Ukraine updates in English

[N0TZU]

Some more info about Trump’s decision to keep sending weapons to Ukraine.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/08/us/politics/trump-putin-ukraine.html?unlocked_article_code=1.VE8.4uP3.JqzYA8rgo2cd&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

One more amazing part was when asked who authorized the recent pause in arms shipments, Trump said “ I don’t know, you tell me”.

Let’s count the blessing that at some scales have fallen from his eyes and Trump no longer believes Putin. For now, anyway.

[US7IGN]

No one knows when, how much, and what kind of weapons will reach Ukraine, but there is bad news for those who expect that if not today, then tomorrow there will be a collapse in russia or putin will die and the war will end.

Tonight Ukraine has been hit by the biggest ever aerial attack from russia, after 728 drones and 13 cruise or ballistic missiles struck cities around the country in multiple waves. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2k19q4j07zo

The authorities reported that almost all drones and missiles were shot down, and you won't be able to find any photos or videos of significant destruction online, but on closed forums they say that the main attack fell on military airports in Western Ukraine and that everything there is not as good as we would like. I think that over time we will still find out the truth, but in Kyiv there was another sleepless night and distant powerful explosions made the alarms in cars parked under the windows beep...

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said today, that diplomatic means of resolving the war in Ukraine have been exhausted. He promised further assistance to our country. https://www.tagesschau.de/newsticker/liveblog-ukraine-mittwoch-504.html#Merz-Mittel-der-Diplomatie-sind-ausgeschoepft

The European Union is considering setting up a €100 billion ($117 billion) fund to support Ukraine as its war with russia following Moscow’s full-scale invasion shows no signs of ending. The money may become part of the EU’s proposal for its next seven-year budget, which is due to be presented later this month, according to people familiar with the matter. If accepted by member states as part of budgetary negotiations, the funding would start being disbursed in 2028 to maintain steady financial assistance to the war-torn country, the people said, speaking on condition of anonymity. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-08/eu-weighs-100-billion-fund-for-ukraine-in-next-budget-proposal

But people with poor financial literacy are better off not being interested in how such money moves.

Ukraine has received the ninth tranche from the International Monetary Fund — $500 million to cover priority budget needs. This was announced by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on Tuesday, July 1.

minfin.com.ua/ua/2025/07/01/153868426/

At the same time, Ukraine paid $524.0 million in June for servicing and repaying the state debt in foreign currency, of which $426.2 million went to the International Monetary Fund.

24tv.ua/economy/mizhnarodni-rezervi-ukrayini-yak-voni-zminilisya-za-cherven-2025_n2864557

Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O'Flaherty said that Ukraine's path to EU accession carries human rights obligations, as does any peace agreement. "These two sets of obligations need to be reconciled. This means that any peace agreement must be compatible with Ukraine's human rights obligations in the process of its accession to the EU," said a memorandum on the human rights elements for peace in Ukraine, published by the European Commissioner on the website of the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine. https://rm.coe.int/memorandum-on-human-rights-elements-for-peace-in-ukraine-by-michael-o-/1680b678ec

52. Under martial law, Ukraine has also introduced a streamlined format for TV news by establishing “United News” – a joint forum of several national media. In its 2024 report on EU enlargement, the European Commission recommended that Ukraine continue its efforts to maintain and gradually restore a transparent, pluralistic and independent media landscape, ensuring that restrictions imposed on security grounds are in compliance with key public rights and interests, such as access to information and media freedom. The Commissioner encourages the Ukrainian authorities to ensure that any restrictions to freedom of expression are in compliance with the requirements of the Convention.
53. The Commissioner is concerned by reported instances of alleged intimidation and other forms of harassment of Ukrainian journalists, lawyers, civil society, political and opinion leaders critical of the government. In several cases, the Ukrainian authorities have imposed so-called ‘personal sanctions’ on some of these individuals, restricting their freedom of movement, expression, and property rights, among others. The Commissioner is concerned about the use of personal sanctions against Ukrainian citizens, as these entail significant restrictions of human rights and bypass regular judicial mechanisms. Furthermore, the Commissioner recommends that the reports of intimidation and harassment be effectively investigated. Attention should also be paid to reports of the selective use of military recruitment, which could have a chilling effect on freedom of expression and, more generally, civil society.


But there is good news. The European Court of Human Rights ruled russia is responsible for downing flight MH17 in 2014 and human rights violations during its war in Ukraine. The judges are set to rule on a total of four cases, brought against russia by Ukraine and the Netherlands, including the abduction of Ukrainian children to russia in 2014 and violations during the armed conflict in Ukraine’s russian-occupied Donbas. https://www.politico.eu/article/russia-responsible-downing-mh17-malaysia-airlines-flight-violate-international-law-court-rule/

And I won another lawsuit against the state. Despite the constant pressure on lawyers and courts, whom the state considers inconvenient and only hindering, such victories give hope that sometimes we can still count on legality and justice.

[N0TZU]

Congratulations on winning your suit, and under these crazy circumstances!!

[US7IGN]

Thank you Bob!

I always continue to do what I think is right, even if victory seems unrealistic. That's why I take on cases where I feel like I have to fight for the truth. That's probably why I almost always win.

Therefore, I disagree with the title of today's BBC article - "russia's intensifying drone war is spreading fear and eroding Ukrainian morale" https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0m8gn7grn2o

Yes, tonight was one of the most powerful strikes on Kyiv and probably not a single resident of the city was able to sleep because of the loud explosions. People are tired and angry, but they continue to live and work.

Sergiy's office was damaged - windows were broken, equipment was smashed, and air conditioning units were torn from the walls, but they were back up and running by lunchtime. https://www.5.ua/suspilstvo/5-kanal-poshkodzhenyi-vnaslidok-masovanoi-povitrianoi-ataky-na-kyiv-355182.html

My friend, who had the misfortune to buy an apartment in an old brick house, thought that today it would simply collapse from the tremors after drones and missiles hit a nearby weapons factory. It is very large, it is bombed regularly, but apparently this was not enough before.

But we all survived this night and are waiting for the next one.

Rubio says US and russia have exchanged new ideas for Ukraine peace talks in Malaysia following a meeting with russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov. https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-war-putin-trump-latest-live-zelenskyy-attack-moscow-12541713?postid=9859575#liveblog-body

On Thursday, July 10, the Conference on the Reconstruction of Ukraine dedicated to the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine started in the capital of Italy. The Ukrainian delegation, including President Zelensky, has already arrived. In addition to the conference itself, Ukraine will hold talks with partners within the framework of the "coalition of the willing".

The US President initiated the creation of the Investment Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine. The goal is to mobilize American companies, specialists and resources to rebuild our state. This was stated by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant during the conference.
https://24tv.ua/economy/investitsiyniy-fond-rekonstruktsiyi-ukrayini-tramp-initsiyuvav_n2867514

[KD8ZM-Brady]

Congratulations on your winning case, against an unwilling state. Apparently, there is some shred of integrity left in certain corners of the judiciary?

I was struck by the recent news that the EU announced its 19th round of sanctions against Russia, which to me seems diminished by the fact that there were 18 previous rounds.

I hope someday that the EU will add "stop buying Russian energy" to their sanctions, since Europe has sent more money to Russia since the war started, then they've sent aid to Ukraine!

Most of all, I am glad that, being bathed in prayer, you and your family have avoided physical harm.

[US7IGN]

Thank you, Braden! I thank God every day for helping and protecting us!

My son is trying to find a job, and I decided to change the format of work and instead of being an employee, I will try to get more freedom and free myself from the functionality that distracts me from achieving the most effective result in a certain direction. So I started negotiations with the owner of the company about starting work as a contractor, which actually means starting my own small business. In this case, the risks and uncertainty for me increase, but I will be able to independently choose the staff and decide how I will do certain things, without creating a conflict with the existing order of things in the company.

My wife is a bit shocked, especially since she will have to get involved in some things. She is a good economist with accounting skills, and that will help me a lot.

But what could be more interesting than trying to start your own business in such conditions? Our friends also recently started their own business, and although their expenses currently exceed their income, they are steadily moving forward.

Today I met with a friend who used to work in the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine, and for the last few years has been defending corrupt officials as a lawyer. He believes that BlackRocks' refusal to invest in Ukraine actually means that Ukraine will be rebuilt by the russians. Perhaps that is also why, despite the constant heavy shelling with missiles and drones, Ukraine's energy and infrastructure remain intact. If they think they can take over Ukraine, then destroying it makes no sense for them.

On the night of July 12, russia again launched a massive strike with "Shaheed" drones and cruise missiles, explosions could be heard in a number of Ukrainian cities, including in the center of Lviv, Lutsk, Chernivtsi, and other cities in western Ukraine. The "Shaheed" drones also attacked Kyiv. https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/articles/cd0v388xxpxo

russia is currently advancing rapidly through the regions of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhia, and the White House has made it clear that any peace deal brokered by Trump is highly likely to include handing these territories over to the Kremlin. www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/07/11/the-wests-cry-of-solidarity-with-ukraine-rings-hollow/

The Washington Post has published an article about the critical state of the Ukrainian economy. According to the publication, the country is teetering on the brink — while the financial system remains functional, it is extremely dependent on foreign aid. The expected truce has not come, forcing the government and business to adapt to a new reality: short-term planning, frozen investments, and an emphasis on survival rather than development. Ukraine needs annual international support of $40 billion to ensure basic social spending — education, healthcare, and pension payments. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/06/26/ukraine-economy-crisis-mineral-deal/

And the BBC ponders why conferences on the reconstruction of Ukraine are not helping. However, one of the biggest challenges of such events and discussions on the reconstruction of Ukraine is the real cost of its restoration.

And, accordingly, the question arises, where and how to get the money for this? But we have not heard answers from European leaders yet. Neither in Rome, nor in Lugano, nor in London, nor in Berlin, where previous conferences on the reconstruction of Ukraine were held. https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/articles/cwyrkxn47xdo

Ukraine has begun preparations for the elections. The Verkhovna Rada has registered a draft law on amendments to the Electoral Code of Ukraine. https://thepage.ua/ua/news/v-radi-zareyestruvali-proyekt-zmin-do-viborchogo-kodeksu

Totalitarian tendencies are growing in Ukraine, and the law enforcement system is being used to suppress dissent. Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko stated this in his Telegram channel.

"Criminal cases, searches, detentions, arrests - all this is happening under the cover of martial law, war. This infernal machine is gaining momentum. And it actually smells of totalitarianism more and more," Klitschko wrote.

The mayor emphasized that this is about settling political scores with political opponents, representatives of local self-government, critical experts, journalists and activists. https://ukranews.com/ua/news/1093372-vlada-imituye-yednist-a-buduye-totalitaryzm-klychko

Yesterday, Kyiv residents were surprised to see a huge cargo plane in the air over Kyiv. https://www.kyivpost.com/post/56178#:~:text=An%20Antonov%20An%2D124%20%E2%80%9CRuslan,full%2Dscale%20invasion%20in%202022.

Maybe it was transporting wounded soldiers to Germany for treatment, or perhaps it quietly brought the Patriot missiles promised by Trump and flew off for the next batch. There was no official comment on this. But for some reason I remembered Bashar Assad, who used cargo planes to transport cash to Moscow before fleeing Syria.
https://www.ft.com/content/84ef8bdd-d070-431d-90f6-332937911096

[KD8ZM-Brady]

Good move, to become a contractor rather than an employee. Personal service businesses are low risk, generally speaking, since the upfront investment is low, there are no inventories to become obsolete, and payments are usually received frequently. You can also pursue multiple customers, which reduces the risk of losing your entire income due to a layoff. All of these benefits, plus more control and therefore, more satisfaction.

[N0TZU]

Good move, to become a contractor rather than an employee. Personal service businesses are low risk, generally speaking, since the upfront investment is low, there are no inventories to become obsolete, and payments are usually received frequently. You can also pursue multiple customers, which reduces the risk of losing your entire income due to a layoff. All of these benefits, plus more control and therefore, more satisfaction.

Great points, Brady. And all the more advantages given the tenuous economic situation.

[N0TZU]

It appears that President Trump has finally understood clearly that Putin was playing him with no serious intent to negotiate a cease fire. Trump says that “top of the line” weapons will be provided by NATO countries which will then be replenished by the US.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czdv20v9lp1o

I hope that Trump doesn’t shortly scale this back or stop it after the inevitable whining and worthless promises to do better come from Putin. 

[KD8ZM-Brady]

Trump is doing exactly what I said early this year, that he would do. He overestimated his ability to entice and schmooze Putin into a business deal for Russia, in exchange for peace. It didn't work, so he feels betrayed, and will go to the opposite extreme, dealing harshly with him. Trump thinks everyone in the world is economically rational, but of course not everyone is. I'm glad it's only taken this long to play out.

[N0TZU]

I hope you’re correct, but I have serious doubts that Trump will be “dealing harshly” with Putin effectively or for very long.

My first clue is that he gave Putin yet 50 more days before more economic sanctions would be imposed. Together with the time it takes to actually deliver weapons to Ukraine via the roundabout method chosen means that significant negative consequences for Putin may take months. 

I would feel better if limitations on use of longer range weapons already in Ukraine were lifted in the next day or two, and could be resupplied rapidly, as well as immediately providing more Patriot missiles.

[KD8ZM-Brady]

Hi Bob, I suppose those would be the clouds in the silver lining, but in my view, Trump is fed up. Like Biden, he still wants to tread slowly so as to reduce the nuclear threat (as would any of us if we were actually sitting in his seat) but I  think Putin's jig is up, or is at least nearing being up. I believe Trump is going to put sanctions on countries that continue to help Russia, which will be a harsher move than any previous ones taken by anyone. To me, the really interesting question will be if this includes Germany etc., since they remain major buyers of Russian energy.

[US7IGN]

The last couple of days without air attacks allowed us to sleep and recover. But summer remains hot not only because of the high temperature.

The war in Ukraine has reached a stalemate. The front line is not moving significantly in any direction, it is practically frozen. The reason for this is the widespread use of drones by both sides of the armed conflict. Drone warfare is now setting the tone for military operations and has effectively stymied progress on the front. This is stated in the publication of The Wall Street Journal. https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/a-never-ending-supply-of-drones-has-frozen-the-front-lines-in-ukraine-ae29c581?mod=hp_lead_pos8

Although for those who are killed, it probably doesn't matter what exactly it is done with - bullets, shells, or drones.

What if Ukraine falls? This is no longer a hypothetical question – and it must be answered urgently, asked Simon Tisdall from the Guardian

Two outcomes now seem most probable: a stalemated forever war, or Ukraine’s collapse. Defeat for Ukraine and a settlement on Putin’s hegemonic terms would be a defeat for the west as a whole – a strategic failure presaging an era of permanent, widening conflict across all of Europe. For russians, too, neither outcome would constitute lasting victory. Greater efforts are needed to convince russia’s politicians and public that this war, so costly for their country in lives and treasure, can be ended through negotiation, that legitimate security concerns will be addressed, that the alternatives are far worse.https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/jul/13/ukraine-europe-donald-trump-nato?CMP=fb_gu&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwQ0xDSwLgfAxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHnIdiKDoIcTkKvZi8coSkDJzjDdRsGJTHcBKFuqSalEVCi7NRQ9iCbCmN8ue_aem_gUyVPkDHGjwq9jVN1MqDUg#Echobox=1752393980

Donald Trump has said that he is disappointed but not done with Vladimir putin, in an exclusive phone call with the BBC.

The US president was pressed on whether he trusts the russian leader, and replied: "I trust almost nobody."

Trump was speaking hours after he announced plans to send weapons to Ukraine and warned of severe tariffs on russia if there was no ceasefire deal in 50 days. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1e02q12z32o

On the one hand, there is undeniable evidence that arms supplies to Ukraine have resumed, but we are unlikely to know exactly what and in what quantities Ukraine will receive. Perhaps, as with tanks and planes before, these supplies will be too little, too late to make a significant difference. In that case, it will look like a 50-day permit for putin to try to seize even more territory in Ukraine before Trump actually starts to fulfill his promise to end this war.

On the other hand, Trump unexpectedly quickly dealt with Iran and can focus on another victory. For putin, in principle, it is also possible to stop on the condition of recognizing everything that was captured, lifting sanctions, changing the government in Ukraine to one under his control. Well, there will be a deal with Trump and joint business later.

Even Ukraine would win in such a case by remaining in existence.

A change of government has been announced in Ukraine, which will actually amount to a reshuffle of ministers.
https://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2025/07/14/7521670/
https://www.bbc.com/ukrainian/articles/c8rp8ex67gdo

This reminds me of an old joke about how when things were going badly in a brothel, they didn't rearrange the beds, they changed the girls...

It is also not surprising that at the same time as the hunt for men, in Ukraine more than 145 thousand military pensioners of draft age are not serving in the army. Perhaps this is a reserve that the authorities keep for a last resort. Perhaps my sarcasm is inappropriate in this case. https://epravda.com.ua/oborona/ponad-100-tisyach-viyskovih-pensioneriv-ne-voyuyut-809200/

[KD8ZM-Brady]

I think Ukraine will continue to exist as an independent country - but there will be many more who will die before that is settled. It pains me to say the last part, but I am fairly confident that will be the case.

I watched a very interesting video last night regarding some people who believed Russian propaganda in the NY Times and ended up foolishly moving to Russia. It's hard to believe anyone could make such a move, but apparently they are quite naive. https://youtu.be/SxCOJCxps0U?si=xcDyYzs_iGRAJh04

Glad to hear there were no attacks for the past couple of nights!

[N0TZU]

I would be cautious about taking Caolan Robertson’s video comments at face value. He is obviously a Ukrainian patriot and his videos are clearly made to support his viewpoint. He’s way off base and clearly propagandizing in this instance.

I read the NYT feature/human interest article he refers to and reread it just now. First, it has nothing to do with convincing gullible, disgruntled American people to move to Russia, so Robertson is - to be polite -  incorrect about that.

The authors reported what facts they could gather and verify in the restricted situation and interviews they made, and didn’t take sides. IMO Robertson’s main beef seems to be that they didn’t take sides and blast Russia for civilian destruction. However, I don’t doubt that they deserve most of the blame because that’s what the Russian military does.

Robertson’s claim that the NYT didn’t report about churches being destroyed in Odessa and elsewhere is false, it took me seconds to find an article in the NYT that described the Russian destruction of a famous church in Odessa and I suspect there are others though I didn’t keep searching. His claim/implication that the NYT is characterized by the infamously prejudiced reporting of (mostly) one correspondent nearly a century ago ignoring Stalin’s starvation of Ukraine is bullshit.

I subscribe to the NYT, but am NOT a fanboy. It’s only one of a number of news sources I use. They all have their issues, slants and blind spots. As a newspaper “of record” there are few peers, however.