President Zelenskyy instructed Defense Minister Umerov to prepare for the next "Ramstein" meetings in various formats. Ukraine expects new steps for stability from the format in August-September.
Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna denied talks about her possible dismissal and appointment as Ukraine's ambassador to the USA. She noted that such discussions had not taken place either in the government or in parliament, and her work schedule was planned until the end of the year.
President Zelenskyy discussed replacing the current Ukrainian ambassador to the US, Oksana Markarova, with President Trump. Among the potential candidates for the ambassadorial position are Denys Shmyhal, Olha Stefanishyna, Rustem Umerov, and Herman Halushchenko.
The DOT-Chain Defense digital system has started operating in Ukraine, accelerating the supply of weapons for the Defense Forces. In the pilot launch, 10 brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are participating, for which the Ministry of Defense has allocated one billion hryvnias for the purchase of FPV drones and other equipment.
Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the situation at the front, particularly in the Pokrovsk direction, and protection against Russian long-range strikes. Zelenskyy recognized the brigades that showed the best results at the front and thanked for the long-range capabilities.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with representatives of American companies, emphasizing the importance of their work in Ukraine and support in relations with the USA. He stressed that American systems in Ukraine protect not only people but also businesses.
Head of the Office of the President Andriy Yermak held a conversation with the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee of the US Congress, Brian Mast. They discussed defense support for Ukraine, strengthening air defense, the visit of the Ukrainian delegation to the USA, and the situation in the Middle East.
President Zelenskyy heard reports from the Ministers of Defense and Foreign Affairs regarding relations with the United States. Details of the supply of defense support, including air defense components, were discussed against the backdrop of the US cessation of supplying certain types of weapons.
Ukraine has launched mass production of "LEGIT" combat robots, developed by the HUR MOD (Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense). These robots perform reconnaissance, logistical, and fire support tasks for the Defense Forces.
Ukraine is preparing to launch the Defence City joint arms production program with international partners by September. The program includes 21 initiatives for localizing production in Ukraine and up to 10 projects abroad, particularly in Denmark and the United Kingdom.
Ukrainian manufacturers have reached the capacity to produce over 4 million drones annually. As of June, 1.5 million drones have already been delivered to the front.
Ukraine has developed a plan for long-range operations and contracted tens of thousands of drones for high-precision strikes on targets in Russia. An increase in the number of operations and the contracting of new drones are planned to intensify the strikes.
Ukraine is actively improving its fortifications to effectively counter the tactics of Russian assault groups. According to Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, 50% of the work planned for 2025 has already been completed.
Ukraine plans to consider a meeting of leaders after humanitarian issues are resolved. Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov announced additional clarifications regarding the course of negotiations.
Minister of Defence Rustem Umerov stated that contract servicemen aged 18-24 demonstrated high professionalism. The Ministry of Defence is ready to improve the motivational package to attract new fighters.
The Minister of Defense of Ukraine stated about the participation of 11,000 DPRK fighters in the war and the probable dispatch of additional forces. These units have already suffered significant losses, indicating the depletion of the DPRK's elite reserve.
Ukraine is working with allies, particularly the United States, to organize a meeting of leaders. The Ministry of Defense is also focusing on obtaining additional air defense systems and producing millions of drones.
Great Britain will provide Ukraine with 350 missiles for air defense systems, which will be paid for from the income from frozen Russian assets. These missiles will be used by specially designed anti-aircraft missile systems, five of which will also be delivered in the near future.
Ukraine's prospects of joining NATO are diminishing, but the Alliance is considering increasing investment in the arms industry. So far, the US has not committed to providing further weapons, but European countries are financing the production of Ukrainian combat drones.
Denmark has allocated almost 3. 3 billion hryvnias for launching Ukrainian defense production on its territory. This project is the first step of the Build with Ukraine initiative, agreed upon during the Ramstein format meeting in Brussels, and will strengthen cooperation in the defense sector.
Ukraine and Great Britain have agreed on joint drone production, with the British side providing funding for the first three years. The drones produced will be directed to the needs of the Ukrainian Defense Forces during the war, and after its end, they will be distributed between the countries.
An office of the Norwegian defense company Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace, known for its NASAMS systems, has been opened in Ukraine. Preparations are underway to strengthen the protection of the population and critical infrastructure from Russian shelling.
Norway's Minister of Defense, Tore Onshuus Sandvik, visited Kyiv, where he met with Rustem Umerov and Oleksandr Syrskyi. Norway will allocate an additional $400 million for the procurement of Ukrainian weaponry.
Oleksiy Reznikov emphasized that conventional weapons from the US are no longer a decisive factor, as Ukraine's European partners have increased arms supplies for defense. He added that the war is changing, and drones are coming to the fore, effectively destroying enemy equipment at a low cost.
President Zelenskyy, HUR Chief Budanov, and other officials showed new footage of Ukrainian defenders released from Russian captivity. Minister of Defense Umerov noted that this is part of the agreements reached in Istanbul, and the work on their return continues.
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced the appointment of Brigadier General Hennadii Shapovalov as Commander of the Ground Forces. Hennadii Shapovalov has combat experience and experience working with NATO partners.
The Verkhovna Rada now has 398 people's representatives after Oles Dovgyi was stripped of his mandate. The reduction in staff is due to the ban of OPZZh and the refusal of mandates.
Minister of Energy Herman Halushchenko and Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov did not appear in the Verkhovna Rada at the summons of MPs.
The Ministers of Energy and Defense will speak in Parliament. Galushchenko will talk about preparations for the heating season, and Umerov about fortifications in the frontline regions.
The Ombudsman warns about fraudsters who exploit prisoner exchange schemes and extort money from families. They impersonate government officials and demand money for inclusion in exchange lists.