Russian leader Vladimir Putin is losing a “staggering number” of troops – upwards of 5,000 to 6,000 in a week – in his war against Ukraine, US secretary of state Marco Rubio said.
Rubio said the conflict is one of the only wars in history where the number of troops killed in combat is exceeding the number of troops injured.
He added: “Russia is now suffering strikes deep in its territory, that’s something we didn’t see [before].”
Reiterating president Donald Trump’s central objective, Rubio said the US wants “that people stop dying, that people stop being slaughtered.”
"At the end of the year, winter is still going to hit Ukraine, they're obviously going to have to defend their airspace and there are people suffering every day,” Rubio said in Manila yesterday.
The US, he said, is ready to play a constructive role to end the “senseless war”.
Meanwhile in Kyiv, ousted defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov has refused to accept an alternative post Volodymyr Zelensky has offered him after massive protests and said he wants his role back.
Key Points
- Rubio says Putin losing over 5,000 troops each week in Ukraine
- US is ready to help end the 'senseless war' in Ukraine but no quick deal ahead, Rubio says
- 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
Rubio says Putin losing over 5,000 troops each week in Ukraine
04:15 , Arpan Rai
Russia is losing upwards of 5,000 to 6,000 troops each week in its war on Ukraine, US secretary of state Marco Rubio said, called in a "staggering number".
Rubio said the Russian war in Ukraine is one of the only wars in history where the number of troops killed in combat is exceeding the number of troops injured.
Reiterating president Donald Trump’s central objective, Rubio said the US wants “that people stop dying, that people stop being slaughtered.”
Trump, Rubio said, wants Ukraine to be able to “go on and live in peace,” allowing Ukrainians to return home and rebuild, while ensuring that “young Russians aren’t being killed at the tune of 5,000 a week in the battlefield.”
"We are prepared to play a constructive role in bringing about an end to a senseless war, we're ready to do that, and we of course expressed that,” Rubio said, referring to a meeting he held yesterday with his Russian counterpart.
US is ready to help end the 'senseless war' in Ukraine but no quick deal ahead, Rubio says
04:08 , Arpan Rai
US secretary of state Marco Rubio said that the Trump administration is poised to help end the “senseless war” in Ukraine but acknowledged there is no quick path to a deal, saying diplomacy will require sustained effort and new ideas.
Rubio, who held talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in the Philippine capital, alluded to how US-mediated talks have stalled.
He called them “unsuccessful or at least unfruitful” in the past but insisted that president Donald Trump was committed to the work “if conditions and factors have changed to make that possible.”
“That’s been the challenge — an end that both sides can accept," Rubio told reporters.
“We’ve tried and we’ll continue to try to see if we can, you know, find a middle ground that brings this about. And we’re prepared to play that role if the opportunity presents itself.”
Rubio meets Russia’s Lavrov as US bid to help end war in Ukraine
03:00 , Holly Evans
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for talks where he was expected to renew the prospect of the US trying to broker an end to the war in Ukraine.
The US State Department offered few details about the meeting on Thursday in the Philippines.
"They discussed the US-Russia relationship and the need to end the Russia-Ukraine war," a State Department spokesperson said in a statement.
Russia did not immediately offer a readout and Lavrov largely ignored shouted questions by reporters after he left the room.
Read the full article here:
Rubio meets Russia’s Lavrov as US bid to help end war in Ukraine
Zelensky thanks EU for sanctions package against Russia
02:00 , Holly Evans
Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked the European Union for implementing the 21st sanctions package against Russia.
According to Ursula von der Leyen, the EU added 32 more Russian banks, crypto firms, and oil trading platforms to its transaction ban list.
The Ukrainian president said: “It is very important that pressure on Russia over the war it started – and refuses to end – continues.
“This package includes strong measures to curb Russia's revenues, including Ukrainian proposals that have been taken into account. It is crucial to preserve our unity and keep up this pressure.”
I am grateful to the European Union and to every European leader for adopting the 21st sanctions package against Russia. It is very important that pressure on Russia over the war it started – and refuses to end – continues. This package includes strong measures to curb Russia's…
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 23, 2026
Venice Biennale chief calls EU funding cut 'political'
01:00 , Holly Evans
The Venice Biennale would undermine its autonomy and freedom of expression if it bowed to European Union pressure to shut Russia out of its events, the foundation's chairman said on Thursday, criticising the EU's recent decision to cut funding.
Earlier this week, the EU said it had decided to withdraw a €2 million ($2.3 million) grant in response to the return of Russia to the Biennale's arts exhibition this year for the first time since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
"(The EU) was a fellow traveler with whom we shared part of a journey, and who is now leaving us for reasons that are entirely political, certainly not legal, and still less cultural," chairman Pietrangelo Buttafuoco said at the presentation of the 2026 Venice Film Festival.
The European Commission said the grant was withdrawn because EU taxpayers' money should support initiatives that uphold the values of democracy and freedom, which it said Russia does not currently embody.
The Biennale, an international cultural exhibition hosted by Venice every two years, rejected that argument, saying art should remain a neutral space for dialogue. It also said the EU funding co-financed projects run by its cinema division that were unrelated to Russia's participation in the art exhibition.
Boris Johnson claims Ed Miliband is to blame for Putin’s invasion of Ukraine
Friday 24 July 2026 00:00 , Holly Evans
Boris Johnson has hit out at Andy Burnham’s decision to appoint Ed Miliband as foreign secretary, boldly claiming that the former Labour leader is to blame for Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
The former Conservative prime minister claimed Mr Miliband’s “failure to stand up to Assad” led “directly” to Putin’s first invasion of Ukraine, and said the Kremlin will be “delighted” with Mr Burnham’s appointment.
Sharing a Telegraph article criticising Mr Miliband’s new appointment, Mr Johnson wrote on X: “This is spot on. The failure to stand up to Bashar al-Assad - for which Miliband bears much guilt - led directly to Putin’s first invasion of Ukraine. An appalling choice for foreign secretary. The Kremlin will be delighted.”
Read the full article here:
Boris Johnson claims Ed Miliband is to blame for Putin’s invasion of Ukraine
No 'definitive' evidence Irish alumina exports used in Russian weapons, Irish PM says
Thursday 23 July 2026 23:00 , Holly Evans
An Irish probe into a major alumina plant has found no "concrete or definitive" evidence its exports to Russia are used to make aluminium for weapons, but it has also been unable to rule it out, prime minister Micheal Martin said on Thursday.
Ireland is under mounting pressure over the Aughinish Alumina plant, Europe's largest refinery of the aluminium feedstock alumina, which the facility continues to export to Russia.
Dublin commissioned the investigation, even as it defends a European Union decision to leave the plant, which is owned by Russia's Rusal , off Russian sanctions packages. The government argues the refinery in southwest Ireland is strategically important to EU supply chains.
"The investigation has not found concrete or definitive evidence linking the alumina to a weapons manufacturer in Russia," Martin told a joint press conference with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky during a visit to Kyiv.
"That said, neither has it found definitive evidence that alumina may not be going to weapons manufacturers."
Martin said the investigation is almost complete and would be shared with the European Commission once it is finalised.
Dismissal of Ukraine's defence minister started a sudden transformation of the military
Thursday 23 July 2026 22:00 , Holly Evans
In the span of a single week, the dismissal of a Ukrainian defence 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 Zelensky’s decision to fire his popular defence 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.
Read the full article here:
Dismissal of Ukraine's defense minister started a sudden transformation of the military
Thursday 23 July 2026 21:00 , Holly Evans
Ukraine's acting foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, called Russian strikes on grain vessels at peak harvest a "deliberate economic and humanitarian terror".
Ukraine has requested an urgent UN Security Council meeting for July 27 to address the matter, he added on X.
Vysotskyi called on producers and traders not to rush sales, saying the situation could be rapidly changing.
He also pointed to alternative routes for exports via the Danube ports and so-called dry ports of the railway, saying both options have not been fully utilized.
"A single day in our market has no impact on total export volumes for the year. Neither does a week. A month has no impact either. But several months - that does have an impact," he said.
Russia is holding global food security hostage.
— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) July 22, 2026
At least three civilian cargo ships have been bombed in the past few days by Russia. Few dozen crew members have been killed and injured.
Today, zero vessels passed through Ukraine’s Black Sea maritime corridor—right at peak…
I have visited Russia every year since the Ukraine war began. The mood has changed
Thursday 23 July 2026 20:00 , Holly Evans
The mood regarding the war in Ukraine has changed in recent months. Ukrainian drones have struck Russian oil infrastructure, causing fuel shortages across Russia. And the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, is exuberant about finishing the war from a “position of strength”.
The hope is that an economic crisis in Russia leads to social unrest and political instability, possibly resulting in the collapse of the ruling regime. This would not be an unprecedented event in Russian history. The Soviet Union rapidly unravelled amid economic and political crisis in 1991. But how likely is this scenario for Russia today?
I have travelled to Russia yearly since 2022 and there has been a clear change in the mood. In 2022, it was all about survival and adapting to the new reality of sanctions and war. Over the next couple of years, there was stabilisation and growing optimism about the economy’s ability to adapt. However, by 2026 there was talk of an economic recession, even before the current fuel shortages hit.
Read the full analysis here:
I have visited Russia every year since the Ukraine war began. The mood has changed
What is Wildberries, the latest target of Ukraine's attacks?
Thursday 23 July 2026 19:00 , Holly Evans
Wildberries was launched in 2004 by Tatyana Kim, a teacher and a young mother at the time, focusing at first on selling clothes.
Since then, the platform with its distinct purple logo has become an industry leader and household name in Russia, allowing big and small businesses alike to sell their goods to customers across the country by storing, shipping and delivering their inventory. In April, Forbes Russia estimated Kim's fortune at $8.1 billion.
The marketplace features all sorts of goods -– clothes, books, cosmetics, toys, appliances, household items, sports gear and much more. There’s an “E-Pharmacy” page and a travel section where users can book plane tickets or hotels.
Last year, Kim said the company had more than 200 facilities totaling over 5.2 million square meters (55 million square feet), with plans to expand in 2026, including planned warehouses in Belarus and Kazakhstan, where Wildberries already operates.
Kyiv says the stricken facilities supplied Russia’s military
While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky did not name Wildberries directly, he has said the facilities his country attacked were involved in supplying gear and various technical components to the Russian military.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday that “it is not the case” and accused Kyiv of continuing to “strike civilian targets.”
Shipowners halt calls at Ukraine's Black Sea ports over strike fears
Thursday 23 July 2026 18:00 , Holly Evans
Shipowners halted vessel arrivals at Ukraine's Black Sea ports due to intensified Russian strikes, Kyiv said, as President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Moscow might escalate attacks in order to block the country's main corridor for grain exports.
In recent weeks, Russia has pummelled logistics and port infrastructure in the southern Odesa region with missiles and drones.
On Sunday, a missile strike on a ship carrying corn killed 10 people, mostly foreigners, Ukrainian officials said.
"Yesterday... not a single ship entered the port," Zelenskiy told reporters on Thursday. "They've been hitting all the ships. They're going to step this up."
Russia struck 28 civilian vessels and killed 21 people from June 20 to July 20, according to Odesa regional prosecutors cited by local media.
Shipowners — wary of the attacks — have temporarily suspended vessel arrivals meant to pick up agricultural products at the ports, Ukraine's agriculture minister Taras Vysotskyi said on Wednesday.
Ukraine ramps up attacks on vessels around Crimean peninsula
Thursday 23 July 2026 17:00 , Holly Evans
Ukraine has also increased attacks on vessels, mostly carrying fuel, in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea, in an expanding campaign aimed at isolating Russia-occupied Crimea and undermining Moscow's key revenue sources.
On Wednesday, Russia introduced a temporary nighttime ban on vessel movements in and out of Novorossiysk port, its biggest port by volume that handles up to one third of its grain exports.
Ousted defence minister Fedorov says he will not take another post in Ukraine's government
Thursday 23 July 2026 16:30 , Holly Evans
Ukraine'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
Thursday 23 July 2026 16:00 , Holly Evans
Russia'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
Thursday 23 July 2026 15:30 , James Reynolds
Kaja 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
Thursday 23 July 2026 15:00 , James Reynolds
In 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
Thursday 23 July 2026 14:30 , James Reynolds
A 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
Thursday 23 July 2026 14:00 , James Reynolds
The 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
Thursday 23 July 2026 13:38 , James Reynolds
President 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
Thursday 23 July 2026 13:37 , James Reynolds
Ukraine'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
Thursday 23 July 2026 13:30 , James Reynolds
FBI 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
Thursday 23 July 2026 13:00 , James Reynolds
Russia’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
Thursday 23 July 2026 12:30 , James Reynolds
Two 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
Thursday 23 July 2026 12:00 , James Reynolds
In pictures: Aftermath of a Russian drone strike in Ukraine's Sumy
Thursday 23 July 2026 11:31 , James Reynolds
Russia not optimistic on Ukraine peace deal after Rubio-Lavrov meeting
Thursday 23 July 2026 11:00 , James Reynolds
The 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
Thursday 23 July 2026 10:48 , James Reynolds
The 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
Thursday 23 July 2026 10:30 , James Reynolds
In 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
Thursday 23 July 2026 10:00 , James Reynolds
Russian 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
Thursday 23 July 2026 09:30 , James Reynolds
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 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
Thursday 23 July 2026 09:18 , James Reynolds
Marco 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
Thursday 23 July 2026 09:13 , James Reynolds
Russia’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
Thursday 23 July 2026 09:00 , James Reynolds
Vladimir 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
Thursday 23 July 2026 08:30 , James Reynolds
EU ambassadors agree 21st sanctions package against Russia
Thursday 23 July 2026 08:29 , James Reynolds
EU 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
Thursday 23 July 2026 08:00 , James Reynolds
Russian 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
Thursday 23 July 2026 07:40 , Arpan Rai
At 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
Thursday 23 July 2026 07:28 , Arpan Rai
Russian 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
Thursday 23 July 2026 07:03 , Arpan Rai
One 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
Thursday 23 July 2026 06:57 , Arpan Rai
Rubio and Lavrov wrap up meeting in Manila
Thursday 23 July 2026 06:41 , Arpan Rai
Russian 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
Thursday 23 July 2026 06:10 , Arpan Rai
A 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
Thursday 23 July 2026 05:50 , Arpan Rai
Russian 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
Thursday 23 July 2026 05:27 , Arpan Rai
Ukraine 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
Thursday 23 July 2026 05:19 , Arpan Rai
Russia bans vessel movement at night at major port amid Ukraine drone attacks
Thursday 23 July 2026 04:47 , Arpan Rai
Russia 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
Thursday 23 July 2026 04:21 , Arpan Rai
US 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
Thursday 23 July 2026 04:00 , Arpan Rai
Ukrainian 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
Thursday 23 July 2026 03:00 , Jane Dalton
Ukrainian 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
Thursday 23 July 2026 02:00 , Jane Dalton
Russia 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
Thursday 23 July 2026 01:00 , Jane Dalton
EU 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 Reynolds
Great 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 Croft
Andy 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 Dalton
Ukrainian 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 Dalton
Ukrainian 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
