Photo : ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP
Photo : ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 14 July, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed appointing current Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal as new defence minister. He highlighted Shmyhal’s extensive experience as key for managing Ukraine's critical defence needs. This announcement comes after Zelenskyy nominated Yuliia Svyrydenko as the new prime minister. In his everyday address, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of strong leadership in defence due to the significant responsibilities and resources involved.
On the same day, Zelenskyy described his meeting with US President Donald Trump's special envoy, Keith Kellogg as "productive." According to him, the discussions included defence cooperation and sanctions against Russia. Zelenskyy said they explored practical steps toward peace, including enhancing Ukraine’s air defence, joint weapons production, and procurement efforts with Europe.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 14 July, in response to US President Donald Trump’s decision to send Patriot missiles to Ukraine, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that the US arms deliveries to Kyiv are still ongoing. He noted that while Europe may now be covering part of the costs, the flow of US weapons and equipment to Ukraine continues. He also claimed that Ukraine was in no rush to begin a third round of peace talks, while Russia remains prepared and waits confirmation from Kyiv on the timing.
On 14 July, Russia's Defence Ministry announced that its troops have captured two additional Ukrainian villages—Malynivka in the southern Zaporizhzhia region and Maiak in eastern Donetsk amid ongoing offensives. This comes as Russia intensifies its military campaign, with increased front-line advances and some of the largest missile and drone attacks.
On 14 July, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Investment Envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, stated that dialogue between Russia and the US will continue despite growing tensions. His comments followed Trump’s criticism of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and his decision to send Patriot missiles to Kyiv. While Trump had made improved ties with Moscow and a negotiated end to the war a key campaign goal, he has recently voiced frustration over stalled peace talks and continued Russian attacks. Dmitriev, emphasized that engagement between the two remains intact.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from Europe and the US
On 14 July, Trump warned to impose severe tariffs on Russia if a peace deal with Ukraine is not reached within 50 days. He said that the tariffs would reach 100 per cent and described them as “secondary tariffs.” Expressing strong dissatisfaction with Russia, he emphasized his plan in using trade measures to resolve conflicts, stating that trade is an effective tool for ending wars.
On 14 July, in a meeting with NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, Trump announced that the US would supply advanced weapons to NATO for use in Ukraine’s war against Russia. Trump emphasized that the military equipment, worth billions of dollars, would be funded by the alliance rather than US taxpayers and would be rapidly deployed to the battlefield. Rutte confirmed that Ukraine would receive a substantial quantity of weapons through the deal, including Patriot missile defence systems.
On 14 July, Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius held a meeting with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington. He stated that a decision on sending US-made Patriot missile systems to Ukraine would be made within days or weeks. Emphasizing Germany’s commitment to taking more responsibility for European defence. Pistorius acknowledged the continued importance of US support for collective security. This comes alongside Trump's proposal for European allies to buy US military equipment for Ukraine.