The Ukrainian delegation, led by Rustem Umerov, departed for Istanbul for negotiations with the Russian side. The meeting is scheduled for 7:00 PM at the Çırağan Palace.
The meeting is scheduled in the Beşiktaş district, at the Çırağan Palace.
The National Bank of Ukraine set the official hryvnia exchange rate at UAH 41. 8194/USD, which means a devaluation of 6 kopecks. The euro exchange rate is UAH 48.79/EUR, and the zloty is UAH 11.49/PLN.
Ukraine is ready to continue negotiations with Russia, expecting a constructive dialogue and a mandate to resolve important issues. A meeting at the level of leaders involving Zelenskyy, Putin, Trump, European leaders, and Erdogan is proposed.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will not join NATO now, but can receive additional funding from the Alliance for its army and military motivation. He emphasized the need to focus on obtaining funds for drones and for the military, leveraging the readiness of the US and key European leaders to strengthen Ukraine within the framework of 5% defense spending.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine seeks to discuss the return of prisoners, children, and a meeting of leaders at a new meeting with Russia in Turkey. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov proposed to the Russian side to hold this meeting.
At the 29th meeting in the "Ramstein" format, partners announced key decisions regarding strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities. The USA is initiating a new mechanism jointly with NATO for European countries to purchase American weapons, and the Netherlands is allocating 125 million euros for the maintenance of F-16 aircraft.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha announced the creation of a new format of cooperation Ukraine – Benelux, which will unite Ukraine with Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. The first ministerial meeting will take place in the near future, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also initiated a strategy regarding the Arctic, Antarctic, and the World Ocean.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that a political decision by the G7 is key to the confiscation of frozen Russian assets, most of which are located in Europe. He noted that after such a decision, tools will emerge to use these funds for the benefit of Ukraine.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that Ramstein participants continue to work closely to support Ukraine, including through a new initiative that provides allies with access to purchase American equipment through the Alliance. This initiative will allow European NATO countries to purchase American weapons, including Patriot systems, for further transfer to Ukraine.
Denys Shmyhal stated that Ukraine needs $6 billion to close the gap in defense procurement this year. These funds will allow for increased drone production, strengthened air defense, and strikes against Russia.
Germany will provide Ukraine with two additional Patriot systems, which will be deployed in the coming days. The purchase of long-range Ukrainian-made drones will also be financed.
In Ukraine, up to 30,000 people are mobilized monthly according to the plans of the General Staff and the Command of the Armed Forces. MP Fedir Venislavsky noted that recruitment is significantly increasing, exceeding 10% of the total number of citizens entering military service.
People's Deputy Fedir Venislavskyi confirmed the possibility of TCRs operating in a mobile-relocatable format, seeing no legislative obstacles. This decision can be adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers or the Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, taking into account Russian strikes and the digitalization of processes.
MP Fedir Venislavsky stated that there will be no forced mobilization of persons aged 60+, as they are removed from military registration. The Verkhovna Rada adopted a bill allowing voluntary signing of military service contracts for this category of citizens.
People's Deputy Fedir Venislavsky stated that Ukraine has a chance to receive a certain number of air defense systems in a short time, although not all of the announced 15-17 complexes. The US has allowed European partners to purchase and transfer air defense systems to Ukraine, which will speed up the process.
Since February 24, 2022, 13 healthcare facilities have been damaged and 2 destroyed in Dnipro as a result of enemy attacks. Also, 65 general secondary education institutions and 43 preschool institutions were affected.
Ukraine is actively contracting interceptor drones as per the President's directive, engaging Ukrainian and international intellectual potential. Several companies are working on solutions to counter enemy drones, which has already yielded initial results in destroying UAVs.
The EU has approved a new package of sanctions against Russia, which includes a revised price cap on Russian oil, disconnection of banks from SWIFT and restrictions on the shadow fleet. The sanctions also apply to Chinese banks and the export of drone technologies.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has regulated the exclusion from military registration of persons who have ceased to be citizens of Ukraine, in accordance with Resolution No. 892 of July 16, 2025. District (city) TCC and SP will exclude such persons based on supporting documents.
Poland has resumed the investigation into the explosion of a grenade launcher at the police headquarters, which was gifted by Ukrainian officials to former police chief Jarosław Szymczyk. The proceedings had been suspended due to a lack of response from Ukraine, which has now sent partial correspondence.
The National Bank of Ukraine set the official hryvnia exchange rate at UAH 41. 8670/USD, which means a depreciation of 5 kopecks. The official euro exchange rate is UAH 48.45/EUR, and the zloty exchange rate is UAH 11.38/PLN.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the continuation of government reshuffling. After today's changes, a security sector update is expected on Friday, and a renewal of the Ukrainian diplomatic corps on Monday.
The National Security and Defense Council's Center for Countering Disinformation refuted information about the encirclement of the 114th Territorial Defense Brigade in the Kupyansk direction. The video circulating on TikTok turned out to be a fake, created using artificial intelligence.
The Verkhovna Rada appointed Denys Shmyhal as the Minister of Defense of Ukraine. This happened after his resignation from the post of Prime Minister, which automatically led to the resignation of the entire Cabinet of Ministers.
Denys Shmyhal stated that mobilization in Ukraine is proceeding according to plan, with many people joining the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He emphasized the importance of quality management and provision for the military.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine reappointed Andriy Sybiha as Minister of Foreign Affairs. This decision was supported by people's deputies at the proposal of the President of Ukraine.
Andriy Sybiha stated that US support continues and the cost of war for the aggressor is increasing.
The Verkhovna Rada supported the updated composition of the Cabinet of Ministers, proposed by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. New ministers have been appointed, including Oleksiy Kuleba, Taras Kachka, and others.
Tomorrow, July 18, it will be known what position ex-Minister of Defense Rustem Umierov will take. Earlier, he was considered for the position of Ukraine's ambassador to the USA, but later information appeared about a possible appointment to the National Security and Defense Council.
