Ukrainska Pravda

Russia's federal budget deficit for the first half of 2025 was 3.7 trillion roubles (about US$47 billion), or 1.7% of the country's GDP.

Source: The Moscow Times, citing data from the Russian Ministry of Finance

Details: This amount is six times higher than in the first half of 2024 (0.6 trillion roubles, or US$7.6 billion – 0.3% of GDP).

Most notably, in June 2025, the Russian budget deficit increased by 300 billion roubles (US$3.8 billion).

Meanwhile, the Russian Federation's federal budget expenditures of the past six months amounted to 21.3 trillion roubles (about US$270 billion) – the updated plan for the year is 42.3 trillion roubles, which is approximately US$536 billion. In addition, revenues amounted to 17.6 trillion roubles, which is roughly US$223 billion (the plan for the year is 38.5 trillion roubles, or US$488 billion).

Moreover, Russia recently revised its 2025 budget law due to falling oil and gas revenues, increasing expenditures by 0.8 trillion roubles (US$10 billion) and reducing revenues by 1.8 trillion roubles (US$22.8 billion).

As a result, in just six months, the federal budget deficit approached the figure planned for the end of the year (3.8 trillion roubles – US$48 billion, or 1.7% of GDP).

Background:

Elvira Nabiullina, head of the Central Bank of Russia, said that the resources that allowed the Russian economy to show growth for two years amid a full-scale war against Ukraine and sanctions have been exhausted.Russia's oil and gas revenues in June fell by 33.7% year-on-year to 494.8 billion roubles (US$6.29 billion), the lowest figure since January 2023.

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The International Fencing Federation (FIE) has allowed a number of Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete in the upcoming World Championships. This was revealed in the tournament entry list published on the organisation's website.

Source: Champion, a sports news platform within Ukrainska Pravda’s holding company

Details: A total of 121 athletes are listed to take part in the competition, including Sofya Velikaya – a major in the Russian army, and Yana Egorian – a lieutenant and recipient of the Russian Defence Ministry’s Order For Strengthening Combat Commonwealth.

Also set to participate is Olga Nikitina, a Russian warrant officer. Notably, the International Olympic Committee had previously advised against admitting such "neutral" athletes to the championships.

FIE has also permitted Russian and Belarusian fencers to compete in team events. As a result, there will be 40 athletes from these countries at the World Championships.

The tournament is scheduled to take place in the Georgian capital of Tbilisi from 22 to 26 July.

Background: Earlier, Ukrainian fencer Olha Kharlan announced that she would not partake in the 2025 World Championships.

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At a meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has emphasised the restoration of positions and regaining the territories in Russia’s Kursk and Belgorod oblasts in order to restrain the Russians on the border with Ukraine.

Source: Syrskyi on Facebook

Quote: "I called attention to the actions of our units in active defence – preventing the enemy from advancing deep into our defences on the Pokrovsk and Novopavlivka fronts and reaching the administrative borders of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. I emphasised the restoration of positions and retention of territories in Russia’s Kursk and Belgorod oblasts. We continue to hold back a significant enemy group at the border. The enemy will not have peace there."

Details: The general reported on the situation at the front, primarily in the hottest areas – in particular, on the Pokrovsk, Lyman, Novopavlivka and North Slobozhanshchyna fronts.

Background:

At a meeting with journalists on 21 June, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi stated that the Armed Forces of Ukraine were still in control of approximately 90 sq km in the Glushkovo district of Russia’s Kursk Oblast.He also said that Ukrainian forces will not stay locked in a defence-in-depth strategy but will instead combine defensive operations with offensive actions.

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Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU) has published information about the main components and units of the Russian Kh-101 cruise missile in the Weapon Components section of the War&Sanctions portal. It also provides data on the companies involved in producing the missile and its components.

Source: Defence Intelligence of Ukraine

Details: DIU reiterated that precisely a year ago, Russia committed another war crime and deliberately struck one of the buildings of the Okhmatdyt National Children's Hospital with a Kh-101 cruise missile. Two people were killed and more than 50 were injured, including children.

"Since it has been exactly one year since the criminal strike on Okhmatdyt, Defence Intelligence of Ukraine is publishing data on more than 70 companies that develop and manufacture the Kh-101 missile and its components, from turbojet engines and guidance systems to electronics, bearings and forgings," DIU said in a statement.

As data shows, dozens of companies manufacturing Kh-101 missiles are still not subject to sanctions by any of the countries in the sanctions coalition and retain access to crucial equipment, components, and technologies for missile production.

*Kh-101 cruise missile.*Photo: WAR&SANCTIONS

Background: Earlier, the War&Sanctions portal published technical information about the Iranian-made Shahed-136 UAVs of the new MS series, the Russian V2U loitering munition with artificial intelligence, and the S8000 Banderol cruise missile.Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!

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The losses of the Kibernetiki electronics chain as a result of a Russian attack on the city of Kyiv on the night of 3-4 July have amounted to 35 million hryvnias (about US$837,000).

Source: Forbes Ukraine, citing Denys Savchenko, co-owner of the Kibernetiki chain.

Quote: "As a result of three direct hits by Shaheds on the Kibernetiki warehouse, Apple equipment, smartphones, gadgets, laptops, household appliances and electric transport were completely destroyed. The warehouse equipment and two cargo minibuses that provided logistics throughout the network were completely burned out."

Details: Savchenko said that the loss of the 610 square metre warehouse has not yet affected deliveries to stores, as they are well stocked. However, delays may occur in 3-4 days if the logistics issue is not resolved quickly.

As Savchenko said, the Blockbuster shopping centre has provided warehouse space free of charge, negotiations are underway with partners and landlords, and most are willing to meet halfway, discussing installments, discounts, and even writing off part of the debt.

On the evening of 3 July and the night of 4 July, Russian troops attacked Kyiv with drones and ballistic missiles. Residential buildings were destroyed, two people were killed, and 26 were injured.

The Kibernetiki electronics chain in Kherson was occupied during the Russian invasion in 2022. Due to the loss of 20 stores and a warehouse in the occupied territories, the company began expanding into other oblasts.

Background:

Earlier, it was reported that as a result of a large-scale Russian attack on the capital on 4 July, the warehouse of the book publishing house and online store Nash Format was damaged.A delivery point of the Rozetka online store in Kyiv’s Solomyanskyi district was also damaged. The windows were broken, but orders can still be picked up.During a large-scale Russian attack on Kyiv on the night of 3-4 July, several branches and a sorting depot of the Nova Poshta postal service were damaged.

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Czech President Petr Pavel has stated that both Russia and Ukraine face problems and limitations that prevent either side from gaining the upper hand in the war.

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

Details: Pavel noted that the two countries have contrasting mobilisation capacities, with Ukraine being at a disadvantage. He also pointed out that Western allies are not as willing to provide support as some of Russia’s partners.

Quote from President Pavel: "Russia has far more people who are still willing to fight, and human life holds little value there. In Ukraine, it’s different. Ukraine is determined to fight, but with a limited population, it cannot mobilise as many forces."

"Ukraine can only succeed with superior technology and innovation, and that’s exactly what they are working on. With our help, Ukrainians are constantly increasing domestic weapons production. They’re devising new tactics almost daily. They’re developing new equipment. But of course, this alone isn’t enough to defeat Russia quickly," the Czech president stated.

Details: Pavel disagreed with claims that Russia is winning the war based on the current frontline situation, pointing out that its slow and minimal advances come at an enormous cost in lives.

He concluded that while Western allies must continue supporting Ukraine militarily, victory in this war is unlikely to be achieved on the battlefield alone.

Quote from President Pavel: "A much more powerful tool lies in the financial, economic and other measures that the United States and Europe can impose jointly. I believe there is clear interest on both sides of the Atlantic in applying significantly more economic pressure on Russia. This is a set of measures that does not kill but is extremely powerful.

Given the current state of the Russian economy, I don’t think it can withstand economic pressure for long. Sooner or later, if these measures are imposed, Russia will have no choice but to come to the negotiating table and accept what it has so far consistently rejected."

Background: Earlier, NATO warned that Ukraine may face a "difficult summer" due to Russian leader Putin receiving inaccurate intelligence about the war.

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A survey shows 47% of Ukrainians believe that in 10 years' time, they are more likely to see Ukraine as a ruined country with a large outflow of people than as a prosperous country within the European Union.

Source: Ukrainska Pravda’s article, citing the results of a survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) in May-June 2025

Quote from Anton Hrushetskyi, KIIS executive director: "There was... a question ‘How do you see Ukraine in 10 years: a prosperous country in the European Union or a ruined country with a large outflow of people?’. During the surveys in December 2024, more than 57% believed that Ukraine would be prosperous in the EU in 10 years. But by the end of May – beginning of June, on the contrary, almost half [it was 28% and it became 47% – ed.] see Ukraine as ruined."

*How do you see Ukraine in 10 years? Blue: a prosperous country in the European Union; red: a ruined country with a large outflow of people; gray: I don’t know.*Graph: Ukrainska Pravda based on KIIS’ survey

Details: Compared to October 2022, when 88% of respondents believed in Ukraine's prosperity and only 5% saw destruction and population decline in 10 years, the number of pessimistic Ukrainians has increased ninefold.

As can be seen from the graph, since October 2022, the number of positively disposed Ukrainians has continued to decline with each new survey. However, as of June, the number of those who believe in Ukraine's prosperity in 10 years remains quite high, 43%.

Sociologists attribute the latest increase in negative expectations to the fact that at the end of last year, some Ukrainians still hoped that US President Donald Trump, who was about to take office, would succeed in fulfilling his repeated promise to stop the war in Ukraine.

But the expectations of Ukrainians did not come true.

"After Trump's inauguration, his friendly conversations with Putin, and especially after the scandal in the Oval Office with Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the end of February, hopes for the American leader and his ability to end the war with Russia were finally dashed," the Ukrainska Pravda article says.

Despite this, sociologists have noted that Ukrainians are still opposed to territorial concessions and believe that Ukraine is moving towards unity rather than division.

"It was logical to expect that after Trump's ‘hard landing’ [weakening of support and changes in US rhetoric towards Russia – ed.], there would be a certain morale and psychological decline among Ukrainians. But even under such conditions, our surveys show that the vast majority of Ukrainians are still opposed to ending the war on terms that look like surrender.

We will soon publish the data from a new study, which shows that the sense of unity has strengthened slightly. About 60% of respondents believe that Ukraine is moving towards unity rather than division," Hrushetskyi concluded.

The study was conducted in May-June.

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US President Donald Trump has reportedly assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a phone call on 4 July that the suspension of US aid to Ukraine was not his personal decision.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The Wall Street Journal, citing officials familiar with the conversation between the two leaders, states that Trump denied responsibility for the delay in previously approved military aid to Ukraine.

Trump told Zelenskyy he was "not responsible" for the aid suspension.

He said he had instructed a reassessment of Pentagon stockpiles following strikes on Iran but had not ordered a freeze on weapons deliveries.

After the call, Trump said he was pleased with the conversation and expressed readiness to support Ukraine. For the first time, he also publicly questioned whether the Russian leader genuinely wants peace.

Zelenskyy described the call as "the best one so far" between the two leaders.

Background: On 7 July, Trump announced a shift in his policy on Ukraine, declaring that the US must provide Ukraine with weapons for defence. At the same time, the Pentagon announced that the US would deliver additional weapons to Ukraine.

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The Russians continue to put pressure along the entire line of contact – a total of 188 combat clashes have taken place on the front line over the past day, with the fiercest fighting occurring on the Pokrovsk and Novopavlivka fronts.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 08:00 on 8 July

Quote: "Updated reports indicate that yesterday [7 July – ed.], the invaders carried out 2 missile strikes and 68 airstrikes on Ukraine, used 5 missiles and dropped 112 guided aerial bombs. In addition, they used 3,373 kamikaze drones and conducted more than 5,000 attacks on the positions of our troops and populated areas, including 141 from multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS)."

Details: On the North Slobozhanshchyna front and in Russia's Kursk Oblast, eight combat engagements were recorded. The Russians carried out 6 airstrikes, dropped 11 guided aerial bombs, and conducted 286 artillery attacks, including 3 from multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS).

On the South Slobozhanshchyna front, there were 19 combat engagements near the settlements of Vovchansk, Zelene, Ambarne, Krasne Pershe and Kamianka and towards Kutkivka.

On the Kupiansk front, two Russian attacks were recorded. Ukraine’s defence forces repelled Russian assaults near the settlements of Holubivka and Zahryzove.

On the Lyman front, Russian forces launched 27 attacks, attempting to advance near the settlements of Novyi Myr, Ridkodub, Zelena Dolyna and Torske, as well as in Serebrianka Forest, and towards Serebrianka, Olhivka and Hryhorivka.

On the Siversk front, the Russians attacked Ukrainian positions three times near the settlements of Hryhorivka and Vyimka.

On the Kramatorsk front, five clashes took place as the Russians were trying to assault the settlements of Mykolaivka, Markove, Predtechyne and Bila Hora.

On the Toretsk front, the Russians launched four attacks near the settlements of Toretsk and Dyliivka.

On the Pokrovsk front, Ukrainian defenders repelled 68 Russian attacks near the settlements of Popiv Yar, Razine, Myroliubivka, Novoekonomichne, Lysivka, Shevchenko, Novoukrainka, Zvirove, Udachne, Novoserhiivka, Kotliarivka, Horikhove and Oleksiivka.

On the Novopavlivka front, Russian forces launched 30 assaults near the settlements of Piddubne, Fedorivka, Voskresenka, Yalta, Shevchenko, Novosilka, Vilne Pole and Novopil.

On the Huliaipole front, the Ukrainian defence forces repelled four Russian assaults near the village of Malynivka.

On the Orikhiv front, the Ukrainian defenders repelled four Russian attacks near Kamianske and towards Mala Tokmachka.

On the Prydniprovske front, the Russians did not conduct any offensive actions.

On the Volyn and Polissia fronts, there is no evidence of any offensive Russian groups being formed in the area.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian aircraft and units of Rocket Forces and Artillery hit 18 areas where Russian military personnel, weapons and equipment were concentrated, as well as three artillery pieces, a command post and another crucial facility belonging to the Russians.

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Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has announced the introduction of a new structure for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which took effect on 7 July.

Source: Sybiha on Facebook, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Sybiha stated that the updated structure reflects the realities of war and the best European and global diplomatic practices.

Notably, the Foreign Ministry will no longer have a disarmament department.

Quote: "That was a thing of the past, but such a unit did exist at one point. Ukraine will never disarm again. So, in the new structure, we will have the Department for International Security and Ukraine’s Defence."

Details: The Foreign Ministry is also establishing a separate NATO Directorate. Previously, EU and NATO integration were combined under a single department – the EU and NATO Department, commonly known as "DEN".

Quote: "Now we will have a Department of the European Union and a NATO Directorate. The department will focus on Ukraine’s direct accession to the EU. The NATO Directorate will provide a new boost to our integration efforts towards full membership in the Alliance."

More details: A separate Sanctions Policy Directorate is being set up as well. Until now, sanctions-related matters had been dispersed across various departments. The new directorate will handle pressure-building measures, coordination of sanction packages, synchronisation, compliance analysis and closing loopholes.

Regional departments will include First and Second European Departments, Latin America and the Caribbean Department, Asia and the Pacific Department, Middle East and North Africa Department, and the Department for Africa and Regional African Organisations. The US and Canada Directorate will be split off from the Latin America and the Caribbean Department.

The ministry will also implement a functional division among deputy ministers: a first deputy minister overseeing key areas, a deputy minister for European policy, one for international security, another for global issues and public diplomacy, and one for digitalisation.

There will now be only one special envoy – for African affairs. The Middle East and North Africa will form a separate department.

New specialised directorates will also be formed – such as a Directorate for Hostile Countries. This will include not only Russia but also its allies such as North Korea and Belarus. These units will not manage bilateral relations but instead counter threats.

Central Asia will be handled by a standalone directorate.

The Economic Diplomacy and Recovery Department will be responsible not only for opening new markets, supporting Ukrainian exporters, and attracting investments, but also for coordinating international aid for Ukraine’s recovery.

The former Department for Ukrainian Diaspora will be replaced with the Department for Global Ukrainians and Humanitarian Cooperation.

The Department for International Law and Legal Resistance to Aggression will handle, among other things, bringing Russia and the Russians to justice for their war crimes.

The HR service will now be called the Personnel Department, focusing primarily on recruitment and motivation.

The Ukrainian Institute and the Hennadii Udovenko Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine will be elevated in status within the Foreign Ministry. The Academy is to be transformed into a full-fledged higher education institution.

New units will also be created, such as the Cyber Diplomacy Office and the Sector for Innovation and Artificial Intelligence.

Background: On 21 June, Sybiha announced that Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry was preparing a structural reform aimed at adapting to modern security challenges. He also said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had made certain personnel decisions involving the heads of foreign missions, with changes expected in July.

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Republican Senator Lindsey Graham expects the Senate to advance a bipartisan bill on sanctions against Moscow that will allow tariffs to be imposed on countries supporting Russia's war.

Source: Graham on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: Graham stated that it is time "to end the bloodbath", commenting on the news of the largest aerial attack on Kyiv since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Quote: "I expect the Senate will move the bipartisan Russian sanctions bill that will allow tariffs and sanctions to be placed on countries who prop up Putin's war machine and do not help Ukraine."

Details: Graham added that the bill would include a presidential waiver clause to give US President Donald Trump maximum leverage. The bill currently has 85 co-sponsors, and according to the Senator, the number is growing.

Previously: Graham stated that Trump had expressed support for the bill’s adoption in Congress. The senator announced that new sanctions against Russia would be approved in July.

Background:

Senators Lindsey Graham (Republican) and Richard Blumenthal (Democrat), supported by 82 co-sponsors, introduced the bill to impose economic sanctions on Russia for obstructing ceasefire efforts in its war of aggression against Ukraine, particularly by imposing a 500% tariff on goods imported from countries that purchase Russian oil.The bill also has support in the House of Representatives, though no legislative steps have been taken since it was introduced this spring.Trump has publicly stated he would impose new sanctions against Russia "if necessary".

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Russian forces attacked Ukraine with four S-300/400 surface-to-air guided missiles and 54 Shahed loitering munitions and decoy drones of various types.

Source: Ukraine's Air Force

Details: As of 08:00, air defence has downed 34 Russian Shahed UAVs and other types of drones in Ukraine's north and south.

Twenty-six drones were shot down by firepower and eight disappeared from radar/were suppressed by electronic warfare.

Five UAV hits were recorded.

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One person has been injured and dachas caught fire in a Russian drone attack on Mykolaiv Oblast on the night of 7-8 July. [A dacha is a seasonal secondary residence, usually with a little plot of land, where people grow vegetables, fruit trees and berries or keep a garden – ed.]

Source: Vitalii Kim, Head of Mykolaiv Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "The enemy attacked the Vesniane hromada with Shahed-131/136 drones from 02:10 to 02:32 on 8 July. A 51-year-old man has been injured in the village of Nadbuzke." [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories – ed.]

Details: Kim added that the man is in a stable but serious condition.

The Russian attack also caused fires in two dachas and dry grass. The fires have been extinguished.

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Russian forces are continuing to attack civilians in Kherson Oblast using drones as three people have been injured this  morning alone.

Source: Kherson Oblast Military Administration

Quote: "Three people have been injured in Russian drone attacks on the Dniprovskyi district of Kherson within an hour."

Details: Two men, aged 32 and 34, came under attack at around 04:20. They suffered blast injuries and shrapnel wounds. One has been hospitalised in a moderate condition, while the other will be treated on an outpatient basis.

The Russians dropped an explosive on a 65-year-old woman at about 05:10. She suffered severe injuries, namely a blast injury and wounds to the abdomen and legs. Doctors are currently fighting to save her life.

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The US Department of Defense has begun supplying additional defensive weapons to Ukraine.

Source: statement by Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell

Quote: "At President Trump's direction, the Department of Defense is sending additional defensive weapons to Ukraine to ensure the Ukrainians can defend themselves while we work to secure a lasting peace and ensure the killing stops."

Previously: US President Donald Trump announced his intention to increase military assistance to Ukraine, saying that the focus is primarily on defensive weapons.

Background:

On 1 July, the White House confirmed that the Pentagon had paused the delivery of certain air defence missiles and other precision-guided munitions to Ukraine because of concerns over dwindling US weapons stockpiles.Ukraine's Defence Ministry said it had not received any official notification regarding a suspension or revision of the delivery schedule for US military aid and had requested a phone call with its US counterparts.On Friday 4 July, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a phone call with Trump, seeking to convince the American leader to resume supplies and sell more weapons to Ukraine.NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that he understands the US administration's desire to prioritise its own interests, but called for continued military support for Ukraine.

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French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has announced that the European Union, on France's initiative and in coordination with US senators, is preparing a new package of the toughest sanctions against Russia since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Source: Barrot in a comment to French TV channel TF1

Details: Barrot stated that following the ceasefire proposal put forward by US President Donald Trump and supported by Ukraine, the number of Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities has increased fivefold.

Quote: "This cannot go on any longer, this must come to an end. To achieve this, in coordination with American senators, Europe is preparing, based on French proposals, to introduce the toughest sanctions we have imposed in the past three years which will directly drain the resources that allow Vladimir Putin to continue his war."

Details: Barrot said the new package would not focus solely on the energy sector, particularly oil export revenues, but will also target financial players both within Russia and abroad. It concerns legal entities and individuals who help the Kremlin circumvent existing sanctions. He emphasised that it is precisely because of this support that Putin is able to continue waging war despite mounting international pressure.

"Putin is no longer advancing at the front and is now reduced to raining missiles and drones down on residential areas, causing numerous civilian casualties. This must stop," Barrot stressed.

Background:

European Pravda, citing two diplomats from influential EU countries, reported that the 18th EU sanctions package against Russia had been discussed and ultimately not adopted during a meeting of the EU Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) in Brussels on 4 July due to Slovakia’s opposition.The initiator of the US sanctions bill against Russia over oil trade, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, stated that Trump supported its adoption in Congress.Senators Lindsey Graham (Republican) and Richard Blumenthal (Democrat), supported by 82 co-sponsors, introduced the bill to impose economic sanctions on Russia for obstructing ceasefire efforts in its war of aggression against Ukraine, particularly by imposing a 500% tariff on goods imported from countries that purchase Russian oil.The bill also has support in the House of Representatives, though no legislative steps have been taken since it was introduced this spring.Trump has publicly stated he would impose new sanctions against Russia "if necessary".

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A 51-year-old man has been injured in a Russian attack on the outskirts of Mykolaiv.

Source: Vitalii Kim, Head of Mykolaiv Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Details: Kim said a 51-year-old man had been injured in the Russian attack on the outskirts of Mykolaiv. He has been hospitalised.

The attack also caused a fire. All the appropriate services are working at the scene.

Background: At around 02:30, Ukraine's Air Force reported that a group of attack UAVs had been detected moving from the Black Sea towards Mykolaiv Oblast.

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DeepState, a Ukrainian group of military analysts, reported on the night of 7-8 July that Russian forces have advanced simultaneously on multiple fronts in Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk oblasts.

Source: DeepState

Details: The Russians have advanced in the settlement of Kamʼianske in Zaporizhzhia Oblast as well as in the settlements of Yablunivka, Komar, Toretsk and Zaporizhzhia in Donetsk Oblast.

Background:

On the night of 6-7 July, DeepState reported that the Russians had occupied two settlements in Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk oblasts.On 5 July, DeepState analysts reported that Russian forces had occupied the settlements of Zelenyi Kut and Novoukrainka near the administrative border between Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and Donetsk Oblast and were trying to advance further.On 1 July, DeepState reported that Russian forces had captured the village of Koptieve and advanced in Donetsk Oblast.

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Russian media outlets, citing anonymous sources, have reported that former Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoit, dismissed by Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Monday, had died not on the same day, but before the dismissal.

Source: Forbes Russia; Russian outlet RBC

Details: Forbes Russia, citing "a source close to the investigative authorities", reported that Starovoit had died more than a day earlier, possibly on the night of 5-6 July.

RBC, referring to a source in law enforcement, reported that Starovoit's body was discovered on Saturday 5 July.

"The source stated that ballistic and medical examinations will be conducted in the case of Starovoit’s death to help determine the cause. One of the main versions being considered is suicide," RBC wrote.

Meanwhile, the Transport Ministry reported that a meeting with Starovoit’s participation took place on 6 July.

Background: On Monday 7 July, Russian media outlets reported that Starovoit had been found dead. Meanwhile, it was also reported that Putin dismissed Starovoit on the morning of 7 July.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that a meeting with Ukrainian ambassadors will be held in July to focus on their efforts to counter Russian aggression.

Source: Zelenskyy's evening address on Monday 7 July, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy stated that he had spoken to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha "about a special meeting with Ukrainian ambassadors".

"This meeting will take place in just two weeks," he added.

The President emphasised that he expects  "absolutely concrete results for each region" at the meeting.

"First and foremost regarding sanctions against Russia, support for Ukraine's defence, and drawing our partners' attention to recovery projects in Ukraine," Zelenskyy itemised.

Background:

Prior to this, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced that "some personnel changes will be made" in the leadership of certain foreign ministry institutions in August.Earlier on Monday, Bloomberg reported that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had discussed the possible replacement of the current Ukrainian ambassador to Washington, Oksana Markarova, during a phone call with US President Donald Trump on Friday 4 July.

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A 34-year-old woman was killed and 82 people suffered injuries in Russia's morning drone attack on Kharkiv on 7 July.

Source: report from Khrakiv Oblast Prosecutor's Office

Quote: "On 7 July from 05:20 to 05:40 and between 10:20 and 10:30, the enemy, according to early reports using 10 Geran-2 UAVs [one of the names given to Shahed drones in Russia], carried out a targeted strike on civilian infrastructure in the Shevchenkivskyi, Kholodnohirskyi and Slobidskyi districts of Kharkiv. A 34-year-old woman was killed in the attack."

Details: In addition, 82 people were reported to have either sustained injuries or suffered acute shock. Those injured included eight children: four girls and four boys.

Background: In the morning, Ukraine's National Police reported that Russian forces attacked Kharkiv Oblast on the morning of Monday 7 July, injuring 30 people, including children.

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Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that he held a meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief on 7 July to discuss the need to significantly increase the use of drones of all types on the front line.

Source: Zelenskyy's evening address on 7 July

Quote from Zelenskyy: "I held a Staff meeting today. There were reports on the front line, primarily the Pokrovsk and Novopavlivka fronts, as well as the Orikhiv front, Sumy Oblast, and our operations in Russian territory in the border areas of Kursk and Belgorod oblasts. There will be no peace for the occupiers there.

We had a very detailed conversation about drones: we need to significantly increase the use of all the types of drones that help us on the front line. Drones and technological solutions will help us to deter Russian assaults and ensure our active operations even more. I am grateful to everyone who is working in this area and developing appropriate solutions."

Details: Zelenskyy also reported that the meeting had discussed countering Russian airstrikes, particularly air defence systems, air defence missiles, and drone air defence. The president said that air defence is now the top priority.

Ukraine is also preparing new agreements with its partners.

Quote from Zelenskyy: "We expect to formally document the agreements in the coming weeks. Step by step, we are closing the funding gap for the production of drones and drone interceptors and filling Ukrainian production lines with specific orders."

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Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský has said that Germany has made one of the largest contributions to a Czech initiative to supply ammunition to Ukraine.

Source: European Pravda; Jan Lipavský, cited by Czech news agency České noviny

Details: Lipavský met with his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, on Monday, who said that Germany has contributed more than a billion euros to the Czech initiative.

The Czech foreign minister thanked Germany for this contribution.

Wadephul, who was full of praise for the initiative, said the German government is asking other European partners to look in their stockpiles for equipment Ukraine needs, including air defence equipment.

Lipavský recently said that Czechia is ready to extend the ammunition supplies programme to next year.

Czech President Petr Pavel said they have already begun preparing supplies for 2026 as part of the Czech initiative to procure ammunition for Ukraine.

For reference: Through the ammunition initiative, Czechia raises money and, via its links with countries that do not wish to openly support Ukraine, buys artillery rounds from them which it delivers to Ukraine.Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!

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Ukrainian emergency workers have come under Russian fire while carrying out their duties in the cities of Kharkiv and Kherson.

Source: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Details: In Kharkiv, Russian forces launched a drone strike at night. After emergency workers arrived at the scene, the Russians carried out a second strike.

A fire engine was damaged.

In Kherson, a fire broke out at a petrol station on the morning of 6 July.

While extinguishing the fire, firefighters came under a repeat Russian strike, which damaged the fire engine.

*The damaged fire engine.*Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

In both cases, no personnel were injured.

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Russian forces attacked the city of Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast three times on 6 July, injuring three people.

Source: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor’s Office

Details: At about 14:20, the Russians attacked the city with an FPV drone. The explosion damaged the grounds of a private property and a 73‑year‑old woman suffered a blast injury.

At 17:10, the Russians launched an artillery strike. The attack damaged an apartment building and a 56‑year‑old man suffered an acute stress reaction.

At 20:40, the Russians hit the city again. A house caught fire. A 67‑year‑old woman sustained a blast injury and acute barotrauma and was taken to hospital. The type of weapon the Russians used is being confirmed.

Damaged building**Photo: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor’s Office

Pre-trial investigations have been launched under the procedural guidance of the Kupiansk District Prosecutor's Office in Kharkiv Oblast into the attacks on Kupiansk, under the criminal code article on violation of the laws and customs of war (Article 438.1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

Background: On Saturday 6 July, one civilian was killed in a Russian attack near the village of Bytytsia in Sumy Oblast.

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