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ua48Russia controls 80% of Kostiantynivka as Donetsk fortress belt crumbles
Background: Russian forces infiltrated Kostiantynivka, turning it into a contested 'gray zone' with up to 145 troops inside, threatening the Kramatorsk-Sloviansk agglomeration. Today: A Western official reports that Russia now controls approximately 80% of Kostiantynivka's urban center, with Ukrainian defenses deteriorating. Russian forces continue infiltration attempts to secure the area between Illinivka and Novodmytrivka, potentially encircling Ukrainian defenders at Chasiv Yar. The Kostiantynivka-Druzhkivka agglomeration is under heavy shelling, with Druzhkivka and Oleksiievo-Druzhkivka being reduced to ruins. Sloviansk and Kramatorsk are increasingly isolated under constant bombardment from glide bombs, rockets, and drones, with Russian fire control extending up to 40 km beyond the contact line. Russia is also contesting Lyman and pushing toward Sloviansk and Dobropillia, with the latter seen as a potential platform to flank the fortress belt from the west. Ukrainian forces have made limited gains near Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
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Russia controls 80% of Kostiantynivka as Donetsk fortress belt crumbles
Background: Russian forces infiltrated Kostiantynivka, turning it into a contested 'gray zone' with up to 145 troops inside, threatening the Kramatorsk-Sloviansk agglomeration. Today: A Western official reports that Russia now controls approximately 80% of Kostiantynivka's urban center, with Ukrainian defenses deteriorating. Russian forces continue infiltration attempts to secure the area between Illinivka and Novodmytrivka, potentially encircling Ukrainian defenders at Chasiv Yar. The Kostiantynivka-Druzhkivka agglomeration is under heavy shelling, with Druzhkivka and Oleksiievo-Druzhkivka being reduced to ruins. Sloviansk and Kramatorsk are increasingly isolated under constant bombardment from glide bombs, rockets, and drones, with Russian fire control extending up to 40 km beyond the contact line. Russia is also contesting Lyman and pushing toward Sloviansk and Dobropillia, with the latter seen as a potential platform to flank the fortress belt from the west. Ukrainian forces have made limited gains near Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
Background: Russian forces infiltrated Kostiantynivka, turning it into a contested 'gray zone' with up to 145 troops inside, threatening the Kramatorsk-Sloviansk agglomeration. Today: A Western official reports that Russia now controls approximately 80% of Kostiantynivka's urban center, with Ukrainian defenses deteriorating. Russian forces continue infiltration attempts to secure the area between Illinivka and Novodmytrivka, potentially encircling Ukrainian defenders at Chasiv Yar. The Kostiantynivka-Druzhkivka agglomeration is under heavy shelling, with Druzhkivka and Oleksiievo-Druzhkivka being reduced to ruins. Sloviansk and Kramatorsk are increasingly isolated under constant bombardment from glide bombs, rockets, and drones, with Russian fire control extending up to 40 km beyond the contact line. Russia is also contesting Lyman and pushing toward Sloviansk and Dobropillia, with the latter seen as a potential platform to flank the fortress belt from the west. Ukrainian forces have made limited gains near Huliaipole in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
ua44Zelenskyy Says Crimea Not on Peace Talks Agenda, Discusses Patriot Production with Trump
Background: US-led peace negotiations on Ukraine have stalled, with the Trump administration's focus shifting to Iran. Ukrainian President Zelensky has called for greater European involvement and proposed direct talks with Putin. Today, Zelenskyy stated in a Fox News interview that the liberation of Russian-occupied Crimea is not currently under discussion in peace negotiations, though he reaffirmed Crimea as Ukrainian territory. He also disclosed that his recent White House meeting with President Trump covered Patriot missile production licenses and other strategic cooperation ideas, with the meeting held behind closed doors. In the same interview, he emphasized that the peninsula remains Ukrainian territory, and revealed that the closed-door White House meeting with Trump included discussions on licenses for the production of Patriot interceptor missiles and other strategic cooperation ideas. Neither president made public statements after the meeting, which was held without media representatives.
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Zelenskyy Says Crimea Not on Peace Talks Agenda, Discusses Patriot Production with Trump
Background: US-led peace negotiations on Ukraine have stalled, with the Trump administration's focus shifting to Iran. Ukrainian President Zelensky has called for greater European involvement and proposed direct talks with Putin. Today, Zelenskyy stated in a Fox News interview that the liberation of Russian-occupied Crimea is not currently under discussion in peace negotiations, though he reaffirmed Crimea as Ukrainian territory. He also disclosed that his recent White House meeting with President Trump covered Patriot missile production licenses and other strategic cooperation ideas, with the meeting held behind closed doors. In the same interview, he emphasized that the peninsula remains Ukrainian territory, and revealed that the closed-door White House meeting with Trump included discussions on licenses for the production of Patriot interceptor missiles and other strategic cooperation ideas. Neither president made public statements after the meeting, which was held without media representatives.
Background: US-led peace negotiations on Ukraine have stalled, with the Trump administration's focus shifting to Iran. Ukrainian President Zelensky has called for greater European involvement and proposed direct talks with Putin. Today, Zelenskyy stated in a Fox News interview that the liberation of Russian-occupied Crimea is not currently under discussion in peace negotiations, though he reaffirmed Crimea as Ukrainian territory. He also disclosed that his recent White House meeting with President Trump covered Patriot missile production licenses and other strategic cooperation ideas, with the meeting held behind closed doors. In the same interview, he emphasized that the peninsula remains Ukrainian territory, and revealed that the closed-door White House meeting with Trump included discussions on licenses for the production of Patriot interceptor missiles and other strategic cooperation ideas. Neither president made public statements after the meeting, which was held without media representatives.
ua43Zelensky Accuses Russia of Benefiting from Middle East Conflict to Divert US Support
In a Fox News interview aired July 31, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that Russia wants the Middle East conflict to continue because it diverts US support away from Ukraine. He accused Moscow of supplying Iran with drones used in attacks across the region, including against Israel. Zelensky stated that Ukraine is 'not losing' the war, citing over 1.5 million Russian troops killed and about 50,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed, though he declined to provide detailed casualty figures. He also said Russia is losing 30,000 soldiers per month and that Putin no longer holds the initiative, while emphasizing the war as a race of innovation and highlighting Ukraine's growing mil-tech industry with 500 companies. The remarks come amid escalated US-Iran tensions following the collapse of the Islamabad memorandum ceasefire.
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Zelensky Accuses Russia of Benefiting from Middle East Conflict to Divert US Support
In a Fox News interview aired July 31, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that Russia wants the Middle East conflict to continue because it diverts US support away from Ukraine. He accused Moscow of supplying Iran with drones used in attacks across the region, including against Israel. Zelensky stated that Ukraine is 'not losing' the war, citing over 1.5 million Russian troops killed and about 50,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed, though he declined to provide detailed casualty figures. He also said Russia is losing 30,000 soldiers per month and that Putin no longer holds the initiative, while emphasizing the war as a race of innovation and highlighting Ukraine's growing mil-tech industry with 500 companies. The remarks come amid escalated US-Iran tensions following the collapse of the Islamabad memorandum ceasefire.
In a Fox News interview aired July 31, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that Russia wants the Middle East conflict to continue because it diverts US support away from Ukraine. He accused Moscow of supplying Iran with drones used in attacks across the region, including against Israel. Zelensky stated that Ukraine is 'not losing' the war, citing over 1.5 million Russian troops killed and about 50,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed, though he declined to provide detailed casualty figures. He also said Russia is losing 30,000 soldiers per month and that Putin no longer holds the initiative, while emphasizing the war as a race of innovation and highlighting Ukraine's growing mil-tech industry with 500 companies. The remarks come amid escalated US-Iran tensions following the collapse of the Islamabad memorandum ceasefire.
ua41Putin's Donbas Offensive Backfires as Russian Army Faces Collapse
Russia's offensive to capture the last fortress cities of Donbas—Kostiantynivka, Druzhkivka, Kramatorsk, and Sloviansk—is backfiring, according to analysis. The campaign has consumed enormous manpower at Bakhmut and Pokrovsk without operational breakthroughs, leaving Russia with depleted troops, weak logistics, and fuel shortages. Ukrainian drones isolate assault groups, and the regime's internal filtering of reports hides failures. The offensive risks breaking Putin's army and potentially destabilizing his regime.
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Putin's Donbas Offensive Backfires as Russian Army Faces Collapse
Russia's offensive to capture the last fortress cities of Donbas—Kostiantynivka, Druzhkivka, Kramatorsk, and Sloviansk—is backfiring, according to analysis. The campaign has consumed enormous manpower at Bakhmut and Pokrovsk without operational breakthroughs, leaving Russia with depleted troops, weak logistics, and fuel shortages. Ukrainian drones isolate assault groups, and the regime's internal filtering of reports hides failures. The offensive risks breaking Putin's army and potentially destabilizing his regime.
Russia's offensive to capture the last fortress cities of Donbas—Kostiantynivka, Druzhkivka, Kramatorsk, and Sloviansk—is backfiring, according to analysis. The campaign has consumed enormous manpower at Bakhmut and Pokrovsk without operational breakthroughs, leaving Russia with depleted troops, weak logistics, and fuel shortages. Ukrainian drones isolate assault groups, and the regime's internal filtering of reports hides failures. The offensive risks breaking Putin's army and potentially destabilizing his regime.
ua40New Army Chief Appointed in Ukraine Amid Ongoing Protests and Missile Attacks
Background: Protests in Kyiv have continued for days demanding the return of former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The political crisis escalated following the July 16 government changes, which included the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and the failed nomination of the interior minister as his replacement. Protests on Ivan Franko Square continued, with hundreds participating, while nightly ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv forced residents to shelter in hallways. On July 22, a new chief of the Ukrainian army was appointed, bringing relief to Kyiv residents after a tense week. The protests and missile threats have become part of daily life, as described by a Kyiv resident. The situation remains tense as the government reshuffle continues.
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New Army Chief Appointed in Ukraine Amid Ongoing Protests and Missile Attacks
Background: Protests in Kyiv have continued for days demanding the return of former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The political crisis escalated following the July 16 government changes, which included the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and the failed nomination of the interior minister as his replacement. Protests on Ivan Franko Square continued, with hundreds participating, while nightly ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv forced residents to shelter in hallways. On July 22, a new chief of the Ukrainian army was appointed, bringing relief to Kyiv residents after a tense week. The protests and missile threats have become part of daily life, as described by a Kyiv resident. The situation remains tense as the government reshuffle continues.
Background: Protests in Kyiv have continued for days demanding the return of former defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov. The political crisis escalated following the July 16 government changes, which included the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and the failed nomination of the interior minister as his replacement. Protests on Ivan Franko Square continued, with hundreds participating, while nightly ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv forced residents to shelter in hallways. On July 22, a new chief of the Ukrainian army was appointed, bringing relief to Kyiv residents after a tense week. The protests and missile threats have become part of daily life, as described by a Kyiv resident. The situation remains tense as the government reshuffle continues.
ua39Ukraine's new commander suspends personnel intake for assault regiments amid abuse probes
Ukraine's newly appointed Commander-in-Chief Mykhailo Drapatyi has ordered assault regiments of the Ground Forces to suspend intake of additional personnel from 26 July, marking the first restriction on their replenishment. The move follows investigations into alleged torture, beatings, and killings in units such as the 425th Skelia and 225th regiments, which had enjoyed privileged access to personnel under former commander Syrskyi. The General Staff also announced a broader review of troop distribution to address imbalances, part of Drapatyi's manpower overhaul.
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Ukraine's new commander suspends personnel intake for assault regiments amid abuse probes
Ukraine's newly appointed Commander-in-Chief Mykhailo Drapatyi has ordered assault regiments of the Ground Forces to suspend intake of additional personnel from 26 July, marking the first restriction on their replenishment. The move follows investigations into alleged torture, beatings, and killings in units such as the 425th Skelia and 225th regiments, which had enjoyed privileged access to personnel under former commander Syrskyi. The General Staff also announced a broader review of troop distribution to address imbalances, part of Drapatyi's manpower overhaul.
Ukraine's newly appointed Commander-in-Chief Mykhailo Drapatyi has ordered assault regiments of the Ground Forces to suspend intake of additional personnel from 26 July, marking the first restriction on their replenishment. The move follows investigations into alleged torture, beatings, and killings in units such as the 425th Skelia and 225th regiments, which had enjoyed privileged access to personnel under former commander Syrskyi. The General Staff also announced a broader review of troop distribution to address imbalances, part of Drapatyi's manpower overhaul.
ua38Ukraine reveals over 140 foreign components in Russian Iskander missile, including 62 from US
Ukraine's presidential sanctions commissioner Vladyslav Vlasiuk reported that a Russian Iskander missile used to strike Kyiv Oblast on 10 July contained over 140 foreign components, including 62 from the US, 8 from Switzerland, 5 from Germany, and others. At least 20 parts were made in 2025, indicating recent production despite sanctions. Vlasiuk highlighted Western European components as critical chokepoints, noting that removing them would make missile production impossible. The parts reportedly reach Russia through ordinary commercial channels via third-country intermediaries, highlighting an enforcement gap.
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Ukraine reveals over 140 foreign components in Russian Iskander missile, including 62 from US
Ukraine's presidential sanctions commissioner Vladyslav Vlasiuk reported that a Russian Iskander missile used to strike Kyiv Oblast on 10 July contained over 140 foreign components, including 62 from the US, 8 from Switzerland, 5 from Germany, and others. At least 20 parts were made in 2025, indicating recent production despite sanctions. Vlasiuk highlighted Western European components as critical chokepoints, noting that removing them would make missile production impossible. The parts reportedly reach Russia through ordinary commercial channels via third-country intermediaries, highlighting an enforcement gap.
Ukraine's presidential sanctions commissioner Vladyslav Vlasiuk reported that a Russian Iskander missile used to strike Kyiv Oblast on 10 July contained over 140 foreign components, including 62 from the US, 8 from Switzerland, 5 from Germany, and others. At least 20 parts were made in 2025, indicating recent production despite sanctions. Vlasiuk highlighted Western European components as critical chokepoints, noting that removing them would make missile production impossible. The parts reportedly reach Russia through ordinary commercial channels via third-country intermediaries, highlighting an enforcement gap.
ua37Russian drone strike kills bread truck driver in Kherson
Russian forces attacked a bread delivery truck with a drone in Kherson's Central District, killing the driver. The vehicle was marked with large 'BREAD' lettering, and the Kherson Regional Military Administration condemned it as a deliberate attack on civilians. This incident underscores the ongoing Russian targeting of civilian infrastructure and personnel in southern Ukraine, adding to a series of Russian drone attacks on civilian vehicles in the region.
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Russian drone strike kills bread truck driver in Kherson
Russian forces attacked a bread delivery truck with a drone in Kherson's Central District, killing the driver. The vehicle was marked with large 'BREAD' lettering, and the Kherson Regional Military Administration condemned it as a deliberate attack on civilians. This incident underscores the ongoing Russian targeting of civilian infrastructure and personnel in southern Ukraine, adding to a series of Russian drone attacks on civilian vehicles in the region.
Russian forces attacked a bread delivery truck with a drone in Kherson's Central District, killing the driver. The vehicle was marked with large 'BREAD' lettering, and the Kherson Regional Military Administration condemned it as a deliberate attack on civilians. This incident underscores the ongoing Russian targeting of civilian infrastructure and personnel in southern Ukraine, adding to a series of Russian drone attacks on civilian vehicles in the region.