Ukraine plans to complete screening for all clusters and prepare a national program for implementing EU legislation by the end of the year. Some clusters are already ready for opening, but the final decision depends on the vote of the 27 EU member states.
Russian troops struck Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy region, and Odesa, killing civilians, including children. This happened on the eve of a meeting in Washington regarding ending the war.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced an increase in salaries for primary and emergency medicine doctors to 35 thousand hryvnias. The government also plans to introduce annual medical examinations for Ukrainians under 40 years old starting from 2026.
Minister of Finance Serhiy Marchenko stated that Ukraine needs $45 billion for 2026, as hostilities are expected to continue. This need is not yet covered, and negotiations are underway with the G7, EU, and IMF.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó accused Ukraine of attacking the oil pipeline leading to Hungary. The head of Ukrainian diplomacy, Andriy Sybiha, reminded that Russia started the war.
Ukraine expects an IMF mission at the end of August, with Verkhovna Rada deputies as part of the negotiating group. The country seeks coordination of IMF and EU programs.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine presented the Draft Action Program for 2026, which includes 12 strategic goals. Among the key priorities are defense, European integration, and anti-corruption.
A bill for the fast-track of European integration initiatives has been registered in the Verkhovna Rada. More than 150 deputies are involved in the work of groups related to European integration.
Latvia, Finland, and Lithuania have banned or restricted real estate purchases by Russian citizens for national security reasons. Estonia, Norway, and the state of Texas are also considering similar measures.
In Kharkiv, the number of victims from the Russian drone strike on a residential building has increased to 20, including six children. Five people died, among them two children.
EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Maternova condemned the Russian drone attack on Kharkiv. She called it the Russian version of "no need to cease fire, let's make a peace agreement."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Washington for a meeting with US President Donald Trump and European leaders. He emphasized the importance of lasting peace and expressed gratitude for the support.
The US and European countries are ready to provide Ukraine with security guarantees similar to NATO's Article 5, but not on behalf of the Alliance. Details will be discussed at Zelenskyy's meeting with Trump and European leaders at the White House.
EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Maternova called "peace" that demands Ukraine give up the unoccupied parts of Donbas unacceptable. She emphasized that the EU will not tolerate peace that is just another word for Ukraine's capitulation.
European leaders condemned proposals to transfer Ukrainian territories to Russia for the sake of peace. They emphasize Ukraine's sovereign right to determine the terms of peace and the need to pressure the aggressor.
The US President will hold a one-on-one meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, and then representatives of the EU and NATO will join them. A joint working dinner and discussions in an expanded format are planned.
The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced a new package of sanctions against the Russian Federation, which is planned to be adopted in September 2025. She also confirmed the inviolability of Ukraine's internationally recognized borders.
The Israeli Army attacked Houthi energy infrastructure in Yemen's capital, Sana'a. This is in response to Houthi missile and drone attacks on Israel since October 2023.
Large-scale forest fires are raging on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal and Spain have appealed to European partners for help, fighting fires that are destroying hectares of forests and forcing people to leave their homes.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys calls on the EU to prepare the 19th package of sanctions against Russia. He emphasizes the need to increase military support for Ukraine and accelerate its accession to the EU.
French Minister Delegate for Europe Benjamin Haddad will visit Ukraine in September to discuss EU accession issues. He emphasized that Russia is a constant threat to Ukraine and Europe, and diplomacy is based on a balance of power.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski commented on the negotiations between Trump and Putin, stating that the US is giving Russia a chance to withdraw from the war. Poland will not send troops to Ukraine, but will provide it with concrete assistance.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico spoke about the "root causes of the war" in Ukraine and called for security guarantees for Russia. He also used talking points from Kremlin rhetoric when commenting on Donald Trump's meeting with Vladimir Putin.
Leaders of eight Nordic and Baltic states reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine and Donald Trump's efforts to end Russian aggression. They demand a ceasefire, security guarantees for Ukraine, and the return of abducted children.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected Donald Trump's proposal to transfer Donetsk Oblast to freeze the front. Trump believes Ukraine should make a deal with Russia.
EU's chief diplomat Kaja Kallas stated that Russia has no intention of ending the war anytime soon. Europe will continue to support Ukraine, working on the 19th package of sanctions.
Khabarovsk Shipbuilding Plant will lay off 70% of its employees due to lack of orders. The order for reduction was signed on July 10, 2025, and after October 31, about 90 employees will remain at the shipyard.
The European Union is considering easing sanctions against Russia on the condition of a ceasefire. EU ambassadors are discussing the proposal after Donald Trump's meeting with Vladimir Putin.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that the coming days will show whether EU countries will support the peace process. He also expressed doubt about the effectiveness of the current European strategy to weaken Russia.
President Zelenskyy held a meeting of the Staff, where the situation at the front was discussed. The Armed Forces of Ukraine are having success in the Dobropillia and Pokrovsk directions, destroying the occupiers.
