Sasha Vakulina
Europe
Dismissed Ukraine defence minister denounces incompetence, divisions
Ukraine's dismissed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov accused Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi of obstructing military reform and "splitting the country", telling reporters in a bombshell press conference that President Zelenskyy had chosen to keep Syrskyi in the post over him.
Europe
Ukrainian parliament backs new wartime cabinet, amid scandal over defence minister dismissal
As thousands protested the dismissal of defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, lawmakers approved almost the entire new cabinet, making Sergii Koretskyi prime minister — a far less contentious step than the shake‑up at the defence ministry.
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Europe
Ukrainians hold rare wartime protest over defence minister’s dismissal
For the first time since last summer’s protests in support of their country's anti‑corruption watchdogs, Ukrainians have mobilised online over the dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. A wave of social media posts quickly turned into calls to gather across Ukrainian cities on Thursday.
Europe
Zelenskyy dismisses Ukraine’s popular Defence Minister Fedorov
“It was a great honour to serve the Ukrainian people as defence minister," Fedorov said on Wednesday evening, confirming his dismissal amid Zelenskyy’s government reshuffle. While not a very public figure, Fedorov has been widely praised within the military and among civil society.
Europe
Ukraine forces hit more than 100 Russian vessels in Azov in eight days
Russia is looking for a way to redirect ships from the Sea of Azov after Ukrainian forces struck more than 100 Russian vessels — including oil tankers and cargo ships — in less than two weeks, isolating Moscow-occupied Crimea even more.
Europe
Ukraine hits vital oil refinery 2,500km from Russian border
While Russia continues to pound Ukraine with missiles and drones, killing at least 19 people and injuring dozens more in Kyiv, Ukraine is striking deep inside Russian territory as part of a campaign to degrade the Kremlin’s war machine.
Europe
Ukraine calls on NATO to deliver air defence after Russian bombardment
Ukraine is calling on its partners to deliver air defence systems to Ukraine after a Russian aerial attack killed at least 30 people on 2 July. With NATO allies preparing to meet in Ankara, Kyiv is urging them not to delay what they have already promised.
Europe
Lithuania moves to lift nuclear weapons ban, following Finland's lead
President Gitanas Nauseda said Lithuania's constitutional ban on nuclear weapons and foreign military bases had become "outdated," as Finland's own nuclear ban formally ended on Wednesday, prompting Russian threats that Moscow could destroy half the country.
Europe
Ukraine’s former commander-in-chief to run for president, reports say
Valerii Zaluzhnyi, former commander-in-chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces and now Kyiv’s envoy to the UK, is reportedly willing to run in the next presidential election once the situation allows. Zaluzhnyi is seen as Zelenskyy’s main rival.
Europe
Russia closes railway borders with Finland, Estonia and Latvia
In an unexpected move, Russia announced several railway border crossings with Finland, Estonia and Latvia to be “temporarily” shut down. Could this indicate an upcoming mobilisation in Russia as Moscow lacks troops for its ongoing all-out war against Ukraine?
Europe
Kyiv backed out of 'drones for MiGs' deal with Warsaw, minister claims
As relations between Ukraine and Poland remain at their worst state in years, the Polish defence minister claimed that Kyiv backed out of the two countries' "MiGs in exchange for drones" deal and threatened to veto Ukraine’s EU accession.
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