Germany to halve Ukraine military aid

Germany's military aid for Ukraine will be cut by half next year, according to a draft 2025 budget document reported by Reuters on July 17. Berlin will provide Kyiv with around 8 billion euros ($8.7 billion) this year but only 4 billion euros ($4.35 billion) in 2025.

The move comes amid concerns that a Donald Trump victory in the upcoming U.S. presidential election could lead to a dramatic cut in Washington's support for Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression. Berlin hopes to make up the shortfall with profits from frozen Russian assets.

Last month, G7 leaders agreed on a plan to provide Ukraine with a $50 billion loan by the end of the year, backed by interest from $300 billion in frozen Russian assets. The sum includes a $20-billion pledge each from the U.S. and the EU, with Japan, Canada, and the U.K. expected to cover the remaining $10 billion. Ottawa has said it is ready to shoulder $5 billion of the loan.

Concerns over the future of U.S. support for Ukraine have increased with the selection of Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as Trump's running mate. Vance has been a vocal opponent of U.S. aid to Ukraine, indicating a potential shift in White House policy from the current Biden administration.

Oil supply to Hungary by Russian energy giant Lukoil ceases due to Ukrainian sanctions

he Ukrainian National Security and Defence Council (NSDC) extended sanctions against Russia's Lukoil at the end of June 2024, resulting in the cessation of oil transit to Hungary by the energy giant.

Previously under limited sanctions since 2018, which included capital withdrawal restrictions and trade bans, Lukoil faced expanded measures from Ukraine in June 2024, specifically blocking transit routes.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó noted ongoing efforts to find a legal resolution, as Russian oil currently constitutes a significant portion of supplies to Hungary's Mol, though alternatives are being explored for full replacement by 2025.

95 Ukrainian soldiers brought back from Russian captivity, 13 of them are defenders of Azovstal

Ukraine has brought 95 of its defenders back from Russian captivity.

It's reported by the Coordination Staff that 88 enlisted personnel and seven officers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, including soldiers from various units like the National Guard and Navy, were recently liberated. Notably, these individuals had been held captive by Russian forces since 2022. Many of them return with injuries and chronic illnesses needing ongoing care. The freed soldiers include defenders of Mariupol and those who joined local defense efforts, illustrating their resilience and commitment amidst the conflict.

Ukrainian troops withdraw from Krynky in Kherson Oblast

Ukrainian troops withdrew from the village of Krynky in Kherson Oblast several weeks ago, according to sources from Ukraine's Marine Corps and reports from Ukraine's public broadcaster, Suspilne. In a separate development, analysts from DeepState previously reported that Russian forces had occupied the village of Urozhaine in Donetsk Oblast.