National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine
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.
On the night of July 20, Russian authorities reported shooting down 15 drones that allegedly attacked Moscow. In the Moscow Oblast, cars caught fire after falling debris, and residents reported explosions and sounds of drones flying.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the preparation of the first decisions of the new composition of the National Security and Defense Council, including sanctions. Details regarding the activation of economic relations will be discussed with the Prime Minister.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has approved the new personal composition of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. The changes occurred after personnel reshuffles in the government.
The Ukrainian financial group ICU may face sanctions and loss of licenses due to cooperation with Russian state-owned businesses, in particular VTB, and aggressive behavior in the debt restructuring market. The company bought LPN debt securities of "Alfa-Bank" and blocked restructuring, and also had ties with Burger King Russia.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed the newly appointed Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) Rustem Umerov to intensify negotiations, ensure the implementation of agreements on weapons, and strengthen the technological Staff. Umerov confirmed the work priorities, including coordination of the security sector, arms supplies, and technological modernization.
On July 18, 2025, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Decree No. 496/2025. The document appointed Rustem Umerov as Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.
Explosions occurred at the Russian enterprise "Shchekinazot" in the Tula region. This enterprise is key for the production of ammonia, methanol, and urea, which are used in the manufacture of explosives, rocket fuel, and synthetic materials for the Russian military-industrial complex.
In the updated government led by Yulia Svyrydenko, most ministers retained their positions, some swapped chairs. Denys Shmyhal headed the Ministry of Defense, Herman Halushchenko — the Ministry of Justice, and Svitlana Hrynchuk — the Ministry of Energy.
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.
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.
The Brave1 cluster launched the Test in Ukraine platform, which allows international defence tech companies to test their technologies on the real battlefield in Ukraine. This will enable foreign companies to create precise solutions and receive feedback from the military.
Russian occupiers did not achieve the planned breakthrough in the East and Sumy region; the line of combat engagement has been stabilized. Claims of a "front collapse" are questionable, despite difficult battles and the enemy's advance in certain settlements.