Ukrainska Pravda

Two people have been injured in a Russian drone attack on the Poltava district on the evening of 3 July.

Source: Volodymyr Kohut, Head of Poltava Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "A car on the grounds of a property was damaged as a result of falling debris from enemy UAVs in the Poltava district. One person has been injured. Doctors are providing all the necessary treatment."

Details: Later it became known that another person had been injured in the Poltava district due to falling UAV debris.

Background: On the evening of 3 July, Russian forces launched a large-scale drone attack on Ukraine.

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Manolis Pilavov, former head of the occupation Russian administration, has been killed in an explosion in temporarily occupied Luhansk.

Source: Kremlin-aligned Russian news agencies RIA Novosti and TASS; Latvia-based Russian media outlet Meduza; social media

Details: Media reports indicate that the explosion occurred around midday on 3 July on Taras Shevchenko Street. The so-called "Luhansk People's Republic government" stated that one person was killed and three others injured in the explosion.

Later, Russian media reported that the deceased was Manolis Pilavov, who headed the so-called "administration" of Russian-occupied Luhansk from December 2014 to November 2023.

Unconfirmed reports suggest the explosive device was planted behind the door of his home.

A video supposedly showing the scene has appeared on social media channels.

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Ukraine has signed an agreement with several American companies on the joint production of drones, in particular interceptor drones.

Source: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit to Denmark, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy noted that in the morning during his visit to Denmark, a document was signed on the joint production of drones with American companies.

Quote from Zelenskyy: "This is co-production between Ukraine and the USA; it will involve several companies. We are focusing primarily on drones of various types. But what is most important: this year – hundreds of thousands [drones will be produced]; next year – [their number] will increase," Zelenskyy said.

"The main component is interceptor drones, which have already proven themselves in Ukraine  – we have tested drones of several companies. Now we have eventually signed a serious product, a serious contract. We are very much counting on the downing of the Shahed [drones - ed.] in large numbers," he added.

Zelenskyy noted that there is also an agreement on access to these technologies by some Ukrainian manufacturers.

In a subsequent post on X (Twitter), Zelenskyy detailed that it was particularly about the American company Swift Beat. It also specifies the types of drones that will be produced as part of the cooperation – interceptor drones to shoot down enemy UAVs and missiles, quadcopters to conduct reconnaissance and adjust fire, as well as attack UAVs for damage in the deep rear.

Background:

On 30 June 2025, Denmark’s defence minister announced that production of Ukrainian-designed weapons could begin in Denmark by autumn 2025.German media outlets reported that Germany is funding the production of Ukrainian UAVs used to strike targets in Russia.

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Major General Mikhail Gudkov, Deputy Commander of the Russian Navy and a Hero of Russia, was killed in a Ukrainian defence forces strike on a Russian command post in Korenevo, Kursk Oblast, on 2 July 2025.

Source: Oleg Kozhemyako, Governor of Primorsky Krai, as reported by Militarnyi, a Ukrainian military news outlet

Details: Kozhemyako reported that Gudkov, former commander of the 155th Separate Guards Kursk Marine Brigade, "died while performing the duty of an officer together with his fellow soldiers" in Kursk Oblast.

Russian military-affiliated social media accounts reported that Gudkov, along with over ten senior officers, had been killed in a Ukrainian attack on a command post in Korenevo, Kursk Oblast.

Background:

The 155th Marine Brigade, previously led by Gudkov, was implicated in war crimes, particularly the execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war. Captured brigade members confirmed their involvement in or witnessing of these killings.In March 2025, Gudkov was appointed deputy commander of the Russian Navy.

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Russian leader Vladimir Putin has stated that he will have a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday 3 July.

Source: Russian propaganda outlets RIA Novosti and TASS; Truth Social

Quote from TASS: "Putin said that he will have a conversation with Trump today."

Update: Later, Trump confirmed a phone call with Putin scheduled for 10:00 US time (17:00 Kyiv time).

"Will be speaking to President Putin of Russia at 10:00 a.m.," he wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. [N.B. Ukrainska Pravda does not recognise Putin as president – ed.]

Screenshot Truth Social

Previously:

Earlier, the Financial Times reported that President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump are planning to hold a phone conversation on Friday 4 July.Politico reported that the United States and Ukraine are working to arrange a phone call between Trump and Zelenskyy amid suspensions in arms supplies.US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said that the United States has not suspended all arms supplies to Ukraine and that the Pentagon's decision the day before was just "one situation".Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is currently working with the US to clarify all the details of military aid deliveries following reports of the suspension.

Background:

On 17 May, Trump announced that he would hold a phone call with Putin on 19 May, followed by conversations with Zelenskyy and NATO allies.On 19 May, Trump began negotiations on a ceasefire in Ukraine by holding a phone call with Zelenskyy.The conversation between Trump and Putin lasted more than two hours. Putin claimed that Russia is ready to work on a memorandum with Ukraine which would include a possible ceasefire for a certain period of time. The Russian ruler also said that contact has been "resumed" between the negotiating groups that met in Istanbul.

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Vitalii Sarantsev, spokesman for Ukraine’s Ground Forces, has stated that Russian forces are deliberately targeting military enlistment offices in an attempt to disrupt mobilisation, however Russian efforts have proved ineffective.

Source: Sarantsev during the national joint 24/7 newscast

Details: He said the morning strike on the military enlistment office in Poltava was also intentional. However, Sarantsev stressed that the Russians will not succeed in disrupting mobilisation, as the process cannot be halted.

Quote: "We will continue to reinforce our army, train our soldiers and involve more of our people in the defence effort in order to deliver a proper response to the enemy."

Background:

On the morning of 3 July, Russian forces attacked the city of Poltava with drones, causing a fire on the premises of a military enlistment office and killing two people and injuring 11.Among the wounded are two military enlistment officers and two servicewomen from the Armed Forces who work there.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump will have a telephone conversation on Friday 4 July.

Source: Financial Times, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The telephone conversation between the presidents will take place against the backdrop of the suspension of supplies of some key types of weapons to Ukraine from the US.

The news outlet sources also said that the Ukrainian president will raise the issue of possible future sales of American weapons.

Background:

Earlier, the media reported that the US and Ukraine were working on organising a telephone conversation between Trump and Zelensky amid the suspension of arms supplies.US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said that the United States had not suspended all arms supplies to Ukraine and that the Pentagon's decision the day before was just "one situation".President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine is clarifying the details of military aid supplies with the United States at the working level following reports of a suspension of supplies.

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The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has confirmed the destruction of a facility belonging to the Russian defence industry – the Energia plant in the city of Yelets in Lipetsk Oblast of Russia.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Telegram

Quote: "As part of the efforts to reduce the offensive capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Russian aggressor, on the night of 2-3 July, units of the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in cooperation with other components of the defence forces, inflicted fire damage on the JSC Energia (Yelets, Lipetsk Oblast of the Russian Federation), which is engaged in ensuring serial production of batteries and accumulators for means of destruction for the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation."

Details: General Staff notes that the company manufactured power elements for universal gliding and correction modules, which convert ordinary free-falling aerial bombs into guided ones with greater range and accuracy.

In addition, the plant produced batteries and accumulators for Iskander-M operational-tactical missile systems, Kh-35U sea-based cruise missiles and energy systems for other specialised weapons.

Explosions were recorded at the plant and production facilities were halted. The final results of the strike are being clarified.

Background: On the morning of 3 July, Russian authorities reported drone attacks on four regions that occurred on the night of 2-3 July, with explosions heard in the cities of Lipetsk and Yelets in Lipetsk Oblast – the former is home to a military airfield, the latter to a battery plant.

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The German Federal Government is currently working on an emergency decision to supply Ukraine with new air defence systems and a sufficient number of interceptor missiles.

Source: European Pravda with reference to the German newspaper Bild

Details: Bild reported that Berlin is now awaiting confirmation from US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on the provision of two Patriot air defence systems, which Germany would finance for Ukraine.

Germany is said to have submitted the request several weeks ago.

"Kyiv had previously tried in vain to purchase Patriot systems directly from the United States and then turned to the German government," Bild wrote.

After the United States announced a halt to certain weapon deliveries to Ukraine, Berlin fears that Washington may also reject the German request for two Patriot systems.

Bild reported that the issue had been discussed at Wednesday's cabinet meeting, during which "it became clear that cancelled deliveries from the US cannot be compensated".

"Nevertheless, Germany and other allies now want to try to provide Ukraine with at least Patriot systems from their own stocks," Bild added.

Background:

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy intends to raise the matter of maintaining the supply of weapons and ammunition from the United States to Ukraine, including PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems, in a conversation with US President Donald Trump on 4 July or in the next few days.Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is clarifying the details of military aid supplies with the United States at the working level following reports of a suspension of supplies.

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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Denmark on Thursday 3 July, where he will take part in events marking the start of Denmark’s presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Source: Danish public-service broadcaster DR, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy is set to attend events marking the start of Denmark’s presidency of the Council of the EU.

The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the Ukrainian president’s arrival.

The royal couple, members of the Danish government and several prominent EU politicians will also attend the events dedicated to the start of the Danish presidency.

Background:

On 1 July, Denmark assumed the presidency of the Council of the EU. Under the motto "A strong Europe in a changing world", the Danish presidency will focus on ensuring Europe’s security, competitiveness and environmental sustainability.The Ukrainian government expects breakthrough decisions regarding Ukraine’s EU membership during the Danish presidency.

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One person has been killed in a Russian guided bomb strike on the Velykomykhailivka hromada in the Synelnykove district of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories – ed.]

Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "The enemy deployed a guided aerial bomb to attack the Velykomykhailivka hromada in the Synelnykove district in the morning."

Details: Lysak said that a man had been killed in the strike. A house also caught fire.

Background:

On the morning of 1 July, Russian forces struck Huliaipole in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast with two ballistic missiles. Injuries and fatalities were reported to have occurred as a result of the strike.On 2 July, the Russians also attacked Dnipropetrovsk Oblast with drones, damaging a private company in the city of Kryvyi Rih and a farm in the Samar district, leaving one person injured.

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Air defence has been responding in the city of Kyiv as Russian forces launched attack drones on Ukraine on the evening of 3 July.

Source: Kyiv City Military Administration; Tymur Tkachenko, Head of Kyiv City Military Administration; Ukraine's Air Force

Details: An air-raid warning was issued in Kyiv and air defence was responding in the evening.

Tkachenko confirmed that a Russian drone had been downed. Debris was found in an open area in the Solomianskyi district. Early reports indicate that there was no damage or casualties.

Kyiv City Military Administration reported that air defence continues to respond.

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Russian forces launched a ballistic missile attack on port infrastructure in the city of Odesa on 3 July 2025, killing two people and injuring three others.

Source: Oleh Kiper, Head of Odesa Oblast Military Administration, on air during the national 24/7 newscast

Quote from Kiper: "A cluster ballistic missile, which is prohibited, has struck the port infrastructure. Sadly, two people were killed and three injured; those injured are currently receiving the necessary medical assistance on the spot."

Details: At 12:47, an air-raid warning was issued in Odesa. Minutes later, the Ukrainian Air Force reported a Russian aerial asset approaching the city.

Background: On the night of 2-3 July 2025, Russian drone attacks on Odesa damaged a nine-storey residential building, injuring six people, including two children.

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The Swedish government has decided to allocate SEK 1.5 billion (about €130 million) for new military capabilities for Ukraine, particularly barrels for Archer self-propelled artillery systems.

Source: Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson, as reported by European Pravda

Details: He noted that the Archer system has proved to be incredibly effective in Ukraine.

Quote: "The government has made the decision to allocate SEK 1.5 billion from support package 18 & 19 towards new military abilities for Ukraine. It consists of over 10 new Archer artillery barrels, long-range strike and underwater capabilities, as well as more logistical support."

More details: He noted that Volvo and Scania lorries and a new container system for faster and safer unloading of defence equipment will also be purchased.

Background:

In early June, Sweden announced the allocation of €50 million for the NATO NSATU (NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine) and NATO CAP (Comprehensive Assistance Package) projects, which are responsible for training and supporting Ukrainian military personnel.In addition, Sweden joined the electronic warfare coalition and became its co-chair at Germany's invitation.

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President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has commented on the upcoming conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

Source: Zelenskyy speaking to journalists

Quote: "I’m not sure they have many shared ideas, as they are very different people. But if we are talking about Ukraine, we have always supported the idea of an unconditional ceasefire proposed by President Trump."

Details: Zelenskyy stressed that he is open to any format of meetings but pointed out that in Russia, only Putin makes the decisions, so achieving peace requires negotiations at the leadership level.

Background: Russian leader Vladimir Putin stated that he would have a phone call with US President Donald Trump on 3 July. Trump later confirmed the call with Putin, scheduled for 10:00 US time (17:00 Kyiv time).

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The size of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet of oil tankers has grown from fewer than 100 vessels at the beginning of 2022 to between 300 and 600 by early 2025, depending on the counting method.

Source: Safety4sea.com, citing a study by Dryad Global, as reported by Ekonomichna Pravda

Details: The study indicates around 40% of these tankers were acquired from EU sellers and are ageing vessels nearing or exceeding their typical operational lifespan.

A typical Russian shadow tanker is 20 to 25 years old, far above the global average of 13 years for oil tankers.

"Age is the hidden hazard. Through constant flag-hopping, name changes and shell company swaps, many shadow-fleet tankers present fresh paperwork while hiding their build year and maintenance record," the report says.

Dryad Global analysts stress that unless a counterpart conducts a deep investigation – tracing the ship’s history through every previous IMO number – the vessel may appear seaworthy, even though it is over 20 years old and potentially lacks a valid classification.

Between January and May 2025, the US, EU and UK imposed coordinated sanctions on Russia’s shadow fleet, blacklisting about 270 tankers connected to Russian oil exports. The crackdown began on 10 January, when the US Treasury sanctioned 183 tankers and targeted Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, removing 17 million DWT from the mainstream trade.

EU sanction packages in February and May 2025 added 74 and 189 tankers, respectively, and introduced liability for facilitating dangerous or uninsured vessels. The EU’s blacklist now includes 153 ships. The UK followed in March, sanctioning another 29 tankers.

In total, Western sanctions now cover approximately 270 vessels with a combined capacity of nearly 25 million tonnes, three times the number in January.

Shipowners often manipulate AIS (Automatic Identification System) data. Crews may reclassify tankers into less regulated categories or turn off transponders near sensitive areas, switching them back on only after leaving high-risk zones. Some ships transmit false coordinates.

Frequent name and flag changes are also common. A tanker may switch from the Russian registry to the Liberian flag within days, often altering identifiers while in port. These updates are quickly reflected in digital certificates, which port authorities typically accept.

Dryad Global notes that within a year, a single vessel can be passed among companies registered in offshore jurisdictions such as the Seychelles or Marshall Islands, with real ownership hidden behind nominee directors.

"Cargo concealment is the final step. Offshore transfers near Lomé, Ceuta, or Kandla often blend Russian, Iranian, and Venezuelan crude into mixed cargoes labelled as generic fuel oil. This makes origin tracing difficult and hampers the enforcement of sanctions and price caps," the report says.

As these tactics are often combined, regulatory bodies increasingly treat any vessel with rapidly changing identifiers as high risk. Enforcement has shifted from individual checks to broader blacklists based on behavioural patterns, Dryad Global notes.

Background:

Germany has recently introduced additional measures to counter Russia’s shadow fleet in the Baltic Sea. As of 1 July, German authorities require passing tankers to submit proof of oil pollution insurance.Australia has also imposed targeted sanctions on 60 tankers linked to Russia’s shadow fleet – the country’s first such action against Russian maritime assets.Panama has deregistered 128 Russian-linked vessels after they were sanctioned by the US, its allies and the UN.Vladyslav Vlasiuk, Ukraine’s sanctions policy envoy, earlier stated that the shadow fleet reflects the broader opacity of the international oil shipping industry. Some of the violations, which in fact constitute circumvention of sanctions, are not necessarily violations in legal terms.It was also reported that Japan’s Taiyo Oil Co. received Russian oil via the Voyager – a tanker blacklisted by both the US Treasury and the EU. The vessel delivered 600,000 barrels from the Prigorodnoye terminal on Sakhalin Island.Bloomberg noted that Japan allowed this for energy security reasons – despite being a G7 member.In addition, tankers involved in Iran-to-China oil delivery schemes have been disappearing from digital tracking near Malaysia’s east coast – a key trans-shipment hub for Iranian oil.In recent months, an increasing number of vessels have been turning off their transponders near the eastern coast of Malaysia – a region that has become a key hub for ship-to-ship transfers of Iranian oil destined for China.It has also been reported that tankers under US sanctions have begun appearing in the complex maritime supply chain transporting Russian oil to India, which is currently recording record-high imports of this oil.

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Following the suspension of some types of US military aid to Ukraine, the European Union must strengthen its own support for Ukraine.

Source: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as reported by European Pravda correspondent

Details: Speaking during a media briefing in Copenhagen on the occasion of Denmark's assumption of the EU presidency, Von der Leyen stated that the suspension of US aid sends a message to the EU that it needs to scale up its own support for Kyiv.

Quote: "For us, it's a clear signal, a clear message to step up our own support. So ramping up our European defence capacities, not only at the level of the European Union but at a continental level."

More details: Von der Leyen recalled that the EU has already provided military assistance to Ukraine worth around €50 billion, including equipment.

Quote: "Denmark has shown with its significant deliveries as of the start of the war how to do it, from a much-needed artillery to F-16s, for example. I, for my part, can only recommend using SAFE now.

Here are 150 billion euros. The member states can take this money and either buy military equipment and give it to Ukraine, or they can take this money and invest it in the extremely efficient Ukrainian defence industry."

Background:

As reported by European Pravda, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also arrived in Denmark on Thursday 3 July, to take part in the official ceremony marking the start of Denmark’s EU presidency.Zelenskyy intends to discuss the expansion of the Danish model – where European countries fund contracts for weapons production in Ukraine and for supplying Ukraine with arms in general.The Ukrainian president also stated that Ukraine is cooperating with the US "at working levels" to clarify the details of military aid deliveries following media reports of a suspension.

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In the occupied city of Luhansk, Ukraine's Security Service (SSU) has killed Manolis Pilavov, former occupation mayor of Luhansk.

Source: Ukrainska Pravda sources within the SSU

Details: The sources said that on 3 July in temporarily occupied Luhansk, the SSU killed Manolis Pilavov, former head of the city’s occupation administration (held the post from 2014 to 2023).

Pilavov was killed as a result of an explosive detonation.

He was one of the ideologues of the so-called "Luhansk People’s Republic", an associate of Russian-appointed leader Igor Plotnitsky, and personally took part in the overthrow of the constitutional order.

Since 2015, Pilavov had been wanted under Article 109 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (actions aimed at the violent change or overthrow of the constitutional order, or seizure of state power). Since 2022, he had also been under Ukrainian sanctions.

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Czech President Petr Pavel has stated that he cannot guarantee continued military aid to Ukraine after the parliamentary elections in Czechia, which are scheduled for October 2025.

Source: Pavel in an interview with the BBC, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The Czech president did not rule out that the elections would lead to a change of government and made it clear that the priorities of the possible new government, particularly regarding aid to Ukraine, are challenging to assess at this early stage.

"Right now, all my efforts are focused on maintaining a unified approach to security and defence issues, including our policy towards Ukraine. Because I believe that supporting Ukraine is an integral part of our own security," Pavel said.

He added that he is discussing these issues with all the leaders of the parliamentary parties expected to be part of the next government.

"I have discussed with them the need to maintain the same principles in the field of security and foreign policy even after the elections. However, of course, I cannot give any guarantees at this point – much will depend on the election results," the Czech president said.

Read also: Why power in Czechia set to change and what it means for Ukraine

Background:

Czechia is actively supporting Ukraine through its shell initiative. Prague raises funds and, using its connections with countries unwilling to openly back Ukraine, purchases artillery shells from them and supplies them to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.Parliamentary elections in Czechia are scheduled for 3 and 4 October this year. If the opposition wins, one of the frontrunners to become head of government is Andrej Babiš, former prime minister and leader of the ANO party. His party currently leads the polls ahead of the vote.Babiš recently spoke out against supporting refugees from Ukraine.

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The number of people injured in the Russian attack on the city of Poltava on 3 July has risen to 47.

Source: National Police of Ukraine

Details: Police officers, emergency workers, medics, utility workers, volunteers and law enforcement officials are working at the scene, assisting those affected.

The Russians carried out another large-scale drone strike on Poltava on Thursday morning.

The Ukrainian Ground Forces report there were two hits: one on the premises of Poltava City military enlistment office, the other on the premises of the Poltava Oblast military enlistment office. Both military facilities are located in a densely built-up urban area.

*The aftermath of the Russian attack on Poltava.*Photo: National Police

The attack damaged houses, apartment buildings, as well as shops and cars.

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President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a law amending the Budget Code to implement an agreement with the United States on the creation of the US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund.

Source: website of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament)

Details: The law provides for the proper implementation of the ratified agreement and the introduction of a mechanism to strengthen the strategic partnership between Ukraine and the United States for the long-term reconstruction and modernisation of the state in response to the large-scale destruction caused by the Russian Federation.

Under the terms of the agreement, Ukraine's contribution will consist of half of the funds received after the agreement comes into force from:

rent for the extraction of minerals (oil, gas, gas condensate and everything specified in Appendix ‘A’ to the Agreement) from new licences;issuance of new special permits for subsoil use;sale of the state's share of production under new production sharing agreements.

The law stipulates that these funds will be credited to a special fund of the state budget and, by decision of the chief administrator, will be transferred to the Reconstruction Fund.

Background:

On 1 May, Ukraine's Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko and US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent signed a minerals deal.On 8 May, the Verkhovna Rada ratified the agreement establishing a joint investment fund between Ukraine and the US.President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed the ratification of the mineral deal with the US on 12 May.On 4 June, the Verkhovna Rada finally adopted a law amending the Budget Code to implement the mineral agreement between Ukraine and the United States.

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Kyiv bid farewell on 3 July to Hero of Ukraine Maksym Ustymenko, an F-16 pilot killed in action during a large-scale Russian attack on Ukraine.

Source: Suspilne, a Ukrainian public broadcaster

Details: Suspilne noted that Ustymenko was one of 15 graduates in 2016, when Ukraine was able to graduate a brigade of pilots of MiG-29 fighters and Su-25 attack aircraft for the first time.

"I know each of those fifteen," says Brigadier General Serhii Holubtsov, Deputy Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force. "Unfortunately, six of them have been killed in action. Maksym will be buried in Kyiv Oblast, where his family lives. He had recently purchased a home there, but a few months ago, a Shahed attack drone flew into that very garden. This new home, which he had dreamed of, was destroyed."

Ustymenko was also among the first 12 pilots to undergo training on the F-16 fighter jets and flew one from the summer of 2024.

"He mastered the aircraft very quickly," Holubtsov added. "Before that, he tested the Swedish Gripen, completing 13 sorties in Sweden. Overall, he was a first-class pilot."

Suspilne noted that the F-16 fighter jet piloted by Maksym had shot down seven Shahed drones during a Russian large-scale attack on 29 June 2025. An investigation will reveal exactly what happened then.

"There were a lot of targets in the air that needed to be destroyed," said Brigadier General Oleh Zakharchuk, Deputy Commander of Air Command Zakhid (West). "I am convinced that if he had even one chance to survive, he would have taken it. The jet was damaged and had to be diverted away from a populated area while maintaining controllability. It's very difficult, but Maksym did it."

Read also: What is known about Ukrainian F-16 pilot Maksym Ustymenko, killed in action

Background:

First Class pilot Lieutenant Colonel Maksym Ustymenko was killed in a large-scale Russian missile and drone attack against Ukraine on the night of 28-29 June 2025.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ordered an investigation into all the circumstances surrounding Ustymenko’s death.Zelenskyy posthumously conferred the title of Hero of Ukraine and the Order of the Gold Star upon Ustymenko.

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The United States and Ukraine are working to arrange a phone call between Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Source: Politico, a Brussels-based politics and policy news organisation, citing two sources familiar with the plans, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The notion of a call was proposed on Tuesday 1 July, as reports began emerging that the US had suspended certain arms deliveries to Ukraine.

"The US is informing Ukraine [of the decision] today in Kyiv and a phone call will also be organised very soon between Trump and Zelenskyy," said a European diplomat familiar with the discussions.

"The US says this is not a pause, not a suspension,"  the source added. "The US is still very much in the process of determining how best to support Ukrainian defence. This is still a priority."

Background:

On 2 July, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry summoned John Ginkel, the US chargé d’affaires in Ukraine, to discuss US military aid.US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce has said that the United States has not suspended all arms supplies to Ukraine and that the Pentagon's decision the day before was just "one situation".Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is currently working with the US to clarify all the details of military aid deliveries following reports of the suspension.

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Two military enlistment officers and two servicewomen were injured in a Russian drone attack on a territorial centre for recruitment and social support (TCRSS) in Poltava on 3 July.

Source: Vitalii Sarantsev, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Ground Forces Command, on Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne.Studiia

Quote: "There were two hits: one on the premises of Poltava City TCRSS, the other on the premises of the Poltava Oblast TCRSS. Both military facilities are located in a densely built-up urban area.

As a result, many civilians who happened to be near the administrative buildings are among the injured. Among the wounded are two TCRSS servicemen and two servicewomen from the Armed Forces working there. Whether any of the fatalities were military personnel will be reported later. There is a threat of repeat strikes."

Details: Sarantsev added that Russia is deliberately trying to disrupt the mobilisation process in Ukraine. In recent days, Russian forces have been targeting such facilities precisely for this purpose. However, he stressed that mobilisation will not be halted and said it is too early for Russian troops and their supporters to "pop the champagne".

Background: On the morning of 3 July, Russian forces attacked the city of Poltava with drones, causing a fire on the premises of a military enlistment office and killing two people and injuring 11.

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