Zelensky, Trump discuss 'win-win' drones-for-weapons 'mega deal'; Washington 'moving with haste' to arm Ukraine under Trump plan, US envoy says; and more.
Full-scale invasion and national resilience, broadcasted live.
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SBU charges AntAC head Shabunin with fraud and draft evasion
On July 11, the SBU charged AntAC head Vitaliy Shabunin(now in military service)with fraud and draft evasion. His home and unit were raided. Zhernakov: Officials think they can now do whatever they want. No one’s watching. 7/
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Economic Security Bureau reform blocked, Kyiv rejects detective, IMF deadline July 31
The Economic Security Bureau reform is blocked. Kyiv rejected commission-nominated NABU detective Oleksandr Tsyvinsky, who exposed elite corruption. The IMF set a July 31 deadline for it. 6/
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Ukraine’s $4B customs reform frozen, government delays key hires
Ukraine’s customs reform, worth up to $4B in lost taxes annually, is frozen. The gov’t delayed key hires, including the new SCS head. The reform aimed to end decades of corruption and shadow economy flows. 5/
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Top Kyiv think tank CPLR loses 75% staff, reforms defunded
CPLR, a top Kyiv think tank, lost 75% of its staff. Reforms for postwar elections, judiciary, and parliament oversight are now defunded. USAID drove reform. The EU can’t match its speed or impact. 4/
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US cut $286M Ukraine governance aid, EU did not replace it
In 2024, the U.S. spent $286M on Ukraine’s governance and rule of law programs. In 2025, Trump cut that funding. The EU didn’t fill the gap. NGOs returned empty-handed from the July 10–11 Rome Recovery Conference. 2/
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Ukraine reforms stall as US cuts democracy aid, says post
Foreign Policy (Paul Hockenos): Ukraine’s reforms are stalling as the U.S. pulls back from democracy aid. Civil society leaders warn: without U.S. pressure, corrupt elites stall or kill key reforms. [a very naive and arrogant take, denying Ukraine’s agency, in my view] 1/
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Europe surpasses US aid; Ukraine needs 18 more Patriot systems
Europe has provided €72B in aid, surpassing the U.S. at €65B. However, Ukraine remains reliant on the U.S. for air defenses, with a shortfall of 18 Patriot systems out of the requested 25. 3X
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Ukraine plans 30,000 long-range drones; European aid surpasses US aid.
Both sides use drones extensively, with Ukraine planning 30,000 long-range drones in 2025. Ukraine now produces 40% of its military supplies, aiming for 50% in six months. European aid has surpassed U.S. aid for the first time since 2022. 2/
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Ukraine’s drone reliance, U.S. air defense, and NATO support in 2024
The kill zone. Ukraine relies on drones for defense, but depends on U.S. air defense and intelligence. Reuters: Drones accounted for 69% of strikes on Russian troops, 75% on vehicles in 2024. The U.S. has announced Patriot missiles, NATO countries will assist. 1/