Ukraine-Russia News
LAST UPDATE: July 24, 2025
Zelenskiy vows to protect Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies, bows to protests
Facing wartime protests and criticism from EU allies, President Zelenskiy pledged to safeguard the independence of anti-graft bodies and will introduce new legislation.
Insight
Ukraine’s leadership is recalibrating to maintain credibility with public and donors. Ensuring anti-corruption autonomy remains vital for Western support and EU aspirations.
EU chief demands ‘explanations’ from Zelensky on anti-graft agencies
AFP
EU Commission President von der Leyen has formally asked Zelenskiy to clarify his government’s plans regarding reforms that could undermine anti-corruption bodies.
Insight
This pressure shows the EU will hold Ukraine accountable on governance. How Kyiv responds may directly influence its EU integration trajectory.
Russia records weekly deflation for first time since September 2024
Russia experienced weekly deflation—the first since September 2024—reflecting a slight decline in consumer prices ahead of monetary-policy decisions.
Insight
Short-term price drops may prompt central bank recalibration. But given underlying inflationary pressures, a cautious policy path remains likely.
Russia’s Lavrov discusses economic cooperation, counter‑terrorism with Afghan counterpart
Foreign Minister Lavrov met Afghanistan’s FM to strengthen bilateral ties focusing on economic collaboration, security cooperation, and anti-terrorism initiatives.
Insight
Moscow continues expanding strategic influence in Central Asia. Engagement with Kabul reflects Russia’s regional ambitions amid shifting geopolitical alignments.
Russia and Ukraine start first peace talks in seven weeks as clock ticks on Trump ultimatum
Russia and Ukraine resumed peace negotiations after a seven-week hiatus. Talks intensify under pressure from U.S. tariff deadline linked to concessions.
Insight
The linkage of peace progress to geopolitical leverage—including tariffs—underscores how intertwined diplomacy and economic tools now are in global conflict resolution.
Russia says it agreed at peace talks on new POW swap, ready to hand over more bodies
At recent peace talks in Istanbul, Russia agreed to swap at least 1,200 additional prisoners of war and offered to deliver 3,000 more bodies of fallen soldiers, according to Moscow’s chief delegate, Vladimir Medinsky.
Insight
The agreement signals ongoing humanitarian progress, though strategic talks remain limited. The renewed exchange underscores the importance of trust-building steps, even as broader peace remains elusive.
How Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s power grab sparked his biggest political crisis
President Zelenskyy passed legislation consolidating control over anti-corruption bodies NABU and SAPO under a prosecutor-general loyal to him, igniting widespread protests and criticism from EU leaders, G7 officials, and veterans.
Insight
This is a watershed moment: consolidating power during wartime threatens democratic gains, potentially undermining EU accession and donor support, and risking domestic trust precisely when unity is vital.
