Ukraine restores key anti-corruption powers, and Rubio opens up on Russia talks - Thursday brief
RBC-Ukraine collage
The Ukrainian Parliament passes a law ensuring the independence of NABU and SAPO. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reveals new talks with Russian officials
More on what happened Friday, July 31, in the RBC-Ukraine report.
Parliament passes Zelenskyy's bill on NABU and SAPO
The Verkhovna Rada has approved Presidential Bill No. 13533, aimed at restoring the independence of the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO). A total of 331 MPs voted in favor.
How lawmakers voted, what’s known about the controversy, and what the new NABU and SAPO law entails — in the full RBC-Ukraine story.
Rubio says new talks are underway with Putin's inner circle on Ukraine
This week, US officials held discussions with individuals close to Russian president Vladimir Putin, said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
According to him, President Donald Trump has been waiting for more than six months and has done everything possible to bring an end to Russia's war against Ukraine.
Main strike on Kyiv: 5 direct missile hits
Overnight on July 31, the Russian military launched 317 drones and missiles against Ukraine. The main target of the attack was Kyiv, where five direct missile strikes were recorded.
According to the military, the enemy deployed a total of 309 Shahed-type attack drones and decoy UAVs. In addition, the invaders launched eight Iskander-K cruise missiles from Russia’s Kursk region.
New challenge for air defense: Air Force explains threat of jet-powered drones
On July 30, up to eight jet-powered Shahed drones were detected in Ukrainian airspace. These UAVs are difficult to detect by radar, said Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat.
According to him, these drones produce a distinct sound that differs from that of conventional Shaheds.
Key Russian military plant hit in Penza drone strike
On July 31, drones attacked a radio factory in Penza, Russia, which specializes in producing advanced communications systems for the Russian armed forces - JSC Radiozavod. Later, the regional governor confirmed the attack and the fire at one of the facilities, stating there were no casualties or structural damage.
