said.

☝🏻Ukrainian intelligence has presented diplomats with evidence that Russian weapons contain Western components still reaching Russia despite sanctions.https://t.me/United24media/33856
Specialists from the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR) showed samples of captured Russian equipment containing foreign electronic parts. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stressed the need to increase pressure on Russia to block these supplies and stop the war.

Sandwich Glacier: Ukrainian Polar Explorers Discover Unusual Iceberg https://t.me/United24media/33860
Ukrainian polar explorers have shown an iceberg that looks like a white sandwich with a blue layer.
According to the National Antarctic Scientific Center, the iceberg was photographed by Zoya Shvydka, a biologist of the 30th Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition.
Experts explained that long ago, this iceberg was part of a glacier on land. A crack formed in it, filled with meltwater, and then froze — creating the blue stripe.
The parent glacier was likely not very mobile, as such glaciers tend to have cracks that seal over time. This allowed the water in the crack to freeze and firmly glue the split halves together.

Russia’s military economy is under strain, Bloomberg reports. https://t.me/United24media/33863
Bloomberg Economics analyst Alex Kokcharov notes that war, Western sanctions, labor shortages, falling oil prices, a stronger ruble, and high interest rates are taking a toll.
On July 25, Russia’s Central Bank cut the key interest rate by another 2 percentage points, after a 1-point cut last month. Economy Minister Maxim Reshetnikov warned: “We are on the verge of sliding into recession.”
The coal industry faces serious problems. Until 2022, it relied on mining equipment from Europe, the US, and Japan, but sanctions cut off access. Chinese alternatives are often lower quality and take years to arrive. European financing through loans and bonds has also disappeared, and the EU — once taking half of Russia’s coal exports — banned shipments in 2022.
The steel sector is also struggling. Severstal CEO Alexander Shevelyov expects domestic steel demand to fall by 10% this year, with exports hurt by the stronger ruble.
The ruble has gained about 43% since the start of the year due to high interest rates meant to curb inflation, but the stronger currency cuts into oil revenues.
Russia’s financial sector is showing clear signs of stress. Executives at major banks have privately discussed seeking state aid as bad loans rise. Internal assessments of loan quality are far worse than official figures.
“There remains only a narrow group of leading industries with high growth — all related to government contracts and defense,” says Sofia Donets, chief economist at T‑Investments.
Still, Kokcharov warns, these issues are unlikely to stop Putin, as “all the Kremlin’s decisions are focused on the war.”

Germany has sent three Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine and is in talks with the US about sending and replacing additional ones, The Washington Post reports. https://t.me/United24media/33864
On July 21, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said he was ready to help provide five Patriots but gave no details. It is unclear whether this includes the three systems already transferred or part of five new ones.

In the Bilohorivka area, pilots of the Phoenix unit repelled a combined enemy assault. The Russians used infantry, light vehicles, and heavy armored vehicles. https://t.me/United24media/33865
Thanks to the coordinated work of FPV operators and the Vampire and other crews, the assault was stopped.
Two tanks, an armored vehicle, and several light vehicles were destroyed. The infantry that tried to disperse across the field was eliminated.

Britain and Australia have signed a 50‑year submarine cooperation agreement, Reuters reports. https://t.me/United24media/33869
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles said the deal would allow full cooperation in the design, construction, operation, maintenance, and disposal of submarines.
The agreement is part of the AUKUS alliance between Australia, Britain, and the United States, created in 2021 to provide Canberra with nuclear submarines to counter China in the Indo‑Pacific region.

When Russia attacked Ukraine in 2022, the past moved against the future. Hungary will have to choose whether to stand with the progressive Western world or with a group of undemocratic countries led by Russia, said Peter Magyar, leader of the opposition party Tisa and main rival of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. https://t.me/United24media/33870
“The world has entered a new era, peace is no longer a given, it must be sought. Hungary must act decisively to stop the war. It is not enough to just talk, write posts on Facebook, and scare people with escalation.
If there is a peace plan on the table, proposed by the Americans and accepted by the Ukrainians, the prime minister should pick up the phone or get on a plane and convince the Russian dictator to at least read it.
Hungary should not drift back and forth between East and West — our place was, is, and will be in Europe,” Magyar said, as quoted by 444.hu.

Lithuania is ready to help supply Patriot systems to Ukraine and plans to allocate up to €30 million for this, said Defense Minister Dovile Šakalienė after a meeting with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. https://t.me/United24media/33871
Germany, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden have already announced their readiness to buy weapons for Ukraine from the United States.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that Berlin has already delivered three Patriot systems to Kyiv.

Russia is likely preparing a large-scale offensive against Ukraine in July or August, and Kim Jong-un may send new troops to take part in it, Reuters reports, citing South Korean intelligence. https://t.me/United24media/33872
Pyongyang also continues to supply Russia with ammunition.
“In exchange for sending artillery ammunition and missiles to Russia, North Korea is likely to receive technical advice on satellite launches and missile guidance systems,” the agency writes.

🤦‍♂️During a meeting with Pope Leo XVI, a representative of the Russian Orthodox Church complained to the pontiff about the “persecution” of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Ukraine. https://t.me/United24media/33873
The ROC statement, quoted by the TASS propaganda agency, says that “Metropolitan Anthony told Pope Leo XVI about the persecution that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is currently undergoing.”
Pope Leo XVI ascended the throne in April. Since then, he has expressed solidarity with Ukraine several times and met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Earlier, Reuters suggested that the meeting with Metropolitan Anthony could indicate an attempt by the Vatican to normalize relations with the Russian Orthodox Church.

❗️US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that President Donald Trump is losing patience and willingness to keep waiting for steps from Russia that would lead to an end to the war in Ukraine. https://t.me/United24media/33874
According to Rubio, Russia is only stalling for time.
“He [Trump] is not going to allow himself to be lured into this trap. He is not going to have endless conversations about conversations,” Rubio said.

Live: Ukraine,
NATO’s Joint Forces Command held a meeting on Wednesday, July 23, at NATO headquarters with representatives of Allied nations to accelerate the delivery of Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33038
“This is not about a one-off meeting. It’s an ongoing process aimed at providing Ukraine with urgently needed support as quickly as possible,” a NATO representative emphasized.

The European Parliament is considering moving up the deadline for phasing out Russian gas by one year. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33039
In June, the European Commission proposed a full ban on Russian gas and oil imports starting January 1, 2028. However, MEPs Inese Vaidere of Latvia and Ville Niinistö of Finland have submitted proposals to bring the gas ban forward to January 2027.
Diplomats say EU governments are unlikely to support the earlier date, but lawmakers may use the proposal as leverage to secure other concessions in negotiations.
For example, Vaidere has also proposed requiring member states to impose penalties on companies that violate the ban — including revoking energy trade licenses. Niinistö is pushing for a complete ban on Russian oil imports from 2027.

Protests in Kyiv have entered their fourth day in response to the adoption of the controversial law that curtails the independence of anti-corruption institutions. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33040

Live: Ukraine,
❗️Russia has deployed additional electronic warfare systems near the Estonian border. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33050
Estonia’s Minister of the Interior stated that the systems were installed near the town of Kingisepp in Russia’s Leningrad Oblast, just 20 kilometers from the border.
He recalled that Russia is already using electronic warfare (EW) to disable drones, but these systems can also cause “serious disruptions to GPS signals, which are essential for aviation and maritime navigation.”
Estonia considers these actions a security threat and plans to discuss the situation with NATO partners.

Two people were killed in the Dnipropetrovsk region as a result of a Russian combined attack. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33051
Five others were injured. In Dnipro, a residential high-rise, businesses, and vehicles were damaged. Fires broke out in a shopping center and at industrial sites in the Dnipro district.

A 21-year-old woman injured in the massive Russian attack has died in a Dnipro hospital. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33054
The death toll in the Dnipropetrovsk region has now risen to three, with six others reported injured.

💥 Ukrainian drones have struck the “Signal” plant in Stavropol — one of Russia’s largest producers of radio electronics, according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33059
The plant manufactures various types of electronic warfare (EW) systems, radar and radionavigation equipment, and serves the Russian military-industrial complex. It is also under international sanctions.
One of the strikes hit Building No. 2, which houses expensive imported equipment. Another impacted Building No. 1, specifically Workshop No. 17, where radio-electronic devices are produced.

🇭🇺 Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has stated that Hungary offers Ukraine “strategic cooperation,” not full EU integration, due to fears of being drawn into the war. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33063
“Ukraine’s membership in the EU would bring the war to the heart of Europe, and our families should not be exposed to such a risk,” the Hungarian leader said.

A Russian drone strike has damaged the Sumy Regional Military Administration building. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33064
During the attack, one of the drones hit Independence Square, where both city and regional government offices are located.
Preliminary reports indicate no casualties. Emergency services are working at the scene.

Last night, Ukraine destroyed a Russian Su-27UB combat training fighter jet. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33067
The aircraft caught fire at the Armavir airbase in Russia’s Krasnodar region, which is primarily used to train cadets of the Krasnodar Aviation School.

🪖The BBC has determined how many 18-year-old Russian soldiers have died in the war https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33070
From April 2023 to July 2025, at least 245 confirmed deaths of Russian soldiers aged 18 were recorded. The actual number is likely higher.
According to the BBC’s investigation, at least 2,812 Russians aged 18 to 20 have died in the war since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

In Kyiv, a girl who underwent a heart transplant during Russian attacks on July 10 has regained consciousness, according to the Heart Institute. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33071
The girl, a 12-year-old displaced person from Luhansk, was on a ventilator for a long time after the surgery.
She had been waiting for the transplant for over a year.
That night, during a massive Russian attack, doctors from Okhmatdyt and the Heart Institute performed three transplants for children. The donor was a four-year-old girl. After her death was confirmed, her parents consented to the transplantation of her heart, liver, and kidneys. The liver was transplanted to a 16-year-old girl, and the kidneys to a 14-year-old boy.
Video: Suspilne News

Ukrainian defender Oleksandr Kiriyenko after and before captivity https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33072

🇱🇹 Lithuania plans to allocate up to €30 million for the joint purchase of Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33074
The announcement was made by the country’s defense minister following a meeting with the U.S. Secretary of Defense.

🇭🇺 Péter Magyar, the main rival of Viktor Orbán and leader of the opposition TISZA party, has declared that Russia is the aggressor in the war against Ukraine and that Hungary must adopt a clear pro-Western stance. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33075
In his speech, Magyar stated that with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, “the past stood against the future”, and there is no doubt who bears responsibility for the war.
He added that Hungary should be taking action to help stop the war, not merely “talking, posting, and scaring people with threats of escalation.”

Overnight, drones targeted an electrical substation in Russia’s Volgograd region, disrupting power to a railway line. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33076
The “Kovyor” emergency plan was activated at airports in Volgograd, Kaluga, Pskov, Nizhny Novgorod, and Pulkovo in St. Petersburg.
Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed that 99 drones were shot down.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that Donald Trump is losing patience and is increasingly unwilling to continue waiting for steps from the Russian side that would lead to an end to the war in Ukraine. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/33079
According to Rubio, Russia is merely stalling for time.
“He (Trump) won’t let himself be drawn into this trap. He’s not going to engage in endless talks about talks,” Rubio said.