Ukraine

On July 4, the USA celebrates the 249th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In Ukraine, this day marks Forensic Expert Day and National Police Day, as well as Country Music Day.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that Beijing cannot allow Russia to be defeated in the war against Ukraine. He explained this by fears that the US would then fully shift its attention to China.

On the night of July 4, an air raid alert was declared throughout Ukraine due to the threat of Kinzhal missiles from Russian MiG-31Ks. The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported a missile threat.

In Bucha district of Kyiv region, on July 3, damage to a four-story apartment building and a private residential building was recorded as a result of an attack by Russian UAVs. Air defense forces are operating in the region, and enemy targets have been shot down.

In Poltava district, on July 3, two civilians were injured as a result of falling debris from Russian UAVs. A passenger car was damaged on the territory of a private household.

The European Union may soon adopt the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. Slovakia has received guarantees from the European Commission regarding a gradual phase-out of Russian energy carriers by 2027, which removes obstacles to the approval of new restrictions.

Over the past day, 110 combat engagements took place at the front, the enemy carried out 1120 kamikaze drone strikes and 4500 shellings. In the Pokrovsk direction, 69 occupiers were eliminated and equipment was destroyed.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with EU and Danish leaders, discussing Ukraine's accession to the EU, strengthening sanctions against Russia, and military aid. The parties emphasized the importance of pressure on the Russian Federation and the use of frozen Russian assets.

Germany seeks to strengthen Ukraine's air defense by funding two Patriot systems, but awaits approval from the US. Kyiv had previously unsuccessfully tried to acquire these systems directly from the US.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on European countries to increase pressure on Russia, calling it a deliberate anti-European project. He emphasized the need for tough sanctions, a cap on oil prices, and an end to dual-use goods supplies.

Russia's oil and gas revenues in June decreased by 33. 7% compared to last year, reaching their lowest level since January 2023. The fall in global crude oil prices and the strengthening of the ruble are reducing the profitability of oil companies and burdening the federal budget.

Hungary's Ambassador to Ukraine, Antal Heizer, was summoned to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry due to attempts to draw Ukraine into Hungary's internal political struggle. The Ukrainian side considers these actions deplorable and offensive, especially against the backdrop of the Hungarian people's assistance to Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin discussed the implementation of the Istanbul agreements. Putin stated about seeking a negotiated resolution to the conflict, while Trump raised the issue of cessation of hostilities.

Russian dictator's aide Yuriy Ushakov stated that the next round of talks in Istanbul will be bilateral between Russia and Ukraine. Washington's participation in this process is not expected.

The conversation between Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump lasted almost an hour. Putin emphasized Russia's readiness to continue the negotiation process with Ukraine.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the "Future of Ukraine" award to 11-year-old Danish volunteer Jens Fogh Thomsen for raising funds to help Ukrainian children. The boy collected over 34,000 Danish kroner by selling blue and yellow beaded chickens, which he used to purchase school backpacks and supplies.

The indictment against the director of the enterprise that ensured the operation of the resource under the "Pin-Up" brand has been sent to court. He is accused of conducting economic activities in cooperation with the aggressor state, participating in a criminal organization, and tax evasion.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a meeting at the level of leaders of Ukraine and Russia is necessary to achieve peace, as only Vladimir Putin makes decisions in the Russian Federation. He also confirmed a conversation with Donald Trump in the coming days.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that Europe lives in a world of predators and must actively defend democracy. Denmark, which has taken over the EU Council presidency, promises to strengthen the continent's security.

Denmark insists on applying Article 7 of the EU Treaty against Hungary due to violations of fundamental rights. Danish Minister for European Affairs Marie Bjerre in Aarhus mentioned Budapest's blocking of Ukraine's membership.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced an upcoming conversation with Donald Trump, which will take place tomorrow or in the coming days. Ukraine expects continued American support, particularly the supply of Patriot systems.

The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has codified and approved for operation almost 50 new models of automotive equipment from Ukrainian manufacturers in six months. This is twice as many as last year and includes tractors, trucks, and all-terrain chassis.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated the need for a strategic rethinking of the EU's defense policy. They emphasized that supporting Ukraine with weapons is an investment in the security of the European Union, and the Armed Forces of Ukraine are deterring a threat to Europe.

During his visit to Denmark, President Zelenskyy stated that he is counting on Denmark's financial contribution to the production of drones for Ukraine. He will also discuss the missile program with the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission.

At the Ukrainian-Polish border, at the Shehyni - Medyka checkpoint, traffic is temporarily restricted due to road works on the Polish side and reconstruction on the Ukrainian side. The throughput capacity is reduced to 5 cars per hour; it is recommended to choose other routes.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported 83 combat engagements on the front as of 4:00 PM on July 3, almost half of which occurred in the Pokrovsk and Lyman directions. The enemy launched air and artillery strikes on settlements in the Sumy and Chernihiv regions.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated the need for maximum support for Ukraine and an end to Russian gas imports. She emphasized the importance of weakening Russia's economy and controlling its shadow fleet.

Ukraine and the USA have agreed on cooperation in drone production, including interceptor drones, to shoot down "Shaheds". President Zelenskyy announced the signing of the contract during his visit to Denmark, expecting a significant increase in production.

The "VAKS decided" platform has collected original ways for defendants in corruption cases to hide bribes. These include books, packages, pea cans, and even a judge's robe.

The Appeals Chamber of the HACC will consider appeals against the decision on pre-trial detention of Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov on August 7. A bail of UAH 120 million has been posted for him in a case concerning abuse of power and bribery.