Small air defence command formed in the Air Force: Colonel Khlibnikov appointed head of the unit

Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas has stated that, as the war against Ukraine has not yielded the expected results, the Kremlin may seek a further escalation. According to him, Russia may regard the Baltic states and Poland as its next potential targets.

Major General Ihor Skybyuk is to become the new Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The personnel decisions regarding the reshuffle of the military leadership are due to be formalised on 22 July.

The British company BAE Systems is to begin licensed production of L119 105-mm howitzers directly in Ukraine. The agreement was signed at the Farnborough International Airshow.

The Moldovan Parliament has expressed its confidence in the new government led by the financier Vasile Tofan. The Cabinet of Ministers has pledged to revitalise the economy, reduce the budget deficit and prepare the country for accession to the European Union.

Mykhailo Drapatiy, whom President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has appointed as the new Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, is on the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs’ wanted list. However, Russia added the Ukrainian general to the list back in September 2023, rather than following the announcement of personnel changes within the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) has announced that it is seeking a communications expert. The vacancy has been advertised as part of an international technical assistance project aimed at strengthening the capacity of anti-corruption bodies in Ukraine.

On Wednesday, 22 July, dry weather will prevail across most of Ukraine, although some regions will see rain and thunderstorms. The most challenging weather conditions are forecast for the Odesa region.

In Ukraine, it will be prohibited to label uncertified products as ‘organic’, ‘eco-friendly’ or ‘biological’. Companies found to be using the prefixes ‘eco-’ and ‘bio-’ unlawfully will face fines of up to 24 times the minimum wage.

According to the new church calendar, on 22 July, the faithful honour Mary Magdalene, Equal to the Apostles – one of the most famous followers of Jesus Christ. In folk tradition, this day is known as ‘Mary the Berry-Gatherer’ and ‘Fiery Mary’.

Anna Neplyakh, winner of the ‘Miss Ukraine Universe 2021’ beauty pageant, is no longer keeping her private life under wraps. The model spoke about her relationship with Kyiv-based businessman Oleksandr Gudkov and revealed the surprises they treat each other to.

The Russian National Guard has drawn up amendments to the regulations governing civil defence, which, for the first time, provide for preparedness for threats during periods of mobilisation, martial law and wartime. The draft document has been published on the regulatory portal.

General John Daniel Kane, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, has reported that a Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet has shot down a Russian aircraft in aerial combat for the first time. According to him, Ukraine has significantly strengthened its defence capabilities in recent years.

A Russian missile strike on the Kyiv region on 19 July destroyed a UNICEF warehouse in the village of Bilohorodka, where humanitarian aid for children and families affected by the war was being stored. The total value of the lost supplies is estimated at approximately $3.9 million.

General Oleksandr Syrskyi announced that on 22 July he would be stepping down from his post as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a position he had held for almost two and a half years. In his closing address, he recalled the key stages of the war and the army’s achievements, and stated that he was handing over to his successor an army that is currently on the offensive.

Robert ‘Madyar’ Brovdi, Commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Unmanned Systems Forces, explained why the Ukrainian military is deliberately refraining from striking the Crimean Bridge.