Trump expresses his disapproval of the sanctions. In a recent interview with Bloomberg, US presidential candidate Donald Trump voiced his disapproval of sanctions, stating that “sanctions push away everyone who comes close to us.” Trump made this remark in response to a question about potentially easing sanctions on Russia as part of a “deal” to end the war in Ukraine, which he aims to achieve if elected. During his presidency, Trump implemented several sanctions against Russia, including measures targeting the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. In 2019, he signed a defence budget that imposed restrictions on companies providing ships for the pipeline’s construction. Trump has previously suggested that adversarial relationships with countries like Russia, China, and North Korea could be resolved with a “smart president.” His campaign has indicated that one of his top priorities for a potential second term would be to swiftly bring an end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Greece’s support for Ukraine. Greece’s commitment to its own security has led it to support Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion. During the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, underscoring Greece’s stance—a position that has angered Russia. According to Al Jazeera, on March 6, Russia fired a missile into the Ukrainian port of Odesa, which exploded about 400 meters from where Zelenskyy and Mitsotakis were preparing to tour the city. Analysts believe this was a deliberate message to Greece, indicating Russian discontent with Greece’s support for Ukraine. Despite historically strong ties, the Russophilic sentiment in Greece has significantly diminished since the invasion, with a dramatic drop in favourable views toward Russia.
Trump’s pick of JD Vance is raising concerns. Many of America’s closest allies were already concerned about Donald Trump returning to the White House. Now, with JD Vance chosen as his running mate, these concerns have intensified. Trump’s selection of Vance signals a resurgence of his America-first foreign policy. Vance, known for his criticism of aiding Ukraine, echoes Trump’s past critiques of NATO and its European members for insufficient defence spending. His nomination suggests a steadfast stance that may not prioritise Ukraine’s defence against Russia as vigorously as before. CNN reports that Vance advocates shifting focus towards China, which he perceives as a greater threat than Russia. This shift towards prioritising East Asia over supporting Europe could reshape US international relations if Trump wins re-election.
Boris Johnson meets Trump. Boris Johnson recently met with Donald Trump to discuss the ongoing situation in Ukraine. According to Boris Johnson’s X account, he shared a photo of their meeting, noting Trump’s “remarkable recovery following the recent attempt on his life.” The primary focus of their discussion was the conflict in Ukraine, a pivotal issue during Johnson’s tenure as Prime Minister, where he garnered international support for President Zelenskyy. With Trump announcing JD Vance as his running mate, concerns are mounting about the future of US funding for Ukraine’s war effort if Trump wins the upcoming election. Johnson expressed confidence that Trump would provide the robust leadership necessary to defend democracy against Russian aggression.
Ninety-five Ukrainian defenders have returned from Russian captivity. Volodymyr Zelensky announced that on Wednesday, July 17, 95 soldiers from the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, and the State Border Guard Service were returned from Russian captivity. “We continue to bring our people home. Another 95 defenders have been freed from Russian captivity. These are soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard, and border guards,” Zelensky wrote. He also thanked the Ukrainian team working on exchanges and the United Arab Emirates for mediating this release. According to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, among the freed are 49 soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including a participant of the “air bridge” who voluntarily flew by helicopter to Azovstal to assist the units trapped there, and two servicemen from the Ukrainian Air Force. A total of 88 privates and sergeants, along with seven officers, were released. Among them, 23 defended Mariupol, with thirteen of them being defenders of Azovstal.
Ukraine’s intelligence discusses using Magura drones against the Russian-built Kerch bridge in Crimea. Radio Liberty’s Crimea.Realities project reported that Yevhen Yerin from Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate discussed the potential of Magura naval drones to damage the Kerch Bridge, connecting annexed Crimea with Russia. “If such a task were assigned, it would require a complex solution, not just a single type of weapon,” Yerin stated on the national telethon. He emphasised that a variety of weapons would be needed. “Efforts are ongoing in all directions. While specific capabilities of the drone are not disclosed, the work is progressing intensively, and results are expected,” he added. Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, recently said the Kerch Bridge is a higher priority target for the Armed Forces of Ukraine than the new railway along the occupied coast of the Sea of Azov. He did not confirm if the bridge would be destroyed this year, noting that this question is for the General Staff while his directorate continues its planned work.
