Ukraine-Russia News
LAST UPDATE: August 1, 2025
Trump Says Witkoff to Visit Russia, Expects to Impose Sanctions
President Trump said his special envoy Steve Witkoff will visit Russia following stops in Israel and Gaza. He expects to impose sanctions on Moscow if a ceasefire deadline he set is not met within roughly eight days (news.bloomberglaw.com, Axios, Reuters).
Insight
Sending Witkoff to Russia ahead of sanctions underscores escalation in U.S. pressure on Putin—balancing diplomatic outreach with looming economic penalties if Russia fails to halt its Ukraine campaign.
Zelenskiy’s chief of staff says allies ‘confirm positive signals’ from Washington
Andriy Yermak, Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, said Kyiv has received positive signals from Washington regarding resumption of U.S. military aid, including arrangements for Patriot systems funded by NATO allies (Reuters, Reuters).
Insight
The resumption of political backing from Washington bolsters Ukraine’s defense capabilities and morale; international support via allied financing reflects coordinated strategy behind the scenes.
Ukraine says 31 killed in Russian strike on Thursday
Ukrainian officials reported that a Russian airstrike on Thursday killed 31 people—including children—in Kyiv, marking one of the deadliest attacks on the capital this year (ガーディアン, Reuters).
Insight
The high civilian death toll sharpens international calls for stronger sanctions and humanitarian relief, while signaling intensified Russian targeting of urban centers.
Russian factory output contracts in July at quickest pace since March 2022, PMI shows
Russia’s manufacturing PMI dropped to 47.0 in July—its fastest contraction since March 2022—driven by falling orders, weak demand and financial stress among clients (Reuters, The Kyiv Independent).
Insight
Continued PMI weakness despite heavy state defense spending shows underlying recessionary pressures; prolonged sanctions and reduced private sector demand are weighing heavily.
