Volodymyr Zelensky has tasked his new top military leadership with improving mobilisation as Ukraine looks to extend its gains over Russia ahead of a potential return to talks aimed at ending the war.
The Ukrainian president said on Thursday that new commander in chief Mykhailo Drapatyi and interim defence minister Yvhenii Khmara will be asked to rally troops.
He also confirmed the popular former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, whose dismissal last week sparked protests in 17 cities nationwide, was offered a role as vice prime minister for defence innovation.
Zelensky said earlier that Vladimir Putin’s advisors increasingly blame him for Russia’s mounting losses in Ukraine. He said that Ukraine’s buoyed confidence on the battlefield is “creating a new atmosphere” around Putin, with allies losing faith in his ability to continue the four-year conflict.
“A very toxic atmosphere,” Zelensky assessed. “He alone is the reason this war began and hasn’t ended. Putin alone is responsible for the losses Russians continue to suffer. His retinue understands this - they are signalling it to us and to our partners.”
Zelensky’s stark assessment came as the US secretary of state conceded that there would be no quick path to a deal to end the war.
Read MoreZelensky’s new military chief wins widespread approval after surprise sacking
Russia says it won’t stop attacks on Black Sea shipping despite Indian protest over sailor deaths
FBI director Kash Patel plans Russia trip where he’ll be hosted by KGB’s successors: report
Ukraine’s army chief expected to lose job after week of protests over sacking of defence minister
‘I was Russia’s Michael McIntyre – but I’ve now fled Putin and may never go back’
Key Points
- The latest: Putin's advisors running out of patience, says Zelensky
- EU ambassadors agree 21st sanctions package against Russia
- Lavrov slams 'unacceptable' deliveries of US arms to Ukraine
- Russia rules out giving up Ukraine territory in peace deal – report
- "We want a peace deal on Ukraine," says Rubio
Ousted defence minister Fedorov says he will not take another post in Ukraine's government
16:30 , Holly EvansUkraine's ousted defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, said on Thursday he would not accept any other position in the government, despite having been offered alternative roles by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
"No other role carries the actual authority to combat procurement corruption, complete the army's transformation, plan and execute asymmetric operations against the enemy," Fedorov, whose dismissal last week rare wartime street protests, said in a statement sent to reporters.
Russia's oil and gas revenue seen up 60% in July
16:00 , Holly EvansRussia's state oil and gas revenue, which accounts for around a fifth of total budget income, is seen rising by 60 per cent in July from the same month a year ago thanks to the increase in global oil prices, Reuters calculations showed on Thursday.
A steep rise from profit-based tax proceeds on oil production for the second quarter has also contributed to the overall year-on-year revenue rise. Russia, the world's third-largest oil producer and exporter after the United States and Saudi Arabia, relies heavily on oil and gas sales, which help finance its military campaign in Ukraine.
Oil and gas tax revenue for January to July is still likely to decline by 11 per cent from the same period in 2025, to 4.9 billion roubles.
The finance ministry is due to publish its estimates for July on August 5.
EU's top diplomat congratulate's Miliband's appointment as foreign sec
15:30 , James ReynoldsKaja Kallas congratulates Ed Miliband as the new foreign secretary of the UK.
She says they discussed support for Ukraine, freedom of navigation, the Middle East and the broader political landscape in Manila today, ahead of the ASEAN Regional Forum.
EU-UK cooperation on foreign policy, security, and defence has never been more important. There is strong momentum to deepen and accelerate our Security and Defence Partnership.
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) July 23, 2026
Congratulations on your new role as UK Foreign Secretary, @Ed_Miliband. It was a pleasure to meet you… pic.twitter.com/YlDKdngOod
Zelensky thanks Ireland for solidarity with Ukraine amid Russian invasion
15:00 , James ReynoldsIn a post on social media, Volodymyr Zelensky honours Ukraine’s fallen soldiers alongside Taoiseach of Ireland Micheál Martin:
We value Ireland's unwavering respect for our people. Today, Taoiseach of Ireland Micheál Martin @MichealMartinTD began his visit to Ukraine by honoring the memory of our fallen warriors. Ireland also began its Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the same way — by… pic.twitter.com/lymn6Vtocu
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 23, 2026
Sailor dies after Ukraine-bound tanker catches fire off Romania
14:30 , James ReynoldsA sailor injured when a Ukraine-bound tanker ship caught fire off Romania’s Black Sea coast has died, Romanian media reported on Thursday, as authorities investigate a possible link to Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The ship, a Liberian-flagged vessel named Gas Lisbon, was sailing across the Black Sea toward a Ukrainian port when it was “struck” late Monday around 20 nautical miles off Romania's coast, Romanian President Nicusor Dan said on Tuesday.
Romanian authorities approached the vessel and evacuated the entire 17-member crew, including three injured sailors. Two of those injured had burns on approximately 10-15% of their bodies while the third suffered multiple wounds, according to Romania’s Department for Emergency Situations.
In full:
A sailor dies after a Ukraine-bound tanker catches fire off Romania as officials probe war link
More sanctions 'hit Putin where it hurts', says Kallas
14:00 , James ReynoldsThe EU’s top diplomat says another round of sanctions against Russia will “hit Putin where it hurts most”, targeting Moscow’s financial system, the military-industrial complex and the energy sector.
Kaja Kallas writes on X: “This is not the end of the road on sanctions. We are already working on the next steps. The EU must be ready to respond to any further Russian escalation.”
We have agreed on the 21st sanctions package against Russia.
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) July 23, 2026
It delivers sweeping measures targeting Moscow’s financial system, its military-industrial complex and energy sector, that keep Russia's war economy running.
We are hitting Putin where it hurts most: cutting off the…
Ukrainian and US teams could meet within days to discuss restarting talks, says Zelensky
13:38 , James ReynoldsPresident Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday that Ukrainian and U.S. teams could meet in the United States in the coming days.
Zelenskiy added that he had spoken to U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on Wednesday to discuss ideas on how to reinvigorate peace talks.
Zelensky tasks new military leadership with improving mobilisation
13:37 , James ReynoldsUkraine's new top commander, Mykhailo Drapatyi, and acting defence minister Yvhenii Khmara will be tasked with improving mobilisation, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday.
The Ukrainian president said that Mykhailo Fedorov, whose dismissal from the defence minister post last week sparked protests, was offered to become a vice prime minister for defence innovation.
Zelensky added that he offered Yuliia Svyrydenko, Ukraine's former PM, the post of the country's envoy to the U.S.
Kash Patel’s reported Russia trip is already sparking fierce backlash
13:30 , James ReynoldsFBI Director Kash Patel is planning a trip to Russia later this year, likely in mid-October, according to a report.
Two insiders cited by Politico said Patel is scheduled to visit on October 14 and 15, a matter of weeks before the midterm elections at home, and will make appearances in both Moscow and St Petersburg.
It is unclear whether he will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin or his entourage during his stay, the insiders said, but he is expected to be hosted by the FSB, the main successor organization to the Soviet Union’s KGB. Patel has yet to respond to the report, and the FBI and DOJ have been contacted for comment.
In full:
FBI director Kash Patel plans Russia trip: report
Lavrov slams 'unacceptable' deliveries of US arms to Ukraine
13:00 , James ReynoldsRussia’s veteran foreign minister Sergei Lavrov told his US counterpart that it was “unacceptable” for deliveries of arms to the “Kyiv regime” to continue.
Lavrov met with secretary of state Marco Rubio in Manila for around 30 minutes on Thursday to discuss the war in Ukraine.
The Russian foreign ministry said that Lavrov “emphasised that it was unacceptable to continue arms deliveries to the Kyiv regime”.
He also slammed “a destabilising policy by European countries that are always seeking to inflict a 'strategic defeat' on Russia”.
Former defence secretaries back Healey plan to use war bonds to boost defence spending
12:30 , James ReynoldsTwo former Tory defence secretaries have backed using defence bonds to raise the funds needed to boost spending for the UK’s military and security, which The Independent understands is under consideration by new chancellor John Healey.
A senior source who worked with Mr Healey to try to raise extra money for defence before he quit Sir Keir Starmer’s government has said the chancellor is considering a bid to join a new Canada-led global banking scheme, which would allow it to find cheaper ways to finance defence projects.
Mr Healey resigned as defence secretary in June over a failure to meet the requirements in defence spending, claiming the package was £13bn short of what was required meaning the armed forces could not keep Britain safe. It later emerged another £4.7bn of the £15bn plan was unfunded.
Former defence secretaries back plan to join banking scheme to boost defence spending
Recap: Zelensky claims there is ‘toxic atmosphere’ in Putin’s inner circle after battlefield failures
12:00 , James ReynoldsIn pictures: Aftermath of a Russian drone strike in Ukraine's Sumy
11:31 , James Reynolds
Russia not optimistic on Ukraine peace deal after Rubio-Lavrov meeting
11:00 , James ReynoldsThe Kremlin said on Thursday that it was not overly optimistic about the prospects of a quick deal to end the conflict in Ukraine following a meeting between Russian and U.S. officials in Manila.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed Ukraine on the sidelines of an ASEAN gathering on Thursday, with Rubio saying that Washington remains prepared to play a "constructive role" in finding a solution to the war.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that he hoped U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would come to Moscow when they are available, and that Russia would continue dialogue with the U.S.
Washington's efforts on Ukraine peace have largely stalled as it has become distracted by its war in Iran.
Kremlin declines comment on report that Russia may have helped Iran strike CIA facilities in Gulf
10:48 , James ReynoldsThe Kremlin on Thursday declined to comment on a Reuters report that U.S. intelligence analysts were investigating possible Russian assistance in Iranian drone attacks on CIA facilities in the Gulf.
Four people familiar with U.S. intelligence told Reuters that the officials had not yet reached firm conclusions about the possible Russian involvement in the attacks on CIA facilities. But they cited the strikes' effectiveness and apparent precision, as well as Russia's broader technical support for Iran, as possible evidence.
Explained: Dismissal of Ukraine's defense minister started a sudden transformation of the military
10:30 , James ReynoldsIn the span of a single week, the dismissal of a Ukrainian defense minister set in motion a transformation of the country’s armed forces that replaced the old guard with a new generation of leadership.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decision to fire his popular defense minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, triggered days of public protest that quickly shifted toward the country's commander-in-chief and highlighted the growing rift over the future of Ukraine’s military.
Demonstrators denounced the commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, and overwhelmingly rallied behind the departed defense minister, who has emerged as one of the country’s most influential wartime reformers with support from Ukrainians hungry for change. Protesters demanded his reinstatement. Fedorov's dismissal followed months of increasingly bitter disagreements between the two men.
As it happened:
Dismissal of Ukraine's defense minister started a sudden transformation of the military
Lavrov and Rubio discussed Ukraine war, says Moscow
10:00 , James ReynoldsRussian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said he and his US counterpart Marco Rubio discussed the Ukraine conflict and the normalisation of US-Russia relations in a meeting in Manila on Thursday.
Lavrov "reaffirmed Russia's readiness for a political and diplomatic settlement of the conflict," the ministry's statement said, and told Rubio that Moscow remained committed to proposals put forward by Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin at their August 2025 meeting in Alaska.
The two men, who met on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum, agreed to continue contacts, the Russian statement said.
Recap: Two dead, five injured in Ukrainian attacks on Crimea and southern Russia
09:30 , James ReynoldsTwo people were killed including a three-year-old child in separate overnight Ukrainian attacks on a southern Russian city and on the Russian-controlled peninsula of Crimea, authorities said on Thursday.
Crimean governor Sergei Aksyonov said one person died on the peninsula and four more were injured, including two children.
Falling drone debris sparked a fire at the home of a three-year-old boy in the city of Voronezh, some 500 kilometres (310 miles) south of Moscow, killing him, the regional governor Alexander Gusev said.
A 19-year-old man sustained minor injuries in the attack, which also damaged the roof of a warehouse belonging to an online marketplace and other buildings.
"We want a peace deal on Ukraine," says Rubio
09:18 , James ReynoldsMarco Rubio says “we want a peace deal on Ukraine” after his talks with his Russian counterpart in Manila.
The US Secretary of State says such a deal will require a lot of work, as Russia is still reportedly refusing to give up land with Ukraine buoyed by momentum in long-range strikes.
Rubio goes on to say that Iran is probably not ready to make a peace deal with the US, but may soon.
The US has pulled back from mediating the Ukraine war since its attacks on Iran in February.
Lavrov slams 'unacceptable' deliveries of US arms to Ukraine
09:13 , James ReynoldsRussia’s veteran foreign minister Sergei Lavrov told his US counterpart that it was “unacceptable” for deliveries of arms to the “Kyiv regime” to continue.
Lavrov met with secretary of state Marco Rubio in Manila for around 30 minutes on Thursday to discuss the war in Ukraine.
The Russian foreign ministry said that Lavrov “emphasised that it was unacceptable to continue arms deliveries to the Kyiv regime”.
He also slammed “a destabilising policy by European countries that are always seeking to inflict a 'strategic defeat' on Russia”.
The latest: Putin's advisors running out of patience, says Zelensky
09:00 , James ReynoldsVladimir Putin’s advisors increasingly blame him for Russia’s mounting losses in Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday, hailing the success of Kyiv’s protracted campaign of strikes deep behind enemy lines.
The Ukrainian president wrote that Ukraine’s buoyed confidence on the battlefield is “creating a new atmosphere” around his Russian counterpart, with allies losing faith in Putin’s ability to continue to prosecute the four-year conflict.
“A very toxic atmosphere,” Zelensky assessed. “He alone is the reason this war began and hasn’t ended. Putin alone is responsible for the losses Russians continue to suffer. His retinue understands this - they are signalling it to us and to our partners.”
The situation on the front, together with our long-range sanctions and mid-range strikes, is creating a new atmosphere around Putin. A very toxic atmosphere. He alone is the reason this war began and hasn't ended. Putin alone is responsible for the losses Russians continue to… pic.twitter.com/AmKq0PzFtp
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 22, 2026
Watch: Huge fires as Zelensky launches new attacks on Russian warehouses
08:30 , James ReynoldsEU ambassadors agree 21st sanctions package against Russia
08:29 , James ReynoldsEU ambassadors have reached a political agreement on the 21st sanctions package against Russia, four EU diplomats said on Thursday.
Two EU diplomats said the package includes a 12-month freeze on the Russian oil price cap, as well as a one-year exemption allowing the transfer of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) to third countries, with automatic renewal.
"Member states showed solidarity with Greece and it's expected that Greece will do the same with others in the future," one EU diplomat said.
The technical work on the sanctions package will now be concluded and a written procedure for adoption will be launched on Thursday afternoon.
Russia strikes Ukraine's Odesa port
08:00 , James ReynoldsRussian forces struck infrastructure used for military cargo in the Ukrainian Black Sea port city of Odesa, the Interfax news agency reported on Thursday, citing Russia's defence ministry.
Russia and Ukraine have stepped up military activity in and around the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov in recent weeks, with each side attacking dozens of ships, including oil tankers and cargo vessels.
Two dead, five injured in Ukrainian attacks on Crimea and southern Russia
07:40 , Arpan RaiAt least two people were killed including a three-year-old child in separate overnight Ukrainian attacks on a southern Russian city and on the Russian-controlled peninsula of Crimea, authorities said this morning.
Crimean governor Sergei Aksyonov said one person died on the peninsula and four more were injured, including two children.
Falling drone debris sparked a fire at the home of a three-year-old boy in the city of Voronezh, some 500km (310 miles) south of Moscow, killing him, the regional governor Alexander Gusev said.
A 19-year-old man sustained minor injuries in the attack, which also damaged the roof of a warehouse belonging to an online marketplace and other buildings.
The governor of the Ulyanovsk region east of Moscow said Ukrainian drones had attacked an energy facility, which caught fire. The Russian defence ministry said its air defence units downed 223 Ukrainian drones overnight.
Putin's aide Lavrov signals readiness to end Ukraine war – but sticking to Alaska terms
07:28 , Arpan RaiRussian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and US secretary of state Marco Rubio discussed the Ukraine conflict and the normalisation of US-Russia relations in a meeting in Manila this morning, the Russian foreign ministry said.
Lavrov "reaffirmed Russia's readiness for a political and diplomatic settlement of the conflict," the ministry's statement said, and told Rubio that Moscow remained committed to proposals put forward by presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin at their August 2025 meeting in Alaska.
The two men, who met on the sidelines of the ASEAN Regional Forum, agreed to continue contacts, the Russian statement said.
The Kremlin has repeatedly said it wants to end the Ukraine war along the lines of terms discussed at that Alaska summit, which included a significant concession of territory by Ukraine. Kyiv has said it cannot abide by those terms, and the US has said no deal was ever finalised during the those talks.
One killed and four injured in Ukrainian attack on Crimea
07:03 , Arpan RaiOne person was killed and four injured in a Ukrainian attack on the Russian-controlled peninsula of Crimea, the Russian-installed governor said this morning.
There are two children among the injured, Crimean governor Sergei Aksyonov wrote on Telegram.
Air defence units downed 223 Ukrainian drones overnight, Russian news agencies said, citing the defence ministry.
The governor of the Ulyanovsk region east of Moscow said that Ukrainian drones had attacked an energy facility, adding it had caught fire.
Civilian sites were attacked in Russia's Voronezh region during the night, governor Alexander Gusev said, adding that some people were injured.
Watch: Wildberries: Huge fires as Zelensky launches new attacks on Russian warehouses
06:57 , Arpan RaiRubio and Lavrov wrap up meeting in Manila
06:41 , Arpan RaiRussian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and US secretary of state Marco Rubio have held their meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN forum in Manila, the TASS news agency reported.
The meeting lasted over half an hour, it added. Details of what was discussed are yet to be released.
Earlier Rubio told reporters in Manila that he planned to raise the conflict in Ukraine with Lavrov, saying that the US remained open to playing a role in ending the conflict “if that opportunity presents itself”.
German nuclear fuel plant cleared to work with Russia's Rosatom
06:10 , Arpan RaiA German nuclear fuel assembly plant has won regulatory approval to jointly produce fuel with Russia's state-owned Rosatom, underscoring how the nuclear sector remains largely exempt from European sanctions on Russia.
A federal state regulator cleared Advanced Nuclear Fuels, part of French nuclear power company Framatome, a subsidiary of EDF, to produce fuel rods in Lingen, Lower Saxony, for Russian-designed nuclear power plants with Rosatom, Germany's federal environment ministry said on Wednesday.
The federal ministry said it regretted the collaboration but added the regulator legally had no choice but to give its go-ahead.
There is so far no EU agreement on an extension of sanctions on Russia to the nuclear power sector but Germany was working towards that, a ministry spokesperson told Reuters.
Russia rules out giving up Ukraine territory in peace deal – report
05:50 , Arpan RaiRussian president Vladimir Putin still insists he will keep all occupied Ukrainian territory as part of any peace deal to end the war, according to a report.
Sources close to the Kremlin said Putin wants to hold these occupied regions near the border and use them as buffer zones, reported Bloomberg.
At the same time, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has also ruled out formally ceding any territory illegally occupied by Russia since the war began in 2022.
In June Putin signalled that Russia was ready to reach a compromise to end the war, but no details were shared.
Putin facing 'toxic atmosphere' at home amid Russian losses, says Zelensky
05:27 , Arpan RaiUkraine leader Volodymyr Zelensky said his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin is under pressure as a result of his country's losses in the war on Ukraine.
“He alone is the reason this war began and hasn't ended. Putin alone is responsible for the losses Russians continue to suffer,” Zelensky said in his nightly address.
“The situation on the front, together with our long-range sanctions and mid-range strikes, is creating a new atmosphere around Putin. A very toxic atmosphere,” he said.
Zelensky said Russian society is starting to feel the impacts of the war more than ever. “His retinue understands this – they are signalling it to us and to our partners. Russian society is beginning to feel it more and more as well. We need decisions to bring about peace.”
The situation on the front, together with our long-range sanctions and mid-range strikes, is creating a new atmosphere around Putin. A very toxic atmosphere. He alone is the reason this war began and hasn't ended. Putin alone is responsible for the losses Russians continue to… pic.twitter.com/AmKq0PzFtp
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 22, 2026
Watch: Two killed in Zaporizhzhia and nine injured in latest Russian attack on residential building
05:19 , Arpan RaiRussia bans vessel movement at night at major port amid Ukraine drone attacks
04:47 , Arpan RaiRussia has introduced a temporary ban on vessel movements in and out of the port of Novorossiysk between midnight and 5am because of Ukrainian drone attacks, three grain industry sources said on Wednesday.
Novorossiysk is Russia's biggest port by volume and handles up to one third of Russia's grain exports. The ban follows traffic restrictions introduced earlier this month in the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait.
The sources said the order was verbal and that no official document had been sent to shippers. They said the port was functioning as usual outside the restricted night-time hours, and grain shipments had not been affected.
A government order published on 21 July banned vessels from anchoring in areas without air defences at the port of Azov in the Sea of Azov and the port of Kavkaz in the Kerch Strait.
US to pitch ending Ukraine war as Rubio meets Lavrov today
04:21 , Arpan RaiUS secretary of state Marco Rubio is set to meet today with Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov in the Philippines, where he’s expected to renew the prospect of the US trying to broker an end to the war in Ukraine.
The meeting between Rubio and Lavrov is slated to occur on the sidelines of a gathering by Southeast Asian foreign ministers, among the most high-profile side meetings the region's top diplomats were having at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations event in Manila.
Rubio told reporters in Manila yesterday that he plans to raise the conflict in Ukraine with Lavrov, saying that the US remained open to playing a role in ending the conflict “if that opportunity presents itself.”
He acknowledged that those efforts have “kind of fallen off a little bit over the last few months” but said the meeting would explore whether there’s an opportunity to renew talks.
“We have to have a relationship with the Russian government, even though we have areas of disagreement,” Rubio said, noting that they are two largest nuclear-armed countries.
Lavrov, speaking to reporters at the ASEAN meeting, said he would ask Rubio about the latest statements by US president Donald Trump predicting that a settlement is getting close.
“I will ask Marco Rubio about it tomorrow,” Lavrov said.
Zelensky discusses weapons and diplomacy in talks with US envoys
04:00 , Arpan RaiUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner spoke yesterday about the prospects for pursuing more active diplomacy and moving towards an accord to end the more than four-year-old war with Russia.
Both the Ukrainian leader and the White House confirmed the telephone conversation took place.
US-brokered diplomacy in the war has stalled with Washington largely focused on the conflict with Iran.
“I just spoke with President Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff @SEPeaceMissions and Jared Kushner @jaredkushner," Zelensky wrote in a post on X.
“It was a good, important conversation on how to reinvigorate diplomacy and bring peace closer. Peace is needed – peace with dignity, and Ukraine has long been ready for it,” he said, adding that both sides would stay in close contact.
“I am, frankly, asking for faster action and greater support.”
Posting earlier on X, he said securing Patriot interceptor supplies was a “critical priority now, as massive Russian attacks continue unabated.”
I just spoke with President Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff @SEPeaceMissions and Jared Kushner @jaredkushner. It was a good, important conversation on how to reinvigorate diplomacy and bring peace closer. Peace is needed – peace with dignity, and Ukraine has long been ready for it.… pic.twitter.com/XvqrLjZs8s
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 22, 2026
Zelensky asks US for faster action on Patriot air defence production
03:00 , Jane DaltonUkrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky says he has discussed licences for Patriot air defence system production with US ambassador to Nato Matthew Whitaker, to protect Ukrainian cities from missile attacks.
"These past months have been extremely difficult...That is exactly what we discussed with Ambassador Whitaker today - production licences, missiles and everything else that is needed," Mr Zelensky said in his address.
"I am, frankly, asking for faster action and greater support."
Earlier, he wrote that securing Patriot interceptor supplies was a "critical priority now, as massive Russian attacks continue unabated".
President Donald Trump agreed during a meeting with Mr Zelensky at the Nato summit in Turkey this month that the United States would grant Ukraine a licence to manufacture Patriot missile interceptors.
Russia bans night-time port shipping after drone attacks
02:00 , Jane DaltonRussia has introduced a temporary ban on vessel movements in and out of the port of Novorossiysk between midnight and 5am because of Ukrainian drone attacks, three grain industry sources say.
The sources said the order was verbal and that no official document had been sent to shippers.
Novorossiysk is Russia's biggest port by volume and handles up to one third of Russia's grain exports. The ban follows traffic restrictions introduced earlier this month in the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait.
Novorossiysk also ships oil, metals and goods in containers.
The sources said the port was functioning as usual outside the restricted night-time hours, and grain shipments had not been affected.
EU envoys fail to agree on new package of Russian sanctions
01:00 , Jane DaltonEU ambassadors have failed to agree on a 21st package of sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, an EU diplomat said.
The envoys will meet again on Thursday, the diplomat added.
The new package targets Russia's banking sector in an effort to squeeze Moscow's financial system at what the EU sees as a vulnerable time.
However, Greece wants the EU to soften already agreed restrictions on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies and has become the main obstacle to adopting the new package.
Zelensky welcomes US ambassador to Nato back to Kyiv
Wednesday 22 July 2026 23:59 , James ReynoldsGreat to welcome Matthew Whitaker @MattWhitaker46, U.S. Ambassador to NATO, back in Kyiv – this time together with Lieutenant General Curtis Buzzard, Commander of NATO Security Assistance & Training for Ukraine.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 22, 2026
We had a good talk – first and foremost on how to protect Ukrainian… pic.twitter.com/6R7kXNLGyD
Recap: Burnham speaks to Zelensky and Trump in first calls after taking office
Wednesday 22 July 2026 23:00 , Alex CroftAndy Burnham has spoken with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky and US president Donald Trump as part of his first set of phone calls with world leaders as prime minister.
Burnham promised that Britain's support for Ukraine would remain unchanged under his leadership, just hours after he replaced Sir Keir Starmer in No 10.
Zelensky confirmed the call on his Telegram channel and said the two sides reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine and agreed to speak on bilateral cooperation in the near future, including within the Anti-Ballistic Coalition.
"I was happy to speak with Andy Burnham and congratulate him on taking office as prime minister of the United Kingdom. I truly appreciate that the support for Ukraine and our people will remain steadfast," he said.
Zelensky thanked Burnham for “warm words of respect for the Ukrainian people and for your condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed in Russia's recent attacks”.
I was happy to speak with Andy Burnham @andyburnham and congratulate him on taking office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. I truly appreciate that the support for Ukraine and our people will remain steadfast. Thank you for your warm words of respect for the Ukrainian… pic.twitter.com/6sJ9ErbpPF
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 20, 2026
Pictured: Aftermath of fire at Wildberries warehouses in Russia
Wednesday 22 July 2026 22:00 , James Reynolds
US envoys and Zelensky discuss diplomacy
Wednesday 22 July 2026 21:30 , Jane DaltonUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have discussed the prospects for pursuing more active diplomacy and moving towards an accord to end the war with Russia.
Both the Ukrainian leader and the White House confirmed the telephone conversation took place.
US-brokered diplomacy in the war has stalled with Washington largely focused on the conflict with Iran.
Mr Zelensky wrote that it “was a good, important conversation on how to reinvigorate diplomacy and bring peace closer”.
“Peace is needed – peace with dignity, and Ukraine has long been ready for it."
He said said both sides would stay in close contact.
Zelensky’s new military chief wins widespread approval
Wednesday 22 July 2026 21:01 , Jane Dalton
Zelensky’s new military chief wins widespread approval after surprise sacking
Putin aides 'tell Ukraine Russian president alone responsible for war amid toxic atmosphere'
Wednesday 22 July 2026 20:25 , Jane DaltonUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed the situation on the front lines is partially responsible for “creating a new atmosphere around [Vladimir] Putin”.
He wrote on social media: “The situation on the front, together with our long-range sanctions and mid-range strikes, is creating a new atmosphere around Putin.
“A very toxic atmosphere.
“He alone is the reason this war began and hasn't ended.
“Putin alone is responsible for the losses Russians continue to suffer.
“His retinue understands this – they are signalling it to us and to our partners.
“Russian society is beginning to feel it more and more as well.”
The situation on the front, together with our long-range sanctions and mid-range strikes, is creating a new atmosphere around Putin. A very toxic atmosphere. He alone is the reason this war began and hasn't ended. Putin alone is responsible for the losses Russians continue to… pic.twitter.com/AmKq0PzFtp
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 22, 2026
