Russia attacks Sumy Oblast with drones, injures 13, including 5-year-old child

Gennady Starunov, a physical education teacher who was named Moscow’s "Teacher of the Year" in 2022, was killed while serving in the Russian military during its invasion of Ukraine, school officials confirmed on July 21.

Russian forces launched a drone strike on Ukraine's northeastern Sumy Oblast on July 21, injuring 13 people, including a 5-year-old boy, local officials said.

Oleksandr Tsyvinsky, currently a detective at Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau, gave his first public interview to Ukrainian publication Economichna Pravda, accusing the government of using "manipulative" security concerns to block his appointment to head the Bureau of Economic Security.

Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council has imposed a moratorium on business inspections by state authorities, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on July 21, calling the move essential for the country's economic security.

The previous round of talks took place on June 2 in Istanbul, following a May 16 meeting after a years-long freeze.

According to the U.K. government, the tankers have secretly transported $24 billion worth of oil since the start of 2024.

"I urge our European allies, who have talked a big game, to follow us if we implement these secondary tariffs," U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.

Trump's ultimatum to Russia, Ukraine’s largest government reshuffle, and allegations launched against prominent anti-corruption activist that many claim are politically motivated.

Ukraine needs $6 billion to bridge its weapons production shortfall in 2025, Defense Minister Denis Shmyhal told allies during a virtual Ramstein meeting on July 21, according to Radio Svoboda (Ukrainian service of RFE/RL).

"It is clear to all that truly effective talks can only take place at the level of national leaders," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

Speaking during the 29th Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said he reached the agreement with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a recent trip to Washington.

"It is a great honor and at the same time an extraordinary responsibility for me to lead the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in a difficult time for our country," Hennadii Shapovalov said in a statement.