{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Zelensky reluctant to hand over real control over armed forces to Drapaty — portal

The sources believe that Vladimir Zelensky may resort to the work-to-rule tactics, also known as "Italian strike", relying on a loyal defense minister and direct communication with the General Staff

MOSCOW, July 22. /TASS/. Vladimir Zelensky may attempt to block initiatives of the newly appointed commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) Mikhail Drapaty, keeping real control in his own hands, the Strana news portal wrote citing sources in Ukraine’s political and military circles.

The sources believe that the key issue at stake is the control over the Defense Ministry, and Zelensky has already made it clear that Mikhail Fedorov will not be allowed to return to the post.

Zelensky may resort to the work-to-rule tactics, also known as "Italian strike", relying on a loyal defense minister and direct communication with the General Staff and bypassing the commander-in-chief. He also has the opportunity to block his staffing decisions. Besides, Zelensky will be able to manage and control defense procurement and arms deliveries through a controlled defense ministry.

At the same time, the portal wrote that if Drapaty, who is reputed to have a tendency for public demarches, will have to face resistance from Zelensky and his loyal defense minister, he may once again try to bring all controversies into the public spotlight.

On Wednesday, Vladimir Zelensky officially removed the commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian armed forces, Alexander Syrsky, from his post and appointed Mikhail Drapaty to replace him, according to decrees published on Zelensky’s website.

Tags

Ukrainian forces under Syrsky lost control of 11,500 square kilometers

Despite mounting evidence, the Ukrainian military leadership stubbornly denied the deteriorating situation

FACTBOX: What is known about flight altitude restrictions in Moscow air hub area

Transit flights through the Moscow aviation hub are prohibited

More than 500 US military personnel wounded during operation against Iran — AP

According to the source cited by the news agency, the number is "well over 500 troops" and exceeds Pentagon's official figure

Italian politician says EU threatens global stability, blames Maidan coup for Ukraine war

Francesco Toscano added that the war in Ukraine is obviously the consequence of NATO’s eastward expansion

Moscow refuses to recognize G20 decisions made without it — Russian diplomat

Marat Berdyev commented on the Group of Twenty’s move to bar Russian officials from G20 events

Ukrainian POWs in Russia outnumber Russian POWs in Ukraine — ombudswoman

Yana Lantratova separately said that during exchanges the sides hand over an equal number of people

Cat caught carrying drugs into prison colony in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod

The cat carried a homemade tissue collar containing unknown substances

Ukrainian involved in Nord Stream sabotage admits working for security agency — TV

According to N-tv, Sergey Kuznetsov made the admission during a monitored telephone conversation with his wife while in custody in Italy

Press review: Houthis add new wrinkle to Mideast tailspin as UN stuck in bystander role

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, July 22nd

US military carries out airstrike on Iranian city of Bushehr — Tasnim agency

According to preliminary data, two facilities were damaged

Belgorod Reservoir equipment damaged: aftermath of Ukrainian attacks

Ukrainian forces continue to deliberately target the reservoir dam following the water release, with strikes still ongoing, according to the operational command

Russia to be represented at high level at G20 summit in US — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov added that Russian participations will be proactive

IN BRIEF: Ukrainian military reshuffle with new commander-in-chief, General Staff head

Under Ukraine’s national security law, Zelensky may appoint a new commander-in-chief only upon the recommendation of a serving defense minister, a position that is currently vacant

Seventeen injured: consequences of Kiev’s drone attack on apartment building in Crimea

Ukraine deliberately attacked the apartment building, as there are no military or energy facilities nearby, Oleg Kryuchkov said

Outgoing military chief Syrsky says leaves capable Ukrainian army to successor

However, Alexander Syrsky's statement conflicted with data from the Russian Defense Ministry showing that Ukraine loses roughly 1,500 troops daily as a result of actions of Russian battlegroups in the special military operation zone

Ukrainian commanders send troops to certain death to obtain footage for reports — source

A source in Russian security agencies specified that the tactics was used by commanders of Ukraine’s 72nd Mechanized Brigade, allowing them to substantiate their false reports that they still controlled a settlement

US death toll in Iran conflict increases to 18 — AP

According to the report, the total number of wounded American service members since the start of hostilities against Iran has risen to more than 500

US completes latest wave of strikes against Iran — CENTCOM

According to the US military, the strikes targeted Iranian military operations centers, maritime capabilities, aircraft hangars, drone storage facilities, and military logistics infrastructure

One killed, 10 others injured in massive drone attack on Russia’s Krasnodar Region

Fragments of a drone landed on the premises of an industrial site in Armavir, killing one employee, Governor Veniamin Kondratyev specified

Zelensky may lose control over Ukrainian army after replacing commander-in-chief — outlet

As reported by the Strana publication, the move could potentially provoke serious conflict within military leadership, especially over defense budget management

Russian troops liberate Volokhovskoye community in Kharkov Region over past day

Russian forces continued delivering strikes on Ukraine’s ports used to handle cargo for the Ukrainian army

Russia, China call on US, Iran to end fighting as soon as possible — MFA

According to the ministry, the sides noted that countries not involved in the fighting must promote peace, not strife

IN BRIEF: What we know about mass death of bees in Chelyabinsk, Krasnoyarsk regions

The causes are being investigated

Russia’s MFA outlines how to keep G20 as leading economic forum

As Foreign Ministry Ambassador-at-Large Marat Berdyev said, Russian sherpa Denis Agafonov clearly stated Moscow's goals within the G20 at a recent meeting of the relevant interagency commission under his leadership

Ukrainian military reports fuel supply problems

According to the command, additional funding was not provided in a timely manner, forcing the military to rely on previously accumulated fuel reserves

Putin highlightes external attempts to destabilize Russia's energy sector

The Russian leader said that the condition of key sectors of the domestic economy remains stable

Serial production of propellers for fixed-wing combat UAVs starts in Novosibirsk

The production facilities’ output is 50,000 propellers per month, with a peak output of up to half a million pieces monthly

What we know about Russia’s tagging of two hacker groups as extremist organizations

The reason for the ruling was the groups’ cooperation with the Ukrainian military

Fighting over Hormuz won't do Iran, US any good — Lavrov

"It’s hard to prognosticate" as regards how much longer the conflict around Iran may last, the Russian foreign minister noted

Russian AI-assisted Geran UAV swarms manage to overload Ukrainian air defenses by 400%

In February 2026, cases were registered when a swarm of 20-30 UAVs overloaded Ukrainian air defenses by 300-400%

Belgorod authorities taking measures to stabilize situation after attack on dam lake

The regional emergencies response headquarters said the situation is under control

Rome knows what reciprocity means, Berlin's nuke research: Foreign Ministry's comment

TASS has compiled the key statements made by Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko

Russian forces hit 200 railway engines hauling Western arms to Ukraine — diplomat

According to Rodion Miroshnik, "90% of military cargoes arrive from European countries"

Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff of US army says he does not consider Russia friend of US

Dan Caine added that Russia and the US are in a "complicated relationship"

Lavrov says claims Russia supplies arms to Iran untrue, wants end to Hormuz conflict

The Russian foreign minister stressed that on the global stage there are countries that "incite the parties of the confrontation, so the conflict is prolonged"

Moldovan ambassador called in to Russian Foreign Ministry, issued protest

Lilian Darii was summoned in connection with Moldova's gross violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations

IN BRIEF: Kremlin on strikes against Wildberries facilities, foreign troops in Ukraine

Dmitry Peskov stressed that Russia views any potential deployment of foreign troops to Ukraine as absolutely unacceptable

Wildberries halts warehouse operations in Krasnodar, Nevinnomyssk in southern Russia

Deliveries scheduled for these warehouses can be cancelled or redirected to any other facility

Kiev-based Rapid factory struck by Russian forces assembled Lyuty UAVs — expert

Dmitry Barov specified that the strike on the enterprise dealt a heavy blow to the Ukrainian defense industry sector

IRGC says hit radars at Ali al-Salem airbase in Kuwait

According to the statement, the strikes destroyed several radar systems

US G20 presidency being up and down, like a rollercoaster — Russian ambassador

Marat Berdyev pointed out negative tendencies of Washington’s presidency of the G20

EU running out of options for 21st sanctions package against Russia — Politico

According to the report, additional restrictions increasingly conflict with the interests of member states

G20, APEC, display huge demand for meetings with Russian Foreign Minister — ambassador

Marat Berdyev added that there is no isolation of Russia, nor it is foreseen

US signaling desire to see Putin at G20 summit in Miami — Russian MFA

Ambassador-at-Large Marat Berdyev says US President Donald Trump has repeatedly noted that Russian president's participation would be useful, the American sherpa's team is sending "a similar signal"

Zelensky offers Fyodorov new government post amid protests

He did not say whether Fyodorov had accepted the offer

Persian Gulf states irritated by US actions in conflict with Iran — Bloomberg

Other countries, including Qatar, disagree with this position and insist on immediate de-escalation

Rostec ships out first KUB-M security modules for industrial enterprises

The structures are quickly assembled and can protect against explosions, building collapses, and toxic agents

EU forces board oil tanker on suspicion of 'sailing under false flag'

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the move was aimed at increasing pressure on what she described as "Russia’s shadow fleet"

IN BRIEF: Russia's latest strikes on Ukrainian ports

A dry cargo vessel unloading cargoes for the Ukrainian army was struck at the port of Nikolayev

Putin to lead Russia’s delegation at APEC summit in China — diplomat

The summit is scheduled for November 18 and 19 in Shenzhen

State Duma passes law on regulation of digital currencies, digital rights

The document also defines the conditions for cryptocurrency purchases by investors

Japan-Russia trade rises by 15% to $4.1 bln in 1H 2026

The total value of Japanese imports from Russia increased by 10.9% to $2.8 bln

Death toll from earthquake in Venezuela reaches 5,346

According to the daily government summary, 16,740 people were injured, and 17,265 people were left homeless

Trump orders to cancel UFO non-disclosure agreements for ex-officials — TV

Such a move does not follow as a "declassification directive" and only allowed employees to come forward through government channels

Press review: Truce on deck in Iran and EU to dry-run Ukraine deployment in Poland drills

Top stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, July 21st

Russia does not hold Ukrainian civilians prisoner — ombudswoman

Yana Lantratova also said that if there are citizens of Ukraine who wish to go home, they "can freely leave through Russian territory"

Ukraine loses 6 Starlink communication stations due to Battlegroup East’s actions over day

56 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles and 35 unmanned aviation control points were also destroyed

Russia's trade with Asia-Pacific almost entirely shifted to rubles, friendly currencies

Russia's trade turnover with the region has already reached about $500 bln, accounting for more than 74% of Russia's total foreign trade, Russia's Ambassador-at-Large at the Foreign Ministry Marat Berdyev said

Press review: Russia offers lifeline on Iran and Trump works art of nuke deal with Saudis

Top stories from the Russian press on Monday, July 20th

US to strike Iran's alleged new nuclear facility — Trump

The US president said it will happen to any site where Tehran "is thinking about nuclear"

British interests in Middle East may become military target for Iran — TASS source

A high-ranking Iranian source says this could be the case if London joins the US war against the Islamic Republic

Russian warship holds live-fire exercise 46 miles off UK coast — Royal Navy

Before the naval maneuvers, the Russian warship informed HMS Tyne patrol ship of its intention to conduct gunnery activity

NATO facing shortage of cotton to produce gunpowder — WSJ

According to the newspaper, linters, or the short fibers left on cotton seeds after processing, are converted to nitrocellulose, also known as guncotton

US to spend $2.1 billion to send nuclear-powered spacecraft to Mars — NASA

Spokesperson Jan Wittry says NASA is leveraging existing hardware and developing the reactor system "to deliver a flight system and prove a capability essential to sustained lunar operations, future Mars missions, and the next era of exploration"

Ukrainian army flees Zakharovka in Kharkov region amid pressure from Russia — expert

Andrey Marochko says Ukrainian militants have abandoned some of their forward positions in the settlement as several strategic heights have come under Russia’s control

Russia to give proportionate response to Kiev's attack on civilian facilities — lawmaker

Efforts are already underway to identify those involved in the attack, Sergey Altukhov said

FACTBOX: Latest update on Russia's strikes on Ukrainian ports

The Russian Armed Forces continued to strike Ukrainian ports used in the interests of supplying cargoes for the Ukrainian military, and military facilities in the Odessa Region

What we know about foiled terrorist attack on major enterprise in Urals

No casualties have been reported among security officers or civilians

IN BRIEF: What is known about Wildberries operations after drone attacks

Wildberries warehouse operations in Krasnodar and Nevinnomyssk have been suspended, according to the WB Partners Telegram channel

Houthis say they reversed six ships after blockading Saudi Arabia

Reuters earlier reported that international shipping companies receive messages from the Houthi in Sanaa demanding that they refrain from loading and unloading in the Saudi ports

Russia, ASEAN see prospects for cooperation in energy security — Lavrov

The Foreign Minister separately said that ASEAN leaders have reached important agreements in the areas of politics and security, combating new threats and challenges, and developing trade, economic, investment, cultural, educational and humanitarian ties

Russia, Ukraine exchanging equal number of prisoners of war — ombudswoman

Yana Lantratova added that she has managed to establish close communication with the Ukrainian ombudsman

IN BRIEF: Wildberries facilities hit as air defenses down 242 drones over Russian regions

One person was killed and ten others suffered injuries in a large-scale drone attack on the Krasnodar Region

Seventeen injured in Ukrainian drone strike on apartment building in Crimea’s Yalta

Oleg Kryuchkov, an advisor to the Crimean leader, said the attack was deliberate, as it is impossible to mistake an apartment building for an electrical substation

Attack on Kuban caused by Ukraine’s failure on line of engagement — Russian lawmaker

Sergey Altukhov expressed condolences over the death of a person in Ukraine’s attack on Armavir

US keen on adding Poland to G20 — Russian MFA

According to Russia's Ambassador-at-Large Marat Berdyev, "the US itself is aware that many of its initiatives lack unifying potential and are often shaped by domestic priorities, particularly in trade and innovation"

US army commences 11th wave of strikes against Iran — CENTCOM

The US military says the strikes "are designed to continue degrading Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz"

FACTBOX: Import diesel damper, 15 FAS cases, key statements on fuel market

State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said at a plenary session that the situation on the fuel market would change dramatically in the near future

Moldovan police used force against Russian embassy staff — Russian Foreign Ministry

The Russian embassy's request to send a representative for making clarifications was ignored

Meeting with Rubio, nuclear arms, US involvement in Kiev's attacks: Lavrov's statements

Russia is prepared for any development in the context of the EU militarization, the Russian foreign minister noted

Rubio promises to discuss Ukraine with Lavrov

The US secretary of state said that Washington remains open and willing to play a constructive role in bringing the conflict to an end

Zelensky says appointed Drapaty as new commander-in-chief instead of Syrsky

Many Ukrainian politicians and protesters have been demanding for a week the resignation of Alexander Syrsky

US does not believe Iran serious about negotiations — Rubio

The US secretary of state said that Tehran had made both direct and indirect requests to engage in talks about settling the conflict

FACTBOX: Putin outlines state of economy, fuel market, regional support

The key sectors of the Russian economy remain resilient, the Russian president said

No request from Iran to resume talks with US, lawmaker says

Hassan Ghashghavi suggested that the US leader should look for more effective ways "to get out of the swamp he is in"

Russian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brass

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,270 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours

Russia to continue strikes on ships carrying arms for Kiev — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov answered the question about Russia’s missile strike on a vessel at the Odessa port

Trump suggests Syrian forces be deployed to Lebanon to fight Hezbollah

According to the US leader, such measures would "be very effective"

Drapaty's appointment highlights Zelensky's desperation — expert

According to Alexey Muratov, the reasons for the replacement were not officially named, but Western media linked it to the critical situation at the front for Ukraine

IN BRIEF: Kremlin addresses Ukrainian military chief’s dismissal, sanctions on Russia

Dmitry Peskov said the Russian Armed Forces continue offensive operations along the entire frontline

New EU anti-Russian sanctions would directly hurt member states' economies — Kremlin

According to Dmitry Peskov, this explains current disagreements

Lithuania see no direct threat from Russia — presidential adviser

In recent years, the EU countries have been regularly blaming Russia for being behind various emergencies and what they call "malicious activities" in their territories

Ukraine’s new commander-in-chief Drapaty is on Russia’s wanted list

Earlier, the Russian Investigative Committee brought charges against Drapaty for staging more than 70 shelling attacks killing or wounding 154 people

US administration refuses to transfer military aid worth $400 million to Kiev — senator

Dick Durbin says the funds are unavailable until the next president is in office

Russian warships strictly comply with international law — Kremlin spokesman

Dmitry Peskov commented on statements that a Russian frigate allegedly conducted exercises in international waters near the British coast

West uses negotiations as smokescreen while it prepares for war — Russian diplomat

In fact, the whole world has come to understand what 'Western-style talks' mean, Maria Zakharova said

Oil depot in southern Russia’s Armavir catches fire following massive drone attack

The fire area reached 800 square meters

Japan buys 1.5 mln barrels of Russian oil at average $103 in May-June

Major Japanese oil companies Taiyo Oil, Idemitsu Kosan, and ENEOS said that the decision to purchase Russian oil was made to diversify supply sources

Appointment of 'notorious murderer' Drapaty proves Kiev's personnel shortage — expert

Anton Bibarov-Gosudarev argued that such appointments complicate efforts toward peace and make the future of Ukraine more uncertain

Czech parliament speaker voices opposition to admission of Ukraine to EU, NATO

Tomio Okamura, says he refuses to finance Ukraine, "which supports collaborators with the Nazis"

Trump acknowledges that US is trying to influence political processes in China

The US leader added that it is not "a one-way street"