Zelensky said he tasked Yevhen Khmara with serving as acting defense minister and will ask parliament to approve him for the post after the required legal procedures. He said Khmara’s experience in special operations and long-range strikes will drive defense reform.

Satellite imagery confirms damage to both primary crude distillation units at Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat after the July 14 strike. AVT-4 and nearby technical racks show multiple damage, while earlier imagery confirmed damage to AVT-6. A workshop roof was also seriously damaged.

Ukrainska Pravda, citing sources, reports that current First Deputy Head of the SBU Oleksandr Poklad will become acting head of Ukraine’s Security Service.

Russian forces set fire to one of the buildings of the Kherson State Maritime Academy, Vice-Rector Oleksandr Shumei said. He wrote that maritime education is part of Kherson’s identity, not its buildings, and compared the attack to the destruction seen during World War II.

❗️Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar said authorities have launched an investigation into alleged ties between former Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and Russia.

Zelensky said the new government led by Serhii Koretskyi has begun work, prioritizing preparations for winter, energy resilience, long-range strike capability and faster delivery on partner agreements. He did not mention Mykhailo Fedorov or address the controversy over his departure.

Why keep quiet?

Gray cardinal Yermak back in play? Ukrainska Pravda, citing military and law enforcement sources, reports that former presidential office chief Andriy Yermak visited Oleksandr Syrskyi’s command post in a frontline region. The meeting followed Mykhailo Fedorov’s resignation and public dispute with Syrskyi.

Russian channels report that US-made Hornet drones are being used more frequently in nighttime attacks over Belgorod region. They say spring 2026 tests added thermal cameras, but the drones still lacked target lock and stabilization, leaving operators to guide them manually.

Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi held the first meeting of Ukraine’s reshuffled cabinet. He said efficiency, responsibility and results will be the main criteria for every minister, while the government works on tasks set by the president and parliament.

❗️ Kommersant reports that Russia’s diesel production is currently below domestic demand, citing a market source. Analysts expect Brazil and Turkey to seek alternative suppliers while Moscow restricts exports. The duration of the measures remains uncertain, despite official assurances of sufficient supply.

❗️ Reuters reports that India rejected Russia’s request for increased gasoline supplies after three state-owned oil companies said they had no spare fuel volumes available for export. Moscow had sought additional supplies amid pressure on domestic refining.

Explosions and a fire have been reported in occupied Berdyansk.

A Russian shadow fleet vessel was attacked in the Black Sea and caught fire. Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces dashboard now shows 2 vessels hit by Ukrainian drones in a new overnight round of strikes.

❗️Ukrainian drones are again attacking Russian-occupied Crimea. Explosions were reported in Simferopol, Feodosia, Yevpatoria and Kerch, while Russian air defenses and mobile fire groups opened fire. Traffic on the Kerch Bridge was suspended.

A strike was reported in occupied Kerch, with a strong fire seen near the railway station.

Already 6 Russian vessels have been hit by Ukrainian drones this night. And the night is still young.

Good night and sleep well. See you all tomorrow.

Good morning ☀️

The 16/07/26 SitRep on Ukraine is ready: https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/2078085078618357985.html

Nearly 700,000 people rely on our Ukraine war reporting across platforms, reaching over 800 million impressions per year. This reporting has no sponsors, no corporate backing, and no political funding. It exists because readers chose to support it.

For nearly four years, we’ve delivered real-time, verified updates, tracked developments, and cut through misinformation. Reader support directly funds verification tools, source networks, and the expansion of our team to increase speed, accuracy, coverage and quality of content.

Reach alone does not sustain independent reporting. It survives because individuals decide it is worth supporting.

If our work has helped you stay informed, consider contributing. Even small monthly support makes a meaningful difference and helps secure this work long-term.

Patreon (monthly): http://patreon.com/NOELREPORTS
One-time support: http://buymeacoffee.com/noelreports

Thank you for helping keep independent Ukraine war reporting alive.

Greetings,
NOEL & Team