President Zelenskyy received reports from Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi, heads of the Foreign Intelligence Service and the Main Intelligence Directorate. The situation at the front, particularly in the Pokrovsk direction, and actions in the Sumy region were discussed. Sanctions against Russia and drone production were also addressed.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov as head of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center. Decree No. 547/2025 of July 24 comes into force on the day of its publication.
On the night of July 25, explosions occurred in Russia's Rostov region after a UAV threat was announced. Local residents reported "loud sounds" in Taganrog, Novocherkassk, Shakhty, and Matveev Kurgan.
President Zelenskyy has changed the composition of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, approving Rustem Umerov as coordinator. Yulia Svyrydenko, Mykhailo Fedorov, and Denys Shmyhal have joined the Staff, while O. Lytvynenko and H. Smetanin have been removed.
Political scientist Oleh Lisnyi believes that the negotiations in Istanbul are a continuation of Russia's mockery of Donald Trump.
An oil depot exploded in Sochi, as reported by Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council.
The Ukrainian side at the Istanbul talks outlined three priorities: a complete ceasefire, organizing a meeting of the leaders of Ukraine and Russia with the participation of Trump and Erdogan, and continuing the humanitarian track. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov noted that Ukraine is ready for a ceasefire and is awaiting a political decision from the Kremlin.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved an action plan for the implementation of the NSDC decision on a moratorium on unsubstantiated business inspections. The tax and customs authorities will limit inspections for low-risk enterprises, and law enforcement agencies will coordinate actions to return sanctioned assets.
Negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations, which began on July 23, have concluded in Istanbul. The Ukrainian delegation was led by Rustem Umerov, and the Russian one by Vladimir Medinsky.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov stated that Ukraine continues negotiations with Russia in Istanbul for the sake of lasting peace, expressing readiness for a ceasefire and a meeting of leaders. The Ukrainian delegation seeks to return all deported persons, including children, and insists on a complete ceasefire.
Negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations have started in Istanbul. The Ukrainian side intends to discuss the return of prisoners, children, a meeting of leaders, and a complete ceasefire.
A short preparatory meeting took place in Istanbul with the participation of Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov, Putin's aide Vladimir Medinsky, and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The Ukrainian delegation aims to discuss the return of prisoners, children, and a complete ceasefire.
Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak held a meeting in Istanbul with the Director of the National Intelligence Organization of Turkey, Ibrahim Kalin. The parties discussed issues of the defense industry and the return of prisoners, as well as Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will insist on an immediate ceasefire and an end to strikes on civilian infrastructure during negotiations in Turkey. Restoration work continues in the Sumy region after a Russian drone attack that left more than 220,000 subscribers without electricity.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, by decree No. 539/2025, established a delegation for peace negotiations with international partners and Russia. The negotiations will take place on July 23, 2025, in Istanbul, Turkey, under the leadership of Rustem Umerov.
On the night of July 23, Rostov Oblast of the Russian Federation was attacked by drones; explosions were heard in Rostov-on-Don, Taganrog, and Novocherkassk. Fires broke out, and the Rostelecom building was damaged.
President Zelenskyy heard reports on prisoner exchanges, expecting several stages after the agreements in Istanbul. The intensification of exchanges in spring-summer allowed for the release of those missing and detained before the full-scale war.
President Zelenskyy instructed to form a delegation led by NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov for negotiations with the Russian side. The next meeting is expected in the near future, Ukraine is ready to work for the liberation of people and an end to the war.
On July 22, drones attacked the Novokuibyshevsk Petrochemical Company in Russia's Samara region. This enterprise produces raw materials for explosives used in the production of TNT and other explosives.
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko revealed details of the National Security and Defense Council's decision on a moratorium on business inspections, emphasizing targeted control and digitalization. The prosecutor's office has already closed 30% of cases against entrepreneurs, and new proceedings will only be approved by the Prosecutor General or heads of regional prosecutor's offices.
Prosecutor General of Ukraine Ruslan Kravchenko proposed a transparent system to ensure integrity in the work of law enforcement in economic cases. President Zelenskyy expects quick adoption of relevant legislative changes.
President Zelenskyy, after the NSDC meeting, emphasized the need for tangible economic results within the next six months. He called for scaling up investments and implementing joint projects, particularly the localization of production in Ukraine.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the National Security and Defense Council has introduced a moratorium on business inspections and interference by state structures in entrepreneurial activity. This decision should become the basis for economic security and analysis of relevant practices.
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.
President Zelenskyy held a meeting on contracting drones, including interceptors, and announced that government officials would make decisions. The stated volumes of drone supplies are expected to strengthen the defense of positions at the front and normal life.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed to conduct an audit of all defense agreements with partners. He expects a report from NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov and Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal within 10 days.
The National Bank of Ukraine set the official hryvnia exchange rate at UAH 41. 75/USD, which means a strengthening of 0.11 kopecks. The euro exchange rate is UAH 48.60/EUR.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, stated that Russia demonstrates an intention to start a conflict with Azerbaijan. He noted that Moscow's influence in the region has weakened, and Azerbaijan has left its orbit.
Yulia Svyrydenko announced the preparation of a one-year moratorium on business inspections, which is one of the government's key priorities. This decision, agreed with the President, aims to provide more freedom for economic forces and ensure equal conditions for "white" businesses.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, by decree, enacted the NSDC decision of July 20, 2025, on the application of personal sanctions. The restrictions apply to five individuals responsible for subversive anti-Ukrainian information campaigns.
