Ukraine News Updates - July 31, 2025
Ukraine Expects €12.5B from EU Facility Plan
Ukraine reports progress on its EU Ukraine Facility Plan commitments despite wartime challenges. The first quarter of 2025 was the most intensive implementation period. Three final commitments remain pending: ARMA reform (awaiting presidential signature), local executive power reform (ready for second reading), and expanding the Higher Anti-Corruption Court. Ukraine expects €3.05 billion in August for completing 13 of 16 steps, with additional €1.45 billion following completion of remaining indicators. The annual €12.5 billion target remains achievable. Read more
Zelensky Signs ARMA Reform Law
President Zelensky signed the ARMA reform law on July 27, 2025, completing one of three remaining reforms required for the full EU tranche under the Ukraine Facility mechanism. The law establishes new requirements for ARMA leadership, introduces selection procedures with international experts, and creates transparent asset management mechanisms. Zelensky announced the signing after speaking with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who noted progress on relevant indicators.
Hensoldt Wins €340M Ukraine Radar Contract
German defense company Hensoldt secured a €340 million contract to supply radar systems, strengthening Ukraine's air defense. The deal includes TRML-4D and SPEXER radars as part of short and close-range air defense systems ordered by Germany's Armed Forces. TRML-4D can detect and track up to 1,500 targets within a 250km radius, while SPEXER radars identify ground, sea, and low-flying aerial targets.
U.S. Approves $330M Ukraine Defense Packages
The U.S. State Department approved two military packages for Ukraine totaling $330 million on July 24, 2025. The first package ($180 million) supports air defense systems maintenance, training, and modifications. The second ($150 million) covers M109 self-propelled howitzer maintenance and repair. These are the third and fourth packages approved following resumed arms deliveries after a Trump-Zelensky phone conversation.
Ukraine Approves Open Banking Regulations
Ukraine's National Bank approved open banking regulations enabling secure data exchange between payment service providers through APIs with user consent. The framework supports fintech development, enhances competition, and fulfills EU integration requirements including SEPA membership. Effective August 1, 2025, payment providers have five months to comply. This completes implementation of EU Directive PSD2 on payment services.
PrivatBank Wins London Court Case Against Former Owners
PrivatBank won a case in London's High Court against former owners Igor Kolomoisky and Hennadiy Bogolyubov on July 30, 2025. The court ruled they illegally appropriated nearly $2 billion through complex over-lending schemes and rejected their denials. The former owners will likely pay over $1.7 billion excluding interest, with total damages potentially exceeding $2 billion including legal costs and interest.
Ukrainian Startup Fund Helps Raise $51M
Companies supported by Ukraine's Startup Fund have raised nearly $51 million in external investments as of July 2025, according to Deputy PM Mykhailo Fedorov. The funds support economic sector transformation and innovation development. Supported companies include bionic prosthetics maker Esper Bionics, vision diagnostics firm CheckEye, smart blinds producer SolarGaps, and logistics automation company Deus Robotics, creating new market segments and supporting Ukraine's transition to an innovation economy.