Ukrainska Pravda

Russia has significantly expanded its drone capabilities for the war against Ukraine thanks to Chinese companies that officially deny cooperating with Moscow.

Source: Bloomberg in an investigation after reviewing internal documents of the Russian company Aero-HIT and its correspondence with Russian government officials

Details: Based in the far eastern city of Khabarovsk, little-known Aero-HIT began cooperating with Chinese firms in 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, to set up large-scale drone production for frontline combat.

The company has claimed that it will reach the capacity to manufacture up to 10,000 drones per month in 2025 and is also planning to expand into more advanced models.

Documents obtained by Bloomberg reveal that Aero-HIT has been collaborating with engineers from the Chinese company Autel since early 2023 to localise production of the Autel EVO Max 4T drone in Russia.

The backbone of Aero-HIT’s arsenal is the Veles, a first-person view (FPV) drone based on the Chinese Autel EVO Max 4T, which was originally designed for civilian use. Its resilience to electronic warfare systems has made it effective on the battlefield.

Each drone is priced at RUB 650,000 (about US$8,317), VAT included.

In June 2024, Aero-HIT was sanctioned by the US Treasury after its drones were found to "have been used by Russian forces based in Kherson against Ukrainian targets".

To circumvent sanctions, Russia uses intermediaries that operate in other sectors, such as agribusiness, logistics and catering.

Although China officially claims that it does not supply weapons to either side in the war, the documents suggest involvement by engineers from the Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), a Chinese university closely linked to the Chinese military and under US sanctions.

In 2024, Russian ruler Vladimir Putin visited HIT during a trip to China. Following the visit, cooperation intensified between HIT, the Khabarovsk airport and the company Komax, which operates the airport and is owned by Konstantin Basyuk, a former KGB operative and Russian senator for the occupied part of Kherson Oblast.

By late 2023, the Khabarovsk plant was already producing 200-300 drones per month. In March 2024, Russia’s Ministry of Defence planned to order 5,000 Veles FPV drones.

Background: On 27 May, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told journalists that China had halted drone sales to Kyiv and other European countries, while continuing to supply them to Russia.

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US President Donald Trump has reportedly ordered the shipment of 10 Patriot air defence missiles to Ukraine and is pressuring Germany to sell one of its Patriot batteries to Ukraine.

Source: Axios with reference to sources, as reported by European Pravda

Details: President Trump's decision on Monday 7 July to send defence weapons to Ukraine was made after several days of consultations with aides and other world leaders on where exactly these weapons would come from.

According to Axios, Trump is looking for alternative solutions, including pressuring Germany to send its Patriot battery.

Trump and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently had a telephone conversation during which, as the sources said, Trump told Zelenskyy that he wanted to help Ukraine strengthen its air defence but stressed that the US had to suspend arms deliveries to review its own stocks.

Meanwhile, the sources said, he promised to immediately send 10 Patriot air defence missiles – fewer than planned in the suspended delivery – and to help find other means of supply.

According to a German official, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called Trump on 7 July to ask him to "release" the Patriot interceptor missiles that had been suspended on their way to Ukraine.

The official said Merz told Trump that Germany was ready to buy Patriot batteries from the United States and send them to Ukraine.

For his part, Trump offered Germany to sell one of its own Patriot batteries to Ukraine, according to the sources. They reported that the United States and European allies would share the purchase costs.

Trump and Merz did not reach an agreement, but according to officials, discussions are ongoing. German officials said that Germany had provided Ukraine with a very large share of its Patriot missiles – even more than the United States.

Background:

It should be noted that The Guardian wrote that the United States had only about 25% of the Patriot interceptor missiles needed for all of the Pentagon's military plans after stocks in the Middle East were depleted in recent months, and therefore decided to suspend the supply of defensive weapons to Ukraine.Meanwhile, some media outlets previously reported that US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth had single-handedly ordered a halt to the delivery of certain types of weapons to Ukraine despite a military analysis indicating that these supplies would not pose a threat to US combat readiness.On 8 July, the Pentagon announced that the US was sending additional defence weapons to Ukraine on Trump's orders.

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Danish Minister for Economy Stephanie Lose has confirmed that the EU is discussing ways to provide Ukraine with additional funding for the future.

Source: European Pravda; Stephanie Lose announced this to reporters before the meeting of the EU Council on Economic and Financial Affairs in Brussels on Tuesday 8 July

Details: Lose noted that support for Ukraine is a priority for Denmark, which took over the presidency of the EU Council in July.

"Of course, it’s very relevant here at EcoFin, where we have to discuss how we can make sure that Ukraine has the financing that is needed. We know that there will be financing for Ukraine in 2026, but we also know that there will be a need to find further financing," Lose said.

The Danish minister stressed that the day before, during an informal ministerial dinner, they had a "very good exchange of views" on the matter.

"We talked about the way forward and [we] look forward to discussing concrete options to make sure that Ukraine can have the help they need. And I think it is safe to say that there is still strong support for Ukraine within the European family," Lose said.

Earlier, a European Pravda source said that EU ministers would discuss aid to Ukraine if the war continues in 2026.

A source told European Pravda that funding for Ukraine is foreseen for 2025 and largely covers 2026. However, if the war continues, further funding will be required at some point.

Background:

The Ukraine Facility programme, which came into force on 1 March 2024, provides up to €50 billion in stable financing in the form of grants and loans to support Ukraine's recovery, reconstruction and modernisation from 2024 to 2027.Also in 2024, the G7 agreed to provide Ukraine with a US$50 billion loan from Russian assets.

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The first trailer for 2000 Metres to Andriivka, directed by Oscar-winning Mstyslav Chernov, has appeared online. It will be released in Ukrainian cinemas on 28 August.

Source: Ukrainska Pravda.Kultura; press service of the distributor Arthouse Traffic

Details: The village of Andriivka is located ten kilometres from Bakhmut. Fierce fighting took place there during the Ukrainian counter-offensive in 2023.

The film shows how the soldiers of the 3rd Assault Brigade fought to liberate this village. The directors captured every step of the operation.

Chernov worked on the project with the FRONTLINE and Associated Press team for almost one and a half years. The team involved in the film includes photographer Oleksandr Babenko, producer Michelle Mizner, who worked with Chernov on the film 20 Days in Mariupol, and Raney Aronson-Rath.

"When the world talks about what Ukraine has to give to whom, which territory we need to forget and what we need to sacrifice, I want them to watch this film and remember two things. The first is that Ukrainians want peace, but will fight for their families and land to the end. And the second, this is not about abstract metres, tens of thousands of kilometres.

This is about human lives and the blood of heroes. Ukrainians want peace, but they will fight to the end. It's not just about metres of land, it's about human lives," Chernov said during the Ukrainian premiere at this year's Docudays UA festival.

This is the second feature film by the director and Associated Press journalist Mstyslav Chernov, who has won Oscar, Pulitzer, BAFTA, and Directors' and Producers' Guild of America awards.

The film's music was composed by two-time Grammy Award-winning composer and music producer Sam Slater, who also composed the music for Chernobyl and The Joker.

The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where Mstyslav Chernov won Best Director in the World Cinema Documentary programme award.

The film was screened in Ukraine for the first time at Docudays UA, winning three awards: the main prize at Docu/World, the Rights Now! Award and the Audience Award. Last year, Mstyslav Chernov also presented the film at one of the most prestigious European film forums, the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.

Background: In 2024, the documentary film 20 Days in Mariupol by Mstyslav Chernov, Yevhen Malolietka and Vasylisa Stepanenko won a number of awards, including an Oscar, a BAFTA and the Sundance Audience Choice Award.

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The United States holds only about 25% of the Patriot missile interceptors required for all Pentagon military plans, after recent deployments depleted stockpiles in the Middle East.

Source: The Guardian, citing four informed sources, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Missile stockpiles have shrunk to such an extent that the Pentagon has grown concerned this could compromise potential US military operations. As a result, Deputy Defense Secretary Steve Feinberg authorised a suspension of deliveries while checks were carried out on weapons destinations.

US President Donald Trump said he would "send some more weapons" to Ukraine, though he did not clarify whether this would include Patriot systems. During a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump said he was not responsible for halting supplies and had only ordered a review of US stockpiles – not a freeze.

However, the sources noted that the decision to halt shipments, taken last month, was based on data from the Pentagon’s global ammunition tracking system, which determines the minimum levels of munitions required to carry out the US military’s operations plans.

Since the start of US military assistance to Ukraine under former president Joe Biden, stocks of several critical types of ammunition have remained below these minimum levels.

According to sources, the Trump administration began reviewing depleted stockpiles of Patriot and other munitions around February. The issue gained urgency after the US deployed more interceptors to the Middle East to support operations in Israel and against the Houthis.

The situation worsened after Trump’s decision to strike Iranian nuclear sites last month, during which the US launched about 30 Patriot missiles to intercept Iranian ballistic missiles.

The recent depletion of Patriot missiles and other munitions was the basis of a "recommendation memo" by Deputy Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby. The memo outlined options for preserving armaments and was sent to Feinberg’s office.

Following this, Feinberg made the decision, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth later approved it.

White House and Pentagon officials confirmed that some shipments would resume at Trump’s direction, but did not say whether critically low ammunition would be included.

The US delivers arms to Ukraine through two main channels: drawdowns from Pentagon stockpiles and the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), under which the Pentagon contracts manufacturers to produce weapons for Ukraine.

Sources noted that both channels were affected by the freeze, as the Pentagon prioritised replenishing its own stocks using the same contractors producing weapons for Ukraine through the USAI programme.

Background:

Earlier media reports indicated that Hegseth had personally ordered the halt of some arms shipments to Ukraine, despite internal military assessments indicating that such transfers would not pose a threat to US combat readiness.On 8 July, the Pentagon announced that, on President Trump’s orders, the US would send additional defensive weapons to Ukraine.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has informed Oksana Markarova, Ukraine's Ambassador to the US, of his intention to dismiss her.

Source: Suspilne, a Ukrainian public broadcaster, with reference to a source in the Office of the President

Details: As noted, Zelenskyy supposedly informed Markarova of his intention to dismiss her, but offered her to remain on the team after that.

The source said that the position for Markarova would be determined later, and early consultations with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha have already taken place.

Meanwhile, a decision on who will replace Markarova has not yet been made.

Background:

In June, Sybiha reported that President Zelenskyy had already made certain personnel decisions regarding changes in the leadership of some foreign institutions, which are expected to take place in July.Bloomberg reported that Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump discussed replacing Markarova during a telephone conversation on 4 July.Last September, a scandal erupted around the post of Ukraine's ambassador to the United States when President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited a shell factory in Pennsylvania as part of a visit to the United States during the US presidential race.At that time, US House Speaker Mike Johnson demanded that Oksana Markarova be dismissed from her post as ambassador, claiming that she had organised an event at which not a single Republican was present.Johnson also said that Republicans had lost confidence in Ambassador Markarova's ability to perform her diplomatic duties in the United States honestly and effectively.Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded by refusing to discuss Markarova's dismissal.Markarova has been the ambassador to the United States since 25 February 2021, for more than four years. The average term of office for Ukrainian ambassadors abroad is about 3-5 years.

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The Russian leader’s Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov has said that US President Donald Trump's decision to resume arms supplies to Ukraine will not contribute to his efforts towards a "peaceful settlement".

Source: RIA Novosti propagandists

Details: Peskov said that Putin's administration understands that arms supplies to Ukraine are continuing. "It is obvious that Europeans are also actively involved in pumping Ukraine with weapons," he complained.

Peskov also said that the Kremlin considers Trump's "actions" as  "not in line with attempts to promote a peaceful settlement" and added that the Europeans have also chosen a course aimed at "continuing the hostilities".

Background:

After talking with Zelenskyy, Trump said he was happy with the discussion and ready to help Ukraine, but for the first time ever, he questioned whether the Russian leader really wants peace.Zelenskyy called the conversation with Trump the best he’s had with the president.On 7 July, Donald Trump announced a reversal in his policy towards Ukraine, saying that the United States should send weapons for defence.Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said that the US Department of Defense had begun supplying additional defensive weapons to Ukraine.

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Europe’s largest port, Rotterdam, is preparing for a potential conflict with Russia by reserving space for military cargo vessels and planning how to reroute shipments if war breaks out.

Source: Financial Times

Details: The port has previously handled military cargo, but even during the Cold War, there was no area specifically designated for such shipments. Now, part of a container terminal is being allocated for these needs, the article says.

"Boudewijn Siemons, chief executive of the Port of Rotterdam Authority, said it was coordinating with neighbour Antwerp on how to manage if British, US and Canadian vehicles and supplies arrived," Financial Times reports.

In regards to the coordination with the Belgian port, it was stated that "we see each other less and less as competitors." If a large volume of arms was to arrive, Rotterdam plans to turn to Antwerp or other ports to offload part of the shipments.

Rotterdam is also a strategic oil storage site. Siemons called on European countries to stockpile other critical resources such as copper, lithium and graphite. On 8 July, the EU is expected to unveil a strategy for building reserves of essential goods – including medical and energy equipment, food, and water.

Background:

Earlier reports indicated that Russia used a military vessel to escort sanctioned tankers through the English Channel. Two sanctioned tankers and a Russian navy ship entered the channel simultaneously, heading to Russian ports to load oil.Russia has also started escorting shadow fleet tankers in the Gulf of Finland with warships. The Finnish Navy has confirmed that there has been increased military activity in the region.Meanwhile, Denmark has begun deploying maritime drones in the Baltic Sea to help protect underwater infrastructure and monitor vessels amid growing hybrid threats from Russia.France’s navy has also, for the first time, deployed the 101-metre-long intelligence ship Dupuy de Lôme to the Baltic to intercept radio signals linked to Russian activity.It was also previously reported that Donald Trump’s unstable customs policy, combined with low water levels in rivers, triggered Europe’s worst logistics disruption since the COVID-19 pandemic. The ports of Rotterdam, Antwerp and Hamburg are the most congested, and the situation is expected to last for several more months.

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Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna has stated that the foundational documents of the European Union contain no provisions that would allow Hungary to block the commencement of accession talks with Ukraine.

Source: Stefanishyna in an interview with Fakty ICTV, a Ukrainian public broadcaster, as reported by European Pravda.

Details: Stefanishyna noted that Denmark assumed the presidency of the EU Council in July, and Ukrainian authorities have already synchronised their plans with Copenhagen.

Quote: "There was a meeting involving President Zelenskyy, the Danish prime minister and two presidents of European institutions. And now we clearly understand that opening negotiations does not require a unanimous decision by all 27 [member states]."

Details: Stefanishyna emphasised that "none of the key provisions in EU documents currently require a unanimous decision for this".

She explained that Hungary’s blocking of the first negotiation cluster with Ukraine prompted a deeper review and reconsideration of the EU enlargement process.

Quote: "This kind of political dumping by Hungary, which undermines the EU’s ambitions through its obstruction, has triggered an analysis and search for solutions. It became clear that neither the Treaty on European Union nor any decisions made by the European Parliament or the European Council require unanimity for this step. Unanimity only applies to closing negotiations or completing specific chapters."

More details: Stefanishyna said that as a result, communication and political efforts must now be carried out with member states.

She also stressed that in this regard, "Denmark has taken quite a radical stance" as it defends "procedural integrity" and "fairness".

Background:

At the start of its EU Council presidency, Denmark pledged to apply maximum pressure on Hungary to unblock the start of Ukraine’s accession talks.At the same time, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has not disclosed whether the EU has a plan B should Hungary continue to block the launch of formal negotiations.It was previously reported that the EU is working on a plan B in case Viktor Orbán cannot be persuaded.

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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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Czech President Petr Pavel has disagreed with the statement that Russia is currently "winning the war" against Ukraine.

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

Details: President Pavel was asked for his assessment as a general regarding claims that Russia is winning the war based on the situation on the front lines.

In response to Russia's claim that they were winning, the Czech president said that victory looked different. He acknowledged that Russia had achieved some tactical successes and had managed to seize parts of Ukrainian territory, but noted that their advance had come at a high cost in terms of casualties and losses. He believed this was a very high price to pay for seizing land.

He went on to say that Ukrainian defenders are successfully holding the front line, particularly in difficult areas, while inflicting damage on the Russians.

Petr Pavel said that if the war continued at its current pace, it would last for years, adding that such a state of affairs was unacceptable for everyone.

He also shared his view on the balance of power between Russia and Ukraine in the war.

Background: As reported, NATO predicts a difficult summer for Ukraine due to Putin's misguided perception of war.

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A person injured in the Russian strike on Kyiv on the night of 3-4 July has died in hospital, bringing the death toll from that attack to three people.

Source: Tymur Tkachenko, Head of Kyiv City Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "Sadly, the enemy attack on the night of 3-4 July has claimed another life. One of those injured has died in hospital. Doctors fought for his life until the very end."

Background:

From the evening of 3 July and on the night of 3-4 July, the Russians conducted a large-scale attack on Kyiv using drones and ballistic missiles. Fires broke out and residential buildings were damaged in six city districts. It was reported that 32 people had been injured.On 4 July, while dealing with the aftermath of the attack on a non-residential building in the Sviatoshynskyi district, one person was found dead.On 5 July, a 25-year-old man who had suffered severe injuries in the Russian attack died in hospital.

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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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