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.
The Ukrainian delegation, led by Rustem Umerov, met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. The security situation, regional stability, and defense cooperation were discussed.
The Ukrainian delegation arrived in Turkey for negotiations with Russia, which will begin around 7:00 PM. The meeting in Istanbul is scheduled for Wednesday, July 23, under the leadership of Rustem Umerov.
Dmytro Peskov stated that a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin is possible only after the memorandums are agreed upon. The Ukrainian delegation, led by Rustem Umerov, has departed for Istanbul for negotiations.
The Ukrainian delegation, led by Rustem Umerov, departed for Istanbul for negotiations with the Russian side. The meeting is scheduled for 7:00 PM at the Çırağan Palace.
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.
President Zelenskyy announced the third round of negotiations with the Russian Federation in Istanbul on July 23, with Rustem Umerov leading the Ukrainian delegation. Ukraine insists on a truce and proposes a meeting of leaders with the participation of international mediators.
The July cover of TIME magazine, titled "Kidnapping," is dedicated to abducted Ukrainian children, which has become a global moral challenge. According to official data, Russia forcibly removed approximately 35,000 children, and the true number may reach up to 700,000.
Turkey hopes that the third round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine will take place in Istanbul this week. Turkey's goal is to ensure that the dialogue between the parties continues.
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.
The Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (HUR) found that a Russian reconnaissance UAV, used to detect air defense systems, contains Chinese components. Almost half of the parts are produced by CUAV Technology, which previously restricted supplies to the Russian Federation.
The President of Ukraine signed a Decree on the introduction of a moratorium on unsubstantiated business inspections and the stimulation of economic growth. The NSDC decision provides for the protection of foreign investors, optimization of tax and customs control, and acceleration of the consideration of draft laws to improve business conditions.
President Zelenskyy announced the intensification of sanctions pressure on Russia and the synchronization of existing sanctions regimes. Diplomats are working to attract funding for defense needs, and a prisoner exchange and a meeting with Russian representatives in Turkey are also being prepared.
Ukraine is ready to continue negotiations with Russia, expecting a constructive dialogue and a mandate to resolve important issues. A meeting at the level of leaders involving Zelenskyy, Putin, Trump, European leaders, and Erdogan is proposed.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a meeting with the Russian side in Turkey is planned for Wednesday. Rustem Umerov reported on the preparation of the exchange and this meeting.
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.
