Important Events This Week in Ukraine
This week brings a series of important developments related to Ukraine’s political, military, and economic landscape. The European Council has agreed to extend sectoral sanctions against Russia for an additional six months, but discussions on a new sanctions package are still ongoing. This decision comes at a critical time as the ongoing conflict continues to demand strong international support and cooperation.
Meanwhile, in the United States, the White House is proposing to significantly reduce funding for global war crimes accountability programs, including those that support investigations in Ukraine. The State Department has set a deadline of July 11 for relevant bureaus to justify any attempts to preserve these initiatives. This move is seen as having potential financial implications for Ukraine, as it may affect the pace of international accountability for war crimes committed during the conflict.
Inside Ukraine, the government is required to formally approve a new head of the Bureau of Economic Security (BES) within the next ten days. Oleksandr Tsyvinsky, a former NABU detective and co-leader of the ‘Clean City’ operation, has been selected for the role, despite opposition from some Ukrainian members of the selection commission. This appointment is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s economic security and regulatory frameworks.
A draft law amending Ukraine’s 2025 State Budget is expected to be registered in the Verkhovna Rada. This draft includes a significant increase in security and defense funding, allocating nearly Hr 311 billion for the Ministry of Defense and over Hr 100 billion for other defense-related agencies. The total general fund spending is set to rise by Hr 449 billion, with the government planning to fund this through higher revenues and domestic borrowing. This financial commitment reflects the growing importance of security and defense in Ukraine’s national priorities.
The 32nd Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly will take place in Porto, Portugal, from June 29 to July 3, with the theme ‘Commemorating 50 Years of the Helsinki Final Act: Responding to a New Reality in the OSCE.’ The meeting will address key security and human rights issues, though it continues to face considerable Russian influence. The event highlights the ongoing challenges in international cooperation and the need for a unified response to the conflict in Ukraine.
Other events include the commemoration of the liberation of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk on July 5, and Ukraine will observe National Police Day on July 1 and Navy Day on July 7. These events are essential for remembering the struggles and sacrifices of Ukraine’s people, as well as for reinforcing national cohesion and resilience.
Additionally, Canada Day and U.S. Independence Day will be celebrated on July 1 and 4 respectively. These national celebrations are important for fostering a sense of unity and pride among the Ukrainian diaspora and citizens alike.
Further ahead, the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC2025) will be held in Rome from July 10 to 11, bringing together various stakeholders to discuss Ukraine’s reconstruction, private sector investment, and European integration. These discussions are crucial for shaping the future of Ukraine and ensuring that the country can rebuild and recover effectively from the ongoing conflict.