Ukraine

Today, on July 4, Ukraine celebrates the Day of the Forensic Expert. Today, one of the key tasks of Ukrainian experts is to thoroughly document the war crimes of Russian aggressors.

The occupation authorities in the temporarily occupied territories are actively promoting ethnic russians and considering Ukrainians as potential traitors, subjecting them to thorough checks and assigning them "loyalty ratings" to determine their future prospects, as part of a strategy aimed at russifying the territories and minimizing their ties to Ukraine.

A court hearing was held in Prague in the case of 27-year-old Filip Siman, who is accused of illegal service in the Ukrainian army and looting, with the prosecutor claiming that he seized property without permission, and Siman denying motives for enrichment.

According to the information, 135 combat engagements took place in the frontline since the beginning of the day. Tense situation was recorded in the Toretsk sector.

The Ukrainian cheerleading team won five gold medals at the European Championships in Norway, becoming the best in the medal standings.

Zelenskyy discussed the situation at the front and new aid packages for Ukraine with the military leadership.

The United States has announced a new security assistance package for Ukraine. The announcement was made by White House spokesperson Karin Jean-Pierre.

President Zelenskyy announced progress on new security agreements for Ukraine. The President also announced important talks with partners in July.

President Zelenskiy announces new programs to help Ukrainians during power outages and stabilize mobile communications after meetings with government officials.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba discussed cooperation between Ukraine and Israel, as well as regional and global threats from Russia, Iran and North Korea in a telephone conversation with Israeli Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz.

Russian shelling of Ukrainian cities can be stopped by providing more air defense systems and long-range strikes on Russian terrorists' locations, President Zelenskyy believes.

On July 4, scheduled power outages will take place throughout the day in all regions of Ukraine: two stages of outages from 7:00 a. m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 11:00 p.m. to midnight, as well as three stages during the rest of the day, with no impact on critical infrastructure.

More than 2 million Ukrainians have updated their personal data and military registration documents through the Reserve+ app since its launch on May 18, saving time and effort compared to traditional methods.

SpaceX plans to launch its Starship mega rocket up to 120 times a year. That's causing concern for competitors such as Blue Origin and United Launch Alliance.

Kuleba discussed with Blinken the strengthening of Ukraine's air defense, the restoration of the energy system, and the expected results of the upcoming NATO summit in Washington.

Turkish President Erdogan called on Russia to find a peaceful solution to the war in Ukraine, suggesting that Turkey prepare the basis for a ceasefire agreement and a fair peaceful settlement that would satisfy both sides.

Italy plans to order more than 550 tanks and infantry fighting vehicles from German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall worth about 20 billion euros over 15 years.

Members of Marine Le Pen's pro-Russian party in the European Parliament may leave their Identity and Democracy faction and join Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's new alliance after the French elections.

Two Moldovan nationals remain imprisoned in France for creating Ukraine-themed graffiti in Paris; their appeal was rejected by the Court of Appeal on July 1, 2024.

Tomorrow, hourly power outage schedules will be in effect throughout the day in Ukraine at the direction of Ukrenergo, DTEK reports.

The situation in the power grid is expected to improve by the end of July as repairs at several power plants are completed and temperatures drop, reducing the system's deficit.

The newly appointed Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Dick Schuf, assured President Zelenskyy of the Netherlands' firm political, military and financial support for Ukraine, "whatever it takes," and expressed hope for a personal meeting with Zelenskyy at the upcoming NATO summit.

Andriy Kostin, the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, may face dismissal for refusing to appear in the Verkhovna Rada in the case of alleged corruption of his former deputy, Dmytro Verbytskyi. At least, MP Honcharenko believes that such behavior is sufficient grounds for resignation.

Ukraine is discussing the possibility of replacing Russian gas transit to the EU with Azerbaijani gas after the current contract with Russia expires in 2024.

In June 2024, cars with traditional engines accounted for 61% of new passenger car sales in Ukraine, down from 71% last year, with gasoline models remaining the most popular with a 36. 9% share, according to Ukravtoprom.

The National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption has found that former Deputy Prosecutor General Dmytro Verbytskyi has acquired unjustified assets worth almost UAH 29 million, including luxury cars, houses and an apartment in Turkey.

President Zelenskyy congratulated Dick Schouffe on his appointment as Prime Minister of the Netherlands, discussed strengthening Ukraine-Dutch relations, and asked the Netherlands to support Ukraine's "Peace Formula" and the training of Ukrainian pilots.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz rejected any proposal for a ceasefire in Ukraine that would include surrender.

In the occupied territories of Ukraine, civilians face physical violence from the occupiers while waiting in lines for doctors, in one case a boy used pepper spray to defend himself from an aggressive occupier in line for a pediatrician.

As noted, some supplier companies have temporarily suspended their operations in Ukraine due to security risks and uncertainty over logistics and financial transactions, pending stabilization of the situation.