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

Russian losses per 17/06/26 reported by the Ukrainian general staff.

+1370 men
+4 tanks
+6 ACVs
+65 artillery
+7 (!) MLRS
+4 AD systems
+1 helicopter
+1879 UAVs
+13 GRCs
+3 cruise missiles

Ukraine’s Air Force said Russia launched 1 Kh-31P missile, 7 Kh-59/69 missiles and 130 drones overnight. Air defenses downed or suppressed 5 Kh-59/69 missiles and 115 drones. Two missiles and 8 drones struck 7 locations, while the Kh-31P failed to reach its target.

❗️ Axios reports the Senate sanctions bill targeting Russia now has support from at least 61 senators, including 39 Republicans and 22 Democrats, enough to overcome a filibuster. The legislation would allow the U.S. president to impose 100% tariffs on the five largest buyers of Russian oil and gas, including China and India, and also targets Russia’s shadow fleet. The bill still must be brought to a vote.

Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces said they targeted 12 more Russian shadow fleet vessels in the Black Sea on July 17, including 9 cargo ships, 1 tanker, 1 LNG tanker and 1 tug. They said Operation “Molochka” has now hit 159 vessels over 12 days.

Ukrainian forces said Russian troops attempting to shoot down a Ukrainian drone instead caused it to crash onto a building used as an ammunition depot. The impact triggered a large explosion and destroyed the Russian ammunition storage site.

People again took to the streets in Kyiv and several other Ukrainian cities, expressing support for former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, calling for the resignation of Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, and demanding parliament return from its recess, which is scheduled to last until August 18. The largest demonstrations are expected to begin at 20:00 local time.

❗️BREAKING: President Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine’s SBU destroyed a Russian Tu-95 strategic bomber at Engels airbase, around 800 km from the Ukrainian border. He said the aircraft had been used to launch missile strikes against Ukraine and added that Russian oil facilities were also hit.