Zelenskyy says Ukraine is the 'key piece' in Putin's push to restore Russian influence over former Soviet states, warning that breaking Kyiv would let Moscow 'deal with' other post-Soviet countries

Ukraine's ambassador to London Zaluzhny says Kyiv will never join NATO, estimating 12 years to reach half of Russia's military level.

Ukraine's Ambassador to London Valeriy Zaluzhny said Ukraine will never join NATO, estimating it would take about 12 years to reach standards matching half of Russia's level. The quote was attributed to the ambassador speaking about NATO remaining in its current form.

Zelensky dismisses Olha Stefanishyna as Ukraine's ambassador to the United States via presidential decree, no reason cited. Rustem Umerov, tipped for the post, was named head of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service Monday instead.

Ukrainian Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a decree dismissing Olha Stefanishyna from the post of Ukraine's ambassador to the United States, according to the presidential website. No reason was given in the order. The ambassador post had recently been tipped for former NSDC secretary Rustem Umerov, but on Monday Zelensky instead appointed him head of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service. The new ambassador has not yet been named.

Russian Vladimir Putin has appointed Dmitry Dogadkin as Russia's new ambassador to Syria, according to a presidential decree.

Russian Vladimir Putin has appointed Dmitry Dogadkin as Russia's ambassador to Syria, according to a presidential decree reported by RBC.

Denmark assumes UN Security Council presidency for August, naming conflict-related hunger, food security, women and climate security as its priorities

Denmark has assumed the rotating UN Security Council presidency for August, with Copenhagen saying it will prioritize conflict-related hunger, food security, women, peace and security, and climate security during its month-long term.