NATO
Lithuanian Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas stated that the Kremlin may consider the Baltic countries and Poland as the next target for escalation. Experts consider Estonia the most vulnerable due to military resources and geography.
Due to failures in the war against Ukraine, the Kremlin may resort to new escalation. According to the minister, the Baltic region and Poland are the nearest targets.
Britain will increase its contingent in Estonia to 1,200 troops, creating mobile anti-tank forces MAAF with drones. The decision was made taking into account the experience of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Hedgehog 2025 exercises.
Ukraine should start searching for a replacement for Saab 340 AEW aircraft, which can serve until 2030. Poland is already negotiating the purchase of successors.
Polish fighter jets intercepted Russian aircraft over the Baltic Sea for three days. European leaders warn that Russia is preparing for broader aggression.
Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken announced that a Ukrainian unit will take part in the parade on July 21 for the first time in history. Previously, Ukrainian military participated in the Bastille Day parade on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
Prime Minister of Latvia Andris Kulbergs announced the strengthening of security of the hydroelectric dam and gas storage due to intelligence data about a threat from Russia. He appealed to NATO for additional air defense systems and troops.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on July 16. The parties discussed diplomatic steps for peace, the situation on the front line, and the development of bilateral trade.
Head of the Center for Countering Disinformation Andriy Kovalenko stated that the Russian Federation does not hide its intentions to continue the war of attrition. He called on the international community to increase pressure to change Putin's regime.
The Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council reports on Russia's preparation of hybrid operations and military provocations against NATO. Western partners are strengthening defense strategies in response to threats.
The presidents of Latvia and Lithuania stated that there is data on Russian Federation sabotage. Lithuania is strengthening the protection of energy and transport.
Poland's Minister of Foreign Affairs stated suspicion that Russia plans to use Ukrainian drones to attack a NATO country. He drew parallels with the Gleiwitz provocation of 1939.
Hungary's Defense Minister Romulus Rusin-Szendi stated the need to distance from Russia. The new government apologized to Finland for blocking its NATO accession.
Russian military hastily erects hangars and barracks on deforested areas. This is the Kremlin's reaction to Finland's accession to NATO.
A group of Ukrainian servicemen took part in the annual parade on the Champs-Élysées. They marched at the end, receiving warm applause.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that the Russian army loses over 400 soldiers for capturing 1 square kilometer in the Donetsk region. He emphasized active defense and striking Russian targets at a distance of up to 2,000 km.
The North Atlantic Council condemned Russia's cyber attacks that threaten the security of the Alliance. NATO called on Russia to cease its actions and is strengthening its own cyber defense.
In Paris, the presentation of the anti-ballistic coalition dedicated to the creation of the European shield FREYJA has begun.
Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov reported on a new delivery of mobile F-16 simulators. The simulators are designed specifically for Ukrainian pilots and will allow increasing the intensity of training.
The High Anti-Corruption Court on July 13 announced the verdict for Andriy Derkach, finding him guilty of high treason and illicit enrichment. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison with confiscation of property.
On Monday, a summit of the "coalition of the willing" will take place in Paris under the chairmanship of France and Britain. They will discuss air defense, security guarantees for Ukraine, and joint military exercises.
Guido Crosetto proposes expanding European defense beyond the EU to include the United Kingdom, Norway, Turkey, and Ukraine. He also emphasized the need to strengthen cybersecurity and create a center for combating hybrid warfare.
Under Helsinki, there is a network of over 5,500 bomb shelters capable of sheltering nearly a million people in the event of a nuclear attack or Russian invasion. The shelters are equipped with autonomous systems and are used in peacetime as sports complexes.
Andriy Sybiha will take part in a meeting of the EU Council of Foreign Ministers and an event on the release of Ukrainians held by Russia. Key topics are sanctions, air defense, and Ukraine's accession to the EU.
Political scientist Oleh Lisnyi stated that the NATO summit in Ankara became one of the most successful for Ukraine, despite concerns about Trump's position. He noted the constructive rhetoric of the US president and practical decisions, in particular regarding the license for Patriot.
The US President stated that his priority is to stop the war in Ukraine and save lives. He also expressed his belief that after the end of the conflict, Ukraine has significant potential for development.
Pete Hegseth canceled a planned visit to Israel, where he was to meet with Netanyahu. The cancellation came amid US strikes on Iran and Iranian attacks on tankers.
The President of Turkey expressed support for Trump's peace vision for Ukraine. Ankara will continue military and diplomatic assistance to Kyiv.
U. S. President Donald Trump stated that the ceasefire agreement with Iran is no longer in effect due to Tehran's attacks. He called further negotiations a waste of time.
According to Ursula von der Leyen, countries that have signed relevant agreements with the European Union gain broader opportunities for cooperation.