Kyiv Post

Belarus has continued a military infrastructure buildup along the Ukrainian border near the Kyiv and Chernihiv regions, according to Ukraine’s State Border Service (DPSU). Ukraine reports no troop concentration but believes Belarus is resisting pressure from Moscow to join the war.

Zelensky stated that Russia’s only remaining advantage is ballistic missile attacks on civilians, while Ukraine has strengthened militarily. He announced the Freya air defense project and highlighted ongoing Western support.

Russia has increased its attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, using up to 25 drones in single strikes. Ukraine's power grid has faced a 36% rise in strikes this year, resulting in the loss of approximately half its electricity generation capacity.

Zelensky stated that China has firmly rejected Russian rhetoric about using nuclear weapons against Ukraine. He cited European leaders indicating Beijing warned against nuclear escalation, calling it a significant shift.

Widespread blackouts are reported in occupied Crimea following an overnight strike against a substation in Yevpatoriya. Rolling blackouts in some districts are expected to last months as Kyiv intensifies attacks on the peninsula.

Poland’s defense minister rejected criticism over transferring Patriot missiles to Ukraine, stating Warsaw will continue supporting Kyiv. He accused political opponents of hypocrisy and defended the government’s decision.

An OSCE expert mission found that Russia's treatment of Ukrainian children may involve systematic indoctrination and militarization, potentially violating international humanitarian and human rights law. The report calls for enhanced accountability and child protection measures.

Israel shared intelligence with the US about an alleged Iranian plot to assassinate US President Donald Trump. The US is considering further military action while continuing diplomatic efforts with Tehran.

The IOC has allowed Russian athletes to return to Olympic competition and qualifying events, but their eligibility for the 2028 Los Angeles Games remains unresolved. European commentators criticize the decision, arguing it incentivizes Russia and reduces global pressure regarding the war in Ukraine.

Russia and the Alliance of Sahel States have agreed to expand military cooperation in response to rising jihadist violence in the region. The partnership involves Moscow providing training, equipment, and paramilitary assistance, marking a shift away from Western allies.

Ukraine's military reported 233 combat engagements and thousands of Russian strikes and drone attacks on Thursday, with intense fighting across multiple front-line areas. Ukrainian forces resisted dozens of assaults near Sloviansk, Kostiantynivka, and Pokrovsk.

NATO unity behind Ukraine was reaffirmed at the Ankara Summit despite earlier tensions, according to a former US commander. Ukraine's strikes on Russia's energy infrastructure are altering the war's momentum and may prompt Moscow to consider full-scale mobilization.

Ukraine's top commander Syrsky stated that Russia's 2026 large-scale offensive failed to meet its objectives despite having nearly twice the manpower. The Russian advance has significantly slowed, with monthly casualties averaging about 32,000 troops.

Ukrainian drones struck oil infrastructure and defense-related sites across southern Russia overnight, causing fires and disrupting airport operations. Moscow claimed to have intercepted 376 drones targeting facilities linked to Russia's energy exports and military industry.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) released an assessment on the Russian offensive campaign as of July 9, 2026. The report provides the latest analysis from the Institute.

Russian forces launched 1,038 attacks on the Zaporizhzhia region in the past day, resulting in one death, 12 injuries, and damage to homes, infrastructure, and vehicles.

Ukraine reported to the UN Security Council that Russian recruits are surviving only 10 days to three weeks due to catastrophic battlefield losses, while Moscow's advances remain limited.

The US condemned Russia’s destruction of Ukrainian homes and heritage at the UN Security Council, urging Russia to stop the war and citing 40,000 monthly casualties in Moscow’s forces. Ukrainian civilians are facing deadly strikes in Kyiv.

The Baltic states informed the UN Security Council that Russia's attacks on Ukrainian civilians constitute a sustained campaign of terror and urged Moscow to agree to an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire.

Ukraine’s Sports Minister Matviy Bidnyi criticized the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for easing restrictions on Russian athletes, arguing the decision rewards Russia while Ukraine mourns victims of missile and drone attacks. The move has been labeled 'cynical' by Ukraine.