Ukraine lawmakers to elect government amid defense chief row

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Ukraine appoints Naftogaz chief Koretskyi as prime minister

Ukrainians protest ousting of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov as part of a government shakeup

Ukraine hits six Russian tankers in Black Sea, Sea of Azov, Kyiv says

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visits Kyiv

Here are some of the key developments in Russia's war in Ukraine on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

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Skip next section Russia, Ukraine target shipping lanes July 16, 2026

Russia, Ukraine target shipping lanes

Russia and Ukraine are intensifying attacks on shipping in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, a key corridor for global grain exports, pushing wheat prices higher.

Ukraine says it has struck at least 11 Russian vessels, while Moscow reports hitting a Ukrainian boat and maritime targets near the Odesa region.

Kyiv's drone forces say recent strikes targeted oil tankers, cargo ships, and tugboats, bringing the number of vessels hit this month to nearly 150.

Ukraine is expanding its campaign from the Sea of Azov into the Black Sea, aiming to disrupt Russian military logistics and isolate Crimea.

Russia, meanwhile, is stepping up strikes on Ukrainian ports and infrastructure in Odesa, which are critical to the country's wartime economy.

https://p.dw.com/p/5HDK5

Skip next section Turkey renews offer to host Ukraine-Russia talks July 16, 2026

Turkey renews offer to host Ukraine-Russia talks

Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has made a renewed offer to host talks between Ukraine and Russia during a visit to Kyiv.

"There is simply no explanation for a war in Europe to continue for five years in the 21st century. We need peace more than ever," Fidan said.

Turkey has hosted multiple rounds of talks between Ukraine and Russia, both at the outset of the war and again in 2025.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said that President Volodymyr Zelensky would be ready to meet Putin in Turkey.

But Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov separately said, "There are no immediate prospects for resuming the negotiation process."

https://p.dw.com/p/5HDCh

Skip next section Starmer vows UK's 'cast-iron' support for Ukraine on final Kyiv visit July 16, 2026

Starmer vows UK's 'cast-iron' support for Ukraine on final Kyiv visit

Outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is making his final trip to Ukraine, vowing that the UK's "cast-iron support for Ukraine will always endure."

Starmer held talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.

The two leaders also laid wreaths at the Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine.

Zelenskyy thanked the "United Kingdom for their unwavering respect for our warriors."

Starmer announced his resignation on June 22 and will be replaced by Andy Burnham.

https://p.dw.com/p/5HD6Z

Skip next section IN DEPTH: Why is Zelenskyy reshuffling Ukraine's government? July 16, 2026

IN DEPTH: Why is Zelenskyy reshuffling Ukraine's government?

Lilia Rzheutska

Ukraine's Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko has resigned, prompting a Cabinet reshuffle led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. What comes next?

Find out more about what's behind Zelenskyy's latest government rejig in this report.

https://p.dw.com/p/5HCnC

Skip next section Protests in Kyiv over exclusion of popular defense minister from new government July 16, 2026

Protests in Kyiv over exclusion of popular defense minister from new government

In Kyiv,  hundreds of protesters rallied as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy moved to dismiss his defense minister as part of a government reshuffle.

Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov confirmed on X ​late Wednesday that his tenure was ending after only six months.

He has been credited with cutting bureaucracy, boosting drone warfare and pursuing a data-driven strategy to exhaust Russian forces.

Fedorov previously led Ukraine's digital transformation efforts and gained public support for modernizing government services and advancing battlefield technology.

Zelenskyy has not formally confirmed the dismissal.

The current interior minister, Ihor Klymenko, is set to replace Fedorov, Ukrainian lawmakers said on Wednesday.

https://p.dw.com/p/5HCO4

Skip next section Zelenskyy's pick, Koretskyi, approved as Ukraine's prime minister July 16, 2026

Zelenskyy's pick, Koretskyi, approved as Ukraine's prime minister

Ukraine's lawmakers voted Thursday to appoint President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's nominee, Sergii Koretskyi, the chair of state energy company Naftogaz, as prime minister.

Koretskyi replaces Yulia Svyrydenko, who resigned this week as Zelenskyy seeks to make "necessary changes to the Ukrainian government."

Zelenskyy said Koretskyi was the most appropriate candidate for the government's priority of preparing Ukraine for another difficult winter, citing the Naftogaz chief's experience in the energy sector.

https://p.dw.com/p/5HCSD

Skip next section Welcome to our coverage July 16, 2026

Welcome to our coverage

Ukraine's parliament will vote on a new wartime government, the second such overhaul under President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a year.

The reshuffle includes the dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, which has already sparked protests on the streets of Kyiv this morning.

Recent opinion polls show Ukrainians still have faith in Zelenskyy's wartime leadership, but the protests suggest that that support has its limits.

Last July, Zelenskyy responded to mass demonstrations against his stripping of anti-corruption agencies of their independence by reversing course, and he could take similar action this time should the protests grow.

In this blog, we will track these developments closely.

https://p.dw.com/p/5HCKb

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