Monday, July 28th, live news on the war between Ukraine and Russia. Zelensky: We are constantly strengthening our air defense system. Erdogan: A meeting will soon be held in Türkiye to end the war in Ukraine.

6:59 PM|July 28

Medvedev: Every ultimatum from Trump is a step toward war.

Trump is playing the ultimatum game with Russia: 50 days or 10..., former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev wrote in a post on social media X. He should remember two things, he adds: 1. Russia is not Israel, nor is it Iran. 2. Every new ultimatum is a threat and a step towards war. Not between Russia and Ukraine, but with your own country. Don't follow the path of Sleepy Joe!, Medvedev concludes, using the nickname coined by Donald Trump himself for former US President Joe Biden.

5:53 PM | July 28

UK, Starmer and Trump hold talks on Gaza and Ukraine

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump met today at Turnberry Golf Club in Scotland. Their discussions focused on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the war in Ukraine, future diplomatic developments in the Middle East, and economic relations between London and Washington, ahead of the US president's state visit scheduled for September. During the joint press conference, Trump expressed concern about the conditions of civilians in Gaza, declaring that he strongly disagreed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's assertion that there was no famine in the territory."From what I see on television, those children look very hungry. We are sending a lot of money and a lot of food, and other countries are starting to do their part," Trump stated, announcing his intention to set up food distribution centers without fences or restrictions in Gaza, adding that we cannot allow people to starve. For his part, Keir Starmer spoke of an absolute humanitarian catastrophe and reiterated the urgency of a ceasefire, emphasizing the need to increase pressure on Israel to ensure the entry of aid. Hamas will have no future role in governing Palestine, the prime minister stated, also anticipating the presentation in the coming days of a British peace plan, which will include the recognition of Palestine as a state."We must turn a ceasefire into a lasting peace," Starmer declared. On the Ukrainian front, Trump announced a new ultimatum to Russian President Vladimir Putin, setting a deadline of 10 to 12 days to end the war."We see no progress towards a ceasefire. There's no point in waiting," Trump said, threatening secondary sanctions against countries that continue to trade with Moscow."I don't want to do that, I love the Russian people, but this is a bloody war that must end soon," he added. On the British domestic political front, the US president advised Starmer to maintain a hard line on immigration if he wants to defeat the leader of the populist Reform UK Party, Nigel Farage."I think immigration is one of the most important issues today, and whoever is the most decisive and competent on this issue will win the election," Trump stated, adding that both Starmer and Farage are friends of mine and that they are both good people, despite their different views. Trump changed his tune, however, when he referred to London Mayor Sadiq Khan, whom he called an unpleasant person and a terrible administrator, prompting an immediate retort from Starmer:"He's a friend of mine." Finally, when questioned by reporters about the Epstein scandal, Trump called the accusations ridiculous, stating that he had never visited the financier's island and had sent him away years ago."My polls have risen four and a half points since this story came out. People don't believe it," Trump said, then shifting attention to the country's remarkable trade successes with the United Kingdom and the European Union. According to both leaders, the understanding between the United States and the United Kingdom remains unprecedented, as Trump emphasized."We've done a lot of good work together, and we'll continue on that path," the US president concluded.

5:02 PM | July 28

Pro-Ukrainian hackers claim responsibility for cyberattack on Aeroflot

The pro-Ukrainian hacker group Silent Crow has claimed responsibility for the cyberattack against Russian airline Aeroflot, which was forced to cancel 49 flights this morning due to a failure in its IT systems. The attack was carried out by the Ukrainian group in conjunction with a Belarusian group. On Telegram, Silent Crow claimed that its prolonged and large-scale operation completely destroyed Aeroflot's IT systems and also threatened to disclose the personal data of all Russians who have ever flown with Aeroflot."Glory to Ukraine! Long live Belarus!" the post concluded.

4:58 PM | July 28

Erdogan: Turkey to hold talks soon to end the war in Ukraine

Turkey's sincere hope is that, just as the negotiating table was established in Istanbul, a peace table will be established in Turkey in the not-too-distant future and that this bloody war will come to an end. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated this, as reported by state television TRT. In a televised speech after a cabinet meeting in Ankara, the Turkish leader added that Turkey is ready to host a meeting where the leaders can meet. Erdogan had announced in recent days that he would soon have a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump to discuss the conflict between Moscow and Kiev, where Ankara has been trying to mediate between the two sides for years. Last week, talks between delegations from Russia and Ukraine were held in Istanbul, for the third time in about two months. During the negotiations, Kiev proposed to Moscow a meeting in Istanbul between Zelensky and Putin by the end of August, hoping that Erdogan and Trump could also participate, while the Turkish leader has stated on numerous occasions that he wants to organize a meeting in Istanbul between the Russian and Ukrainian presidents.

4:36 PM | July 28

First delivery of Azerbaijani gas to Kiev

Ukraine has received its first shipment of Azerbaijani gas imported via the Trans-Balkan Corridor. The new route runs along a test route through Bulgaria and Romania to the Ukrainian border, Ukrainian media reports. This is a strategically important step that paves the way for long-term cooperation. It is also another example of diversifying supply sources and strengthening Ukraine's energy security, Serhii Koretskyi, CEO of Naftogaz Group, Ukraine's state-owned gas company, noted to the Ukrainska Pravda newspaper.

4:24 PM | July 28

A Russian drone strikes an administrative building in Sumy, damaging nearby apartment buildings.

A Russian drone struck a building of the regional military administration in Sumy, northeastern Ukraine. Ukrainian MP Oleksandr Kachura reported the strike on social media, circulating videos showing the drone's impact on the building. According to regional police, who published a photo of the damage, the windows of an adjacent apartment building were shattered by the blast. It has not yet been officially confirmed whether the regional administration building was the target, although local sources indicate the drone directly struck the regional administration. Previously, the Sumy regional administration reported that Russian forces were deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure in the region. Official information on any casualties or injuries is not yet available.

3:53 PM | July 28

Trump: I'm not interested in talking to Putin anymore

I'm no longer interested in talking to Putin. US President Donald Trump said so. We had a very frank conversation, then the bombing continued, he said. Trump decided to reduce the time allowed Russia to reach an agreement with Ukraine from 50 to 10-12 days before imposing secondary tariffs.

3:14 PM | July 28

Trump: Russia Gives 10-12 More Days to Reach Agreement with Ukraine

There's no reason to wait any longer, I haven't seen any progress. I'll give another deadline, 10-12 days from today. US President Donald Trump said this, speaking about the ultimatum to Russia for a deal with Ukraine."I'll probably announce it this evening or tomorrow, there's no reason to wait," he said, speaking to the press from Scotland, after meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. It would involve sanctions and perhaps tariffs, secondary tariffs, he clarified, emphasizing:"I don't want to do this to Russia. I love the Russian people; they're a fantastic people." Trump added that the conflict is a truly bloody war and that reaching an agreement would be common sense."I think something will happen sooner or later," he added,"it should happen quickly, so many people are dying." Sky News reports.

3:07 PM | July 28

Kiev: Thanks to Trump for his firm stance on Putin

Ukraine praised US President Donald Trump for declaring he would reduce the 50-day deadline set for Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine."Thanks to President Trump for standing firm and sending a clear message of peace through strength," Ukrainian presidential adviser Andriy Yermak wrote on social media, adding:"When America leads with strength, others think twice."

2:04 PM | July 28

Trump: Disappointed with Putin, I'll give him less than 50 days

Donald Trump has once again expressed his disappointment with Russian President Vladimir Putin's behavior."I get along with him, but we argued four times, and then Putin launched missiles at cities and killed people," the American president said before meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Scotland."That's no way to behave," he continued."I'm very disappointed in President Putin. I'm going to reduce the 50-day deadline I gave him for a peace agreement because I think I already know his answer."

Lithuania: No clear information on drone that violated national territory

Lithuanian authorities still have no clear information regarding the drone that flew over the country, Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene stated, noting, however, that the likelihood of such incidents has increased."I would like to emphasize that the weather conditions are very favorable for weather balloons, which, as we know, smugglers use to transport their goods. We cannot yet say exactly what type of object or objects it is," Sakaliene told LRT Radio. At the same time, according to the minister, there is no evidence of increased military activity by Belarus. (...) The services are currently verifying the circumstances on site. Given the active efforts of the Ukrainian defense to disorient Russian drones, the likelihood of their loss remains high.

1:22 PM | July 28

Drone attack in Stavropol, Signal military facility hit

A drone attack has hit the Signal defense plant in Stavropol, southern Russia. Local sources cited the news agency RBC Ukraine and the Russian Telegram channel Shot, which reported several explosions heard around 5 a.m. According to available information, the plant specializes in the production of electronic warfare equipment for aircraft and ground targets, including systems for the Topol-E intercontinental missile. The company, founded in 1971 and part of the Russian state-owned conglomerate Rostec since 2012, is subject to sanctions by the European Union, the United States, Ukraine, and Japan. Regional governor Vladimir Vladimirov confirmed that the attack hit industrial infrastructure, but assured that residential buildings and vital city systems were not damaged. A fire broke out in the affected area, but it was quickly extinguished, and no injuries or casualties were reported, Vladimirov added. Local authorities are now assessing the extent of the damage.

1:13 PM | July 28

Armed forces liberate Kindrativka in Sumy region, first video released

The Ukrainian Armed Forces have announced the liberation of the village of Kindrativka, in the Sumy region, releasing the first video from the retaken areas. The 225th Separate Assault Regiment and the director of the Center for Countering Disinformation, Andriy Kovalenko, reported. The video, shared on Telegram, shows a devastated landscape and the body of a slain Russian soldier. The Russian resting in the video is another reminder of what will happen to anyone who comes to us with a sword, the regiment said in a message. The village of Kindrativka has been liberated from the so-called"Russian world," the military added. Kovalenko confirmed that the Ukrainian Army continues to conduct active operations in the direction of Sumy:"The Defense Forces are achieving success and continuing operations against the Russians," he stated. Kindrativka, a village in the Khotyn municipality, about 30 kilometers northwest of the city of Sumy, had been under Russian occupation for two months. His release represents a further step forward for Kiev in its defensive operations along the country's northeastern border.

​Read Marta Serafini's report here.

1:11 PM | July 28

Donbass: Battles underway in Dimitrov and Krasnoarmeysk, Pokrovsk nearing operational encirclement

The Telegram channel Military Chronicle reports that Pokrovsk is currently in an operational encirclement phase: not yet a complete physical encirclement, but a functional isolation, with almost all Ukrainian supply routes under fire from Russian forces. The only exit route still under Ukrainian control is the road to Pavlograd, which is still under artillery fire. According to the Ukrainian portal Strana.ua, the most intense fighting is taking place in the south, between Udachnoye and Kotlino, and in the northeast, in the Rodinskoye area, where the Russian army is attempting to complete a pincer movement. Military blogger Yuri Podolyaka reports that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are suffering from a severe shortage of personnel and that the city's defense is now fragmented. Donetsk People's Republic advisor Yan Gagin has stated that the Ukrainian garrison in Pokrovsk is doomed and that Kiev is also aware of this. For months, Ukrainian Telegram channels have been discussing the impossibility of maintaining this position, he said. Russian sources estimate that Moscow has deployed over 100,000 troops in the area. Ukrainian authorities are currently maintaining a cautious profile on developments. Former MP Maryana Bezugla has reported that Russian troops have already entered the city, a version also confirmed by Podolyaka.

1:02 PM | July 28

Ukraine, Soviet weapons running low, Moscow relies on foreign supplies

With its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has significantly reduced its once-vast stockpile of Soviet-era weapons, a new analysis from the Kyiv School of Economics Institute (KSE) finds. Shipments from Russia's major storage facilities will drop from a peak of 242,000 tons in 2022 to 119,000 tons in 2025. Russia is sending fewer materials for refurbishment and repair than we know its workshops can handle. Higher-quality, easily repairable equipment would be the first to go, Pavlo Shkurenko, an analyst at the KSE Institute, told the Financial Times. Since 2022, Russia has been actively seeking to repurpose decommissioned equipment for front-line deployment. Among these, a large number of T-72 and T-80 tanks, originally produced in the 1970s, have been observed in Ukraine. Some T-54 tanks, whose production began in the late 1940s, have also reportedly been used in combat. Some military analysts, however, advise against interpreting the reduction in armored vehicle deliveries to the front lines as a definitive sign that Russian forces are losing combat effectiveness. These experts emphasize to the Financial Times that Russia's battle tactics have adapted to employ fewer vehicles of this type and, furthermore, note that the Russian armed forces are also investing heavily in accumulating new stockpiles.

12:22 PM | July 28

Lavrov: Our demands on Ukraine are indisputable

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said today that Moscow's demands for an end to the conflict in Ukraine are indisputable, particularly the assurance that Kiev will not join NATO, that the Alliance will no longer expand, and that the regions it claims on Ukrainian territory be recognized as Russian."We insist on our legitimate demands, especially ensuring our security," Lavrov said, quoted by the Tass news agency, during a forum. This, according to the head of Russian diplomacy, includes Ukraine's non-involvement in NATO and no expansion of NATO, which has already reached our borders, despite all the promises and documents that have been adopted. And, of course," Lavrov added,"the recognition of the realities enshrined in our Constitution, which is an absolutely indisputable demand. Among these realities is the recognition of the regions of Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson as Russian, in addition to Crimea. For the first time in history, Lavrov continued, Russia is fighting against the entire West. In World War I and World War II, we had allies. Now we have no allies on the battlefield. Therefore, we must rely on ourselves; we must not allow ourselves any weakness or weakness.

12:21 PM | July 28

Lavrov on Gergiev: Italy influenced by Ukrainian neo-Nazis

Even Italy, which has always been the cradle of culture, has found itself under the influence of neo-Nazis, especially Ukrainian ones. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said this, commenting on the cancellation of a concert by Russian maestro Valery Gergiev at the Royal Palace of Caserta. A decision that Lavrov, quoted by the Tass news agency, called scandalous.

12:18 PM | July 28

Kremlin: Putin-Trump meeting in China not ruled out in September

It's not out of the question that Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump could meet in China in September, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in a press briefing. Peskov explained that Putin will travel to China in September to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and therefore a meeting with Trump would not be out of the question if the US president were to travel to China during the same period.

11:50 AM | July 28

China challenges Ukrainian sanctions against its entities, Kiev must immediately correct its mistakes

China will continue to protect the legitimate rights and interests of its companies and urges Ukraine to immediately correct its mistakes, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced yesterday that he had approved the National Security and Defense Council's sanctions on Ukraine, which target 53 physical and legal entities in China, Russia, Iran, and other countries.

11:02 AM | July 28

Zelensky: We are constantly strengthening our air defense system

"During the night, dozens of Russian drones and several missiles were shot down, unfortunately not all of them. There were also some hits, but we are constantly strengthening the Ukrainian air defense system, and it is very important to maintain full understanding among our partners about how they can help us," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on X and Telegram, commenting on the massive Russian missile and drone attack launched last night on the country."We are gradually closing the funding gap for drone production, and this week I will have new discussions with partners on this issue," the head of state continued."The Ukrainian Defense Minister and the Secretary of the National Security Council are fulfilling their respective tasks at their levels."

10:49 AM | July 28

Kiev: Seven missiles and 324 Russian drones fired over Ukraine overnight

Russian forces attacked Ukraine last night with seven missiles, including three hypersonic ones, and 324 drones of various types, including Shahed kamikazes, the Kiev Air Force announced on Telegram. The country's air defenses shot down 309 kamikaze drones and two X-101 cruise missiles. Two missiles and 15 drones struck three locations, and several others were hit by debris from downed aircraft.

10:11 AM | July 28

Zelensky signs the reform of the Asset Management Agency requested by the EU

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed the law on reforming the Agency for Asset Tracking and Management (ARMA), which was approved by the Ukrainian parliament on June 18. This was reported by Interfax-Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed the matter with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, noting on his Facebook profile that Ursula recognized the progress made by the Ukrainian state in aligning itself with European standards.

Over ninety attacks and three deaths in 24 hours in Sumy

Russian forces continue their massive attacks on Sumy. According to the regional administration, in the 24 hours since dawn Sunday, Moscow's troops have carried out nearly 90 raids, killing three people and wounding 19 others. Ukrinform reports. The heaviest toll was in Yunakivka, where three women aged 66, 74, and 78 were killed and 19 people were injured by a bomb that hit the bus they were traveling in.

9:13 AM | July 28

309 Russian drones and 2 cruise missiles shot down overnight

Ukrainian air defenses destroyed 309 drones and two Russian-launched cruise missiles during a nighttime attack, Kiev authorities announced. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that falling debris caused material damage.

8:32 AM | July 28

Russian Defense Ministry: Seven Ukrainian drones destroyed overnight

Overnight, Russian air defense forces destroyed seven Ukrainian drones, the Russian Defense Ministry reported. Last night, the Kiev regime's attempts to carry out terrorist attacks using seven aerial drones targeting targets located within the Russian Federation were foiled, the ministry said. Four drones were destroyed in the Rostov region and one each in the Oryol, Kaluga, and Bryansk regions, the ministry said.

Russian airstrikes in Kiev leave five injured, including a 2-year-old girl.

In the Darnytskyi district of Kiev, a residential building was damaged in another Russian attack, injuring five people, including a child. Kiev police reported this on Telegram, as reported by Ukrainska Pravda. The blast damaged the windows of a skyscraper from the sixth to the eleventh floor, causing shrapnel wounds to five people. Among the injured is a two-year-old girl with a cut wound to her foot. Doctors have hospitalized the victims, Ukrainian police said. Additionally, several cars parked in the courtyard of the building were damaged. Investigative and operational police teams, as well as explosives specialists, continue to work in the field. Earlier, KMVA chief Timur Tkachenko reported that eight people were injured in the Darnytskyi district as a result of a Russian attack.

7:45 AM | July 28

The first direct flight from Moscow to Pyongyang has landed in the North Korean capital.

The first direct flight from Moscow has landed in Pyongyang, Russian news agency RIA Novosti reports. The plane was welcomed with a grand ceremony in the North Korean capital. The Russian delegation, led by the head of the Ministry of Natural Resources Alexander Kozlov, and crew members received flowers upon arrival. The 440-seat Nordwind Boeing 777-200ER landed at Pyongyang Airport at 9:30 a.m. local time. It departed Sheremetyevo Airport at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday and the flight lasted approximately eight hours. All announcements during the flight were made in both Russian and Korean. The return flight is scheduled for tomorrow at 9 a.m. local time in Pyongyang.

6:53 AM | July 28

Russian Defense: Seven Ukrainian Drones Downed Overnight

Russian air defense systems have downed seven Ukrainian drones over several regions of the country, including the Rostov region. Last night, the Defense Ministry announced, cited by Tass, air defense systems eliminated seven Ukrainian drones: four over the Rostov region and one each in the Oryol, Kaluga, and Bryansk regions.

6:45 AM | July 28

New direct air link between Moscow and Pyongyang launched

Russia has opened a direct flight between Moscow and Pyongyang, demonstrating the closer ties between the two countries. The first flight operated by Russian airline Nordwind took off from Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport on Sunday, carrying over 400 passengers. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a visit to the new North Korean beach resort earlier this month, promised to encourage Russian tourists to visit the complex. The Wonsan-Kalma resort area, which can accommodate nearly 20,000 people, is at the heart of Kim's efforts to boost tourism and improve his country's struggling economy.

3:26 AM | July 28

On the Ukrainian front, the Sumy fortress holds out but today no one is celebrating

by Marta Serafini, our correspondent on the Sumy front

​

​Five days of battle passed like a second. Only once I returned here to the camp did I realize what I had done. A former import-export agent, 36 years old, with a wife and daughter waiting for him in Kiev, his nom de guerre Fox is among the raiders of the 225th Separate Assault Battalion who recaptured Kindrativka, a village north of Sumy, cited by President Zelensky as proof that Moscow's offensive on that front has been repelled.

​

​Read the full article here

3:24 AM | July 28

US to deliver 33,000 drones to Ukraine by the end of 2025

Ukraine will receive over 33,000 kits for AI-guided drones by the end of 2025. The Pentagon and Auterion will oversee the supply, paid for by US companies. The financial details of the agreement are still unclear. The news was reported by The Kyiv Independent.

July 28, 3:22 AM - Updated July 28, 7:35 PM