President Zelenskyy received reports from Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi, heads of the Foreign Intelligence Service and the Main Intelligence Directorate. The situation at the front, particularly in the Pokrovsk direction, and actions in the Sumy region were discussed. Sanctions against Russia and drone production were also addressed.
An 18-year-old girl, taken from Mariupol to Russia in 2022, has returned to Ukraine. She continued her online studies at a Ukrainian school and planned her return.
In Sumy, electricity and water supply are absent at some addresses due to the enemy attack, particularly in the Kursky microdistrict and neighboring villages. In Shostka district, three people were injured as a result of the night attack, and houses and infrastructure were damaged.
Long-range SBU drones hit the "Signal" plant in Stavropol, which produces radio electronics for the Russian military-industrial complex. Workshops with expensive imported equipment and radio-electronic devices were hit.
In Russia's Stavropol, the Signal radio factory, which produces active jamming stations, was attacked. Local residents report a drone strike on the building of the enterprise, which is under international sanctions.
At the UN, the US called on China to stop exporting dual-use goods to Russia that are used in the war against Ukraine. China responded that it is not a party to the conflict and accused the US of trying to shift blame.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban proposed "strategic" cooperation to Ukraine, believing that Ukraine's membership in the EU would allegedly transfer the war to Europe. He previously stated that he would block Ukraine's accession to the EU and threatened to block the EU budget of 100 billion euros for Ukraine.
On the night of July 26, Russia launched 208 drones and 27 missiles, including 12 ballistic ones, at Ukraine. Defense forces shot down 183 drones and 17 missiles; hits were recorded in 9 locations.
The Ministry of Economy of Ukraine states that it has fulfilled its obligations to the EU, expecting €12. 5 billion in support for 2025. This comes amid a reduction in the next aid tranche due to reform delays, although Ukraine claims that 13 out of 16 necessary reforms have been completed.
President Zelenskyy reacted to Russia's night attack, stating that Ukrainian long-range drones provide a response to such strikes. He noted that Russian military enterprises, logistics, and airports should feel the consequences of the war.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that Russia loses about a thousand servicemen daily for the attempt of a "summer offensive". He also reported to the Staff on the situation at the front and the need to strengthen UAVs.
Ukrainian DJ Miss Monique performed on the main stage of Tomorrowland, concluding her set by unfurling the Ukrainian flag. This event highlights Ukraine's presence on the world's biggest stages.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported 191 combat engagements at the front over the past day, 51 of which occurred in the Pokrovsk direction. The enemy continues offensive actions in the Pokrovsk, Novopavlivka, and Lyman directions.
At the UN, the US reminded Russia of Trump's 50-day ultimatum regarding peace in Ukraine and accused China of supplying dual-use goods used in the war. Russia continues to attack civilians despite the UN resolution.
On July 26, Ukraine is expected to have variable cloudiness with short-term rains and thunderstorms, locally hail and squalls. Air temperature will range from 15-20° at night to 35-36° during the day in the south.
Russian officials are delaying top-level negotiations between the presidents of Ukraine and Russia. The American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) notes that Russia is only feigning interest in negotiations to buy time.
The Ukrainian Institute of National Memory considers the renaming of toponyms honoring the memory of Ukraine's defenders unacceptable. This applies to streets named after fallen servicemen and fighters for independence of the 20th century.
Romanian President Nicușor Dan stated that the issue of transferring the Patriot system to Ukraine has not yet been discussed, although the country will continue military support. Romania has an agreement for seven Patriot systems with the US, four of which it has received, one it has transferred to Ukraine, and it expects the next three from 2027.
Lviv resident Yurii Kovalchuk became European champion in modern pentathlon under the new rules. This is Ukraine's first victory in the continental championship in the updated format.
Since the beginning of 2025, CERT-UA has been recording about 15 cyberattacks daily, the main source of which is the Russian Federation. Experts identify destructive attacks, cyber espionage, and financially motivated attacks.
The EU Council has decided to integrate Moldova into the "roam like at home" zone from January 1, 2026. This will allow citizens of Moldova and the EU to use mobile communications without additional costs in the respective countries.
Head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak held meetings with representatives of the USA, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, and France. Issues of security, reforms, the peace process, military cooperation, and the exchange of 1200 prisoners of war from each side were discussed.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced a principled agreement between Ukraine and Russia on a meeting of their leaders. Negotiations on the summit's terms are ongoing, with delegations working on an interim solution.
Since the beginning of the day, 153 combat engagements have been recorded at the front, the enemy launched 1 missile and 37 air strikes, using 1383 kamikaze drones. In the Pokrovsk direction, the Defense Forces neutralized 168 occupiers and destroyed a significant amount of enemy equipment.
G7 ambassadors welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's commitment to quickly restore and ensure the independence of anti-corruption bodies. They expect the Verkhovna Rada to quickly adopt the law submitted by Zelenskyy, which is key for reforms and EU integration.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha outlined seven key priorities of "power diplomacy" at the annual Meeting of Heads of Foreign Diplomatic Missions. These include strengthening defense capabilities, sanctions pressure on Russia, bringing war criminals to justice, attracting resources for reconstruction, promoting Euro-Atlantic integration, public diplomacy, and protecting Ukrainians abroad.
President Zelenskyy instructed to prepare a Technology Staff meeting on drones. The goal is to achieve the production of 500-1000 interceptors per day.
The Ukrainian government has appointed new deputy ministers of defense, who are to implement systemic changes in the defense sector. The team includes Ivan Havryliuk, Serhiy Boyev, Anna Hvozdiar, Volodymyr Zaverukha, Yuriy Myronenko, and Oksana Ferchuk.
UN funding for Ukraine's humanitarian needs remains critically low, with only 34% of the planned $2. 6 billion raised.
In Kyiv, on July 25, the main State Flag of Ukraine on the Pechersk Hills was temporarily lowered. This was done due to the threat of thunderstorms and squalls of 15-20 m/s, to protect the flag from damage.
