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This report delves into the mounting challenges facing Ukraine's leadership as it balances battlefield responses with internal discord.

Ukraine has struck Russian oil installations following a heavy missile onslaught, while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy contends with a political fallout over a dismissed minister.

“We are responding.”

Those were the words of the Ukrainian president as his country struck Russian oil facilities in the Moscow region.

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy was referring to the major ballistic missile attack that Russia carried out the night before.

So far in July, Russia has reportedly hit Ukraine with more ballistic missiles than it produces in a month.

The recent uptick in hostilities coincides with Zelenskyy navigating a growing political crisis.

His sacking of the defence minister has sparked protests.

How much of a rift does this crisis expose at the highest level of leadership in Ukraine? And how could that play into the hands of Russia?

Presenter: James Bays

Guests:

Olesia Horiainova – Co-founder and deputy head of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Center

Glenn Diesen – Professor of International Relations at the University of South-Eastern Norway

Bob Seely – Foreign affairs and security analyst and a stakeholder in the defence technology company Trypillian

Published On 20 Jul 202620 Jul 2026

The dismissal of the defense minister has triggered public protests, exposing potential fractures in Ukraine's wartime government. At a time when Russia is ramping up missile strikes, such internal strife could undermine military coordination and Western confidence. Observers will watch whether Zelenskyy can swiftly restore unity or if the rift deepens further.