Key Takeaways
- Massive protests erupted in Kyiv, Lviv and other Ukrainian cities after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sacked popular defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov, signaling a growing domestic political crisis.
- Zelenskyy defended the dismissal, citing a breakdown in relations between Fedorov and army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, while emphasizing the need for unity in the war effort.
- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s farewell visit to Kyiv was overshadowed by the protests, but both leaders reaffirmed the UK‑Ukraine partnership and discussed long‑term support.
- Ukraine’s parliament confirmed Sergii Koretskyi as the new prime minister, completing a leadership reshuffle amid the controversy.
- A Monaco‑based Ukrainian businessman blamed Ukraine’s military intelligence (GUR) for an assassination attempt, alleging involvement of serving and former officers.
- The EU failed to adopt a new sanctions package against Russia, extending the existing oil price cap until July 23 while negotiations continue.
- The EU’s top court ruled that Spain’s controversial amnesty law for Catalan separatists does not breach EU law.
- Safety concerns emerged in Bucharest, where tourists are illegally staying in seismically vulnerable buildings that could collapse in a major earthquake.
- Italy passed a “free to choose” law offering relocation, new identities and support to children of mafia bosses to break intergenerational criminal cycles.
- Spain’s prime minister’s wife, Begoña Gómez, will face a jury trial on influence‑peddling and embezzlement charges, though two related counts were dropped.
Protests Over Defence Minister’s Sacking
Thousands of Ukrainians took to the streets in Kyiv, Lviv and other cities after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. Demonstrators carried placards reading “For what?” and “Is your head screwed on?” while chanting “Syrskyi out,” expressing anger at the perceived sidelining of a reformist minister popular with civil society and foreign partners. The rallies marked only the second large‑scale anti‑government protest since Russia’s 2022 invasion, echoing earlier backlash over a reversed decision to close anti‑corruption agencies. The unrest underscored a deepening domestic political rift that threatened to distract from the wartime effort.
Zelenskyy’s Defence of the Dismissal
At a joint press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Zelenskyy defended his decision, acknowledging a “challenging dialogue” between Fedorov and Army Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. He stated that unity had not been achieved and that, as president, he bore responsibility for the impasse. Zelenskyy emphasized that the choice was to back either side, and he opted to support the military leadership. While he expressed a desire for cohesion, his move provoked outrage among activists and concern among Ukraine’s allies, who feared it could weaken defence coordination.
Starmer’s Farewell Visit Amid Turmoil
Keir Starmer’s final foreign trip as UK prime minister was overshadowed by the protests, yet the visit served to reaffirm the bilateral bond. Starmer and Zelenskyy laid wreaths at the Wall of Remembrance, held private talks in the presidential palace garden, and exchanged symbols of friendship, including Zelenskyy awarding Starmer the Ukrainian Order of Freedom. Both leaders stressed the enduring nature of UK support, referencing the 100‑year partnership signed the previous year and pledging continued cross‑party backing for Ukraine’s defence and reconstruction.
Appointment of a New Prime Minister
In parallel with the ministerial controversy, Ukraine’s parliament confirmed Sergii Koretskyi as the country’s new prime minister. Koretskyi, an energy executive, received legislative backing despite the ongoing protests, signaling an attempt to stabilize the executive branch. His appointment reflects a broader reshuffle aimed at consolidating authority while the government navigates internal dissent and the ongoing war effort.
Monaco Bombing Accusations Against Ukrainian Intelligence
A Ukrainian businessman who survived an assassination attempt in Monaco, Vadym Iermolaiev, accused Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (the GUR) of orchestrating the attack. He asserted that serving and former GUR officers were directly involved, citing investigative evidence. French authorities identified the suspected bomber as Ukrainian national Anastasiia Berezovska, who was later found dead near Kyiv. Ukrainian prosecutors have framed the incident as the work of a rogue intelligence officer, claiming the suspect acted without agency authorization, while the victim’s lawyers maintain a broader institutional involvement.
EU’s Inability to Agree on New Sanctions
The European Union failed to reach consensus on a fresh sanctions package targeting Russia. Consequently, the existing oil price cap of $44.10 per barrel was extended until July 23, pending further negotiations. The deadlock highlights divergent national interests within the bloc and the difficulty of maintaining a unified pressure campaign against Moscow amid varying energy dependencies and geopolitical considerations.
Spanish Amnesty Law Upheld by EU Court
The European Union’s top court ruled that Spain’s controversial amnesty law—intended to pardon those involved in the unsuccessful push for Catalan independence—does not violate EU regulations. The decision provides legal clarity for the Spanish government, which argues the measure promotes national reconciliation, while critics contend it undermines accountability for illegal separatist activities.
Safety Risks in Bucharest Tourist Rentals
Investigative reporting revealed that tourists in Bucharest are illegally lodging in buildings classified as having the highest seismic risk (RS1). Data from the Romanian organisation Re:Rise identified at least 207 such short‑term rental listings across Airbnb and Booking.com, capable of hosting over 1,000 guests nightly. Experts warn that a major earthquake—similar to the 1977 quake that killed more than 1,500 people—could cause catastrophic collapse in these structures, urging stricter enforcement of Romania’s ban on rentals in high‑risk buildings.
Italy’s “Free to Choose” Law for Mafia Families
Italy enacted legislation offering children and close relatives of mafia bosses a chance to break free from organised crime. The “free to choose” scheme provides relocation, new schooling, and, if needed, new identities for individuals under 25. Supporters argue the measure will disrupt intergenerational criminal transmission, especially in powerful clans like the ’Ndrangheta, where hereditary leadership is deeply entrenched. The law aims to give at‑risk youth a viable path away from violence and coercion.
Trial of Spain’s Prime Minister’s Wife
A Madrid provincial court confirmed that Begoña Gómez, wife of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, will face a jury trial on charges of influence peddling and embezzlement. Two related counts—corruption in business dealings and misappropriation of funds—were dropped, and her passport was returned after concerns about flight risk were eased. Gómez denies wrongdoing, claiming the case is politically motivated by a far‑right group, while Sánchez’s government maintains the prosecution is an attempt to harass his family amid broader political tensions.
Ukrainian Army Chief’s Call for Unity
Army Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi urged the nation to refocus on the war against Russia, acknowledging tensions stemming from Fedorov’s dismissal. He stressed the need for an effective strategy and warned that internal divisions could undermine battlefield performance. Meanwhile, Joint Forces Commander Mykhailo Drapaty publicly thanked Fedorov for his willingness to confront difficult issues, highlighting the mixed sentiments within the military hierarchy over the leadership change.
This synthesis captures the principal developments from the provided news roundup, emphasizing the political unrest in Ukraine, diplomatic visits, leadership shifts, security allegations, EU policy stalemates, judicial rulings, public‑safety concerns, and legislative responses across Europe.