Politics · July 2026

Ukraine on July 22 saw President Volodymyr Zelensky dismiss Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and appoint Mykhailo Drapatyi as the new commander-in-chief, fueling speculation about internal power struggles. The move comes amid reports of growing pressure on Zelensky to reinstate the sacked minister, with some analysts citing a personnel shortage in Kyiv. Separately, Zelensky discussed a possible end to the war with a US envoy, while the US Senate placed a Ukraine aid bill on its calendar. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio are set to meet in Manila as the Kremlin hardens its position on Ukraine, with Lavrov also claiming the US is directly guiding Ukrainian strikes on Russia. Bulgaria announced it will resume military aid to Ukraine, while the Czech parliament speaker voiced opposition to Ukraine's admission to the EU and NATO. Ukraine is seeking defense cooperation with a Russia-friendly country, as the appointment of Drapatyi, described by a Russian expert as a 'notorious murderer,' underscores Kyiv's personnel challenges (ongoing coverage).