Poland is finalizing negotiations to acquire a stake in the satellite company Iceye, which gained prominence for tracking Russian troop movements. This investment will add to the $550 million raised by the company, which is valued at over $1 billion.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban stated that he would vote against the EU budget for 2028–2034, which provides for the allocation of 100 billion euros to support Ukraine. He justifies this by saying that the budget "sends Hungarians' money to Ukraine" and "destroys Hungarian farmers."
The Trump administration is reviewing the schedule for transferring Patriot air defense systems so that Germany can promptly transfer two complexes to Ukraine. The US will accelerate arms supplies to allies who transfer their stocks to Ukraine.
France supports the European Commission's proposal for an EU budget of almost 2 trillion euros for 2028–2034, citing threats from Russia. Germany, Austria, Finland, Sweden, and the Netherlands consider such expenditures excessive and demand a more frugal approach.
The number of Russia's hybrid attacks in Europe has sharply increased since 2022, with over 200 incidents recorded between 2014 and 2024. The main targets are energy, transport, and communications, and the attacks are aimed at weakening European unity.
Today, July 17, Donetsk "Shakhtar" will play the Europa League qualification return leg against Finnish "Ilves" in Finland. In the first match, "Shakhtar" won 6:0, which makes them the clear favorite.
Law enforcement agencies from over ten European countries, Canada, and the USA conducted a joint operation "Eastwood" against the NoName057(16) network. As a result, over a hundred computer systems were destroyed and seven arrest warrants were issued, including for six Russian citizens.
US President Donald Trump announced an agreement with NATO on arming Ukraine. Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, the Baltic states, the Netherlands, Canada, and Great Britain supported the initiative, while the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia refused.
President Zelenskyy stated that a demonstration of force would compel the Russian dictator to sit down at the negotiating table, possibly without its direct application. He emphasized that Russians only understand force, which is why Ukraine needs strong sanctions and weapons.
US President Donald Trump agreed to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's proposal regarding aid to Ukraine, offering to sell five Patriot systems instead of two. This change of position was the result of efforts by EU and NATO leaders, including the President of Finland and the NATO Secretary General.
In Finland, as of July 15, a ban on real estate transactions for citizens of Russia and Belarus came into force. This decision, explained by the need to strengthen the country's security, applies to all types of transactions.
European NATO allies and Canada will take on the main role in financing American weapons for Ukraine. This will include air defense systems, ammunition, and other equipment.
Satellite images from Planet Labs recorded large-scale construction at five Russian nuclear facilities, including Osipovichi, Gadzhiyevo, Kaliningrad, Kamchatka, and Novaya Zemlya. The modernization indicates Moscow's possible plans for nuclear forces amid tensions in Europe.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb participated in a triathlon competition in Joroinen under the pseudonym AS. He took second place in the men's fitness category, completing the distance in 1:04:19.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced agreements on strengthening air defense and additional investments in weapons production following the Ukraine Recovery Conference. The event also became a platform for strengthening the Defense Forces and developing weapons production.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may attend the "Helsinki+50" conference in Finland on July 31, dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act. Invitations have also been sent to Russian representatives.
Fugitive businessman Serhiy Kurchenko and a number of high-ranking Russian officials have been served with a notice of suspicion for appropriating Ukrainian enterprises in the occupied territories. From 2017 to 2021, they exported products worth over 55 billion hryvnias to Russia and other countries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in Rome. The parties discussed the situation on the battlefield, support for Ukraine's defense production, and joint arms production, as well as challenges for Europe due to Russia's cooperation with allies.
On July 10, a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing took place, where countries agreed to strengthen economic pressure on Russia, including sanctions, to achieve a ceasefire and negotiations. Economic and military support for Ukraine will also continue.
Donetsk "Shakhtar" will play against Finnish "Ilves Tampere" on July 10 at 21:00 in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League. The match will take place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and will be broadcast on UPL-TB.
Lithuania and Finland plan to start domestic production of anti-personnel mines in 2025 for their own needs and for Ukraine. This decision is driven by the threat from Russia, and Finland considers mines to be a highly effective and cost-efficient weapon.
The European Union plans to create emergency reserves of critical minerals, including rare earth metals, and cable repair kits. This decision was made amid growing concerns about the EU's vulnerability to attacks and hybrid threats.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia approved the transfer of 42 Patria 6x6 armored personnel carriers and other military equipment to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The equipment, produced in Latvia, will arrive in the near future, and Latvia will continue to provide military assistance to Ukraine.
Finnish law enforcement is investigating the supply of substandard body armor for the Armed Forces of Ukraine worth 5. 7 million euros. The company sent 5,000 body armor vests that did not meet standards and is suspected of fraud and money laundering.
President Zelenskyy signed a decree enacting the National Security and Defense Council's decision on Ukraine's withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention. This step allows the use, accumulation, and production of anti-personnel mines.
The Polish Sejm voted in favor of the country's withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, allowing the use of anti-personnel mines. The Minister of Defense stated that the country cannot have restrictions in protecting itself from a Russian invasion.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the leaders of the E5 format states and the NATO Secretary General. Strengthening Ukraine's air defense, including against Iranian "Shaheds", and pressure on Russia due to its unwillingness to end the war, including sanctions, were discussed.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with the leaders of Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland. The negotiations focused on strengthening military support for Ukraine, strengthening air defense, and developing joint defense production.
The International Commission on Missing Persons has extended the collection of DNA samples from Ukrainians in the Baltic and Northern European countries until July 18, 2025. This applies to relatives of persons missing as a result of Russian aggression.
NAK "Naftogaz Ukrainy" has initiated the collection of $1. 37 billion from Russian "Gazprom" based on the decision of the international arbitration in Zurich. This amount includes debt for gas transit, penalties, and compensation for legal costs.
