Ukraine

Great Britain has imposed sanctions on two Russians and one legal entity for the development of chemical weapons. Among them are the deputy commander of the Russian Armed Forces' radiation, chemical, and biological protection troops and an institute that supplies grenades with chemical substances.

The National Bank of Ukraine set the official hryvnia exchange rate at UAH 41. 7975/USD, which means a devaluation of 6 kopecks. The euro exchange rate is UAH 49.02/EUR, and the zloty is UAH 11.54/PLN.

In Kharkiv, the number of victims of the Russian attack on July 7 in the Kholodnohirskyi district increased to 39, including 3 children. In total, 1 person died and 40 were injured in the Kharkiv region; the enemy used various types of weapons.

In Kyiv, police detained two foreigners, aged 25 and 27, for publicly displaying Nazi symbols. Clothing, a flag, and a chevron with prohibited images were seized from them.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported 188 combat engagements over the past day, half of which occurred in the Pokrovsk and Novopavlivka directions. The enemy launched 2 missile and 68 air strikes, using 3373 kamikaze drones.

The occupation administration in Luhansk region increased bus fares, explaining it by improved service quality and driver shortage. Since the beginning of the year, the cost of travel has increased by 60%.

On July 7, Russian troops lost 1070 soldiers and 41 artillery systems. The total combat losses of the enemy from 24.02.22 to 08.07.25 are estimated at 1,028,610 personnel.

On July 7, Zaporizhzhia Oblast suffered 503 strikes on 13 settlements, resulting in 64 reports of destruction. These included 5 airstrikes, 337 UAV attacks, 8 MLRS shellings, and 153 artillery strikes.

On July 8, hot weather is expected in Ukraine with temperatures up to +39° in most of the territory. In the western regions, short-term rains, thunderstorms, sometimes hail and squalls are forecast, and significant rains in Zakarpattia and Prykarpattia.

According to Barrot, the European Union is preparing a new package of sanctions against Russia, which will be the toughest in the last three years. The restrictions will be aimed at the financial and energy resources of the Kremlin, and may also affect foreign companies that help circumvent previous sanctions.

In the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, Russians are forcing schoolchildren to subscribe to propaganda publications, including "Journal of the Firsts". This publication, a product of the Kremlin youth movement, has become mandatory for high school students in Kherson region.

On July 7, 137 combat engagements took place at the front. Russian troops launched 2 missile and 48 air strikes, using 5 missiles and 69 guided bombs, as well as 1213 kamikaze drones. In the Pokrovsk direction, 209 occupiers and a significant amount of equipment were neutralized.

Due to Russian strikes on TCCs and SPs, their work will be reformatted to ensure the safety of personnel and visitors. Possible options include dispersing military commissars, remote services, and expanding digitalization.

White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt stated that the suspension of part of the military aid to Ukraine is a standard review of defense support initiated by the new US Secretary of Defense. This is not a decision by President Trump or the Pentagon, but a review of the aid's compliance with America's interests.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the preparation of documents for posthumous awarding of the Hero of Ukraine title to pilot Dmytro Fisher, Azov fighter Nazariy Hryntsevych, and 3rd Assault Brigade soldier Vitaliy Karvatskyi. These warriors distinguished themselves in battles, and their fates were linked to difficult trials, including captivity and disappearance without a trace.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy commended law enforcement officers for the prompt investigation of the explosion in the Zhytomyr region, where two people died and over 80 were injured. The perpetrators have been served with notices of suspicion and face a long prison sentence.

President Zelenskyy instructed Defense Minister Umerov to prepare for the next "Ramstein" meetings in various formats. Ukraine expects new steps for stability from the format in August-September.

President Zelenskyy held a meeting of the Staff, where they discussed the production and use of drones at the front. They also talked about strengthening air defense and new agreements with partners regarding systems and missiles.

Ukraine has fulfilled all conditions for starting negotiations on EU membership in key areas. Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna announced readiness to open three clusters as early as July.

President Zelenskyy held a meeting of the Staff, where he heard reports on the front, including the Pokrovsk, Novopavlivka, and Orikhiv directions, as well as Sumy region. The actions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the border territories of Kursk and Belgorod regions of the Russian Federation were discussed separately.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the President of the National Council of the Federal Assembly of Switzerland, Maya Riniker. Switzerland will allocate 5 billion Swiss francs for Ukraine's reconstruction and is considering joining the coalition for the return of Ukrainian children.

The National Bank of Ukraine issued a commemorative coin "Ukrainian Cotton. UAV Vampire" with a face value of 5 hryvnias, dedicated to the multi-purpose Vampire drone. The coin joined the series "Armed Forces of Ukraine" and will be available from July 8, 2025.

Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna denied talks about her possible dismissal and appointment as Ukraine's ambassador to the USA. She noted that such discussions had not taken place either in the government or in parliament, and her work schedule was planned until the end of the year.

Vice Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna stated that the start of Ukraine's EU accession talks does not require unanimous support from all 27 member states. Hungary's blocking has pushed the EU to seek legal solutions for continuing European integration.

Andriy Yermak held a meeting with diplomatic advisors to leaders of Northern Europe and the Baltic states. Issues of Ukraine's recovery, strengthening defense, and progress in Kyiv-Washington relations were discussed.

The Basketball Federation of Ukraine and the National Platform for Sports Integrity discussed joint actions against match-fixing. Information and educational campaigns are planned, as well as the inclusion of anti-corruption topics in the FBU training programs.

There are no legislative initiatives in Ukraine regarding the reduction of the work week, and during the war, its duration can reach 60 hours. However, employers offer vacancies with various working time regimes, including part-time.

Ylva Johansson, former European Commissioner for Home Affairs, has been appointed EU Special Representative for Ukrainians. Her role is to strengthen coordination and support the interests of Ukrainians, particularly through the development of Unity Centers.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of Great Britain Keir Starmer coordinated diplomatic work. They discussed expectations from the meeting of the coalition of the willing in Rome and additional funding for drone production.

UNN offers five recipes for dishes that will help satisfy hunger in the heat without increasing thirst. Among them are live flax porridge, quick "Snickers" ice cream, cottage cheese ice cream with strawberries, chia and ryazhenka dessert, and berry cheesecake.