On July 17, Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) reportedly launched a cyberattack against Gazprom, Russia’s state-owned energy giant, causing significant disruptions. The attack allegedly targeted systems used by Gazprom and its subsidiaries, which Ukraine claims support the Russian war effort. The operation resulted in the destruction of data, the installation of damaging software, and the disabling of internal systems for thousands of administrators across hundreds of subsidiaries. The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify these claims, and neither Gazprom nor Russian authorities have commented publicly.
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Ukraine would receive long-range missile systems “very soon” after a US agreement to continue supplying weapons to Ukraine. Merz indicated these capabilities could be deployed within weeks, emphasizing the need for Ukraine to improve its defense capabilities. The announcement followed a friendship treaty signed with the UK, allowing for cooperation in procurement and production. While the exact details of the US plan for European allies to fund weapon supplies remain unclear, Merz insisted on clarity regarding the replacement of Patriot air defense systems being delivered to Ukraine.
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Patriots to move to Kyiv “as quickly as possible”, says NATO top commander, and it’s a development that feels like a turning point, a potential acceleration toward the end of this ordeal for the Ukrainian people. It’s a real game changer, but the details matter, and the speed with which this actually happens is crucial. There’s a lot of optimism, which is understandable, but we need to stay focused on what’s concrete and what’s just talk.
The essence of the call is to flood Ukraine with the air defense systems needed to fend off Russian missile and drone attacks. The logic is straightforward: these systems aren’t really *needed* in countries like London, Paris, or Berlin right now, and therefore, they should be prioritized where they can make a real difference.… Continue reading
Russian authorities have initiated legal action to seize Normunds Bomis’s share in the Russian company Ryzhsky Khleb, alleging the Latvian citizen supports the Armed Forces of Ukraine, thereby engaging in extremist activities. The Prosecutor General’s Office has filed a lawsuit, claiming Bomis and his business partner, Tetiana Prykhodko, are extremists. This “extremist association” allegedly extends to Bomis’s other businesses and a Latvian foundation. This action is part of a larger trend, with Russian law enforcement seizing significant assets in favor of the state in recent years.
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Dmitry Medvedev, former Russian President, suggested Russia should consider “preemptive strikes” against the West in response to increased Western support for Ukraine, specifically the deployment of defensive systems. Medvedev’s comments followed the announcement of potential secondary tariffs on Moscow by former President Trump, who also indicated the U.S. would send Patriot missiles to NATO countries for eventual routing to Ukraine. Despite the push to send these systems, there is uncertainty surrounding the delivery timelines and locations, as Swiss and German officials have noted. While seen as a significant step, some, like Zelenskyy and EU leaders, are concerned that these measures are not strong enough.
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According to European diplomats, Russia is escalating its use of chemical weapons in Ukraine, aiming to inflict maximum suffering. Intelligence reports from Germany and the Netherlands indicate a growing trend, with over 9,000 instances of chemical weapon use since the invasion’s onset. The Dutch Defence Minister noted over 2,500 reported cases of chemical weapon-related symptoms in Ukraine, resulting in three deaths. The United States has also accused Russia of using chloropicrin, a banned choking agent, despite Russia’s commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention.
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On July 17, Russian media and officials reported widespread Ukrainian drone attacks across multiple regions, including Moscow and St. Petersburg. Russian officials claimed to have shot down numerous drones, with some reports indicating temporary airport closures and injuries. Attacks were also reported in regions closer to the front lines, such as Belgorod and Voronezh, with casualties and damage reported. These reported attacks follow a series of Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities, including a double-tap attack in Nikopol and an aerial bomb dropped on a shopping center in Donetsk Oblast.
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Japan’s defense minister stated the nation faces its most severe security environment since World War II, citing increased military activities from China, Russia, and North Korea. The annual defense white paper highlights China’s military expansion as an “unprecedented strategic challenge,” particularly around the disputed Senkaku Islands, while also noting growing cooperation between China and Russia. The report expresses concerns about North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile program, which can reach the entirety of Japan. These actions are described as a threat to regional stability, mirroring concerns raised by the head of the US military’s Indo-Pacific Command.
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Overnight, Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile attack on key regions in Ukraine, targeting cities like Odesa, Kharkiv, and Kryvyi Rih, resulting in infrastructure damage and casualties. Ukrainian forces intercepted a significant number of the drones, while lawmakers in Kyiv approved increased defense spending and a cabinet reshuffle occurred. The attacks follow a shift in US policy, with a new package of weaponry for Ukraine and threats of economic sanctions against Russia. The Kremlin responded to these developments, closely monitoring the Western long-range missile deliveries and considering them a signal to continue the conflict.
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A far-right terrorist organization, the Base, with suspected Russian ties, has claimed responsibility for the assassination of a Ukrainian intelligence officer in Kyiv. The group, which has been offering money for attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, made the claim via a Telegram channel. Ukrainian authorities have stated that they killed the two suspects who were instructed by Russian special services to carry out the assassination. The Base’s activities in Ukraine have escalated recently, with the group now endorsing or commissioning treasonous murders and threatening further attacks.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood