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.
At the 29th meeting in the "Ramstein" format, partners announced key decisions regarding strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities. The USA is initiating a new mechanism jointly with NATO for European countries to purchase American weapons, and the Netherlands is allocating 125 million euros for the maintenance of F-16 aircraft.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot defense assistance to Ukraine, particularly strengthening air defense. The parties also discussed joint defense production, including the manufacturing of drones in Ukraine.
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.
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.
Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov proposed to the Russian side to hold the next meeting as early as next week. President Zelenskyy emphasized the need to increase negotiation dynamics to achieve a ceasefire.
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.
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.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the continuation of government reshuffling. After today's changes, a security sector update is expected on Friday, and a renewal of the Ukrainian diplomatic corps on Monday.
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.
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.
President Zelenskyy counts on the support of the Verkhovna Rada in the matter of appointing a new government, where Denys Shmyhal will head the Ministry of Defense, and Rustem Umerov will assist on the international track. Changes are also being prepared in some diplomatic areas.
Former Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has been appointed Minister of Defense, and Herman Smetanin will head "Ukroboronprom". The Ministry of Defense will be merged with the Ministry of Strategic Industries to increase the production of Ukrainian weapons.
Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov reported on the results of his two years of work, highlighting six key areas and achievements in stabilizing the front, developing the defense industry, and digitalization. He also emphasized the increase in international aid and successes in returning prisoners of war.
The Verkhovna Rada supported the resignation of Denys Shmyhal from the post of Prime Minister of Ukraine. President Zelenskyy offered the position of Prime Minister to Yulia Svyrydenko.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with government officials on the defense sector, discussing weapons production and supplies for the army. Denys Shmyhal, Herman Smetanin, and Rustem Umerov were present at the meeting.
Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko refused to replace Rustem Umerov as Minister of Defense. MP Oleksiy Honcharenko reported that after Klymenko's refusal, Denys Shmyhal's candidacy is being considered.
The candidacy of the Prime Minister of Ukraine has already been approved, a series of resignations in ministries is expected. The dismissal of ministers is scheduled for July 16, and the appointment of new ones - for the next day.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy hinted at Denys Shmyhal's appointment as Minister of Defense, noting that his experience would be useful in this position. Yulia Svyrydenko has been offered to head the government of Ukraine.
US Presidential Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg, during his visit to Kyiv, heard reports from the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate Kyrylo Budanov and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi. Joint projects on localizing weapons production, sanctions against the Russian energy sector, and the operational situation were discussed.
President Zelenskyy proposed Yulia Svyrydenko to head the government, which will lead to the resignation of Denys Shmyhal and the entire Cabinet of Ministers. Shmyhal may head the Ministry of Defense, and Umerov may become the ambassador to the USA.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the appointment of Oleksandr Patskan and Oleksiy Tomashuk as deputy heads of agencies responsible for digitalization. Patskan will take a position in the State Service for Children's Affairs, and Tomashuk – in the State Agency PlayCity.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced a multi-level agreement on new Patriot systems and missiles for them. Ukraine will also continue active drone operations on Russian territory in response to attacks.
President Zelenskyy held a meeting with Defense Minister Umerov, discussing the contracting of drones and increasing their production. The head of state announced new steps in defense management and improving relations with the United States.
The 29th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the "Ramstein" format will be held online within the next 10 days. The meeting will be co-chaired by Great Britain and Germany.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced his intention to replace Ukraine's ambassador to the USA, Oksana Markarova, considering Defense Minister Rustem Umerov as a possible successor. This decision could lead to significant reshuffles in the Ukrainian government.
President Zelenskyy instructed Defense Minister Umerov and Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi to intensify contacts with the USA, primarily regarding air defense. This concerns all elements of supplies from America for the protection of Ukrainian positions and people.
President Zelenskyy has formed Ukraine's delegation to participate in the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2025) in Rome. The delegation will be headed by First Vice Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, and will include ministers from key agencies.
Suspended deliveries of some American military aid to Ukraine may resume after a series of meetings in Italy and Ukraine. The US has already informed Kyiv of its intention to resume supplies of engineering equipment and some types of armored vehicles.
