Protests across Ukraine have extended into a second day as citizens continue to voice their outrage over the sudden dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. What began as a spontaneous outcry in Kyiv on July 16 has grown into a widespread movement, with rallies reported in Lviv, Kharkiv, Lutsk, Mykolaiv, and other major cities.


Ukraine Protests: Second day of protests, people take to streets in Kyiv & other cities

Ukraine has been thrown into complete political chaos. Just hours after Russia launched a massive attack of 13 missiles and 151 drones on Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelensky fired his highly popular Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and the Prime Minister. Fedorov is seen as the brilliant mind behind Ukraine's successful drone program.
His aggressive audits uncovered $6.7 billion in overspending and kickback networks, and his move to open competitive tenders saved over $100 million on artillery.
But now it seems this created powerful enemies. Watch how this shock firing has sparked massive, rare wartime protests in Kyiv as citizens accuse the presidency of lack of transparency and protecting corrupt networks.

Jealous Zelensky punishes successful defence minister, people livid at alleged corruption

The Russia-Ukraine war has entered a dangerous new phase at sea, with both sides launching strikes on vessels, ports and military infrastructure across the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Ukraine says it has intensified attacks on Russia's "shadow fleet" to disrupt Moscow's wartime logistics, while Russia has responded with missile and drone strikes on Ukrainian ports and energy sites. The escalating naval battle has already pushed global wheat prices higher, raising fresh concerns over grain exports and maritime security.


Russia-Ukraine war: Black Sea turns into a war zone as grain routes come under fire

Ukraine has appointed energy executive Sergii Koretskyi as the new Prime Minister of the state. 48-year-old Koretskyi is the third Prime Minister since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He is trusted by Zelensky to lead through the tough period of winter. He received 289 votes in favour.“We weathered the harshest winter and ensured an uninterrupted supply of gas to Ukrainians, despite significant losses of our own production,” Koretskyi said in his parliamentary speech, highlighting his achievement as head of Naftogaz, Ukraine's biggest state company.In a social media post on the platform X, Koretskyi highlighted the necessity to fully equip Ukraine’s Defense Forces and accelerate the expansion of our defense industrial base. “At the same time, we are preparing the country for winter while continuing to support Ukrainian citizens and businesses. Our responsibility is to fulfill the state’s social obligations in full by ensuring the timely payment of pensions, social assistance, and funding for essential public services”, read the post.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-earthquake-te-anau-tsunami-warning-south-island-1784198043839">6.3 quake strikes near Te Anau, New Zealand, tsunami warning issued</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today, I am assuming the responsibilities of Prime Minister of Ukraine with a clear set of priorities. Our foremost task is to fully equip Ukraine’s Defense Forces and accelerate the expansion of our defense industrial base. We will do everything possible to ensure that… <a href="https://t.co/avFqDcdKYZ">pic.twitter.com/avFqDcdKYZ</a>&mdash; Sergii Koretskyi (@KoretskyiUA) <a href="https://x.com/KoretskyiUA/status/2077700569708257394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Who is Sergii Koretskyi?</h2>48-year-old Sergii Koretskyi is an engineer and economist by profession. He has never held a government office before, and is believed to be politically neutral. But he holds roughly two decades of experience in production and refining, energy retail, wholesale management, ​and international financing, as a senior executive of Ukraine's biggest state-run company, Naftogaz. Since 2025, he has been serving as the CEO of Ukraine's biggest state companies. Before that, he had held the top position at Ukraine's largest oil company, Ukrnafta, a part of the Naftogaz group. Before heading state-run companies, he also held senior positions in private companies. He was the CEO of the Continuum ⁠Group, one of the biggest filling station chains in Ukraine, WOG.Zelensky had told reporters on Wednesday that preparing for winter is the biggest priority. As Ukraine continues to endure one of the heaviest bombardments of the season, analysts perceive that Koretskyi's political neutrality and decades of management experience will provide an edge.&nbsp;

Who is Sergii Koretskyi? Meet Ukraine's new Prime Minister, the former Naftogaz chief and energy executive chosen by President Volodymyr Zelensky to lead the country through wartime and winter.

Ukraine has appointed energy executive Sergii Koretskyi as the new Prime Minister of the state. 48-year-old Koretskyi is the third Prime Minister since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He is trusted by Zelensky to lead through the tough period of winter. He received 289 votes in favour. “We weathered the harshest winter and ensured an uninterrupted supply of gas to Ukrainians, despite significant losses of our own production,” Koretskyi said in his parliamentary speech, highlighting his achievement as head of Naftogaz, Ukraine's biggest state company. In a social media post on the platform X, Koretskyi highlighted the necessity to fully equip Ukraine’s Defense Forces and accelerate the expansion of our defense industrial base. “At the same time, we are preparing the country for winter while continuing to support Ukrainian citizens and businesses. Our responsibility is to fulfill the state’s social obligations in full by ensuring the timely payment of pensions, social assistance, and funding for essential public services”, read the post. Also Read: 6.3 quake strikes near Te Anau, New Zealand, tsunami warning issued

Who is Sergii Koretskyi? Meet Ukraine's new Prime Minister, the former Naftogaz chief and energy executive chosen by President Volodymyr Zelensky to lead the country through wartime and winter.

Who is Sergii Koretskyi? Engineer and energy executive appointed Ukraine's new Prime Minister

Ukraine has been granted permission to purchase Chinese drone components from an EU defence loan, which could amount to €6 billion, according to a report by the Financial Times. This would be the first tranche, which is dedicated to drone procurement, among the total €60 billion earmarked for defence procurement. This is done to “respond as quickly as possible to the most urgent needs that Ukraine has…derogations are possible. These are granted in exceptionally rare cases,” said a spokesperson of the commission as reported by FT.In general, it is stipulated that the funds are being used to purchase components from Europe, Ukraine or other approved partners. However, if the necessary quantities are not available within the required time, then Ukraine may request to purchase them from other countries. These components include- batteries, engines, flight controllers, and specialised electronics — rather than finished, assembled commercial unmanned aerial vehicles.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/keir-starmer-farewell-speech-house-of-commons-goodbye-prime-minister-1784123642509">'This is the end of my political journey': Keir Starmer delivers emotional goodbye speech</a><h2>A strategic paradox for the European Union</h2>Europe has repeatedly accused Beijing of being “the key enabler of Russia's war” against Ukraine as a key supplier to Moscow's military industrial complex. This highlights the inability of the EU and US defence industries to match the production needs for drone manufacturing. Ukraine has itself developed an incredibly advanced and innovative defence industry, but it is significantly dependent on China's supply chain of raw materials. The country's defence production has grown from $1 billion before to $35-55 billion. China remains a key player in the global supply chain. Though Ukraine is heavily trying to reduce reliance on Chinese imports, it remains the only option for many key components. EU officials recognise the contradiction of sending European capital to Beijing, which is actively supplying dual-use components like semiconductors and drone engines to Russia, but it becomes necessary to prioritise survival.&nbsp;

Ukraine has reportedly received EU approval to use part of a defence loan to purchase Chinese drone components, highlighting Europe's dependence on China's supply chain.

Ukraine has been granted permission to purchase Chinese drone components from an EU defence loan, which could amount to €6 billion, according to a report by the Financial Times. This would be the first tranche, which is dedicated to drone procurement, among the total €60 billion earmarked for defence procurement. This is done to “respond as quickly as possible to the most urgent needs that Ukraine has…derogations are possible. These are granted in exceptionally rare cases,” said a spokesperson of the commission as reported by FT. In general, it is stipulated that the funds are being used to purchase components from Europe, Ukraine or other approved partners. However, if the necessary quantities are not available within the required time, then Ukraine may request to purchase them from other countries. These components include- batteries, engines, flight controllers, and specialised electronics — rather than finished, assembled commercial unmanned aerial vehicles. Also Read: 'This is the end of my political journey': Keir Starmer delivers emotional goodbye speech A strategic paradox for the European Union Europe has repeatedly accused Beijing of being “the key enabler of Russia's war” against Ukraine as a key supplier to Moscow's military industrial complex. This highlights the inability of the EU and US defence industries to match the production needs for drone manufacturing. Ukraine has itself developed an incredibly advanced and innovative defence industry, but it is significantly dependent on China's supply chain of raw materials. The country's defence production has grown from $1 billion before to $35-55 billion. China remains a key player in the global supply chain. Though Ukraine is heavily trying to reduce reliance on Chinese imports, it remains the only option for many key components. EU officials recognise the contradiction of sending European capital to Beijing, which is actively supplying dual-use components like semiconductors and drone engines to Russia, but it becomes necessary to prioritise survival.

Ukraine has reportedly received EU approval to use part of a defence loan to purchase Chinese drone components, highlighting Europe's dependence on China's supply chain.

Ukraine gets EU approval to purchase Chinese drone parts under €6 billion defence fund

The war in Ukraine has taken a terrifying turn. Watch how Russia is using the massive, three-tonne FAB-3000 glide bomb to flatten entire frontline positions from miles away. UN's announcement that the past month was the deadliest for civilians in four years, Kyiv’s daring drone strikes against oil refineries deep inside Russia, and the emergency creation of a nine-nation European ballistic missile defence coalition. Watch the latest from the battlefield in this story.


Putin's cheap new shock glide-bomb: FAB-3000 unleashes havoc on Ukraine

Russia launched one of its latest large-scale attacks on Ukraine, firing 135 drones and 10 missiles as the war entered a new phase of escalation. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Kyiv that Moscow would respond "in kind" to Ukrainian actions. Meanwhile, Ukraine's allies pledged additional air-defence support, while Kyiv agreed a roadmap to acquire 16 Rafale fighter jets and advanced SAMP/T NG air-defence systems. The first Rafales are expected to enter service by 2028-2029.

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine to acquire 16 Rafale aircraft & SAMP/T NG air defence systems

At least nine people were killed as Russia and Ukraine exchanged overnight drone and missile attacks. Russian strikes killed four people in Ukraine, including three in the Dnipropetrovsk region, while Ukrainian attacks reportedly left five dead in Russia and Russian-occupied territories. The latest wave of attacks highlights the continuing escalation in the conflict.


Russia-Ukraine war: Nine dead as Russia, Ukraine trade strikes

Zelensky did not say who would replace incumbent Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko or elaborate on the reasons for the changes.

The reshuffle comes at a pivotal moment in the more than four-year war with Russia, with Moscow escalating its campaign of deadly ballistic missile strikes on Ukraine, and Kyiv planning to domestically produce US-designed Patriot air defence systems.


Ukraine: Zelensky Orders New PM in Major Government Reshuffle

Ukraine's Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko has officially resigned from her office on Sunday, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is pushing for a massive reshuffle in the cabinet to align the government with a new political strategy. In a social media post on the platform X, Ukraine's Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed her resignation. She expressed her gratitude to Zelensky for entrusting her to lead the country during “the most difficult periods in Ukraine’s modern history”.“I am grateful to the President for his trust and for his high assessment of our team’s work. I am proud to have had the honour of leading the Government during one of the most difficult periods in Ukraine’s modern history,” wrote Yulia Svyrydenko. She also said that she is ready to serve the Ukrainian state and carry out all the necessary tasks.“Together, we visited every part of our remarkable country, with particular attention to frontline regions. We made extremely difficult decisions under intense pressure, endured the hardest winter, and never allowed the enemy to stop the heartbeat of our state – its economy,” wrote Yulia Svrydenko. Yulia had played a pivotal role in the US-Ukraine critical minerals deal. She has previously served as the first deputy prime minister and economy minister, during which she grew closer to the US President Donald Trump. According to a report from Polish media Telewizja Polska, she is preferred for the sought-after role of &nbsp;Ukraine's next ambassador to the United States.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-one-day-mourning-former-qatar-emir-sheikh-hamad-bin-khalifa-al-thani-1783871857965">India announces one-day mourning after death of former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I discussed with the President the challenges facing our country, the changes needed to strengthen the Government’s work, and our relations with international partners. At this moment, it is critically important to unite all our strength and resources to make Ukraine stronger.… <a href="https://t.co/lRIgk5yqh0">pic.twitter.com/lRIgk5yqh0</a>&mdash; Yulia Svyrydenko (@Svyrydenko_Y) <a href="https://x.com/Svyrydenko_Y/status/2076276740280680862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that there will be changes in the leadership of law enforcement agencies to ensure the implementation of new political strategy. He specificed the agreements on licenses to manufacture Patriot systems as key to their agenda, as well as security of Ukraine and other countries in the eastern front to Russia, like Polan. No official successor has been named yet. Zelensky had held meetings with potential picks, including Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov, and Naftogaz CEO Serhii Koretskyi. In a post on social media platform X, Zelensky thanked Svyrydenko for her services, and said that they are preparing for for winter and for every threat that may arise.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Ukraine is changing its political strategy. Each priority area of foreign policy will be assigned to a specific person with substantial experience who is capable of implementing what we agree on at the leaders’ level and what the Ukrainian people expect. The most important of… <a href="https://t.co/YVdZJu6KUZ">pic.twitter.com/YVdZJu6KUZ</a>&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/2076264578229391430?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Ukraine PM Yulia Svyrydenko has resigned as President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares a major cabinet reshuffle and new political strategy.

Ukraine's Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko has officially resigned from her office on Sunday, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is pushing for a massive reshuffle in the cabinet to align the government with a new political strategy. In a social media post on the platform X, Ukraine's Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed her resignation. She expressed her gratitude to Zelensky for entrusting her to lead the country during “the most difficult periods in Ukraine’s modern history”. “I am grateful to the President for his trust and for his high assessment of our team’s work. I am proud to have had the honour of leading the Government during one of the most difficult periods in Ukraine’s modern history,” wrote Yulia Svyrydenko. She also said that she is ready to serve the Ukrainian state and carry out all the necessary tasks. “Together, we visited every part of our remarkable country, with particular attention to frontline regions. We made extremely difficult decisions under intense pressure, endured the hardest winter, and never allowed the enemy to stop the heartbeat of our state – its economy,” wrote Yulia Svrydenko. Yulia had played a pivotal role in the US-Ukraine critical minerals deal. She has previously served as the first deputy prime minister and economy minister, during which she grew closer to the US President Donald Trump. According to a report from Polish media Telewizja Polska, she is preferred for the sought-after role of Ukraine's next ambassador to the United States. Also Read: India announces one-day mourning after death of former Qatar Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani

Ukraine PM Yulia Svyrydenko has resigned as President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares a major cabinet reshuffle and new political strategy.

Ukraine PM Yulia Svyrydenko resigns as Zelensky pushes major cabinet reshuffle

The Russia-Ukraine war continues to intensify as a Russian drone strike hit Zaporizhzhia, killing one person and injuring several others. The latest attack comes as the United Nations warns that June recorded the highest monthly civilian casualty toll since the early months of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. According to the UN, 265 civilians were killed and 1,816 injured during June alone. Meanwhile, Ukraine says it has expanded attacks on Russian military logistics, including strikes targeting supply routes linked to occupied Crimea.


Russia-Ukraine war: Kremlin vows war will continue despite talks of negotiations

Tensions are rising on multiple fronts. Russia is facing a growing fuel crisis as Ukraine targets supply routes to Crimea. A Russian Shahed drone struck Zaporizhzhia as fighting intensifies. President Zelensky announced plans to ramp up Patriot missile production to strengthen air defenses. Watch this report for more details on the war in Ukraine.


Russia-Ukraine war: Russia fuel crisis deepens as Ukraine steps up drone strikes on Crimea

In a landmark development at the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara, President Donald Trump announced that the United States will grant Ukraine a license to domestically manufacture Patriot interceptor missiles. Aimed at bolstering Kyiv's long-term air defense capabilities against ongoing ballistic missile threats, the move allows Ukraine to produce its own "defensive shield" without relying solely on limited U.S. stockpiles.

Trump clears path for Ukraine to manufacture Patriot missiles 

As Russian missile and drone attacks intensify, Ukraine is looking to strengthen its air defence shield with Patriot systems. But can Kyiv overcome the technological, financial and industrial hurdles needed to build or produce Patriots at scale?

Can Ukraine build Patriots fast enough to counter Russian missile strikes?

In a landmark development at the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara, President Donald Trump announced that the United States will grant Ukraine a license to domestically manufacture Patriot interceptor missiles. Aimed at bolstering Kyiv's long-term air defense capabilities against ongoing ballistic missile threats, the move allows Ukraine to produce its own "defensive shield" without relying solely on limited U.S. stockpiles.


Trump clears path for Ukraine to manufacture patriot missiles

Russia is jamming Starlink to stop Ukraine’s long-range drone strikes. Ukrainian commanders say Moscow has deployed powerful systems like the "Volna Kupol Garant" to black out 20 sq km of coverage, targeting the drones that hit fuel depots and command posts deep behind the front line. Kyiv is now hunting and destroying the jammers. Here’s how electronic warfare is changing the drone war.

Russia-Ukraine War: Moscow counters drone strikes with jammers 

Russia has intensified its attacks across Ukraine, leaving at least 26 people dead within 48 hours as cities and civilian areas come under heavy bombardment. In response, Ukraine has launched a new phase of its drone campaign, targeting Russia's shadow fleet of oil tankers instead of focusing solely on refineries. More than 20 Russian-linked oil tankers were reportedly struck within 72 hours, raising concerns about disruptions to Moscow's oil exports and revenue streams. The strikes could have major implications for the war, global energy markets, and sanctions enforcement.


Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine to make American Patriot missiles

President Donald Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the NATO summit as the war in Ukraine continues. The meeting comes at a critical moment for Kyiv, with questions around US aid, military support, and future peace talks all in focus.

Trump at NATO summit: 'Got India-Pakistan deal done'

Kyiv endured a third straight night of Russian strikes that killed seven people, with fresh explosions reported in Kyiv and Kharkiv. As the attacks intensified, Zelensky pressed NATO leaders for more air defence systems, warning that civilians are bearing the brunt. Ukraine also stepped up long-range strikes inside Russia, hitting what Zelensky called "every major Russian refinery," including the country's largest. Trump said he spoke with both Zelensky and Putin. With escalation on both sides, the war is entering another dangerous phase.


Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky begs NATO for air defence after deadly strikes 

Ukraine says it has exhausted Patriot PAC-3 interceptor missiles, leaving Kyiv vulnerable to ballistic strikes as Russia steps up large-scale attacks that included waves of drones and missiles hitting Kharkiv and Sumy. This video explains how Patriot system works, why PAC-3 shortages raise risk, and why Kyiv is urgently appealing to nearly 40 partners for transfers.  Russia’s latest missile strike on the Ukrainian capital, which left at least 12 people dead and nearly 50 injured, has laid bare a harsh reality: Ukraine has all but exhausted its supply of Patriot interceptors used to defend against ballistic missiles.


The Patriot gap: Why every Russian missile is now more dangerous for Kyiv

Trump says Putin and Zelenskyy both want the war settled. But on the ground, the story is different. Zelenskyy tells NATO that Kyiv brings "extraordinary defensive capability" — even as reports warn of a critical shortage of Patriot missiles leaving cities exposed. 


Russia-Ukraine war: Russia exploits interceptor gap to intensify strikes

The war is escalating on both fronts. Ukraine says it has struck deep inside Russia, while Moscow responded with a deadly ballistic attack on Kyiv that killed at least 8 people in Vyshneve. President Zelensky called it "ballistic terror" and said civilians are paying the price. At the same time, Zelensky is set to meet President Trump at the NATO summit in Ankara, where air defense will be top of the agenda. In a blunt admission, the NATO chief said the alliance is facing an interceptor shortage for Ukraine. As missiles fly both ways, the pressure to get more air defense to Kyiv has never been higher.


Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky and Trump to meet at NATO summit 

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky condemns 'ballistic terror' after Kyiv strike kills 8

Russia launched another wave of attacks in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, with reports of heavy strikes causing damage and raising concerns over Kyiv’s air defenses. The latest escalation comes as the conflict continues to impact security across the region.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia unleashes firestorm, Kyiv undefended

Russia launched one of its largest overnight drone and missile attacks on Kyiv, leaving at least 30 people dead and dozens injured. Residential areas, including apartment buildings, suffered severe damage as rescue teams searched through the rubble. Ukraine condemned the strikes as attacks on civilians, while Russia claimed it targeted military-related facilities. Watch the latest developments and eyewitness acco


Russia-Ukraine war: Russia says it hit military, energy facilities in Kyiv

Russia-Ukraine war: Trump, Zelensky to meet at nato summit in Turkey

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia deployed '2,200 attack drones, 1700+ guided aerial bombs' 

Russia has introduced a faster generation of jet powered attack drones, forcing Ukraine to rethink its air defence strategy. After fresh missile and drone strikes, Kyiv has appealed to nearly 40 partner nations for urgent Patriot interceptor missiles. How do these new drones work? Why are they harder to intercept? And could they change the balance of the air war? This report explains the latest escalation in Russia's aerial campaign.


Russia-Ukraine war: Russia's jet-powered drones outrun Ukraine's defences

Putin unleashes terrifying unstoppable drones, Zelensky urgently pleads NATO for help

Ukraine's capital has endured one of the most devastating attacks of the war, with Russian drones and missiles striking Kyiv in what officials describe as the year's deadliest assault on the city. At least 30 people were reported killed as residential areas and infrastructure suffered heavy damage. President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed retaliation and renewed calls for stronger air defence support from allies. The attack comes amid growing doubts over diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, raising fears of further escalation.


Russia-Ukraine war escalates: No path of negotiation in sight 

The Russia-Ukraine war continues with no clear diplomatic breakthrough, as mediation efforts have largely stalled and prospects for negotiations remain limited. After years of conflict, both sides are facing growing military and economic strain, while signs of war fatigue are becoming increasingly evident across the region.


Russia-Ukraine war: No mediators left, battle fatigue mounts

ukraine

Ukraine, News on Ukraine, stories on Ukraine, articles on Ukraine, Ukraine stories at Wion, Ukraine news, Ukraine latest news