Current Snapshot — 18.07.2026 05:10

**Situation Snapshot — July 18, 2026**

### Domestic Politics - Protests against the dismissal of Mykhailo Fedorov continue in several cities. The replacement with Syrsky is perceived by part of society as a step towards strengthening control over the military department and reducing its autonomy. - Zelenskyy announced his intention to open archives regarding the Volyn tragedy. This is a tactical gesture towards Poland, but internally it risks becoming a tool of external pressure on Ukraine's historical policy. - Donetsk National Technical University (DonNTU) completed another relocation, moving over 60 tons of equipment to Drohobych. This is one of the few examples of systematic preservation of scientific and technical potential in the rear. - Russian sources report increased control over society amid discontent over strikes on oil refineries and rising frontline losses — a signal that Ukraine's long-range strike strategy already has an indirect political effect.

### Security and Frontline - Overnight, drones attacked occupied Crimea (Hvardiiske, Sevastopol, Feodosia, Kerch). Most likely, the target was the airfield component — strikes on aviation infrastructure remain the most effective way to deter Russian aviation. - Kharkiv and Odesa regions are under combined pressure from UAVs and the threat of ballistic missiles. The situation shows that Russia is unable to completely block Ukraine's drone channel, but Ukraine still lacks reliable protection for rear regions. - Increased activity was recorded in Kerch — likely a consequence of previous strikes and Russian attempts to restore logistics via the Kerch Bridge and port. - Estonian intelligence notes that fuel shortages and rising losses are already affecting Russian society. This confirms that strikes on Russia's energy infrastructure have a cumulative effect.

### Economy - Strikes on Russian refineries continue to generate fuel shortages inside Russia. For Ukraine, this means not only a tactical advantage but also a gradual depletion of Russian logistical resilience. - The relocation of DonNTU shows that part of the industrial and technical potential can still be preserved and moved, but the scale of such operations remains limited. - Latvia's ban on the entry of the duo "Kroliki" is secondary but indicative: the Baltic states continue a hard line against any Russian-speaking artists, regardless of their stance.

### International Context - Information about protests in Ukraine over Fedorov's dismissal has already appeared in BBC and other Western outlets. This creates additional external pressure on the Ukrainian government, especially in the context of discussions about civilian control over the military. - Trump publicly supports the candidacy of Lindsey Graham's sister in the Senate elections — a signal that US domestic politics remains focused on its own elections and personalities, not on Ukraine. - The US continues strikes on Iran for the seventh consecutive night. This diverts part of American resources and attention from the European theater. - Climate and economic problems (heatwave in France, wildfires in Canada) reduce Western societies' readiness for new aid packages — a factor Ukraine must consider when planning for autumn 2026.