Politics
Rheinmetall has supplied artillery shells to Ukraine from its new German factory
The German defence company Rheinmetall has delivered the first consignment of 155 mm artillery rounds to Ukraine from its new factory in Unterlüs. The remaining rounds are due to be delivered by the end of 2026.
Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv and announced new defence initiatives
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has arrived in Kyiv on a working visit. She said that during her meetings she plans to announce new initiatives on cooperation in the defence industry.
The war is returning to Russia: Bloomberg has identified five challenges weighing on Putin’s regime
The Russian dictator Putin is facing the ever-increasing consequences of the war he has unleashed against Ukraine. Whilst at the start of the full-scale invasion the Kremlin managed to shield most Russians from its impact, the effects of the fighting are now being felt far beyond the front line.
Fedorov called for Syrskyi’s dismissal over overspending of 300 billion hryvnias, but Zelenskyy did not back him — media reports
Ukraine’s Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has faced fierce opposition from the military leadership over his reforms, despite successes in the development of drone technology and the digitalisation of the army.
China has begun secretly preparing for Putin’s departure and a change of power in Russia
As well as engaging with Vladimir Putin and his inner circle, China is expanding its contacts with members of the Russian political and administrative elite. This is according to an article in *The Wall Street Journal*, which cites sources in both countries and analysts.
Russia carried out live-fire exercises near the border with Estonia without prior warning
On 9 July, Russia conducted live-fire exercises on Lake Peipus, a few kilometres from the border with Estonia, without prior notice. The Estonian authorities stated that no such exercises had previously been recorded in this area.
200 international defence companies are keen to study Russian weaponry in Ukraine
Experts from 200 international defence companies have shown keen interest in the closed online platform TrophyLab, submitting applications to examine captured Russian military equipment.
German Smetanin is leaving ‘Ukroboronprom’: who will replace him?
Herman Smetanin has stepped down from his post as Chief Executive of the joint-stock company ‘Ukrainian Defence Industry’. He did not name the company’s new chief executive.
The Verkhovna Rada has backed the creation of the Order of Europe, which will be awarded to those who have contributed to Ukraine’s accession to the EU
Members of the Verkhovna Rada supported, at second reading and as a whole, a bill to establish a new state honour — the Order of Europe.
Bulgaria is withdrawing from the ‘Coalition of the Willing’
Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev has announced that his country is withdrawing from the ‘Coalition of the Willing’. The country did not send a representative to the meeting held in Paris on 13 July.
France will grant Ukraine licences to manufacture Aster, SCALP and AASM Hammer missiles
France will grant Ukraine licences to manufacture a range of French missiles. French President Emmanuel Macron announced this decision following a meeting of the ‘coalition of the willing’, whilst Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the move as important for strengthening the country’s defence capabilities.
Will Mykhailo Fedorov remain Defence Minister: what is known so far
Whether Mykhailo Fedorov will retain his post as Defence Minister is one of the main points of intrigue surrounding the latest government ‘reshuffle’.
