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Ukraine Invasion: Part 61

986 replies

MagicFox · 28/04/2026 15:57

Welcome to thread 61 with many thanks to all So many thanks to all contributors and a special salute to those providing daily updates. For the 61st time, Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

**
Agreed thread guidance:

A. The agreed purpose of the thread is for the sharing of information and commentary on current events
B. If you post a link please tell us where it leads/give a precis of the content
C. Discussion and debate is welcome, but please keep it respectful
D. Please keep on topic

OP posts:
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blueshoes · 15/07/2026 15:33

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-14-2026/

Key Takeaways

  1. Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) recruitment programs are reportedly failing to compensate for the rising Russian casualty rate amid costly advances in Ukraine.
  2. The Coalition of the Willing reaffirmed the necessity that Ukraine receive binding security guarantees as part of a larger peace plan and reiterated the members’ commitment to participate in peace negotiations.
  3. The Kremlin continues to reject security guarantees for Ukraine and seeks to deny European participation in peace negotiations on Ukraine.
  4. Ukraine’s Western partners continue efforts to boost Ukraine’s air defense umbrella, particularly to combat Russian ballistic missiles.
  5. France and Italy granted Ukraine licenses to produce Franco-Italian glide bombs and French SCALP missiles in Ukraine, as Ukraine’s partners continue efforts to boost Ukraine’s own defense industrial base (DIB).
  6. Ukrainian forces struck the Salavat Oil Refinery on the night of July 13 to 14, the only major Russian refinery that Ukrainian forces had not previously struck in 2026.
  7. Russian forces recently advanced in Sumy Oblast and in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area.
  8. Russian forces launched eight Iskander-M/S-400 ballistic missiles, two Kh-59/69 guided cruise missiles, and 135 drones against Ukraine overnight.
MissConductUS · 15/07/2026 23:59

More background here:

You’ve been given free access to this story from The Economist as a gift. You can open the link five times within seven days. After that it will expire.

Ukraine’s reforming defence minister is under fire
https://economist.com/europe/2026/07/13/ukraines-reforming-defence-minister-is-under-fire?giftId=NzNmMGU5ZjgtYmFkNi00YzU3LWJjMDctOGRhOTY1MjU3YTRh&utm_campaign=gifted_article

blueshoes · 16/07/2026 00:25

MissConductUS · 15/07/2026 23:44

I did not realise how strategic and transformational Federov was to Ukraine's current drone and battlefield success. Zelenski's decision to reshuffle Federov out does not make sense. Perhaps he let in too much sunlight for vested interests. What an unforgiveable blunder to let him go.

blueshoes · 16/07/2026 02:42

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-15-2026/

Key Takeaways

  1. Russian forces are resuming their strike campaign against Ukrainian port infrastructure along the Black Sea coast.
  2. The Russian strikes likely aim to degrade the Ukrainian economy and reduce Ukraine’s export capacity.
  3. The Russian strikes are likely also a response to Ukraine’s recent strike campaign against Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea, but such Russian strike tactics are not new.
  4. Russia appears to be struggling to deliver its rising seaborne crude oil exports as Ukraine’s long-range strike campaign is reducing Russia’s refining capacity.
  5. Polish and Baltic officials continue to report that Russia may be planning a false flag attack against NATO.
  6. Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov confirmed on July 15 that he is stepping down from his position.
  7. Ukrainian forces continued their long-range strike campaign against Russian military assets in Russia on July 12. Russian forces launched two Kh-59/69 cruise missiles and 122 drones against Ukraine overnight.
  8. Ukrainian forces recently advanced in the Oleksandrivka direction.
MissConductUS · 16/07/2026 12:11

blueshoes · 16/07/2026 00:25

I did not realise how strategic and transformational Federov was to Ukraine's current drone and battlefield success. Zelenski's decision to reshuffle Federov out does not make sense. Perhaps he let in too much sunlight for vested interests. What an unforgiveable blunder to let him go.

There's some background here on the conflicts that led to Zelensky's decision:

Zelenskyy could no longer tolerate ongoing conflict between Defence Minister Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi

Here's a brief excerpt:

Overall, Zelenskyy found himself caught between two competing visions of how the war should be fought, a dispute further intensified by dissatisfaction among dozens of influential groups within Ukraine's defence industry that have been losing access to defence contracts. In the end, he chose to preserve the current structure of the military command.

Those who, only last autumn, had completely surrendered the initiative on the battlefield to Russia convinced the president that victory required replacing the minister under whom Ukraine had regained the initiative.

Syrskyi is an old-school, Soviet style army commander. I would have shown Syrskyi the door instead of Fedorov. Ukraine has regained the initiative despite Syrskyi, not because of him.

Zelenskyy could no longer tolerate ongoing conflict between Defence Minister Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi – UP sources

According to Ukrainska Pravda sources, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy decided to replace Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov because of his prolonged conflict with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.

https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2026/07/16/8044309/

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 16/07/2026 12:47

Oh god.

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 16/07/2026 12:48

Whatever happens now is going to be a real disaster.

blueshoes · 16/07/2026 13:36

A silver lining in the Ukrainska Pravda article which @MissConductUS linked to. Down but not out.

Sources in the faction also say Fedorov remains on the president's team, "but what he will do next will become clearer next week".

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 16/07/2026 16:48

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Zelensky dismisses Defense Minister Fedorov after military leadership meeting, source says.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko has been offered to become Ukraine's next defense minister, a lawmaker from the governing Servant of the People party told the Kyiv Independent on condition of anonymity.

⚡️ Update: UK’s Starmer announces $340 million for Gripen jets for Ukraine.

⚡️ Ukraine’s Air Force Deputy Commander announces resignation over Fedorov’s dismissal.
Colonel Pavlo Yelizarov warned in his resignation letter that the dismissal would cause more casualties and destruction in Ukraine from Russian missile and drone attacks.

⚡️ Fedorov admits pushing Zelensky to replace Syrskyi as commander-in-chief.
His press conference came the day after his dismissal as defense minister, a move which caused a seismic political shock in Ukraine.

⚡️ Update: Zelensky says he heard protesters’ concerns, declines to say whether Fedorov will be reappointed.
“I understand, hear, and respond to what society is saying. We are fighting for freedom and democracy. People do what they want,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

⚡️ Ukrainian parliament appoints new Cabinet, delays decision on defense minister.
Denys Shmyhal, who has been senior deputy prime minister (the Cabinet’s second-in-command) and energy minister since January, kept his position.

⚡️Update: Ukraine expects to gain capability to produce Patriot missiles by end of 2026, Zelensky says.
"We expect that by the end of 2026, our Ukrainian team will have the technical capability to produce U.S. missiles," President Volodymyr Zelensky said on July 15.

⚡️Update: Fedorov confirms dismissal as defense minister.
Mykhailo Fedorov confirmed his dismissal in a social media post on July 15, saying it was "a great honor to serve the Ukrainian people as Defense Minister."
The outgoing minister listed over 20 achievements during his year in office, including the shutdown of Starlink systems for Russian forces, the campaign against Russian logistics in occupied Crimea, and "an unpopular but extremely important" military reform initiative.
He also said he regretted leaving key missions unfinished, including the removal of officials in the defense ministry "who were hindering change."

⚡️ Ukrainian parliament appoints Koretskyi as prime minister.
Koretskyi’s Cabinet is expected to be appointed later on July 16.

⚡️ On his way out, Fedorov moves to boost Ukraine's sky shield with EU loans.
Recently dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov wrote that he had "submitted an application through an EU loan to purchase PAC-3 missiles," which an EU official has confirmed to the Kyiv Independent.

⚡️Popular Ukrainian governor set for Cabinet role.
Mykolaiv Oblast Governor Vitalii Kim accepted an offer to become Ukraine's next veterans affairs minister as part of the government's reshuffle, he told the Kyiv Independent on July 15.

⚡️Russia's nuclear fleet at 'full combat readiness,' Kremlin says.
"Our naval strategic nuclear forces maintain a state of full combat readiness," Russian Presidential aide Nikolai Patrushev said in an interview with the state outlet RIA Novosti.

Ukraine’s potential Justice Minister Maslov defends judicial reform amid criticism

⚡️Iermolaiev accuses Ukrainian intelligence officers of trying to kill him in Monaco.
Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said previously that the suspects were operating without the knowledge of HUR's leadership, and that the investigation was being conducted with the personal assistance of Military Intelligence Chief Oleh Ivashchenko.

⚡️EU's Russian oil price cap extended for a week as Greece blocks sanctions agreement.

⚡️ 2 Russian shadow fleet tankers hit by drones in Black Sea, SBU says.

⚡️Ukraine targets Russian crypto, virtual assets in updated sanctions against Moscow's finance sector.

⚡️Russian election results unlikely to affect escalation of war but could fuel mobilization, Zelensky says.
"The election results will have no impact on this escalation, because the results will be known before the election," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

⚡️Russia's Engels air base reportedly struck in Ukrainian drone attack.
Russia's Engels-2 air base in Saratov Oblast was reportedly hit by Ukrainian drones overnight on July 16, Russian Telegram media channels reported.

How Zelensky turned one of his biggest victories into one of his biggest blunders
On the morning of July 16, thousands of Ukrainians gathered in central Kyiv after Zelensky opted not to reappoint Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov as part of a government reshuffle. A popular tech prodigy, Fedorov spent nearly seven years building Ukraine's Digital Transformation Ministry and was the only senior official to survive all of Zelensky's cabinet reshuffles.
What was widely praised just months ago as one of President Volodymyr Zelensky's strongest personnel decisions may now be remembered as one of his most significant missteps.

⚡️ Zelensky awards Starmer Order of Freedom on his last Kyiv visit as British PM.

⚡️Ukrainian banknote honoring poet killed by Russia faces redesign after Russian-style typeface backlash.

⚡️ Google Play removes Russia-controlled social media Max, VK.

Editorial: By sacking Fedorov, Zelensky risks turning tide of war back in Russia's favor
For the first time since autumn 2022, Ukraine has turned the tide of Russia's war in its favor, from the front line to strategic depth.

After a sold-out debut in New York, we are bringing our live event series to the UK on Oct. 2, 2026.
Our journalists spend their days reporting on the front lines, uncovering stories from a country at war for an audience we rarely get to see in person. This evening is our chance to close this gap, bring you behind the scenes of an independent newsroom, and connect with our UK community.

Get your tickets here.
The event is made possible thanks to the generous support of Charles Douglas Memorial Trust, established by Trust Deed in 1986, to honor the memory of the late Charles Douglas-Home (editor of The Times 1982–1985) and recognize his lifelong commitment to the cause of free, freely expressed opinion.

⚡️'Looking forward to welcoming them back' — International Handball body lifts Russian, Belarusian ban following IOC decision.

⚡️Update: 2 killed, 6 injured in Kyiv following Russian ballistic missile attack.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬
‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 4h
⚡️ RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE — JUL 16, 2026
■ More engagements but fewer casualties; LiveUAmap reports an additional 5 km² of 🇷🇺 gains
■ Losses of land-based equipment and drones remain above average
■ KIU officer death batch (2 weeks): +51, incl. 4 senior officers
■ Overnight attacks: improved drone interception rate; 3 of 13 missiles intercepted, while 2 others did not reach their targets
■ 🇷🇺 drone launches and air strikes above average; 15 🇺🇦 strikes reported and 400 🇺🇦 drones (including MLRS rockets) launched into 🇷🇺

Ukraine Invasion: Part 61
ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 16/07/2026 16:56

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Thousands of people are rallying across the country to protest Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov’s resignation.
Veterans, civil society activists, and public figures have joined the demonstrations.

Protests have erupted across major Ukrainian cities following the abrupt dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Thousands of citizens and activists gathered in Kyiv, Lviv, Dnipro, and other major Ukrainian cities. UNITED24 Media reporter Amira Barkhush reports from Kyiv.

❗️The EU is allocating another €1 billion for Ukrainian drones.
The funding will be part of the EU's €90 billion support program for Ukraine for 2026–2027, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said during her visit to Kyiv.

Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom said that Alexander Yakovlev, the chief engineer of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, was killed in a drone strike near the facility.
According to Rosatom Director General Alexei Likhachev, the drone allegedly struck a company vehicle traveling on the road between the plant and Enerhodar. Yakovlev and the driver were killed in the attack.
Rosatom claims the strike was carried out by a Ukrainian drone.

Russia's last major gasoline-producing refinery — Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat in Bashkortostan — was shut down following a drone attack on the night of July 14, Reuters reports, citing industry sources.
According to the sources, Ukrainian drones damaged both primary oil processing units — AVT-6 and AVT-4.
The AVT-6 unit processes a mixture of crude oil and gas condensate and accounts for about 60% of the refinery's processing capacity. The AVT-4 unit provides the remaining 40%.
According to the sources, it could take anywhere from several weeks to several months to repair the damage and even partially resume operations.

Mykhailo Fedorov confirmed that he is stepping down as Minister of Defense and summarized the results of his tenure.
Among the key achievements, he cited shutting down Russian military Starlink access, expanding drone procurement programs, reforming procurement, signing arms contracts, and testing Ukrainian ballistic missiles.
He also acknowledged that several goals remained unfinished, including transforming the Ministry of Defense in line with NATO standards, moving all procurement to competitive tenders, and establishing a culture of accountability for decision-making.

🔥Ukrainian attacks on Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea have become the largest naval campaign in half a century, the Financial Times reports.
In the nine days leading up to July 14, Ukrainian drones attacked 116 Russian vessels.

OSINT researcher M0nstas noted that, according to MarineTraffic data, no ships remain in the Sea of Azov, except for those that have entered the mouth of the Don River or are docked in ports.

🇪🇺👏European Commission suspends funding for the Venice Biennale over Russia’s participation.
This was announced by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.
She also strongly condemned the International Olympic Committee for allowing Russian athletes to compete.

Russia has launched a new tanker for its Navy.
The vessel meets the Arc4 ice-class standard and is capable of independently navigating through loose first-year Arctic ice up to 0.8 meters thick.
It can receive, transport, and transfer liquid cargo at sea, as well as transport and transfer dry cargo.
The tanker is expected to play a key role in the Russian Navy’s logistics. The Alexey Shein will be able to simultaneously refuel three ships positioned 50 to 100 meters away.
The tankers of this kind are 130 meters long, 21 meters wide, and have a full deadweight of approximately 9,000 tons.

Two powerful airstrikes by Ukrainian aviation hit a Russian position with personnel and ammunition in the city of Rodynske, Donetsk region.

One drone destroyed a $25 million air defense system.
Fighters from the 4th Separate Detachment in the Luhansk region struck the firing position of a Russian Tor air defense system with a Hornet kamikaze drone, which costs about 5,000 times less than the target it destroyed.

❗️The number of casualties from Russia’s aerial bomb strike on Sumy has risen to 21, with three people killed, the Regional Military Administration said.
The victims are three civilians: a 75-year-old woman and two men aged 54 and 77.
A total of 21 people were injured. Eight have been hospitalized, including two children.
Four people remain in serious condition: a 16-year-old boy, a 75-year-old woman, and two men aged 35 and 62. All underwent surgery, and their condition remains critical.
More than 10 buildings were damaged in the attack, including medical facilities, residential buildings, and office buildings. Cars were also damaged or destroyed.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 61
ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 16/07/2026 17:09

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

President Zelensky’s party has called an emergency meeting as growing protests in support of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov raise doubts over whether lawmakers have enough votes to confirm Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko as his replacement.

President Volodymyr Zelensky has tasked acting Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) chief Yevhen Khmara with performing the duties of defense minister until a permanent appointment is made.

President Zelensky offered ousted Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov a role as his advisor to remain on the team, but Fedorov declined.
The decision was revealed during Fedorov’s press briefing following his high-profile dismissal.

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski warned Russia could stage a false flag operation using Ukrainian drones against Poland—or even Russia itself—to justify further escalation of the war.

“If we want to defeat the enemy asymmetrically, with minimal losses, we need to replace the commander-in-chief and the chief of the General Staff,” Ukraine’s former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said during a briefing currently underway.

“The people didn’t come out for Fedorov — they came out for themselves. This is not about me now. This is about the root of the problem that needs to be solved. It is impossible to win under this structure,” Ukraine’s former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said about the protests across the country.
“I do NOT need this position to be the defense minister. I need this position to WIN the war.”

Ukraine’s former defense minister Fedorov accused Ukraine’s commander-in-chief of blocking military reforms and refusing to acknowledge problems within the armed forces.
He called for changes in the military’s top leadership while defending his record on drones, robotics and air defense.

Ukraine’s Security Service struck two sanctioned Russian tankers – the Louise 1 and Banda – using its Mamai naval drones in cooperation with the Ukrainian Navy.
It did not specify the date of the operation, but footage suggests the attacks took place off Russia’s Black Sea coast, some distance off the coastal cities of Novorossiysk and Sochi.

Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces struck the Balaklava Thermal Power Plant in occupied Sevastopol, which supplied electricity to nearly half of Crimea.
The operation involved the SOF resistance movement and Deep Strike units. The military said the strike would reduce Russia’s military capabilities.

Ukraine has received the remains of 501 people whom Russia claims are fallen Ukrainian service members, according to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.
Their identities have yet to be confirmed through forensic examinations.

Russian ballistic missiles targeted Kyiv overnight, striking warehouse and administrative buildings in two districts.
Two people were killed, while at least five others were injured, including a teenager.

Poland’s Sikorski Says Russia Might Attack NATO With Ukrainian Drones in False-Flag Operation

The comments came after reports that Washington warned Poland of potential provocations from Russia in recent weeks.

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/80338

notimagain · 16/07/2026 17:26

: UK’s Starmer announces $340 million for Gripen jets for Ukraine.

Good him to assist with the package, hopefully he or his succesor will also be able to find more money down the back of the sofa for HM Forces.

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 16/07/2026 17:29

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🔴The third cluster to be opened for Ukraine within EU accession negotiations will be Cluster 2 (Internal Market). All subsequent clusters, according to von der Leyen, will be opened "as soon as possible."

Mykhailo Fedorov was the last minister to remain in the government team since the very first day of Zelensky's presidency in 2019

🇬🇷Greece is blocking the 21st EU sanctions package against Russia due to restrictions on Russian gas, the Financial Times reports, citing sources.
According to sources, this concerns sanctions that would ban the transport of Russian gas to third countries — which could destroy the company Dynagas, owned by Greek magnate George Prokopiou.
Dynagas has 27 tankers, a third of which are equipped to operate in Arctic waters near the Yamal LNG plant. Greece argues that these tankers are not suitable for operations in other regions, so the company would be forced to sell them. The cost of one such tanker is $300 million.
Over the past three years, the company has earned at least $915 million from transporting Russian petroleum products. Since the beginning of 2025 alone, Dynagas has transported over 10 million tons of Russian LNG on 11 vessels.

The Russians attacked the Sumy region twice with radioactive drones, the SBU reported.
The SBU determined that the warhead of the R-60M air-to-air missile, which the Russians attached to the drones, contained penetrating elements. These missiles are typically used by the Russian army to strike Ukrainian aircraft and helicopters that intercept drones during massive attacks.
Specifically, the warheads of two Russian Geran-2 drones were found to contain depleted uranium elements weighing 2,810 grams. The material was identified as Uranium-234, Uranium-235, and Uranium-238. Gamma radiation levels from the debris of these drones measured 8.3 and 10.5 µSv/h.
▪️In the spring, the Russians also attacked the Chernihiv region with a drone whose debris contained uranium. Depleted uranium is used in armor-piercing projectiles. The cores of such projectiles easily penetrate heavy armor and ignite upon impact.

In Crimea, a Russian Su-24M bomber was destroyed just before a combat mission.
The operation at the Saky airfield was carried out by combat divers from the National Guard Special Purpose Center "Omega."
According to the National Guard, the aircraft was destroyed precisely as it was preparing to carry out another strike on Ukraine. The first drone struck the nose section of the Su-24M, and the second hit the fuel tank area, causing the aircraft to burn out.

Ukrainian forces struck the "Engels" airfield in the Saratov region — a fire broke out there.
"Engels" is an airbase of the Russian Aerospace Forces. It hosts the 121st Guards Sevastopol and 184th Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiments, which operate Tu-160 and Tu-95MS bombers.
These Russian aircraft are carriers of Kh-101 and Kh-555 long-range cruise missiles.

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 17/07/2026 07:19

Away now ... it would be wonderful to read that Fedorov has been reinstated, unlikely as it is.

Slava Ukraini!

DesdamonasHandkerchief · 17/07/2026 17:35

Happy holidays @ReleaseTheDucksOfWar

DesdamonasHandkerchief · 17/07/2026 17:42

Live:Ukraine

⚡️ President Volodymyr Zelensky has appointed Yevhen Khmara as Acting Minister of Defense.

Zelensky will also recommend that parliament appoint him as the full-fledged head of the Ministry of Defense.

The president stated that Khmara has "extensive, in many ways unprecedented, experience in conducting technological strike operations."

Zelensky has tasked Khmara with continuing the reform of the defense sector.

▪️On January 5, the then-head of the SBU, Vasyl Malyuk, resigned, and Zelensky appointed Major General Yevhen Khmara as acting head of the special service. Prior to that, he had headed the SBU's Special Operations Center "A."

🇭🇺In Hungary, an investigation has been launched into the ties of former Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó with Russia, Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced.

Details of the case are not being disclosed at this time due to a number of classified documents — this could affect the course of the investigation. However, the Hungarian prime minister promised to report immediately if any information becomes available that can be made public.

▪️Yesterday, Szijjártó stated that he had found a new job and was therefore giving up his parliamentary mandate. He has taken a position with the Chinese automaker BYD.

▪️Szijjártó maintained ties with Russia and made numerous official visits there. The Hungarian politician also frequently spoke out against military aid to Ukraine. On April 8, Hungarian media outlet Vsquare published an investigation claiming that the former foreign minister had coordinated actions against the interests of Ukraine and the EU with Russia, discussing this with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

🇺🇸In the US, the sanctions bill against Russia initiated by the late Senator Lindsey Graham has secured the necessary votes, Axios reports, citing a source.

The sanctions were supported by 61 senators, of whom 39 are Republicans and 22 are Democrats. Next, according to Axios, the biggest challenge will be finding time to consider the bill in the Senate. If approved, it will still need to pass the US House of Representatives.

▪️The bill provides for 100% tariffs on countries that purchase Russian energy resources. The sanctions were recently softened, as the previous version had called for 500% tariffs. The new document also proposes an exemption for countries that import less than 15% of Russian oil and are making every effort to reduce imports (this applies to Japan, Hungary, France, and Belgium).

Ukrainian forces struck 12 Russian vessels in the Black Sea, reported Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces Robert "Madyar" Brovdi.

The targets included 9 cargo ships, a tanker, an LNG tanker, and a tugboat.

▪️From July 6 to 17, Ukrainian units struck 159 vessels. Of these, 117 were in the Sea of Azov and 42 in the Black Sea.

⚡️ Overnight, the Russians attacked Odesa with missiles.

Two people are reported dead, announced the head of the Regional Military Administration Serhiy Lysak.

Eight people were injured, including three children.

⚡️ The Russians struck three foreign vessels in the port of Mykolaiv — two people were injured.

The Russians also struck a vehicle in the Donetsk region — two people were killed and two others were injured.

In Kherson, the Russian army attacked the Korabelnyi and Dniprovskyi districts — two women were killed, and five other people were injured. In Novovorontsovka, Kherson region, a woman was injured.

Ukrainian forces have destroyed a Russian Tu-95 bomber at the Engels airfield, President Zelensky confirmed.

The Engels airfield is located in the Saratov region, nearly 800 km from Ukraine's state border.

According to preliminary data from the SBU, the strike completely tore off the tail section of the aircraft. The Russians used this bomber for massive missile strikes on Ukraine.

▪️Yesterday, Ukrainian forces attacked this airfield. It hosts the 121st Guards Sevastopol and 184th Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiments, which operate Tu-160 and Tu-95MS bombers. These Russian aircraft are carriers of Kh-101 and Kh-555 long-range cruise missiles.

🇬🇷🇺🇦NATO and the EU are pressuring Greece to transfer up to 200 Patriot air defense missiles to Ukraine, Greek media eKathimerini reports, citing sources.

The missiles in question are PAC-2s, which Greece has been using for nearly 23 years. Ukraine believes these missiles are nearing the end of their shelf life, but they could still be used to protect Ukrainian skies.

Previous attempts by allies to secure the transfer of at least one of Greece's six Patriot batteries have failed. So partners are now focusing solely on ammunition.

One option being considered is for Greece to sell the missiles to Norway, which would then transfer them to Ukraine. However, Athens is in no hurry to agree.

The Greek government has noted that it has already helped allies by previously transferring Sea Sparrow and Crotale missiles at the end of their shelf life, and one of its Patriot batteries is currently protecting oil infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.

⚡️ The Defense Forces struck two tankers, the Slavneft-YANOS oil refinery, and the Svitlyak patrol vessel in Kerch, the General Staff reported.

Ukrainian forces hit a gas carrier (one of the tankers), as well as a tugboat in the Black and Azov Seas, and the Svitlyak patrol vessel in Kerch.

In addition, our units attacked the Shakhtarsk oil depot in the Donetsk region, the TES-Terminal-1 oil terminal, and a fuel and lubricants depot in Kerch.

The Defense Forces also struck a railway bridge over the Kalmius River in the Donetsk region and a road bridge in the Kursk region of Russia. These bridges are used for military logistics.

▪️The average processing volume of the Slavneft-YANOS refinery is about 15 million tons of oil per year. The facility produces automotive gasoline, diesel fuel, aviation kerosene, and other products.

DesdamonasHandkerchief · 17/07/2026 17:50

United 24 Media:

‼️Three people were killed, with widespread destruction and fires reported after a Russian KAB strike on Zaporizhzhia.

Russian forces struck the regional center with three guided aerial bombs (KABs), destroying and damaging residential and non-residential buildings.

🔷 Russian billionaires are fleeing the country in growing numbers over fears of losing their assets, Bloomberg reports.

Russia’s wealthiest individuals are reportedly moving billions of dollars into cryptocurrencies, gold, foreign real estate, and investment funds. The main destinations are the UAE, Cyprus, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia. Since the beginning of the year, tens of billions of dollars may have left Russia.

According to the report, the main reasons are the deteriorating economy, problems in the banking sector, and the increasing seizure of private property by the state. Last year alone, Russian prosecutors transferred assets worth about $51.5 billion to state ownership.

Earlier reports also claimed that China is preparing for a post-Putin Russia by building ties with officials and elites who could shape the country’s future after a change in leadership. According to those reports, Beijing is steadily turning Moscow into a dependent junior partner while expanding its influence in Central Asia.

🔶 President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who arrived in Kyiv on a visit, paid tribute to fallen Ukrainian soldiers.

“Thank you, Keir, and the British people for your unwavering respect for our soldiers, for all those who gave everything to protect Ukraine and all of Europe.

It is important to always remember the sacrifice of everyone who defended Ukraine. Eternal gratitude to each and every one who stood up against Russian aggression,” the president said.

🔷 As protests spread across Ukraine over the resignation of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov after six months in office, he addressed the media, urging Ukrainians to stay united and defending his record.

"We launched something unprecedented," Mykhailo Fedorov said, outlining the achievements of his tenure overseeing Ukraine's defense.

🇺🇦🇹🇷Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha proposed Türkiye as the main venue for a possible meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin.

He added that the two sides also discussed preserving Türkiye’s active mediating role in diplomatic efforts.

Sybiha said Ukraine welcomes Türkiye’s efforts to help bring peace closer.

The foreign minister described Ankara as one of the world’s diplomatic capitals, citing its role in establishing the Black Sea grain corridor and hosting a number of important international meetings.

🇱🇻 Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs said the country has increased security around a hydroelectric power plant upstream from the capital and at a major underground gas storage facility after receiving intelligence indicating a potential threat from Russia.

He also said he had spoken with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and requested additional air defense systems and an increased allied troop presence on the ground.

🇵🇱 Poland is preparing to introduce a state of full readiness for war.

According to Defense24, the country’s Ministry of National Defense is drafting new legislation that would allow preparations for a potential conflict even before a state of war is officially declared.

The proposed framework would simplify troop movements, accelerate the construction of defense infrastructure, prepare roads, ports, and airports, and facilitate the deployment of NATO forces. The initiative is also expected to become part of the EU’s so-called “Military Schengen” project.

The draft legislation is still under development, and no timeline for its adoption has been announced.

🔶 The bodies of 501 people who, according to the Russian side, may be Ukrainian service members, have been returned to Ukraine, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported.

Investigators and forensic experts will carry out all necessary procedures to identify the repatriated remains.

🔷 Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan proposed a moratorium on strikes in the Black Sea and on energy infrastructure during a press conference in Kyiv.

“Our main goal is to bring the war to a complete end. If that is not possible, we can declare a moratorium on hostilities in several areas that are critically important for both Ukraine and Russia, as well as for other countries,” the diplomat said, according to Anadolu Agency.

According to Fidan, attacks on ports, tankers, and civilian vessels are unacceptable because they endanger civilian lives.

He also recalled that Ankara is ready to lead the maritime component of future security guarantees for Ukraine and said Türkiye has already reached an understanding on the issue with its allies.

🔶 On July 17, 2014, Russian-backed forces shot down a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 operating Flight MH17 from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur.

The aircraft crashed in the Donetsk region, which was occupied by Russia. All 298 people on board were killed.

The Dutch-led Joint Investigation Team established that the plane was brought down by a Buk missile system belonging to the 53rd Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade of the Russian Armed Forces, based in Kursk.

For 12 years, Russia has continued to deny responsibility. The three men convicted by a Dutch court remain in Russia, which has refused to extradite them to serve their sentences.

Ukraine extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims. Time cannot diminish the pain of this loss.

🐷Everything is in place for a new mobilization in Russia—the only thing missing is the order itself, Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate says.

According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russia has already put the entire infrastructure for a general mobilization in place. However, the Kremlin is not rushing to launch it.

The reason, according to the agency, is the upcoming State Duma “elections,” as the authorities do not want to further alienate the public with another wave of mass deployments to the front.

The Main Intelligence Directorate believes the likelihood of a new mobilization after the elections remains high, as the Russian military needs additional personnel to replenish its ranks and sustain operations along the front.

⚡️The EU has imposed new sanctions on five Russian military-industrial companies that are part of the ABS Electro Group in response to Russia’s attacks on Kyiv.

The companies produce electronic and radio-electronic components for Shahed and Geran drones, making them more resistant to electronic warfare, as well as automated control systems for the energy sector that generate revenue for the Russian government.

The EU also sanctioned Irina Kharisova, chair of the board of directors of ABS Electro.

The measures were introduced in response to Russia’s massive missile and drone attacks on Kyiv on July 1 and 5.

At the same time, the EU continues discussions on its 21st sanctions package. After several unsuccessful attempts to adopt it, the next vote is scheduled for July 22. The price cap on Russian oil has also been extended until July 23.

❗️The Ukrainian Defense Forces struck two tankers and a tugboat in the Black and Azov Seas, the Svetlyak-class patrol ship, and the Slavneft-YANOS oil refinery, as well as an oil terminal in occupied Crimea, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported.

According to the General Staff, the tankers are used to transport Russian oil, petroleum products, and liquefied gas in circumvention of international sanctions, as well as to deliver fuel for the Russian Armed Forces. The Project 10410 Svetlyak-class patrol ships are designed to patrol maritime areas, escort ships and vessels, and support operations of the Russian Navy and other security agencies.

The strikes also targeted the TES-Terminal-1 oil terminal and a fuel and lubricants depot in occupied Crimea, as well as the Shakhtarsk oil depot in occupied Donetsk region.

Ukrainian forces also hit the railway bridge over the Kalmius River near Staromarivka in the Donetsk region and a road bridge in Russia's Kursk region, both of which were used for military logistics.

The Slavneft-YANOS refinery in Yaroslavl, one of the largest refineries in central Russia and a supplier of fuel for the Russian military-industrial complex, was also struck. A fire was reported on the refinery's premises.

In addition, Ukrainian forces attacked a logistics warehouse in the Pokrovsk district and an enemy command and observation post near Novotroitske.

DesdamonasHandkerchief · 17/07/2026 17:57

Kyiv Post:

⚡️ A “gift” to Moscow: Russian war bloggers welcomed the dismissal of Ukraine’s former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

Zelensky appointed Maj. Gen. Yevhen Khmara as acting defense minister after Fedorov’s removal exposed a rift with Ukraine’s military leadership and triggered protests across the country.

⚡️ Ukraine struck a key railway hub in Russian-occupied Kerch and targeted six Russian tankers overnight.

Ukrainian sources say the attacks are forcing Moscow to militarize its "shadow fleet" by deploying troops and air-defense teams aboard commercial vessels.

⚡️ Ukraine’s Forces struck 159 Russian shadow fleet vessels in just 12 days, including 12 ships on July 17.

The campaign aims to disrupt oil and cargo shipments used to evade Western sanctions by disabling the vessels rather than sinking them to avoid environmental damage.

Anti-Ukrainian sentiment is growing in Poland, and experts warn Russia is helping fuel it.

Researchers identified 94,000 anti-Ukrainian posts during Poland’s presidential campaign, generating more than 32 million views. Experts say election politics, historical grievances and Russian disinformation are driving the surge in hostility.

⚡️ Former Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó said that he resigned from parliament to work for Chinese carmaker BYD as "head of the group's external relations," with the country having negotiated a deal to build a factory in Hungary under his government to dodge EU tariffs.

⚡️ Putin’s approval rating has recorded its biggest weekly drop since 2022, according to state-linked polling.

Support fell by 5 percentage points, with analysts pointing to Russia’s deepening fuel crisis, weakening consumer confidence, and growing public concern over the war.

⚡️ Russia says beer imports from so-called “unfriendly countries” fell 36% year-on-year in the first half of 2026.

Despite the decline in imports, beer consumption edged up to 3.1 billion liters, according to state media.

⚡️ Russian soldiers survive just 20–30 minutes after reaching the battlefield in Ukraine, according to CIA Director John Ratcliffe, who says Kyiv’s AI-powered drones have fundamentally changed modern warfare, Bloomberg reported.

Ratcliffe said US intelligence assessments align with open-source reporting and estimated Russia is losing around 7,000 troops every week. He credited Ukraine’s low-cost, AI-enabled attack drones with slowing Russian advances despite Moscow’s manpower advantage.

Ratcliffe’s remarks come as the US and its allies consider expanding support for Ukraine’s drone industry. Ukraine currently produces around 10 million drones a year and aims to double that output, underscoring the scale of the country’s rapidly expanding defense technology sector.

⚡️ Russia is avoiding any public discussion of a new mobilization ahead of this autumn’s State Duma elections, Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) says.

HUR warns the risk of mobilization remains high after the vote, adding Russia already has the infrastructure—it just needs more “cannon fodder.”

⚡️ Protests demanding the return of former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov spread to several Ukrainian cities on Friday.

Demonstrators called for his reinstatement, criticized the lack of explanation for his dismissal, and urged parliament to return from recess and appoint a new defense minister without delay.

⚡️ Ukraine will open archives on the Volyn tragedy and expand permits for Polish exhumations, Zelensky says.

The president announced that Kyiv will declassify relevant Security Service and Foreign Intelligence archives, significantly increase permits for search and exhumation work, and deepen cooperation with Poland on the process.

Zelensky also thanked Poland for its support since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, calling Ukrainian and Polish security inseparable.

blueshoes · 17/07/2026 18:30

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights:

⚡️ Ukraine’s Air Force Deputy Commander announces resignation over Fedorov’s dismissal. Colonel Pavlo Yelizarov warned in his resignation letter that the dismissal would cause more casualties and destruction in Ukraine from Russian missile and drone attacks.

⚡️ Thousands rally in Kyiv, other cities against Defense Minister Fedorov’s dismissal, demand reappointment. “Reappoint!” protesters chanted outside the President’s Office in central Kyiv on July 16, waving Ukrainian flags and signs criticizing the decision.

⚡️ Fedorov admits pushing Zelensky to replace Syrskyi as commander-in-chief.

⚡️ Update: Zelensky says he heard protesters’ concerns, declines to say whether Fedorov will be reappointed. “I understand, hear, and respond to what society is saying. We are fighting for freedom and democracy. People do what they want,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

Why Ukraine's soldiers and veterans are so angry at Zelensky's dismissal of Fedorov President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to dismiss Fedorov from his role was met with outrage across Ukrainian society, but nowhere was it felt more keenly than among those in Ukraine's military. "People had hope that reforms were coming. They were already beginning to happen. Now it feels like everything is going back to the way it was," former soldier Bohdan told the Kyiv Independent.

Ukraine war latest: Omega special forces say drone strike hit Russian Su-24 bomber in occupied Crimea

⚡️Russian opposition politician Boris Nadezhdin banned from leaving country. On July 10 this year, Russian authorities designated Nadezhdin as a "foreign agent," effectively preventing him from running in any future elections.

⚡️Hungary opens investigation into former FM Szijjarto's Russia ties. Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar said on July 16 that authorities have launched an official investigation into former Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto's close relations with Russia.

⚡️2 killed, 8 injured in Russian missile attack on Odesa.

⚡️Update: Ukrainian drones strike 12 Russian 'shadow fleet' vessels in Black Sea as Crimea comes under large-scale attack. Nine dry cargo ships, one oil tanker, one gas carrier, and one tugboat were hit in the Black Sea during the attack, Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces, said.

⚡️Russian attacks kill 7, injure 67 across Ukraine over past day as Odesa targeted again amid tourist season. Russian forces launched a Kh-31P anti-radiation missile, seven Kh-59/69 guided missiles, and 130 Shahed-type attack drones against Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said.

Lindsey Graham's revised Russia sanctions bill gains filibuster-proof Senate support More than 60 U.S. senators introduced a revised Russia sanctions bill on July 16 that would impose tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil and gas, seeking to deprive Moscow of revenue for its war against Ukraine. The bill has been stalled in Congress since April 2025 amid U.S. President Donald Trump's evolving approach to Russia's war against Ukraine.

Ukraine’s most effective defense minister? What Fedorov got right, and what his dismissal risks reversing Among those gathered in Kyiv on July 16 to protest the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov were members of Ukraine's military voicing fears that the controversial decision could seriously hinder the country's war effort. "People who are actually trying to bring our victory closer keep getting removed or replaced," Serhii, a 43-year-old veteran protesting alongside active-duty soldiers, told the Kyiv Independent. President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision a day earlier to dismiss Fedorov from his role has been met with outrage across Ukrainian society, largely due to a long list of his achievements during his productive, albeit short, six-month tenure.

⚡️Deputy Prime Minister Kachka, EU ambassador Chentsov swap roles in Ukraine government reshuffle.

⚡️Ex-interior minister tapped to head Ukraine's Security Council. Ihor Klymenko is expected to replace Rustem Umerov, who has served as secretary of the National Security and Defense Council for the past year.

⚡️Russian Tu-95 bomber suffered 'critical damage' in strike on Engels air base, Zelensky says.

Former Fedorov advisor accuses Syrskyi of deliberately weakening Ukrainian army in explosive livestream A former adviser to dismissed Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has accused Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi of covering up friendly-fire incidents and the deliberate weakening of some Ukrainian brigades in the face of Russian assaults. The dismissal of Fedorov as defense minister has been met with outrage across Ukrainian society. As events unfolded, it became clear that a clash between Fedorov and Syrskyi was behind Zelensky’s decision.

⚡️ EU sanctions Russian drone manufacturers after deadly attacks on Kyiv. “The more Moscow attacks civilians, the more sanctions must be imposed,” said the EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas when she first suggested the new measures.

⚡️ Update: Cabinet appoints acting foreign, defense ministers after day of uncertainty over the two ministries' leadership. Two of Ukraine's most important wartime ministries had been thrown into legal limbo following President Volodymyr Zelensky's government reshuffle.

⚡️ Ukrainian drone units strike over 1 million targets since start of 2026, including nearly 200,000 Russian troops, ministry says.

⚡️ Ukraine strikes oil refinery in Russia’s Yaroslavl Oblast, vessels in Black, Azov seas, among other targets, General Staff says. Ukraine struck two tankers, including a gas carrier, as well as a tugboat in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov overnight on July 17.

President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decision to dismiss Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has triggered one of Ukraine’s biggest political controversies since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The conflict between Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, why Zelensky sided with Syrskyi, and what the shake-up could mean for Ukraine’s military, domestic politics, and war against Russia.

⚡️ Veteran and lead figure in pro-Fedorov protests accuses ‘people close to Syrskyi’ of intimidation. A former combat medic and one of the lead figures in this week’s protests against the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov as defense minister believes people “close to (Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr) Syrskyi” are “trying to intimidate me in order to stop the protests,” he told the Kyiv Independent on July 17.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 61
MissConductUS · 17/07/2026 21:47

notimagain · 16/07/2026 17:26

: UK’s Starmer announces $340 million for Gripen jets for Ukraine.

Good him to assist with the package, hopefully he or his succesor will also be able to find more money down the back of the sofa for HM Forces.

There have been so many cases of dodgy accounting of defense expenditures that I really have to wonder if this is simply a repackaging of previously announced aid.

I think HM's Forces would be happy with some new sofas for military housing.

ETA that I'm still agast at the news about Fedorov. If Zelensky isn't going to reinstate him, Syrskiy needs to go.

blueshoes · 18/07/2026 04:38

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-17-2026/

Key Takeaways

  1. The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) appears committed to optimizing Russian forces for continued positional warfare in Ukraine — not for the mechanized maneuver required to make rapid, large-scale gains.
  2. Russia’s prioritization of its war efforts in Ukraine and suboptimal economic policies are reportedly triggering a broader economic decline in Russia.
  3. A Russian state-affiliated polling center recorded one of the sharpest drops in Russian President Vladimir Putin’s approval ratings since the start of the war in Ukraine, following several months of steady decline.
  4. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced further personnel changes within the Ukrainian government on July 17.
  5. Russia launched one Kh-31P anti-radar missile, seven Kh-59/69 guided missiles, and 130 drones against Ukraine overnight.
  6. Neither Ukrainian nor Russian forces made confirmed advances on July 17.
DesdamonasHandkerchief · 18/07/2026 10:06

Live:Ukraine

❗️The second day of large-scale protests against the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov is ongoing.

People are demanding the reinstatement of the minister and the resignation of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi.

Videos of Kyiv, Lviv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Chernihiv, Poltava, and other cities.

⚡️ American diplomat Sandra Oudkirk has become the new Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Ukraine, the US Embassy in Ukraine announced.

Oudkirk has represented US interests for 30 years: since 2024 at the Pentagon, she served as Deputy Director of the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies, and later as Civilian Deputy and Foreign Policy Advisor at the US European Command.

▪️In June, Julie Davis, the previous Chargé d'Affaires, completed her diplomatic mission in Ukraine. The Financial Times reported that her dismissal was due to differences with President Donald Trump, particularly regarding Trump's decision to cut military aid to Ukraine.

⚡️ In Russia, the "Noginskaya" oil depot in the Moscow region came under attack.

This oil depot belongs to the fuel company "Mostransnefta." The Russians store and ship gasoline, diesel fuel, and kerosene there. The depot's tank farm capacity is approximately 9,000 m³. Fuel from this depot supplies gas stations in central Russia.

OSINT channels also report that Wildberries warehouses are on fire in Kotovsk (Tambov region) and Elektrostal (Moscow region).

Video — from the Moscow region.

⚡️ In Russia, following an overnight attack, warehouses and a logistics hub of the Wildberries marketplace are burning in the Tambov and Moscow regions.

Russian media report that in the Tambov region, seven employees of the facility were killed, and another 24 were injured.

⚡️ The Unmanned Systems Forces struck another 13 vessels of the Russian shadow fleet in the Black and Azov Seas.

Among the damaged — eight cargo ships, a tanker, an LNG tanker, a tugboat, and two floating cranes.

▪️In total, the UAS report striking 172 shadow fleet vessels over 13 days.

⚡️ Overnight, the Russians attacked Ukraine with seven missiles and 90 UAVs. Air defense neutralized one missile and 69 drones. What is known about the attack:

The main target was the Odesa region — the Russian army struck a vessel flying the flag of the Marshall Islands. Four people were injured. The attack damaged the vessel and caused a fire.

On the evening of July 17, the Russians struck Kharkiv with a missile — one man was killed, and there are injured. The attack damaged a hotel-restaurant, a bus stop, the tram overhead network, and a building.

DesdamonasHandkerchief · 18/07/2026 10:11

United 24 Media:

🔷 In agreement with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Cabinet of Ministers has appointed Yevhenii Khmara as acting minister of defense.

Previously, Khmara was a security service officer and acting head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

⚡️President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov as his freelance adviser on the development of defense technologies, according to a presidential decree.

🔶 “We are destroying enemy equipment. We are disrupting logistics. We are leaving the occupiers without vehicles and supply depots.”— The 82nd Separate Bukovynian Air Assault Brigade in action.

🔥 The Russian stock market has recorded its longest losing streak since 1997.

The Moscow Exchange Index has declined for 18 consecutive weeks — the longest stretch on record. It ended the week at 1,958 points, its lowest level since October 2022, and has lost nearly 30% since the beginning of April.

Over the past month, shares of major Russian companies, including Gazprom, VTB, Norilsk Nickel, MTS, and Aeroflot, have fallen by 20% to 50%. Analysts say large investors continue to sell off Russian assets.

Earlier, Bloomberg reported that Russian billionaires are moving tens of billions of dollars abroad, fearing further economic deterioration, banking sector problems, and potential asset confiscation.

⚡️Ukraine’s long-range sanctions delivered results in three areas inside Russia, as well as in the temporarily occupied territories and at sea today, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

💥 President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the destruction of Wildberries logistics hubs in Russia’s Moscow and Tambov regions.

According to Zelenskyy, the facilities were used to supply sanctioned components for the production of drones and navigation equipment.

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