July 14, 2025 5:20pm

Ben Borges

The Kyiv Independent asked teens in Ukraine aged between 14 and 17 about their experiences during Russia’s war.

July 14, 2025 5:16pm

Ben Borges

“We’re gonna be doing very severe tariffs if we don’t have a deal in 50 days. Tariffs that are about 100%, we call them secondary tariffs,” Donald Trump said in a joint press conference in the White House alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

July 14, 2025 5:00pm

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Ben Borges

A Belarusian Mi-24 helicopter reportedly engaged and destroyed a Russian "Gerbera" drone heading toward Ukraine on July 12, according to sources within Ukraine's Ministry of Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR).

At the time of the incident, at least three Russian drones were present in Belarusian airspace. The drone targeted by the Belarusian air defense crew was detected during a routine patrol. The wreckage of the downed UAV reportedly fell within the Gomel region of Belarus.

The Belarusian Ministry of Defense has not commented on the incident.

This is not the first time Russian drones have entered foreign airspace.

Since the onset of the full-scale war, numerous unmanned aerial vehicles have breached Belarusian air space, mainly Russian Shahed kamikaze drones targeting Ukraine. Belarusian air defense and fighter jets have intercepted some of these drones, while at least one was downed by Russian forces stationed in Belarus.

Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko had long avoided commenting on such incidents. It wasn't until September 2024 that he mentioned reaching an alleged understanding with Ukraine to limit media coverage of UAV incursions into Belarus, claiming both nations struggle to control their drones. Rakusho also emphasized the role of radio-electronic warfare systems, claiming they disrupt drone operations.

Apart from Belarus, Russian drone activity during operations against Ukraine has also been detected in Romania and Poland.

July 14, 2025 4:34pm

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Ben Borges

A "constructive dialogue" between the United States and Russia is set to continue, as it's deemed more effective than futile attempts at exerting pressure. This statement came from Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and a special representative of President Vladimir Putin on investment-economic cooperation with foreign countries, as he wrote on his Telegram channel on Monday, July 14.

Dmitriev noted the "titanic efforts" currently being made to derail the dialogue between Moscow and Washington "by every possible means." However, he did not specify who is behind these efforts

He also criticized former U.S. President Joe Biden for allegedly "flawed approaches," which he claims have "proved ineffective." Dmitriev underscored that equality in dialogue, mutual respect, realism, and economic cooperation form the bedrock of global security and sustainable peace.

On July 10, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his "disappointment" with Russia during an NBC interview, announcing plans for a significant statement on July 14. According to Axios, Trump will announce deliveries to Kyiv of not only Patriot air-defense systems to shield Ukraine's skies but also long-range missiles capable of reaching Moscow. European allies are expected to foot the bill for these supplies.

Senate Budget Committee chair and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham stated on July 13 that a turning point is imminent in Russia's war against Ukraine. "In the coming days, you will see record weapons deliveries to Ukraine, and the U.S. President will have access to sanctions that he never had before," Graham declared.

On July 14, Trump's special envoy Keith Kellogg arrived in Kyiv for a week-long visit. Ukrainian President's Office Head Andriy Yermak shared on Telegram that discussions would cover defense, security, weapons, sanctions, protecting citizens, and bolstering U.S.-Ukraine cooperation. Yermak emphasized that Russia does not wish to cease fire and reinforced that the peace-through-strength principle champions Trump's approach—a stance Ukraine supports.

Earlier in the year, Dmitriev participated in U.S.-Russia delegation talks in Riyadh in February and March and made an April visit to Washington, D.C., where he engaged with the Trump team. A key agenda topic was reportedly the "restoration of dialogue completely halted by Biden's administration." Dmitriev also claims that numerous American companies want to re-enter the Russian market, diversifying into fields where European businesses have retreated.

CNN reported that U.S. authorities temporarily lifted sanctions on Dmitriev, allowing the State Department to issue him a visa for entry. The RDIF chief is known to have studied and worked in the United States and collaborated with U.S. presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff on freeing U.S. citizen Marc Fogel from Russia.

July 14, 2025 4:16pm

Ben Borges

“From the EU perspective, the talks are about more than three Patriot systems for Ukraine,” a German government spokesperson said.

July 14, 2025 4:14pm

Ben Borges

Russian troops launched drone attacks on Kharkiv and Sumy oblasts on July 14, killing one person and injuring at least 21, local authorities reported.

July 14, 2025 4:08pm

Ben Borges

Amid escalating Russian aerial attacks on Ukraine, simmering tensions in the Missile East, and a Europe seeking to rearm in the face of an ever-more belligerent Kremlin, one piece of military kit in particular is currently in hot demand across the globe —  Patriot PAC-3 interceptor missiles.

The U.

July 14, 2025 2:50pm

Ben Borges

After two days of talks and panel discussions in Rome at the fourth Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC), there was one topic that stood out from the rest: critical minerals.

During a packed workshop on July 11 with representatives from Ukraine’s Economy Ministry, minerals and financial sector, as well

July 14, 2025 2:21pm

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Ben Borges

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a meeting with US Special Representative Keith Kellogg, who arrived in Kyiv this morning. This comes amid ongoing discussions about enhancing Ukraine's defenses and fortifying ties with the United States.

"We had a productive conversation focusing on pathways to peace and actionable steps we can take together," Zelensky revealed following their meeting. "This includes strengthening air defense systems for Ukraine, joint production efforts, and acquiring defensive weapons in collaboration with Europe. Of course, sanctions against Russia and its enablers remain crucial. We count on the leadership of the United States, as it is evident Moscow won't relent unless its ambitions are forcibly curtailed," he stated, expressing gratitude for Kellogg’s visit. He also conveyed appreciation to former US President Donald Trump for sending strong signals of support and making positive decisions benefiting both Ukraine and the US.

The Office of the President (OP) further noted that Zelensky and Kellogg also discussed frontline conditions and the needs of the Ukrainian military. [Read More] The US envoy commended Ukrainian fighters for their bravery. Among potential collaborations highlighted were joint drone manufacturing and the possibility of the US directly purchasing Ukrainian UAVs.

Keith Kellogg will remain in Ukraine for a week. His schedule is packed with significant meetings. Zelensky pointed out that Kellogg is set to engage with top officials from the Security Service of Ukraine and representatives from Ukrainian intelligence. Meanwhile, Serhiy Leshchenko, advisor to the head of OP, mentioned that Kellogg might also meet with Ukrainian military personnel to gain firsthand insight into the realities of modern warfare. This insight is crucial not only for further US assistance to Ukraine but also for ensuring the US military remains at the forefront of technology and strategy.

July 14, 2025 2:01pm

Ben Borges

“I have proposed that Yuliia Svyrydenko lead the Government of Ukraine and significantly renew its work,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

July 14, 2025 12:41pm

Ben Borges

“The Baltic region is tense due to the aggressive policies of European coastal states,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

July 14, 2025 11:52am

Ben Borges

The aircraft had three crew members and two technicians on board, Russian pro-government media outlet Kommersant reported.

July 14, 2025 11:32am

Ben Borges

“Constructive dialogue between Russia and the U.S. will always achieve more than the tired, destructive language of pressure,” Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, wrote.

July 14, 2025 10:39am

Ben Borges

The deployment took place in Sumy Oblast, a northeastern region bordering Russia that has recently faced renewed Moscow’s attempts to advance.

July 14, 2025 10:20am

Ben Borges

Ukraine’s Air Force said Russian forces launched 136 drones overnight, including Iranian-designed Shahed-type attack drones, and fired four S-300/400 guided missiles.

July 14, 2025 9:06am

Ben Borges

“There are many topics to discuss,” Ukraine’s Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak said.