Ukraine
The mayor of the Latvian city of Ogre, Egils Helmanis, was wounded in Ukraine as a result of Russian shelling. He was on a business trip delivering aid to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and his condition is currently stable.
President Zelenskyy stated that a demonstration of force would compel the Russian dictator to sit down at the negotiating table, possibly without its direct application. He emphasized that Russians only understand force, which is why Ukraine needs strong sanctions and weapons.
President Zelenskyy stated that the absence of shelling during the visit of Trump's special envoy, Keith Kellogg, indicates the Kremlin's fear of the American president. Kellogg arrived in Ukraine on July 14, 2025, to discuss defense and security issues.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted a draft law on industrial pollution control, to which an amendment on export duties for soybeans was added. This decision caused a scandal and a verbal altercation between people's deputies due to an attempt to introduce a 10% duty on the export of soybeans and rapeseed.
Ukrainian company Frontline and German-Ukrainian drone manufacturer Quantum Systems have concluded a strategic agreement. The partnership envisages scaling up production in Ukraine and integration into the European defense industry.
Honcharenko called out Hetmantsev during the Rada's consideration of the issue of introducing duties on soybean and rapeseed exports.
A 26-year-old resident of Chernivtsi region tried to import a batch of elite goods worth over 6 million hryvnias from Romania through the Porubne – Siret checkpoint. The man chose the "green corridor", but undeclared branded items were found during the inspection.
On July 17, hot weather up to +36 degrees is expected in Ukraine, with short-term rains in some places. On July 18, the temperature will drop to +20-26 degrees, and heavy rains will cover the west, north, Vinnytsia, and Cherkasy regions.
Russian drones attacked the Barlinek Group plant in Vinnytsia, causing injuries, including two people with severe burns. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski commented on the incident, noting that the attack was deliberate.
In Kharkiv region on July 16, around 09:00, an enemy FPV drone hit an emergency medical vehicle at a crossing. Two medics, aged 53 and 59, were injured but refused hospitalization.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with government officials on the defense sector, discussing weapons production and supplies for the army. Denys Shmyhal, Herman Smetanin, and Rustem Umerov were present at the meeting.
Deputy Minister of Education Nadiia Kuzmychova announced the development of a concept for nine educational fields. The goal is to form competencies that will allow graduates to effectively realize themselves as individuals and professionals.
Countries owning Patriot missiles and Ukrainian donors may meet next week under the chairmanship of the NATO commander. The purpose of the meeting is to find additional Patriot air defense batteries for Ukraine.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted in the first reading bills No. 13273 on the principles of state policy of national memory and No. 6493 on the status of a people's deputy – founder of state independence of Ukraine. 301 and 292 deputies voted for them, respectively.
Over the past day, 265 natural fires were recorded in Ukraine, destroying over 403 hectares. In Kherson Oblast, an enemy strike caused a wheat field to catch fire, and also damaged residential buildings and infrastructure.
The Verkhovna Rada adopted a draft law on housing policy, which launches a large-scale reform. This will allow Ukraine to receive 300 million euros within the framework of the Ukraine Facility program.
The European Commission plans to increase the EU budget to €1. 717 trillion for the next 7 years, of which €88 billion could be allocated to support Ukraine. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will present this budget plan for 2028-2035.
US President Donald Trump agreed to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's proposal regarding aid to Ukraine, offering to sell five Patriot systems instead of two. This change of position was the result of efforts by EU and NATO leaders, including the President of Finland and the NATO Secretary General.
Prosecutors notified a 26-year-old Indian citizen of suspicion, who for a monetary reward facilitated the successful passing of the KROK exam. Students paid 9 thousand dollars for filling out examination forms with correct answers.
In Ukraine, scammers are using a fake "Schoolchild's Package" program to steal funds. A 40-year-old resident of Kolomyia region lost 20,000 hryvnias after entering bank card details on a fraudulent website.
In 2024, Ukrainian businesses submitted 438,940 financial reports, 55% of which indicated the accountant's name. Of these, 68.7% are women, which indicates their predominant role in this field.
A draft resolution on the resignation of the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal has been registered in the Verkhovna Rada. The information is posted on the parliament's website.
As a result of the night Russian shelling, Vinnytsia, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, and Odesa regions were affected, with an emphasis on energy infrastructure. In Kryvyi Rih, electricity supply is being restored, 15 people, including a child, were injured.
Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko refused to replace Rustem Umerov as Minister of Defense. MP Oleksiy Honcharenko reported that after Klymenko's refusal, Denys Shmyhal's candidacy is being considered.
Electricity consumption in Ukraine increased by 5. 1% due to heat and low efficiency of solar power plants. 8 settlements in two regions are without power due to bad weather.
The prosecutor's office suspects the director, accountant, and employees of the Vinnytsia branch of "Ukrzaliznytsia" of embezzling 22 million hryvnias. They illegally accrued "bonuses" to employees who were not involved in the work, appropriating part of the funds.
Today, July 16, a meeting of the "Servant of the People" faction will take place, where Yulia Svyrydenko will present candidates for ministerial positions. The appointment of ministers is expected tomorrow, July 17.
France did not join the initiative of European countries to buy American weapons for Ukraine. President Macron insists on developing Europe's own defense-industrial base.
The prosecutor's office has sent a criminal case regarding the deportation of Ukrainian children from Kherson to court. Among the accused are sanctioned Russian State Duma deputies and officials of the occupation authorities.
Russian troops attacked Kharkiv with 16 drones, killing two people and injuring five. The enemy used various types of UAVs, damaging wheat crops.