Key Developments
- Istanbul Talks Scheduled: Ukraine and Russia will hold a third round of peace negotiations in Istanbul on July 23. Rustem Umerov will lead Ukraine’s delegation.
- Kremlin’s Pessimism: Russia downplayed hopes, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying there’s “no reason to expect miracles.”
- Escalated Attacks: Russia launched 426 drones and 24 missiles overnight, with 203 breaching defenses.
Civilian Toll and Targeted Strikes
- Kramatorsk: A 10-year-old boy was killed; 5 injured in residential bombing.
- Sumy Region: 13 people wounded, including a child. Infrastructure heavily damaged.
- Kyiv Subway Strike: Air-raid shelter targeted, sparking major fires.
- Total Casualties: At least 24 wounded nationwide; fatalities in several regions.
Divergent Positions for Istanbul Talks
| Ukraine’s Position | Russia’s Position |
|---|---|
| Ceasefire to facilitate negotiations | Ukraine to withdraw from Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson |
| Return of abducted children and POWs | International recognition of annexed territories |
| Zelenskyy-Putin leaders’ meeting | Rejects Zelenskyy’s legitimacy |
Previous rounds led to prisoner swaps, but no ceasefire agreement was reached.
International Pressure and Aid
- Trump’s Ultimatum: U.S. President threatens sanctions if no ceasefire within 50 days.
- Germany: Sending 5 Patriot systems to Ukraine.
- UK: Sanctions on 137 oil tankers and $200M in aid.
- Austria: Doubling defense budget amid regional alarm.
Military Dynamics
- Drone Warfare: Russia’s nightly drone barrage continues; Ukraine intercepting over 230 daily.
- Frontline Gains: Russia captured Novotoretskoye, pushing northeast as Ukraine struggles with reserves.
Conclusion: Diplomacy vs. Reality
Despite talks, Russia’s military escalation raises doubts. Ukrainian MP Merezhko warns Moscow is using diplomacy to prolong its offensive. Peskov notes the complexity of “issues requiring a lot of work.”
"Ukraine never wanted this war, and it is Russia that must end the war it started." — Volodymyr Zelenskyy, July 22, 2025
Next Steps: Istanbul talks begin July 23, focusing on abducted children and POWs. Ceasefire remains unlikely.
Reported by WSN 024 — Your Global News Eye