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.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna has been appointed Ambassador to the USA. Former Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov will move to the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC), MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak reported.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the NSDC's Center for Countering Disinformation, refuted Bild's publication about the Kremlin's plans for a broad offensive in Ukraine by the end of summer. He noted that the Russians have not stopped their offensive since last year, and their actions are a continuation of pressure, not a new offensive.
President Zelenskyy signed decrees on synchronizing Ukrainian sanctions with the 15th, 16th, and 17th packages of anti-Russian restrictions from the European Union. The new sanctions also target companies from China that supply components for Russian weapons production, including "Shaheds."
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, by decree No. 469/2025 dated July 8, appointed Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko to the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. Kravchenko was appointed Prosecutor General on June 21, 2025.
The NACP began checking Danylo Hetmantsev's declaration for 2020, but did not complete it due to martial law. The declaration revealed a loan from the MP's mother to a Lebanese man who is under US sanctions due to his ties to "Hezbollah".
The occupation administration in Luhansk region increased bus fares, explaining it by improved service quality and driver shortage. Since the beginning of the year, the cost of travel has increased by 60%.
Putin did not attend the BRICS summit in Brazil due to the ICC warrant, and Xi Jinping did not visit the event. Andriy Kovalenko stated that BRICS did not become an anti-Western axis, and Russia is a ballast in this coalition.
Units of the UAV Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine struck JSC "Krasnozavodsk Chemical Plant" in the Moscow region on the night of July 7. The enterprise produces pyrotechnic products and ammunition, including thermobaric warheads for Shahed UAVs.
The Krasnozavodsk Chemical Plant near Moscow, which produces explosives and components for ammunition, has been attacked. The enterprise is part of Russia's defense-industrial complex and supplies ammunition to the Russian Ministry of Defense.
The Verkhovna Rada will vote next plenary week to extend martial law and general mobilization for 90 days. This will be the 16th extension, valid from August 7 to November 5, 2025.
A powerful explosion occurred in temporarily occupied Khartsyzk, Donetsk region, on July 2, causing a fire. Local media and the head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council confirmed the strike on an ammunition depot.
