Ukraine
Electricity consumption in Ukraine increased by 2. 5% due to cloudy weather and rains, which reduced the efficiency of solar power plants. 29 settlements in four regions are without power due to bad weather, and regional power grid brigades are working to restore it.
On July 17, the HUR Cyber Corps attacked the network infrastructure of PJSC "Gazprom", destroying a large volume of databases and installing special software.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed the newly appointed Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) Rustem Umerov to intensify negotiations, ensure the implementation of agreements on weapons, and strengthen the technological Staff. Umerov confirmed the work priorities, including coordination of the security sector, arms supplies, and technological modernization.
President Zelenskyy announced the preparation of the synchronization of European sanctions and new decisions regarding sanctions in Ukraine. This is a response to the 18th EU sanctions package, which increases pressure on the Russian tanker fleet and limits the price of oil.
Newly appointed Minister of Defense Denys Shmyhal held his first meeting, outlining key tasks. Among them are increasing Ukrainian production, providing quality support to soldiers, and strengthening interaction with international partners.
Igor Nesterov, a Wagner PMC mercenary and former trainer of Russian boxer Alexander Povetkin, was eliminated in Mali. He was killed during a "combat mission" in Northwest Africa.
The case of a deputy of the Vinnytsia Regional Council from OPZZh, accused of evading military service and fraud, has been sent to court. He illegally received almost 200,000 hryvnias without performing the duties of a serviceman.
On July 18, 2025, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed Decree No. 496/2025. The document appointed Rustem Umerov as Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has regulated the exclusion from military registration of persons who have ceased to be citizens of Ukraine, in accordance with Resolution No. 892 of July 16, 2025. District (city) TCC and SP will exclude such persons based on supporting documents.
Poland has resumed the investigation into the explosion of a grenade launcher at the police headquarters, which was gifted by Ukrainian officials to former police chief Jarosław Szymczyk. The proceedings had been suspended due to a lack of response from Ukraine, which has now sent partial correspondence.
On the night of July 18, the enemy attacked Ukraine with 35 Shahed-type attack UAVs and imitation drones. Defense forces shot down 11 enemy UAVs, and 18 UAVs were recorded hitting 5 locations.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported 180 combat engagements over the past day, half of which occurred in the Pokrovsk and Lyman directions. The enemy launched 1 missile and 72 air strikes, using 2 missiles and 137 guided aerial bombs.
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.
Hanna Ivanchenko has been appointed Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister of Ukraine from July 18, 2025. The previous chief, Yevhen Ferbey, has been dismissed from his position.
On the night of July 18, the Russian army attacked Dnipropetrovsk region with drones, as a result of which a 52-year-old man was killed and two people were injured. Transport enterprises and vehicles in Pavlohrad and Synelnykove districts were damaged.
Today, July 18, cloudy weather with moderate rains is expected in Ukraine, with heavy rains in Zakarpattia and Prykarpattia. Air temperature will range from 13-18° at night to 29-34° during the day in the south and east.
The occupation administration of Crimea earned over 28 million dollars in the first half of 2025 from the sale of "nationalized" Ukrainian property. This accounts for almost half of the profit received over the previous two years of the full-scale invasion.
Russian security forces are agitating young people to join the Rosgvardiya service under the guise of educational events. They conduct lectures and distribute propaganda brochures, manipulating history.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer does not rule out London's participation in Germany and the US's talks on arms procurement for Ukraine. Discussions are at an early stage between London, Washington, and European countries.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted draft law No. 13276, which reinstates mandatory officer training for medical and pharmaceutical students. This requirement applies to both state and private higher education institutions and will come into force on January 1, 2026.
The State Service of Ukraine for Ethno-politics and Freedom of Conscience issued an order to the UOC-MP to eliminate violations of legislation regarding affiliation with the Russian Orthodox Church. By August 18, Metropolitan Onufriy must provide a decision on the UOC's withdrawal from the structure of the Russian Orthodox Church and recall clergy from its bodies.
On the evening of July 17, electricity disappeared in the occupied part of Zaporizhzhia region. Melitopol, Enerhodar, and a number of districts were left without power.
White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt said Russia would face high tariffs and secondary sanctions if there was no ceasefire in Ukraine within 50 days. Countries buying Russian oil will also be sanctioned.
Slovakia will allow the approval of the 18th package of EU sanctions against Russia on July 18. Prime Minister Robert Fico agreed with Ursula von der Leyen on guarantees regarding gas prices and its possible shortage.
Over the past day, 131 combat engagements took place at the front. The enemy used 1249 kamikaze drones and carried out 4280 shellings of the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the delivery of Patriot systems to Ukraine is being discussed, but will take days or weeks. The US has also revised the Patriot supply schedule to accelerate support for Ukraine.
Minister of Social Policy Denys Uliutin declared an apartment in Kyiv, several land plots, and a LEXUS RX 300 car. His salary for 2024 was 1,305,212 hryvnias.
Explosions occurred at the Russian enterprise "Shchekinazot" in the Tula region. This enterprise is key for the production of ammonia, methanol, and urea, which are used in the manufacture of explosives, rocket fuel, and synthetic materials for the Russian military-industrial complex.
Hungary has banned entry for three Ukrainian military officials due to the death of ethnic Hungarian Jozsef Sebestyen. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha called this decision absurd and unjustified, stating Ukraine's right to take appropriate measures.
Lviv and the region suffered from severe bad weather, causing flooding of streets and even premises. In Stryi, cars ended up underwater, and in one of Lviv's residential complexes, a waterfall formed in the hall.