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🇺🇦Firsthand news from the epicenter of global events
Germany is calling for women and pensioners to be trained as truck drivers in case of war with Russia, — Bild reports.
Amid growing concerns about a potential conflict, Germany faces a severe shortage of truck drivers. The country is currently lacking around 100,000 drivers, and in wartime, the deficit could rise to 400,000, warned Dirk Engelhardt, head of the drivers' union.
He proposed urgently recruiting women and pensioners. For women, he suggested ensuring safe parking and equipping trucks with showers, toilets, and kitchens.
For pensioners, Engelhardt called for scrapping the rule requiring qualification renewal every five years, arguing that it imposes unnecessary costs despite their extensive experience.
Slovakia plans to increase its purchases of Russian gas, taking advantage of an EU exemption, — Bloomberg reports.
The state-owned energy company Slovenský plynárenský priemysel (SPP) aims to meet up to 100% of its gas needs from Russia by 2025, despite the EU’s upcoming ban on spot purchases, which takes effect in January.
The ban will free up pipeline capacity for Gazprom’s remaining long-term clients, including Slovakia and Hungary, which have been granted a transition period.
Although all EU countries have committed to phasing out Russian energy by the end of 2027, Bratislava and Budapest will be allowed to maintain long-term contracts with Gazprom.
“Russian gas is the most cost-effective for us, which is why we prioritize it. We can buy 100% of the volume—around 8 million cubic meters per day,” said Michal Lalik, SPP’s trading director.
Ukraine will hold preliminary talks on multiple citizenship with countries where large Ukrainian communities live, President Zelenskyy said.
Priority will be given to Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, and the Baltic states.
Talks are also planned with Canada and other countries that provide strong support to Ukraine.
Destruction of enemy UAVs by FPV drone pilots of the Separate Detachment "OMEGA Wings".
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Germany and the U.S. may soon finalize a deal to supply Ukraine with two Patriot batteries, — Bloomberg reports.
Under the agreement, Berlin would send two Patriot systems to Kyiv, while the U.S. would replenish Germany’s stock from its own reserves.
Bloomberg sources say the deal could be officially announced this week.
Earlier, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that Berlin and Washington had agreed to provide Ukraine with five Patriot systems in total.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent has urged European countries to join potential U.S. tariffs against Russia.
“I call on our European allies—who have previously voiced strong intentions—to follow our lead if we impose these secondary tariffs,” he said.
The oldest civilian prisoner from Enerhodar, Oleksandr Markov, has died in Russia.
In March 2025, his family learned that an occupation court had sentenced him to 14 years in a maximum-security colony on charges of “high treason,” followed by one year of restricted freedom.
He died on June 26, 2025, during a transfer. The circumstances and exact cause of death remain unknown.
The U.S. has deployed tactical nuclear weapons to the UK for the first time since 2008, according to the UK Defence Journal.
Several B61-12 thermonuclear bombs have been delivered to the Lakenheath military base.
Gergiev’s “Putin’s Friend” Concert in Caserta Cancelled — ANSA
The Regia di Caserta Palace has cancelled a concert by Russian conductor Valery Gergiev, a close associate of Vladimir Putin, that was set for July 27 as part of the Un’Estate da Re festival.
The planned event triggered strong backlash from Italy’s central government, Russian dissidents, and Ukrainian groups. Gergiev, 72, invited by the Campania regional government, has never condemned Russia’s war against Ukraine.
His performance at the historic palace near Naples would have marked the end of his unofficial ban from European stages following the 2022 invasion.
This morning’s attack on Kyiv damaged the entrance to a metro station. People were sheltering on the platform. Another clear sign that Russia is a terrorist state.
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🇬🇧 The West must make a “50-day leap” in arming Ukraine — UK Defense Minister
At a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, John Healy is expected to urge the West to ramp up military aid, The Telegraph reports. He will emphasize that Britain “will play its full role in achieving success to support Ukraine in its struggle.”
The U.S. has begun a 50-day countdown for Putin to agree to peace or face severe economic sanctions. “As members of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, we must, in turn, make a ‘50-day leap’ to arm Ukraine on the battlefield and force Putin to the negotiating table,” Healy’s draft statement reads.
French Foreign Minister Barrot arrived in Kyiv to take part in the Ukrainian ambassadors’ conference and reaffirm France’s support for Ukraine, he announced on X.
He also visited sites in the capital hit by Russian attacks the previous night.
The Cabinet of Ministers has officially reorganized and closed several ministries, according to government representative to the Verkhovna Rada Taras Melnychuk.
The Ministry of National Unity has been merged with the Ministry of Social Policy, now renamed the Ministry of Social Policy, Family, and Unity of Ukraine.
The Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food and the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources have been dissolved. Their responsibilities will be handled by the updated Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture.
The Ministry of Strategic Industries was also dissolved. Its functions will now be carried out by the Ministry of Defense.
“The institutional functions of the Ministry of Strategic Industries will be integrated into the Ministry of Defense, including attracting investment in the defense sector and working with partners on joint weapons production,” said Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal.
During the night, Russia launched 426 attack drones and 24 missiles of various types against Ukraine. Air defenses shot down 200 drones and most of the missiles. According to the Air Force, the remaining missiles and 203 drones were lost in the air.
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A man was killed in a Russian attack on Kyiv’s Solomianskyi district. Five people were wounded by shrapnel in Darnytskyi, including a 15-year-old girl. An elderly woman was hospitalized in Shevchenkivskyi district.
According to the National Police, residential buildings, a kindergarten, a supermarket, small shops, garages, vehicles, warehouses, and part of a metro station were damaged. A police car rushing to a call was also hit.
Damage and falling debris were reported in the Holosiivskyi, Darnytskyi, Dniprovskyi, Obolonskyi, Sviatoshynskyi, Solomianskyi, and Shevchenkivskyi districts.
The Russian-linked company that once supplied components for the F-35 will now help Ukraine develop a “smart” weapon against drones, — Defense Express reports.
Terma will provide sensor technologies and situational awareness systems, while Ukrainian company Odd Systems will contribute its own combat platforms, including the Gorska-12 FPV interceptors.
This is not just a standalone device but an integrated system designed to detect and eliminate targets. It will be capable of identifying, tracking, and destroying drones—from Mavic models to larger reconnaissance and strike UAVs.
Russia has sharply increased its espionage activity in Germany, according to the German military counterintelligence service (MAD), as reported by Deutsche Welle.
The agency has recorded a significant rise in attempts at espionage and sabotage by Russian intelligence services.
“We are seeing a sharp increase in espionage and hybrid operations. The actions have become more aggressive,” said MAD President Martina Rosenberg.
She noted that Russian intelligence is operating based on Cold War tactics. Alarming incidents include surveillance of military sites and critical infrastructure, sabotage of supply routes, cyberattacks, and the use of high-tech, jamming-resistant drones. Targeted disinformation is also frequently employed.
According to dpa, the number of suspicious cases has nearly doubled over the past year. Russian agents are increasingly entering Germany via third countries. At particular risk of recruitment are individuals of Russian descent, recent immigrants, dual citizens, and those with ties to Russia. Many are recruited during trips to Russia or its allied states.
Short message to the Russians: Donʼt push the horses!
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Footage shows the aftermath of Russian airstrikes using Kh-22 missiles on the Tavrida gas production facility and tower, as well as the evacuation of HUR fighters from the site.
The final photo captures a missile landing in the water just days before the main attack.
SES sappers neutralized the warhead of a downed Russian Kh-69 missile that fell near a residential building in Kyiv last night.
Rescuers said it could have exploded at any moment.
Russian forces shelled Kherson’s oldest church, destroying wooden cells by fire.
On July 19, the Greek-Sophia Church in Kherson came under Russian shelling, suffering severe damage. The wooden cells burned down, the roof was destroyed, windows shattered, and the walls were scorched.
The church, over 450 years old and built in the basilica style, is a key part of Kherson’s cultural heritage.
Since March, the UK has supplied Ukraine with nearly 50,000 drones, UK Defence Secretary John Healy said at the Ramstein meeting.
He noted that Britain has provided over £4.5 billion in military aid to Ukraine this year—its highest ever. The UK continues to deliver on this commitment, including £700 million in artillery shells, long-range missiles, and air defense systems, with £150 million allocated in the past two months alone.
“In terms of air defense, Boris [Pistorius] and I have agreed to jointly supply Ukraine with critically needed anti-aircraft missiles,” Healy added.
The UNITED24 platform with Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, has started a fundraiser to provide frontline units with life-saving ground robots—Allies Of Steel.
These robots operate in dangerous areas, protecting soldiers from drones and artillery while improving efficiency.
“Support for robotic systems scales life-saving innovations,” said Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. “Diplomacy directly strengthens our defense.”
The fundraiser will cover models like Targan 300, Volya-E, TerMIT, Ardal 920, Ratel H, Zmiy, Bro-1409, Thor 1000/800, and Teslia.
Evacuation robots rescue the wounded without endangering medics. Logistics models deliver supplies and EW tools. Demining robots clear up to 20 hectares daily.
“In the five-kilometer zone from the front, everything is a drone target. Robots are the only safe option,” said a manufacturer. “They are small, fast, and save lives.”
“In some areas, evacuation is nearly impossible without robots,” added Commander Kyrylo Veres. “We ran over 100 missions in June and rescued six wounded.”
Thanks to UNITED24 donors, 619 ground robots are already supporting troops at the front 🙏 More can be done! Support the fundraiser!
You can donate here!
Ukraine has invested over $20 billion in its defense industry over the past two years, said National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov during the Ramstein meeting.
“Thanks to the Danish model, our partners have, for the first time, invested directly in Ukrainian defense companies—over $4 billion. Together with our allies, we’ve already launched more than 20 joint projects. Many others are underway and will soon deliver results,” Umerov noted.
The Rammstein meeting has started in Kyiv, with 52 countries taking part, — Radio Liberty reports.
Talks are being held at the level of defense ministers or their deputies. The U.S. is represented by NATO Ambassador Matthew Whitaker. Pete Hegseth, as expected, did not attend.
The meeting was convened and is being co-chaired by the UK and Germany. Ukraine is represented by newly appointed Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal and National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov.
The first statements have already been made:
British Defense Secretary Gilley confirmed support for Trump’s proposed large-scale NATO arms supply plan for Ukraine. He noted that the UK has already allocated over £4.5 billion this year, including nearly 50,000 drones and new air defense systems in cooperation with Germany.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed 16 new ambassadors.
“After reports from the military and the Minister of Internal Affairs, I held a morning meeting with the Foreign Minister and the Office team. We finalized the long selection process for new ambassadors,” the president said.
Each appointee received personal tasks and performance criteria. Key diplomatic priorities for the next six months will be outlined during today’s meeting with ambassadors.
Ahead of the annual meeting of Ukrainian ambassadors, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, along with over 80 diplomats, visited Zaporizhzhia and the front-line Orikhiv district.
“This visit immerses our diplomats in the realities of war,” said Sybiha, stressing that such trips test not only the resolve of Ukrainian soldiers and communities but also the strength of international support.
He underlined that the front line is a measure of decision-making effectiveness — from defense aid and sanctions to reconstruction and investment. It also reflects the results of diplomatic work.
The delegation visited the underground “Sich Collegium” — a safe school for over 1,000 children, built with EU funding and UNICEF support. Zaporizhzhia currently has eight such facilities; 25 are planned by year-end. Sybiha announced plans to expand this initiative and promote youth development, including through international exchange.
Diplomats also visited key industrial and energy sites, discussing cooperation opportunities. Andrii Sybiha noted that despite war and constant attacks, Zaporizhzhia remains resilient — the heart of Ukrainian industry and Cossack spirit.
The visit ended on Khortytsia Island, where diplomats honored historian Vyacheslav Zaitsev, who died defending Ukraine in 2022.
“This year’s ambassadorial meeting is held under the slogan ‘From the power of diplomacy to the diplomacy of power,’” Andrii Sybiha said. “And trips like this show us the true strength of our people and army.”
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will open the official meeting on Monday, July 21, setting priorities for Ukraine’s diplomatic service.
🇫🇷 I’m heading to Kyiv to take part in the Conference of Ambassadors. On behalf of France, I will reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the freedom of its people, — French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot.
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The London Stock Exchange may switch to 24-hour trading, responding to rising demand from retail investors, The Financial Times reports, citing its sources.
The exchange is currently assessing the feasibility of such a shift, including the necessary technology and regulatory considerations.
Exchanges worldwide are considering longer trading hours as more individual investors trade via smartphones. In recent months, the New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, and Cboe Global Markets have also filed applications to extend their trading windows.