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6:54 PM

Ukraine Reforms Tracker Weekly — Issue 23

Editor’s note: This is issue 23 of Ukrainian lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak’s weekly "Ukraine Reforms Tracker" covering events from April 21–27, 2025. The digest highlights steps taken in the Ukrainian parliament related to business, economics, and international financial programs. The Kyiv Independent is republishing with permission. Benchmarks and

Crunch time for Republicans on Ukraine, says ex-US State Senator

5:37 PM

Video

Crunch time for Republicans on Ukraine, says ex-US State Senator.

The Kyiv Independent's Francis Farrell sits down with retired U.S. Army officer and former Nebraska State Senator Tom Brewer in the front-line city of Kramatorsk, Donetsk Oblast, to discuss U.S.-Ukraine relations under the Trump administration, why Nebraska is interested in Ukraine's post-war recovery and why it's important for U.S. politicians to visit Ukraine to counter myths by Russian propaganda.

Trump's first 100 days marked by deadlier Russian attacks on Ukraine

7:29 PM

(Updated: April 30, 2025 5:20 pm)

Trump & Ukraine

Trump promised peace in Ukraine in first 100 days, but Russia's violence only escalated

U.S. President Donald Trump's promise to negotiate peace in Ukraine within his first 100 days in office collided with reality by April 30 — a slew of Russian missile and drone attacks during this time have spiked civilian death tolls, and a peace deal with Moscow that is still out

5:17 PM

Zelensky urged Trump to toughen stance on Putin during Vatican meeting, Axios says.

President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly pressed U.S. President Donald Trump to return to his original proposal of an unconditional ceasefire as the starting point for peace talks.

4:28 PM

Kremlin says Russia ready for mass mobilization like in WWII 'at any moment'.

"If a great country needs to stand up, it will stand up at any moment," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said.

2:36 PM

3 killed, 70 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day.

"Russian drones continue flying in the skies over Ukraine all morning. And so it goes every day," President Volodymyr Zelensky posted on X, calling for stronger sanctions against Russia.

1:21 PM

India's Modi declines Putin's invitation to Moscow Victory Day parade.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that while India "will be represented," it will not be at the highest level and did not specify Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reasons for refusing the invitation.

12:34 PM

'5 explosions' — Ukrainian drones strike Russian military plant in Murom, source claims.

The facility, known locally as the city's "powder factory," produces ignition components for ammunition used by Russia's Armed Forces, Interior Ministry, and Federal Security Service (FSB), according to Russia's National Defense magazine.

12:15 PM

Yermak warns against easing Russian aviation sanctions, says line between civilian and military use is 'blurred'.

The article follows Russia's formal request that the U.S. lift sanctions on its state airline Aeroflot.

10:42 AM

Hungarian Parliament votes to withdraw from International Criminal Court.

The decision formalizes Hungary's intention, first announced in early April during Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Budapest.

Russian drone attack injures 47 in Kharkiv

11:48 PM

(Updated: April 30, 2025 10:37 am)

Russian drone attack injures 47 in Kharkiv.

"There have been 16 strikes on Kharkiv," Mayor Ihor Terekhov wrote on Telegram. "A high-rise apartment block was hit as well as private residences, a medical facility, and civil infrastructure."

10:11 AM

600 North Korean troops killed fighting for Russia against Ukraine, South Korea says.

North Korea has suffered about 4,700 casualties in total, including both dead and wounded, South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun said.

8:58 AM

Zelensky warns Russia is 'preparing something' in Belarus under guise of military drills.

"Look at Belarus — this summer, Russia is preparing something there under the guise of military exercises. This is how its new attacks usually start," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

8:14 AM

General Staff: Russia has lost 951,960 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022.

The number includes 1,100 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.

7:42 AM

Nearly 105,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine identified by media investigation.

Since the list was last updated in the middle of April, 2,880 additional Russian military personnel have been confirmed killed.

6:47 AM

'I don't trust a lot of people' — Trump offers contradictory views on Putin's intentions in interview on first 100 days.

"He could be tapping me along a little bit, I would say that he would like to stop the war," Trump said during the ABC News interview on April 29.

5:12 AM

8 Ukrainian officials, entrepreneurs charged with embezzling $2.1 million in firewood purchases for Armed Forces.

Among the suspects are the head of the housing and utilities departments in Luhansk and Kharkiv, a procurement official, and three entrepreneurs, the National Police said.

2:54 AM

'Three-day ceasefire is absurd' — Kellogg slams Russia’s short truce proposal.

The comments come amid Trump’s increasing frustration with what he sees as Moscow’s refusal to end its war against Ukraine, as Russian attacks against Ukrainian civilians persist.

12:53 AM

US says 2 Ukrainian nationals detained for alleged illegal voting in 2024 presidential election.

"Under Donald Trump’s presidency, if you come to our country and break our laws, you will be held accountable," U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem wrote.

10:50 PM

Putin demands full control of 4 Ukrainian regions, stalling US ceasefire push, Bloomberg reports.

One source told Bloomberg that negotiations have reportedly reached an impasse and require "direct contact between Putin and Trump" to make further progress.

Ukraine war latest: Russia announces beginning of 'direct talks' with Ukraine; Kyiv hasn't commented yet

10:32 PM

War update

Ukraine war latest: Russia announces beginning of 'direct talks' with Ukraine; Kyiv hasn't commented yet

Key developments on April 29: * Putin's Victory Day truce proposal 'is start of direct negotiations' with Ukraine, Lavrov says * Russia intensifies offensive operations in 3 regions, pushes toward Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine's military says * Ukrainian drones reportedly target Ryazan, Nizhny Novgorod oblasts in Russia * Dnipropetrovsk Oblast's eastern villages evacuating families as

9:58 PM

Almost 90% of Ukrainians do not trust Trump, poll shows.

The figure has almost doubled since November, according to the New Europe Center.

9:24 PM

Russia intensifies offensive operations in 3 regions, pushes toward Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine's military says.

Russian forces have recently intensified offensive operations in three Ukrainian oblasts – Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson – Ukraine's Southern Defense Forces spokesperson, Vladyslav Voloshyn, said on April 29 during Ukraine's state-run telethon.

7:43 PM

Putin's Victory Day truce proposal 'is start of direct negotiations' with Ukraine, Lavrov says.

"Our proposal, which President Putin voiced, is the start of direct negotiations, without preconditions," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.

7:00 PM

France accuses Russia of escalating cyberattacks since 2021, charges GRU's 'Fancy Bear' unit.

France has brought charges against the GRU's APT28 unit, based in Rostov-on-Don in southern Russia.

Top 5 Ukrainian sectors with potential for EU Single Market integration — Civitta and EasyBusiness study

6:44 PM

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Top 5 Ukrainian sectors with potential for EU Single Market integration — Civitta and EasyBusiness study

Which European countries have the highest demand for goods and services from Ukrainian producers? How can the integration of Ukrainian business into the EU Single Market be accelerated, and what is the role of business associations and clusters in this process? For the first time in Ukraine, a comprehensive analysis

Investigation: The hidden journey of Ukrainian coal stolen by Russia — and who profits from it

4:52 PM

(Updated: April 29, 2025 6:44 pm)

Investigations

Investigation: The hidden journey of Ukrainian coal stolen by Russia — and who profits from it

On March 29, the sanctioned Russia-flagged vessel Sv. Nikolay quietly docked at the Algerian port of Annaba near the coal terminal, waiting to be unloaded. The metallurgical coke the ship was carrying — a key ingredient in steelmaking produced from coal — had been stolen. The Kyiv Independent traced the vessel’s

Trump said Ukraine 'will be crushed very shortly' — this is why he's wrong

6:35 PM

Trump & Ukraine

Trump said Ukraine 'will be crushed very shortly' — this is why he's wrong

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he believes Ukraine will be "crushed very shortly," as it is up against Russia's "big war machine" that it cannot defeat. "I think I'm saving that nation. I think I'm doing a great service to Ukraine. I believe that," he said in an

Who's countering Russian propaganda now? Expert on US' declining disinformation defense

6:05 PM

Video

Who's countering Russian propaganda now? Expert on US' declining disinformation defense.

The Kyiv Independent's Natalia Yermak speaks to James Rubin, a former diplomat who led the Global Engagement Center in 2022-2024, about how deeply the Russian propaganda influences U.S. politics and why the center's closure "disarms" the country in the information war.

5:36 PM

'No need to wait until May 8' — EU reacts to Putin's Victory Day truce.

"Russia could stop the killing and the bombing at any time, so there's absolutely no need to wait until the 8th of May," European Commission spokesperson Anita Hipper said.

What's next for North Korean troops fighting for Russia? A possible Ukraine deployment, experts, officials say

5:24 PM

War analysis

What's next for North Korean troops fighting for Russia? A possible Ukraine deployment, experts, officials say

North Korean troops fighting for Russia in Kursk Oblast could be redeployed to fight in Ukraine itself, experts and Ukrainian officials have told the Kyiv Independent, though there is still much uncertainty about the next steps Pyongyang's soldiers could take. Such a move would have huge ramifications for Russia's full-scale

4:08 PM

Journalist Roshchyna's body missing organs after Russian captivity, investigation says.

During the examination in Ukraine, it turned out that journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna's brain, eyes, and part of the trachea had been removed, the investigation said.

News Feed

4:10 PM

(Updated: July 7, 2025 4:45 pm)

Russian transport minister fired by Putin reportedly shoots himself dead.

According to Russian media, ex-Transport Minister Roman Starovoit's body was found near Moscow. Preliminary findings suggest that the suicide may be linked to a possible criminal case.

3:01 PM

Ukrainian drone strike hits major oil refinery in Russia's Krasnodar Krai, HUR source claims.

Located roughly 500 kilometers (311 miles) from Ukrainian-controlled territory, the refinery is among the largest in southern Russia, producing over 6 million tons of fuel annually.

2:38 PM

HUR publishes Russian military order, claims proof of Moscow increasing military footprint in Armenia.

HUR first made the claim on July 5, saying Russia was increasing its forces at the Gyumri base to exert greater influence in the South Caucasus and "destabilize the global security situation."

2:19 PM

(Updated: July 7, 2025 1:43 pm)

KI Insights

Ukraine calendar: What will happen this week

1:12 PM

(Updated: July 7, 2025 1:38 pm)

Zelensky, Trump discussed replacement of Ukraine's US ambassador, source says.

Oksana Markarova has held the post since April 2021, and played a central role in coordinating U.S. military and financial support during the early phases of Russia's full-scale invasion.

12:17 PM

Ukrainian drones reportedly target Russian chemical plant near Moscow.

The Krasnozavodsk Chemical Plant is one of the city's biggest employers and an important part of Russia's defense-industrial complex.

11:24 AM

12 killed, 69 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day.

Ukraine's Air Force said Russia launched 101 drones overnight, including Iranian-designed Shahed-type attack drones, as well as four S-300/400 guided missiles.

10:45 AM

After airport chaos, tanker blast, Putin fires Russian transport minister.

The dismissal comes amid a series of high-profile disruptions to Russia's aviation and shipping sectors.

10:36 AM

As Ukraine awaits stalled US weapons, Trump says he's 'helping a lot' in war with Russia.

"I am helping Ukraine. I'm helping it a lot," U.S. President Donald Trump said when asked in Washington why the U.S. does not support Ukraine as strongly as it supports Israel.

9:12 AM

Trump threatens 10% tariff on countries backing BRICS 'anti-American policy'.

"There will be no exceptions to this policy," U.S. President Donald Trump said.

8:13 AM

General Staff: Russia has lost 1,027,540 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022.

The number includes 1,100 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.

7:52 AM

Trump slams Musk’s third party plan as ‘ridiculous,’ calls Musk ‘train wreck’.

U.S. President Donald Trump commented on tech billionaire Elon Musk’s plan to create a new political party, calling it “ridiculous” and warning that third-party movements have historically failed in the United States.

5:47 AM

BRICS summit statement condemns attacks on Russian railways, avoids urging Russia to cease war efforts in Ukraine.

BRICS summit participants condemned recent attacks on Russia’s railway infrastructure, according to a joint declaration on July 6 from Rio de Janeiro.

2:51 AM

Lavrov meets Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi at BRICS summit, reiterates Russia's offer to mediate disputes over nuclear program.

Russia reiterated its offer to mediate the conflict over Iran’s nuclear program during a meeting between Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Iranian counterpart at the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Reuters reported on July 6.

10:49 PM

Moldova's pro-Russian political bloc to participate in upcoming elections.

Ilan Shor, an exiled pro-Kremlin oligarch, established the Victory bloc in August 2024. "Our main goal in these elections is to overthrow the fascist regime and hold early democratic elections within the next six months," Shor said on July 6.

10:06 PM

Zelensky's top adviser behind bid to replace prime minister, spy chief, sources tell Economist.

According to anonymous officials, Andriy Yermak was also a driving force behind the recent corruption probe into Deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Chernyshov.

5:34 AM

(Updated: July 6, 2025 8:49 pm)

Russian airports cancel nearly 300 flights amid drone attacks on Russia.

Rosaviatsia reported on the evening of July 6 that 287 flights had been grounded across three major airports: Moscow's Sheremetyevo, St. Petersburg's Pulkovo, and Strigino Airport in Nizhny Novgorod.

8:12 PM

Explosion damages tanker in Russian port, marking 6th mysterious blast this year.

An explosion "of an unknown nature" aboard the Eco Wizard tanker in Russia's Ust-Luga port near St. Petersburg caused an ammonia leak on July 6.

7:22 PM

Ukraine imposes sanctions on Russian financial, cryptocurrency schemes.

Restrictions were imposed on 60 legal entities and 73 Russian citizens.

6:59 PM

War update

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