Ukraine's new PM announced a one-year moratorium on business inspections and other initiatives

The Ukrainian government, in cooperation with law enforcement agencies and under the coordination of the National Security and Defence Council, is preparing to implement a one-year moratorium on business inspections. The initiative is aimed at giving domestic businesses more freedom and fostering a healthier economic environment.

According to Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, the government is finalizing a decision that would significantly reduce pressure on entrepreneurs. The idea has already been discussed with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who has reportedly given clear instructions to empower domestic economic forces. The broader goal is to reduce informal business practices and establish fairer conditions for law-abiding companies.

An audit of criminal cases involving businesses is already underway. The government’s priority is to close baseless cases that obstruct business operations. Moving forward, new cases will only be opened with the authorization of the Prosecutor General or senior regional prosecutors.

Svyrydenko also noted that inspections by Ukraine’s tax and customs authorities will be scaled back. Control over the legality of investigative actions will be strengthened to prevent abuse. She emphasized that inspections will focus only on high-risk sectors, while law-abiding enterprises will receive protection. Legislative changes are also in development to improve business protections, reform oversight mechanisms, and ensure the just use of confiscated Russian assets.

In addition to regulatory reforms, the government is launching new initiatives to support Ukraine’s wartime economy. A grant program for ammunition and explosives production will begin next week to strengthen the defense industry and localize key manufacturing capabilities. The program is being coordinated by newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal.

Svyrydenko also introduced a new experimental initiative called “Design and Build”, which is expected to accelerate the construction and restoration of essential infrastructure such as housing, hospitals, and schools. Unlike the traditional approach—where tenders are held separately for design and construction—this European-style model will award contracts for full, turnkey implementation. Contractors will be responsible for both project documentation and execution. The pilot project will run for two years and will be overseen by Oleksii Kuleba and the Restoration Agency.

These reforms reflect Ukraine’s ongoing commitment to supporting legal businesses, strengthening national resilience, and accelerating postwar recovery through innovation, deregulation, and international best practices.

Moscow is unwilling to compromise on its demands ahead of the proposed 3rd round of peace talks

Moscow continues to show no signs of softening its stance in the war against Ukraine, as Russian President Vladimir Putin remains focused on achieving his objectives through military force. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, speaking to Russian state media on July 20, reiterated that Putin is committed to a peaceful resolution—but only one that fulfills Russia’s strategic goals.

Peskov emphasized that the settlement process is lengthy and difficult, requiring sustained effort. He underlined that for Moscow, the priority remains reaching what the Kremlin views as clear and non-negotiable goals.

These comments come amid renewed attention to Russia’s so-called "peace memorandum," presented during peace talks in Istanbul on June 2. The document outlines a sweeping set of demands that include Ukraine recognizing Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the partially occupied regions of Kherson, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Luhansk. It also calls for the complete withdrawal and demobilization of Ukrainian forces, along with the dismantling of all Western-supplied weaponry.

Despite Russia’s hardline position, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on July 19 that Ukraine has proposed a new round of negotiations with Russia, potentially taking place next week. While details remain limited, the talks are expected to prioritize prisoner exchanges. However, Russia has not yet agreed to resume negotiations and continues to reject any formal ceasefire arrangement.

Zelensky has emphasized the urgency of resuming dialogue, stating that the pace of negotiations must accelerate and concrete steps toward a ceasefire are needed. The Kremlin, meanwhile, has hinted that discussions could continue in Istanbul, although no date has been confirmed.

Russia’s resistance to meaningful negotiations has reportedly drawn the anger of U.S. President Donald Trump. After months of stalled progress, Trump signaled a major policy shift on July 14 by pledging to send additional weapons, including Patriot missile defense systems, to Ukraine via NATO. He also warned Moscow of sweeping economic consequences, threatening 100% tariffs on Russian goods unless a peace agreement is reached within 50 days.

Despite this pressure, sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters on July 15 that Putin remains committed to continuing the war until the West concedes to Russia’s demands.

Earlier this year, Ukraine and Russia held two rounds of direct peace talks in Istanbul—on May 16 and June 2—marking the first face-to-face negotiations in over three years. While the meetings led to notable prisoner exchanges, they produced no breakthroughs on a ceasefire or long-term resolution.

With both sides holding firm, prospects for a negotiated peace remain dim. Ukraine pushes for meaningful talks, while Russia clings to its maximalist terms, betting that time and military pressure will ultimately yield results.

Seven killed and 28 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over the past day

The wave of drone and missile strikes highlights the continued intensity of Russia’s aerial campaign against Ukrainian cities and towns amid ongoing fighting along the front lines.In Kherson Oblast, Russian forces shelled 34 settlements, including the regional capital Kherson. Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported that one person was killed and six others, including a child, were injured.

In Donetsk Oblast, individuals were killed in Kostiantynivka, Pokrovsk, and Raiske, according to Governor Vadym Filashkin. Six others were injured across the region during the same period.A Russian missile strike near Synelnykove in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast killed two people and injured five others, Governor Serhii Lysak reported.

In Sumy Oblast, Russian drones struck the Svesa community, setting fire to three houses and killing a 78-year-old woman, according to Governor Oleh Hryhorov. Two more people were injured in a separate attack near the town of Shostka.

In Kharkiv Oblast, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported that a Russian strike on Kupiansk injured three men, aged 45, 59, and 73. Elsewhere in the region, a 42-year-old man was injured in the village of Nechvolodivka, while two women, aged 50 and 76, were wounded in Izium.

In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, a Russian drone strike on the village of Prymorske injured two elderly women, aged 64 and 73, according to Governor Ivan Fedorov. A separate attack near the city of Zaporizhzhia damaged seven homes and injured another woman.According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russian forces launched a total of 57 drones overnight, including Iranian-made Shahed-type attack drones and decoy drones designed to overwhelm air defenses.

Ukrainian forces successfully shot down 18 drones, while another seven were neutralized by electronic warfare systems or disappeared from radar.Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past 24 hours have killed at least seven people and injured 28 others, regional officials reported on July 20.