On July 31, several significant events affected the geopolitical situation around Ukraine. Negotiations between China and the US could have a major impact on the course of the Russia-Ukraine war. Should the Donald Trump administration agree with China on a trade deal tied to the cessation of hostilities in Ukraine, the war may end. The provisional deadline for the agreement is August 8, with possible signing by August 12.
In Kyiv, emergency rescue operations continue after a night missile strike that killed at least 13 people, including one child. A total of 132 people were injured, 14 of them children. In Kramatorsk, a shelling of a five-story apartment building killed one person and injured another 11.
The Verkhovna Rada voted to restore the independence of the NABU and SAP anti-corruption bodies, paving the way for further EU funding for Ukraine. The new law will take effect on August 1.
The US Treasury Secretary reported readiness for a major US-China trade agreement, with both parties in final negotiations and hoping to reach terms by August 12. This could become a prelude to ending the Russia-Ukraine war, as the US threatens higher tariffs against China, India, and Brazil if the conflict persists.
Another important development: Russia adopted a law expanding police powers to freeze citizens’ bank accounts without a court order. Experts link this move to the country's financial strains and war expenditures.
The international community is closely watching the results of the US-China talks and their potential impact on Ukraine.
