The next round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine is expected in Istanbul this week, likely on Wednesday or Thursday. Humanitarian aid, prisoner exchange, infrastructure security, and border areas will be discussed.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, stated that Russia demonstrates an intention to start a conflict with Azerbaijan. He noted that Moscow's influence in the region has weakened, and Azerbaijan has left its orbit.
US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack announced a ceasefire agreement between Syria and Israel, supported by Turkey and Jordan. The truce was declared after Israeli airstrikes on Syria and the withdrawal of Syrian troops from the Suweida region.
A shooting occurred on July 18 at the Le Méridien hotel restaurant in Batumi, resulting in the death of a Turkish citizen. An unknown assailant fired several shots at a middle-aged man, who died on the spot.
The presidents of Turkey and Russia discussed the war in Ukraine and the situation in Syria. Erdogan confirmed Turkey's readiness to host a third round of peace talks in Istanbul.
Ukrainians are adapting to new recreation conditions, choosing short trips within the country, mainly to the West and Odesa. Bulgaria has become popular abroad due to its accessibility and lower prices.
Brent and WTI crude futures changed little after rising due to drone attacks on oil fields in Iraqi Kurdistan. Uncertainty over US tariff policy and plans to increase production are weighing on the market.
Donetsk "Shakhtar" will play Turkish "Beşiktaş" in the Europa League qualifiers after a draw with "Ilves Tampere". Zhytomyr "Polissya" will meet "Santa Coloma" in the Conference League.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine reappointed Andriy Sybiha as Minister of Foreign Affairs. This decision was supported by people's deputies at the proposal of the President of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian national volleyball team defeated the Netherlands with a score of 3:2, securing its place in the Nations League for the next season. This victory also allowed the team to continue fighting for a spot in the playoffs.
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu was sentenced to 1 year and 8 months in prison for insulting a prosecutor. İmamoğlu is a member of the opposition party and is considered a threat to the current president Erdogan.
Oil prices fell after Donald Trump's 50-day deadline for Russia to end the war in Ukraine eased supply concerns. Brent and WTI futures fell 0.2% as Trump's softening stance on sanctions and his tariff plan impacted the market.
China's coal imports in June 2024 reached their lowest level since February 2023, falling by 11% in the first half of the year. This is due to weak demand caused by the shrinking real estate market and a slowdown in heavy industry.
On July 12, the International Day for Combating Sand and Dust Storms, established by the UN in 2023, and World Rum Day, which is celebrated on the second Saturday of July, are observed. Also on this day, International Nude Bathing Day, World Flight Attendant Day, Different Colored Eyes Day, and Paper Bag Day are celebrated.
Dozens of Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) fighters symbolically began disarmament by burning their weapons in Iraqi Kurdistan. This step is a gesture of goodwill after the announcement of the organization's dissolution.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will deliver a "historic speech" on the "Turkey Free of Terror" process. The statement will concern the fight against terrorism and the expected disarmament of terrorist organizations.
Ankara Prosecutor's Office ordered to block Grok, Elon Musk's AI, after the chatbot created content allegedly offensive to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his mother. Turkey became the first country to impose censorship on Grok.
President Zelenskyy heard a report from HUR head Budanov regarding Russia's vulnerabilities and the prisoner exchange process. The implementation of agreements from the second meeting in Turkey for the release of Ukrainians was discussed.
Nariman Dzhelyal, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Turkey, presented his credentials to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara. This event officially granted him the authority to perform the duties of an ambassador.
NABU searched MP Roman Kaptelov on the fact of alleged inaccurate declaration. Investigators seized his phone, as the MP did not declare his family's property and income in Moscow, including an apartment worth UAH 17.5 million.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Donald Trump, and Vladimir Putin see no problems with a meeting at the leaders' level. Fidan recalled that the negotiations in Istanbul were the moment when Russia and Ukraine came closest to peace.
Chinese suppliers play a key role in providing Russia with components for the production of attack drones used against Ukraine. 92% of foreign components in Russian drones are of Chinese origin, with supplies made directly and through intermediaries.
The production of Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets in the United Kingdom has practically ceased due to a lack of new orders. This raises concerns about the loss of critical aerospace industry skills and affects the country's participation in the Global Combat Air Programme.
Three mayors from the opposition Republican People's Party have been detained in Turkey on charges of organized crime, bribery, and abuse of office. Among those detained are the mayors of Adiyaman, Adana, and Antalya.
A Flixbus bus, en route to Vienna, veered off the A19 highway near Röbel and overturned. 31 people were injured, one of them seriously, and Ukrainians are among the casualties.
Ukraine and Denmark have signed an agreement on the establishment of Ukrainian defense production facilities in Denmark. Denmark has become the first country to which Ukraine exports its own defense technologies for production and supply to the Ukrainian army.
Forest fires in Turkey claimed two lives, one of whom was an excavator operator fighting the blaze. A little-known group, "Children of Fire," claiming ties to Kurdish militants, has taken responsibility for dozens of arsons.
A large-scale wildfire is raging on the Greek island of Crete, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of residents and tourists. Strong winds complicate firefighters' efforts, and several people have been hospitalized with respiratory problems.
On July 3, Ukrainians celebrate the Day of Army Aviation of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, established in 2025. The world celebrates World Meerkat Day, founded in 2018 in Australia.
Ukraine is negotiating with potential mediator countries for the return of civilian hostages, including Crimean political prisoners.
