Home > War > July 25 News Wrap: Patriot System for Ukraine, Zelensky-Putin Diplomacy Signals, Western Financial Support, NABU and SAP Scandals


July 25 News Wrap: Patriot System for Ukraine, Zelensky-Putin Diplomacy Signals, Western Financial Support, NABU and SAP Scandals


A comprehensive news review: protest actions around NABU/SAP, Patriot deliveries, Zelensky's diplomacy, Western support and Russian economy news.

On July 25, Larii Kluchok's daily news roundup reported that protests against the controversial bill targeting NABU and SAPE have been postponed until the day the President's bill on restoring the independence of these anti-corruption agencies is voted on in parliament. The new protest date will be announced closer to the parliamentary session.

A key story is the delivery of the first Patriot air defense system from Germany to Ukraine. The transfer was made possible through U.S. and German cooperation. Further deliveries are expected in the future.

On the frontlines, the situation remains tense: Russian forces dropped a guided bomb on a medical facility in Kharkiv, killing one person and injuring 14 others. In Kherson, a morning drone and artillery attack claimed another life. The Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Oleksandr Sylskyi, stated that the army is prepared to repel Russian advances, with significant NATO support and noting Russia's buildup in the Pokrovsk direction.

Additionally, Bild reported that Russian front-line troops have sometimes killed their own wounded due to the lack of evacuation, citing footage from Ukrainian reconnaissance drones.

In diplomacy, President Zelensky noted signals from Russia indicating a potential willingness from Putin to meet. However, the Kremlin has denied immediate readiness, emphasizing stark differences between Kyiv and Moscow. Turkish President Erdogan is lobbying to hold a Putin-Trump meeting in Istanbul.

In finance, Zelensky instructed officials to prepare a large weapons purchase contract with the United States and pointed out Ukraine's need for Western financial aid to cover budget deficits and military salaries. Due to incomplete implementation of EU-mandated reforms, Ukraine will receive a reduced fourth tranche of EU financial assistance.

From Russia, the Central Bank cut its key interest rate amid slowing economic growth. Separately, Ukraine's NABU reportedly searched the German residence of former Presidential Office Deputy Rostyslav Shurma. Subsequent accusations against NABU and SAP inefficiency sparked public protests and led President Zelensky to propose new legislation restoring their independence.

On July 31, parliament will consider restoring SAP and NABU independence, possibly fast-tracking the vote. Public debate continues about the wisdom and consequences of these measures.