Ukraine’s allies prepare real countermeasures against Russian terror at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome. On 10–11 July in Italy, the Ukraine Recovery Conference brought together a broad and high-level international delegation of over 6,000 to 8,000 participants from around 70 countries and 100 government delegations.

Key outcomes of bilateral meetings in Rome:

• Patriot Systems. Palisa says a dialogue with the US regarding the purchase and transfer of ten air defense systems to Ukraine is ongoing, including at the presidential level. Germany is already prepared to fund two systems, and Norway another one. Once the manufacturer gives formal confirmation, other European partners are expected to join as well.
• Joint defense production. Ukraine discussed cooperation and investment in scaling up domestic drone production with the prime ministers of Italy, Poland, and the Netherlands, as well as with the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
• Interceptor drones. According to Palisa, this topic came up in nearly every meeting as “everyone understands the importance of technological solutions in modern warfare.” Ukraine is working to attract large investments to boost the production scale.
• The UK–Ukraine agreement. At the conference, Britain and Ukraine signed a 19-year agreement that unlocks financing for over 5,000 Thales missiles for air defense systems.
• Increased payments for Ukrainian soldiers. Palisa says EU leaders are responding positively to this matter. Ukraine will seek solutions together. 

Not all decisions and agreements were announced publicly. Some remained classified due to the risk that Russia could exploit this information.

Also, during the Ukraine Recovery Conference, the “Coalition of the Willing” met. Around 30 key countries and partners participated, including French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who joined remotely via video.

For the first time, US representatives took part: Special Presidential Envoy Keith Kellogg, and Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal. They are co-authors of the bipartisan Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025 (S.1241), which aims to increase sanctions pressure on Russia.

Kyiv to set up gunpowder production in US after Rome recovery conference

The main idea of the bill is to impose 500% tariffs on imports into the US from countries that continue to purchase Russian energy resources, such as oil, gas, uranium, and other raw materials. The goal is to economically isolate Russia and force countries around the world to stop supporting its war machine.

They are brave fighters who have already proven their strength on the battlefield. In the Ukrainian 47th Mechanized Brigade Magura, a reconnaissance and strike group composed mainly of Colombian volunteers has been formed.

A video showcasing this unit of Colombian volunteers was published by ArmyInform. 

The company commander, known as Hamlet, personally organized the arrival of foreign volunteers, including Colombians and fighters from Peru, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Italy, and Mexico. Ukrainian state programs allow them to quickly undergo training and integrate into the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

“The work of the Colombian assault troops shows excellent results and significantly helps on the battlefield. They have already fought alongside elite Russian brigades and North Korean special forces in Kursk Oblast,” the command of the Colombian assault company states.

They have also been described as “brave and humane,” who retrieve their wounded comrades and injured Ukrainians from the frontline, and are ready to carry out essential missions.

Earlier, BBC Russian Service identified the names of 523 foreign mercenaries killed fighting for Russia against Ukraine, using only open-source confirmations.

The outlet reported that those were from 28 countries and died in Ukraine during Russia’s full-scale invasion. The database relies strictly on publicly available information, including Russian official announcements, social media posts by family members, and grave photographs. It excludes Ukrainian sources and Western intelligence.

Kyiv will manufacture gunpowder on US soil. On 11 July, Ukraine signed a relevant deal with its American counterparts during the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, Oleksandr Kamyshin, presidential advisor, has announced, UkrInform reports.

Kamyshyn has explained that the company involved in the production has already been engaged in projects with Ukraine. He says such cooperation seemed “an unattainable goal just two years ago.”

“Now we’re entering a systematic, proper, and ongoing format of joint work,” he adds.

Kamyshin has also revealed more than five defense-related deals, some classified as public and others classified. Intergovernmental agreements, a memorandum between Ukraine’s Council of Arms Manufacturers and the Italian Association of Arms Manufacturers, and company-to-company deals are among them.

One of the agreements was signed by US General Keith Kellogg, a special envoy of US President Donald Trump.

The US has thousands of outdated missiles that could immediately save Ukraine. Instead of being disposed of, these significant missile stocks could be transferred to Ukraine at no additional cost, says Former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukrainska Pravda reports. 

Zaluzhnyi notes that despite efforts to maintain support for Ukraine, European countries have proven unprepared for the rapid transformation of their defense industries, lagging behind Russia and primarily the capabilities of the US. He says some European countries are preparing for war as it was during World War II, burdening their budgets and failing to understand that the war since 2022 is of a different kind.

Moreover, in conditions of geopolitical instability, the very structure of Europe is expected to change. He states that European leaders fear their own electorates, who are not ready for worsening living conditions.

“Under such circumstances, expectations for long-term and, most importantly, urgently needed assistance should be approached with great caution,” he claims. 

At the same time, the US remains a country of virtually unlimited capabilities and the world’s most developed economy.

“Today, the US holds significant stocks of outdated or soon-to-be-decommissioned missiles, the transfer of which to Ukraine could be an effective solution,” emphasizes the former Ukrainian commander-in-chief.

This armament requires no additional budget costs for disposal and is critically necessary for Ukraine. 

By the end of 2023, the US had produced over 170,000 Hellfire missiles of various modifications. A significant portion of these munitions were manufactured between 1998 and 2018. They typically have a service life of 20 to 25 years, after which they require official write-off or disposal.

Furthermore, as part of a long-term Pentagon program, there is a gradual transition to the new JAGM missile system, which is replacing Hellfire both operationally and in production.

Therefore, Zaluzhnyi suggests that many of the outdated weapons will be either disposed of or transferred to other allied countries. 

“Ukraine can take advantage of this opportunity by systematically submitting official requests under various programs, justifying the need for urgent reinforcement of its defense capability and guaranteeing the US’s rational management of the stockpiles,” he concludes.

Earlier, sources reported that Trump planned to send Ukraine weapons through NATO. The proposed route would involve selling arms to the allies, who would then pass them on to Ukraine. The suggestion had already been discussed with European partners and Ukraine.

Russia is attempting to trade business cooperation with the US in exchange for concessions in its war against Kyiv. At the same time, Moscow relentlessly attacks civilians, killing women and children with record numbers of drones, demanding Ukraine’s surrender, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports. 

“The Kremlin continues efforts to use its diplomatic engagements with the United States in an effort to divert attention from the war in Ukraine and toward the potential restoration of US-Russian relations,” experts conclude.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry’s statement on the Rubio-Lavrov meeting, they discussed bilateral US-Russia issues unrelated to the war in Ukraine, including the restoration of contacts, economic and humanitarian cooperation, direct air travel, and the work of diplomatic missions.

The Russian Foreign Ministry also said that the US and Russia will continue dialogue on a “growing range of issues of mutual interest.”

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said on 10 July that he sees no slowdown in the development of US-Russia relations.

The day before the meeting, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova reaffirmed Russia’s initial military demands for regime change in Ukraine and demilitarization. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov again stated that Moscow insists on recognizing the “realities on the ground.”

“Kremlin officials’ public statements continue to demonstrate that Russia remains committed to achieving its original war goals in Ukraine and is not interested in good faith negotiations to end the war, however,” the ISW writes. 

The analysts emphasize that Kremlin officials often urge Ukraine to accept the “realities on the ground,” meaning the current frontline in Ukraine, implying Russia holds a stronger negotiating position due to the battlefield situation. They also demand that Ukraine concede to Russian demands to change its government, stop arms deliveries, and reduce its army.

If not for a Spanish company, Russia could have run out of new artillery barrels. Barcelona-based Forward Technical Trade SL supplied at least one radial forging machine to Russia, initially built by the Austrian firm Gesellschaft für Fertigungstechnik und Maschinenbau (GFM), the Insider reports. 

The equipment, valued at $1.3 million, weighs 110 tons and was manufactured in 1983. The transfer reportedly occurred via a Hong Kong-based intermediary, Scorpion’s Holding Group Limited.

GFM denies any direct business ties with either the Spanish supplier or the Hong Kong firm. However, the UK’s Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) confirms that GFM machines are crucial for barrel manufacturing in Russia — and that the Russian defense industry remains entirely dependent on them.

According to US-based expert Pavel Luzin, Russia cannot produce these forging machines domestically. Facing severe shortages, Russian forces have already begun “cannibalizing” old Soviet stockpiles, endangering frontline performance.

Earlier, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence reported that the West still had not sanctioned 70 Russian companies behind the production of missiles that struck Kyiv’s largest children’s cancer hospital. 

The Okhmatdyt strike occurred the same day Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on 8-9 July 2024, calling for a peaceful resolution to the war. While the two leaders spoke of peace, Russian missiles rained down across Ukraine, killing 47 people, including 33 in Kyiv.

Stability in Ukraine is in China’s own interest, and Beijing holds the most powerful levers to influence Moscow and urge Russian ruler Vladimir Putin to end the war, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi says, according to UkrInform. 

Tykhyi calls on China, which has been called the main sponsor of Russia’s war, to view Ukraine not merely as another European country, but as a future member of the European Union. He emphasizes that “Ukraine–China relations are ongoing, dialogue exists.” Kyiv is also openly responding to instances of Chinese citizens participating in combat on Russia’s side or engaging in acts of industrial espionage.

For instance, on 9 July, Kyiv detained two Chinese nationals, accused of attempting to steal classified documentation on Ukraine’s Neptune anti-ship missile system. The weapon that sank Russia’s flagship Moskva.

The younger suspect studied at a Kyiv technical university until 2023, when he was expelled for poor grades. Instead of returning to China, he stayed in Ukraine. The SBU suggests he used his remaining contacts to target someone with access to advanced weapons development.

“Recently, Chinese nationals were detained for gathering sensitive information about Ukrainian weapons. These facts are not being concealed,” the spokesperson says, adding that such incidents damage bilateral relations, and Ukraine cannot ignore threats amid all-out war.

Earlier, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told a senior EU diplomat that China “cannot accept” Russia’s defeat in the war against Ukraine, arguing that such an outcome would allow the US to focus its foreign policy on Beijing. However, this does not fully indicate that Beijing is focused on Moscow’s victory. 

Denmark’s Minister of Economy, Stefanie Lose, announced that aid to Ukraine will continue beyond 2026. The European Union is already discussing financial support for Ukraine beyond that year, as the situation with Russian aggression remains extremely challenging, UkrInform reports. 

Lose says that the funding will be available until 2026, but she understands resources will be needed for the next period.

Commenting on the informal dinner of EU ministers of economy and finance held on Monday ahead of the EU Council meeting, where financial aid for Ukraine beyond 2026 was discussed, the official stated there was a “very good discussion” during which the parties explored “options under which Ukraine can receive everything it needs.”

The official highlights that strong solidarity with Ukraine exists within the European family and that aid will remain “at the very top of the agenda” throughout Denmark’s presidency.

Meanwhile, the European Commission is urgently discussing with the EU and G7 countries how to prevent a major financial shortfall in Ukraine in 2025. The projected gap in external funding could reach $19 billion, amid declining US support and no immediate prospects for a peace deal with Russia.

In 2024, Denmark introduced a unique military support mechanism for Ukraine — the Danish model. It involves direct funding and procurement of weapons from Ukrainian domestic defense enterprises. This approach strengthens Ukraine’s defense industry and provides the Armed Forces with modern NATO-standard equipment.

The Pre-Trial Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and the head of Afghanistan’s Supreme Court, Abdul Hakim Haqqani.

The Court found reasonable grounds to believe that both individuals are responsible for crimes against humanity on gender- and politically based grounds, including the persecution of girls, women, and anyone who did not conform to Taliban policies on gender, identity, or expression.

According to the ICC, the Taliban’s crimes have continued from 15 August 2021, when they seized power, through at least January 2025.

The report outlines killings, torture, rape, enforced disappearances, and systematic deprivation of women’s rights, including rights to education, freedom of movement, privacy, and freedom of speech.

On 17 March 2023, the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin. He is suspected of committing a war crime, namely, the unlawful deportation and forced transfer of children from the occupied territories of Ukraine to Russia.

Brazil won’t shield Putin from ICC arrest — so he’ll zoom into the BRICS summit

This international legal document restricts his international travel due to the risk of arrest in countries that recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction.

On 8 July, Russia officially declared Yale University, one of the most renowned universities in the world, an “undesirable organization” on its territory. Its lab tracked more than 30,000 Ukrainian children abducted by Russia and provided the data to Ukrainian and US government authorities, Current Time reports.

Following this designation, any cooperation with Yale University in Russia is prohibited, and individuals face criminal liability for violations.

According to a statement by the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office, Yale’s activities are allegedly aimed at violating its territorial integrity, contributing to the international blockade of the state, and undermining its economy.

The statement also specifically mentioned Yale’s School of Global Affairs, which, according to Russian authorities, “trains opposition leaders of foreign countries.”

A likely reason for such a move is the investigative work of Yale’s Humanitarian Research Lab, which had been gathering evidence of Russian war crimes in Ukraine, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 

The university’s team provided their findings to Ukrainian authorities through the Bring Kids Back UA campaign, a humanitarian program initiated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The campaign focuses on returning minors to Ukraine, reintegration efforts, and documenting crimes for potential prosecution at the International Criminal Court.

The Yale researchers not only tracked deported children but also documented other alleged Russian crimes, including filtration camps, forced Russian citizenship, re-education camps for minors, and the transfer of Ukrainian children to Russian families.

However, as of 1 July 2025, the lab ceased operations following cuts in federal funding by the administration of US President Donald Trump. 

After US President Donald Trump announced new arms shipments to Ukraine, Moscow dismissed his stance on the war as “political swings.” This comment came from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

“The American is once again riding his favorite political swings: ‘I’m satisfied with the conversation with Putin.’ ‘I’m disappointed with the conversation with Putin.’ ‘We’re not supplying new weapons to Ukraine.’ ‘We will supply lots of weapons to Ukraine for defense.’ How should we respond? As always — not at all,” Medvedev wrote on social media.

He added that not only Russian soldiers, but also the “Supreme Commander-in-Chief,” referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin, treat Trump’s words the same way — with complete disregard.

At the same time, Medvedev called to “take back our land” and “work for victory,” without clarifying that these Ukrainian territories never belonged to Russia and therefore cannot be “taken back.” Under international law, Russia’s actions are considered armed aggression and occupation.

Earlier, Trump publicly criticized Medvedev over his hints about the possibility of other countries transferring nuclear weapons to Iran, reminding him of the risk of such words.

Later, Medvedev clarified that Russia would not transfer nuclear weapons to Iran, although, in his opinion, other countries might do so. Such statements showed Moscow adopted a cautious stance toward the US to avoid further economic damage and the reinforcement of Western support to Ukraine.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has warned that the future of the EU’s policy toward China will depend on Beijing’s involvement in supporting Russia’s war economy, UkrInform reports.

Von der Leyen has stressed that China’s support for Moscow is contributing to a “high level of instability and danger for Europe,” and that Beijing is de facto enabling the growth of Russia’s military-industrial base, a trend the EU “cannot accept.”

She also called on China to clearly condemn Russia’s violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and internationally recognized borders, and to act accordingly.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has imposed sanctions on five Chinese companies involved in supplying components used in Russian drone production.

The restrictions have been approved after investigations revealed that Chinese-made parts were found in Shahed drones used in the massive airstrike on Kyiv on 4 July.

Among the sanctioned firms are:

• Ningbo BLIN Machinery Co., Ltd
• Suzhou ECOD Precision Manufacturing

Both reportedly supplied goods to Russian entities under sanctions in 2024 and 2025.

Russia is heavily dependent on supplies of Chinese components for both tactical and long-range drones. This allows Moscow to narrow the technological and production gap with Ukraine in the drone sector.

Earlier, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence had identified dozens of Russian companies involved in producing the missile, most of which remain unsanctioned.

HUR: West still has not sanctioned 70 Russian companies behind production of missiles that struck Kyiv’s largest children’s cancer hospital year ago

Its War & Sanctions platform has published a list of over 70 Russian companies manufacturing Kh-101 components. These companies still have access to Western equipment and technology, enabling Russia to replenish its missile stockpiles and continue targeting civilian infrastructure.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on the international community to hold Russia accountable for its missile strike on the Okhmatdyt children’s hospital. It is the only hospital in Ukraine treating childhood cancer with radiation therapy. 

The ministry has described the assault as one of the Kremlin’s most horrific war crimes since the start of Russia’s all-out war.

“One year has passed. Yet Russia has not been held accountable for this crime against the most vulnerable – children. The world must not look away,” the agency said in a statement.

On the day of the attack, 627 children, including cancer patients undergoing dialysis, were inside the hospital. The missile hit the toxicology building, killing two doctors, injuring at least eight children, and forcing the evacuation of 94 patients to other hospitals. A young boy later died in an intensive care unit during the strike. 

Investigations by Ukraine’s Security Service and international experts, including Bellingcat, confirmed that the hospital was hit by a Russian Kh-101 strategic cruise missile.

Forensic experts identify over 30 parts of Russian Kh-101 missile that hit Okhmatdyt hospital

The agency has identified dozens of Russian companies involved in producing the missile, most of which remain unsanctioned.

Its War & Sanctions platform has published a list of over 70 Russian companies manufacturing Kh-101 components. These companies still have access to Western equipment and technology, enabling Russia to replenish its missile stockpiles and continue targeting civilian infrastructure.

Just last month, a Russian Kh-101 missile destroyed an apartment building in Kyiv, killing and injuring civilians.

The Ukrainian Military Intelligence has identified Russian Major Denis Sheynov as responsible for the 8 July 2024 missile strike on Okhmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv, where more than 600 children, including cancer patients, were present at the time of the attack.

This is not the first time Russia has launched strikes immediately following peace talks with international leaders — a pattern of demonstrative terror.

“Major Sheynov was responsible for the technical preparation of Kh-101 cruise missiles for combat use by strategic aviation,” Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) states.

The missile hit the toxicology building, completely destroying the oncology, surgical, and intensive care units, and leaving Ukraine’s only pediatric radiotherapy department without electricity, water, or oxygen. Two adults, including a doctor, were killed. Over 50 people, including children, were injured.

Sheynov, born on 30 January 1978, in Saratov, is a graduate of the Saratov Military School, served in Syria, and was decorated for “special operations.” According to HUR, he performed special missions in Syria in 2018.

Russia, as a terrorist state, systematically uses violence against civilians as part of its military strategy, both in Ukraine and earlier in Syria, where Russian airstrikes devastated cities like Aleppo, Homs, and Ariha.

These bombings targeted residential areas, hospitals, markets, and infrastructure, killing thousands and causing a humanitarian catastrophe. Russia also used internationally banned weapons, including cluster bombs and chemical agents, reinforcing its willingness to destroy civilian life to achieve military goals.

Okhmatdyt was Ukraine’s only hospital treating childhood cancer with radiation therapy. Its destruction is a devastating blow to pediatric oncology during wartime.

Ukraine responds to Russia’s escalation with deep-strike counterattacks. As Russia tries to stretch the front and break Ukrainian defenses, Ukrainian forces are hitting back hard: in June alone, Ukrainian artillery completed 115 fire missions, striking 2,864 targets, says Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.

The priority for June was stabilizing the frontline and holding off Russian offensives in Donetsk and Sumy oblasts, where Moscow has concentrated its main strike forces.

“Unfortunately, the enemy holds a significant advantage in manpower and equipment,” Syrskyi admits.

He notes that Russia has increased its use of drones and missiles by 1.6 times. In response, Ukraine’s Defense Forces struck around 4,000 targets, including inside Russian territory.

“We are forced to seek new tactical and technological solutions,” the general emphasizes.

Key Ukrainian priorities now include developing air defense, expanding drone strike capabilities, modernizing equipment, and reforming mobilization and recruitment.

Amid unstable international support, Ukraine is pursuing alternative arms supply routes, expanding repair capacities, and embracing asymmetric tactics to disrupt Russia’s summer offensive.

Earlier, Euromaidan Press reported that Kyiv started producing 200,000 drones per month, a tenfold increase compared to 2024. 

The European Commission is urgently discussing with EU and G7 countries how to prevent a major financial shortfall in Ukraine in 2025, the Financial Times reports. The projected gap in external funding could reach $19 billion, amid declining US support and no immediate prospects for a peace deal with Russia.

Among the solutions under consideration:

• allocating off-budget defense grants to Ukraine,
• providing loans under the G7’s $50 billion scheme,
• continued use of profits from frozen Russian assets,
• reinvesting those assets into higher-risk instruments with shared responsibility.

The European Commission admits that some Ukrainian support spending has already been adjusted, given the prolonged nature of the war. Diplomats emphasize that funding Ukraine’s defense should be seen as part of the EU’s own security investment.

“Clearly the military support for Ukraine that member states are giving are not only funds for the defense of Ukraine but for the defense of Europe, and some of that of course will count as defense spending,” says one senior EU diplomat.

One proposal submitted by Ukraine to the G7 suggests that bilateral defense grants could count toward NATO defense spending commitments. This would allow allies to simultaneously support Ukraine and move closer to meeting the 2% or even 5% GDP targets.

Despite more optimistic assessments from the IMF, the fund acknowledges that the deficit could grow if the war continues beyond 2025. In 2026 alone, Ukraine may require at least another $8 billion, even considering deferred tranches from the EU, US, and Japan.

The urgency is intensifying ahead of the Ukraine Recovery Summit in Rome this week, where Ursula von der Leyen will participate. Meanwhile, the European Commission is preparing to unveil new financial initiatives to support Kyiv before winter sets in.

After several days of talks with advisors and European leaders, US President Donald Trump has agreed to resume arms deliveries to Ukraine, but at a significantly reduced scale. According to two sources, Trump pledged to send just ten Patriot interceptor missiles immediately, instead of the full shipment that had previously been suspended, Axios reports.

The decision represents a compromise between internal skepticism within the administration and international pressure. Trump has also initiated talks with Germany, proposing that Berlin sell one of its own Patriot batteries to Ukraine, with costs shared between the US and European allies.

However, Germany has so far declined, insisting it has already delivered more Patriots to Ukraine proportionally than even the US.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Trump’s advisors are also exploring Patriot purchases from Greece. 

“Getting a Patriot missile isn’t like going to Walmart and picking 10 off the shelf and going home,” says one of Trump’s advisers.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to meet Trump’s envoy, Keith Kellogg, in Rome this week. Kyiv hopes to gain clarity on the volume and timing of future US military aid.

Earlier, Trump reportedly told Zelenskyy in a phone call on 4 July that he wasn’t responsible for the pause in US weapons deliveries to Ukraine. The American president blamed the Pentagon and said he never gave an order to freeze military aid.

The pause in weapon deliveries amid the escalated Russian air and ground attacks in Ukraine surprised Kyiv, the State Department, and members of Congress. Patriot interceptors, AIM-120 and Hellfire missiles, GMLRS munitions, howitzer rounds, Stingers, and grenade launchers are among halted weapons, approved during former Joe Biden’s administration. 

Ukraine is now producing 200,000 drones per month — the new reality of its war effort. Drone manufacturing in Ukraine has surged by 900% over the past year, reports Defense Express.

Analytical centers, such as the Atlantic Council and Georgetown Security Studies Review, say that this rapid growth is only the first stage.

The drone sector has become a key response to Russian aggression, with monthly output rising from 20,000 to over 200,000 units in just one year.

To bolster its defense potential, Ukraine must establish long‑term investment mechanisms and more actively protect its technologies with patents.

Experts note that Ukraine currently files fewer patents for drone technologies than Russia or other countries, limiting its innovative defense industry prospects. Intellectual property protection, they say, is “an integral part of national security.”

Although the study covers primarily 2022–2023 data, Defense Express confirms that the lack of long‑term contracts and support mechanisms remains a pressing issue for many Ukrainian defense firms.

After a Ukrainian drone strike, Russia plunges into aviation chaos and loses a minister. The country is still grappling with widespread flight delays and cancellations following a massive attack on the night of 5 July, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports. 

By 7 June, nearly 2,000 flights have been delayed, over 500 have been canceled, and at least 88 aircraft have been diverted to alternate airports.

Major hubs were hardest hit, including Moscow’s Sheremetyevo, St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo, and Chkalov Airport in Nizhny Novgorod.

While Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency claimed “normalization” by the morning of 7 July, dozens of flights remained disrupted.

Sheremetyevo saw over 40 delayed flights, while Pulkovo faced delays on more than 100 routes and at least eight cancellations. Similar disruptions occurred in Chelyabinsk and Yekaterinburg. Russian media estimate financial damages from the air traffic meltdown to exceed 20 billion rubles.

Amid the chaos came a bombshell: Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoit was found dead just hours after being fired by Russian President Vladimir Putin. His sacking was linked to the air transport collapse following the drone strikes, according to UNIAN. 

According to early reports from Russian Telegram channels, Starovoit died as a result of suicide, allegedly shooting himself in his car with an award pistol received in 2023.

While aviation failures were cited as the reason for his dismissal, other reports suggest he faced imminent criminal charges related to the alleged embezzlement of funds intended for building fortifications in Kursk Oblast, which he previously governed.

One of his former deputies is already implicated and is believed to have testified against him.

Moscow and Budapest may be preparing for the “protection of citizens” in Ukraine. Russia is seeking to join efforts with Hungary to “save” national minorities in Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told Magyar Nemzet in an interview.

Lavrov reiterated Kremlin narratives about the alleged persecution of the Russians in Ukraine. According to him, they were “banned from using the Russian language in education, science, culture, media, advertising, public services, and even in daily life.”

There are no laws in Ukraine that explicitly ban the Russian language, Russian culture, or the very existence of Russia as a country.

At the same time, 82% of Russian-speaking Ukrainians hold a negative view of Russia. Among them, 81.5% trust the Ukrainian Armed Forces. 

Meanwhile, Lavrov claimed that members of other national minorities have been forcibly Ukrainianized.

“Other ethnic groups, Hungarians, Romanians, Poles, Bulgarians, Armenians, Belarusians, Greeks, also faced forced Ukrainianization. Today, Russia and Hungary are openly standing up to defend their compatriots. We can combine our efforts in this regard,” said Lavrov.

It’s worth noting that Hungary frequently blocks or slows down European initiatives aimed at supporting Ukraine or tightening sanctions against Russia.

Budapest sharply criticizes Ukrainian language and education laws, citing alleged violations of the rights of the Hungarian minority in neighboring Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine. 

Moreover, Hungary’s government is obstructing the start of Ukraine’s EU accession talks. In June 2025, the Hungarian government, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, held a so-called “national referendum” on Ukraine’s accession to the bloc. According to official government data, more than 2.2 million people (around 29% of voters) participated, with 95% voting against Ukraine joining the EU.

Although the referendum has no legal force, Orbán used its results as a political tool to block Ukraine’s further progress toward EU membership, HVG reports. 

During the referendum, Hungarian citizens received anti-Ukrainian leaflets alongside their ballots, claiming that Ukraine’s EU membership would threaten pensions, cause epidemics, flood Hungary’s market with cheap and low-quality Ukrainian agricultural products, bring Ukrainian organized crime, and allow mass Ukrainian migration that would take jobs from Hungarians.

Russian occupiers have appropriated 110 cultural artifacts discovered during illegal archaeological excavations in occupied Crimea between 2014 and 2025, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence reports.

Details about the stolen items have been published in the Stolen Heritage section of the War&Sanctions portal. The website was launched to expose and document individuals, companies, and entities that support or facilitate Russian aggression against Ukraine. 

“The artifacts were uncovered by the occupiers during unauthorized digs at archaeological sites such as the Artezian Settlement, Genoese Fortress of Chembalo, and the Southern Suburb of Chersonesus Taurica,” the report states.

Among the stolen findings are cultural items from the Kadykivske settlement, the site of a Roman military camp where the occupation authorities in Sevastopol are planning to build a shopping mall. Additionally, some of the stolen artifacts were removed from the National Preserve of Chersonesus Taurica.

“The portal section has been updated with details on the locations of illegal digs, theft of cultural heritage, and other unlawful actions by the Russian occupation regime in Crimea,” Ukraine’s military intelligence adds.

The agency emphasizes that each war crime committed against the Ukrainian people will be justly punished.

A Canadian-made armored vehicle from the Roshel company withstood a direct hit from a Russian FPV drone, saving the lives of Ukrainian soldiers. 

The National Guard’s Special Purpose Center OMEGA has released video footage from a soldier’s body camera capturing the aftermath of the strike. According to the report, the drone attacked the soldiers as they were heading to carry out a combat mission.

“The entire team was at the epicenter of the explosion. Fortunately, all of the special forces soldiers survived. After a successful evacuation, fighters from the 5th Special Purpose Detachment ‘OMEGA’ completed their mission,” the National Guard states.

The unit added that these images should serve as a reminder of the extreme conditions Ukrainian special forces face daily on the frontline.

Earlier, Ukrainian forces launched a successful maritime drone strike, destroying a high-value Russian Nebo-M radar complex near the village of Mayak on northwestern Crimea’s Tarkhankut Cape. 

This marked the first known instance of Ukrainian naval drones deploying munition-carrying quadcopters mid-mission, expanding the offensive utility of these platforms beyond carrying FPV kamikaze drones.

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Ukrainian soldier Valerii Zelenskyy, 57, has died less than a month after returning from Russian captivity, Suspilne reports.

He spent more than three years in Russian captivity. Upon returning to Ukraine, he received medical care. But his condition deteriorated rapidly, and he was eventually admitted to intensive care.

Doctors initially suspected pancreatic issues and began active treatment. Eventually, he underwent surgery, during which it became apparent that his internal organs were “falling apart.” He died on 16 June, which is less than a month after returning home.

“The first feeling is endless pain, because your beloved person is gone. He was simply tortured to death,” his daughter Valeria says.

She describes her father as a natural leader and an athlete. Before the all-out war, he had worked in the police, but later joined the military. While serving in the 53rd Separate Mechanized Brigade, he was promoted to sergeant major.

When mass hostilities began, her father’s unit supported the defenders of Mariupol, including delivering weapons to them.

“When the assault started, they asked for volunteers. Eight of forty men stepped forward — my father was one of them. He was a sapper and had to mine a bridge,” she recalls.

In eastern Ukraine, Russian forces captured Valerii. The family only learned about his capture several days later. At the time, they were hiding in a basement in Sievierodonetsk in Luhansk Oblast under heavy shelling and had no quick mobile communication.

Upon his return, Valerii was filled with joy. Not only did he meet with his two granddaughters, whom he dreamed of raising, but he also discovered that a grandson had been born in his absence. When asked by doctors about suicidal thoughts, he replied that he had many reasons to live: “My children are waiting. The world is waiting. I have a whole life to live.”

“He came back without any muscles, too much time had passed. You have to understand, those men are literally on the brink of life and death in captivity,” his daughter says.

He told her, “Three of us died from torture. When I felt like I might not make it, I asked God: Please, just let me see the eyes of my beloved.”

According to his medical report, Valerii had suffered nearly every type of torture. He returned from Russian captivity with multiple injuries. One of his shoulders and an arm were no longer functional.

The UK has provided critical support to Ukraine in the fight against Russian chemical weapons. London has made a voluntary contribution of £400,000 to support the activities of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in Ukraine.

These funds will be used to supply Ukraine with specialized equipment, training, expert, logistical, and technical assistance to strengthen the country’s resilience against chemical weapons threats.

An OPCW report previously confirmed the presence of the toxic substance 2-chlorobenzylidene malononitrile (CS gas) in seven samples collected in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

CS is a tear gas banned for use in war under the Chemical Weapons Convention. Nevertheless, Russia resorts to this type of weaponry.

The UK has been an active member of the OPCW since the Chemical Weapons Convention came into force in 1997. Overall, the country has already contributed £950,000 to the Ukraine assistance project through the OPCW fund.

Through this fund, the organization provides technical support to Ukraine, including deployments of technical experts, supplying protective, detection, and identification equipment, and training Ukrainian specialists and first responders.

Earlier, an environmental expert said that Russian attacks and fires they cause release large amounts of toxic substances entering the air and soil, many of which are carcinogenic and mutagenic. 

These include nitrogen oxides, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, benzopyrene, and vapors of sulfuric and hydrocyanic acid. They are extremely dangerous for people, especially children. 

Exclusive

How Ukraine can win, p.5: Russia is winning the recruiting war. That’s also how it could lose.. Russia isn’t going to run out of men. But it may run out of volunteers.

Russia’s terror on civilians: I sleep in my bathroom and text friends to see who survived. By 6 AM, I know who made it through another night.

A Russian drone found the toughest armor on the battlefield—and lost. Russian observers celebrated a drone strike on a Ukrainian Leopard 2A6 near Pysarivka. They filmed the moment it hit the tank’s frontal turret—the exact spot where its armor is thickest.

“Luxury TikToking”: French MEP slams Macron’s call with Putin as narcissism while Ukraine burns. While Ukraine fights for survival, Macron phones Putin. French MEP Glucksmann calls it peak European performance: busy, public, and strategically empty.

Ukraine needs air defenses—US pulls Patriots, Europe can’t help. As the US withdraws Patriot missiles this week, UK defense expert Frank Ledwidge warns: Europe lacks the systems Ukraine needs to survive.

Military

Ukraine reportedly conducts one of most distant sabotage operations, targeting Russian military infrastructure near Vladivostok. Russian authorities move quickly to control information on the blast.

Ukraine strikes Russian facility making components for Shaheds and Iskander missiles used to bomb schools and hospitals. Ukrainian forces struck the Kometa antenna plant.

Frontline report: Ukrainian drone strikes on military targets race to weaken Russia before major offensive launch

. Ukraine systematically targets Russian command centers, ammunition and oil depots, and railway networks to delay Moscow’s planned multi-front summer offensive spanning from Sumy to Kherson—the largest coordinated assault Russia has attempted since the full-scale invasion began.

In one night Ukrainian drones hit Russian military airfield and drone defense factory used to fuel aggression. Fires erupted at Russia’s Borisoglebsk aviation center where Su-34, Su-35S, and Su-30SM aircraft conduct training operations before attacking Ukraine.

Intelligence and technology

Ukraine is becoming naval power: two ships pass NATO certification. Two Ukrainian vessels have officially become interoperable with NATO standards, and Ukraine’s Marine Corps is now the largest in Europe.

Ukraine develops new laser drone that guides precision strikes through jamming. The R-34-T drone allows Ukrainian forces to illuminate Russian targets from safe distances, keeping operators in safety.

Ukraine leads NATO into future of combat medicine

. Ukraine’s combat medics warn: evacuating the wounded is the most dangerous job in field medicine.

International

Former Polish President Duda: US blocked Polish MiG-29 aircraft to Ukraine in 2022. President Zelenskyy asked. Poland agreed. But the US vetoed the transfer.

Ukraine’s Intelligence: Moscow accelerates its troop buildup in Armenia as tensions with Azerbaijan rise. Ukraine’s military intelligence warns: this is not a coincidence—it’s part of a calculated move to destabilize the region.

Armenia accuses Russian state TV of “hostile propaganda” against its government. Armenian officials claims that the country’s democracy is “under attack” through Russian media, while also considering to block Russian television broadcasts.

Trump satisfied with Zelensky call, suggests Patriot missiles still possible for Ukraine despite deliveries halt

. In contrast, the US President expressed sharp frustration with Vladimir Putin after their phone call that preceded Zelenskyy’s, telling reporters the Russian leader rejected ceasefire discussions and “wants to continue killing people.”

Humanitarian and social impact

Russian missiles and drones continue to kill after impact, releasing toxic clouds of carcinogens over Ukrainian cities. Children may need evacuation from cities hit hardest by toxic fallout.

Ukraine on fire with civilians injured as Trump doubts Putin wants to end war. Russia launched 322 drones at Ukraine on the night of 5 July, sparking fires at different locations and injuring at least 16 civilians, including children.

Read our earlier daily review here.

Masks are not helping. After Russian attacks and the fires they cause, large amounts of toxic substances enter the air and soil, many of which are carcinogenic and mutagenic, says Tetiana Tymochko, head of the All-Ukrainian Environmental League, UkrInform reports.

“Primarily, these include nitrogen oxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur oxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, benzopyrene, and vapors of sulfuric and hydrocyanic acid,” she explains.

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According to Tymochko, masks do little in this case. They can only trap solid particles from the incomplete combustion of certain substances and materials. Toxic substances also enter the environment as a result of large fires caused by strikes. All of this, she says, has a very negative impact on human health.

“Substances like benzopyrene and formaldehyde have carcinogenic and mutagenic effects,” she continues.

Nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide, colorless gases, are released into the environment and then into the respiratory system. Once released, they cause coughing, choking, and raised blood pressure. People with cardiovascular conditions are also affected.

“There’s little advice one can give in such a situation. Ideally, stay indoors where these pollutants aren’t present,” Tymochko says.

She adds that children should be evacuated from cities that have been attacked, if possible. The toxins in the air settle and contaminate the soil.

“Even if several days have passed after such strikes, air masses can carry these toxic substances from vegetation or soil,” she notes.

The pollution also disrupts plant root nutrition and leads to stunted growth or even plant death.

Russia tries to conceal a deep rear explosion near Vladivostok, located near North Korea and Japan. In the early hours of 5 July, a powerful explosion rocked a major gas pipeline near Vladivostok in Russia’s Far East, according to sources in Ukraine’s military intelligence cited by UNIAN.

“Branches of the ‘Vladivostok’ gas pipeline running along the Sea of Japan coastline were destroyed,” the sources say.

The pipeline supplied gas to several Russian military facilities, including units of the 155th Marine Brigade of Russia’s Pacific Fleet. Intelligence also reported the destruction of a water pipeline that supplied drinking water to military garrisons.

Explosions occurred between 1 and 2 a.m., sparking a large fire. Emergency services and special units were dispatched to the scene.

To prevent panic during Vladivostok’s 165th anniversary celebrations, mobile internet and communications were shut down in the Lazurnaya Bay (Shamora) area.

Earlier, a powerful explosion occurred in the engine room of the Vilamoura tanker, while it was en route from the Libyan port of Es-Zuwaytina. The vessel was located about 150 km northeast of Libya’s territorial waters and was carrying approximately 1 million barrels of crude oil. 

Ukraine’s Intelligence: Explosion disables Russian shadow fleet tanker, carrying 1 million barrels of sanctioned oil

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Ukraine has struck Russia’s military-industrial complex in an effort to degrade its ability to produce precision-guided weapons. According to Ukraine’s General Staff, the target was the production of Kometa antenna arrays at a defense enterprise in the Russian city of Cheboksary.

These antenna arrays are used in Shahed-type drones, Iskander-K missiles, and unified glide and correction modules (UMPK) for guided aerial bombs. Russia regularly employs these weapons to attack Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, including schools, kindergartens, and hospitals.

In 2025, Russia planned to produce 75,000 aerial bombs equipped with such modules, which turn a standard unguided bomb into a precision-guided munition with an extended range.

Russian bombs cause massive destruction and pose a significant threat to Ukrainian cities, with a few capable of leveling a five-story building.

“It is confirmed that the strike reached the target area. Results are being clarified,” the General Staff reported.

Ukraine’s defense forces said they are continuing to take all necessary measures to undermine Russia’s military-economic potential and force it to end its armed aggression. They also pledged further strikes.

At the beginning of Russia’s all-out war in 2022, Ukraine asked Poland for MiG-29 fighter jets, but the US blocked the request, former Polish President Andrzej Duda told Polskie Radio in an interview. 

“Ukraine was literally pleading with us for MiGs. It came up constantly in my conversations with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. We turned to our allies to ask if we could transfer the aircraft as a NATO member state, and the Americans blocked it,” Duda said.

He added that during negotiations, the Ukrainian side expressed frustration, since the US did not publicly acknowledge its ban.

“The Ukrainians would come to us with complaints because they heard from the Americans: go talk to the Poles. So it created the impression that it was Poland refusing to provide the jets,” the former Polish president explained.

According to Duda, the US similarly blocked the transfer of tanks and other heavy assault vehicles. However, he emphasized that Poland was ultimately the first country to provide Ukraine with heavy weaponry, which he called “a major contribution to saving Ukraine.”

Earlier, the Norwegian Defense Ministry announced it would send F-35 fighters to Poland to protect NATO’s strategic logistics hub in Rzeszów from potential sabotage and missile strikes.

This year, the US said it planned to redeploy some of its military equipment and personnel from the Polish military airport Jasionka, near Rzeszów, to other locations within Poland.

Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence or HUR has reported that the Kremlin has accelerated the buildup of its military base in Gyumri, Armenia, aiming to increase military-political pressure on the South Caucasus countries. During the Soviet era, its nations, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, were under Moscow’s control and subjected to centralized governance.

Personnel for the Gyumri base are being recruited from Russian troops stationed in the Rostov and Volgograd regions, as well as from occupied Crimea.

In addition, Russia is actively seeking volunteers from oppressed Caucasian ethnic groups, particularly in North Ossetia and Adygea.

According to HUR, the deployment of Russian troops in Armenia is part of the Kremlin’s broader strategy to destabilize global security. 

“Alongside stoking interethnic conflict, Moscow is expanding its military presence in the Caucasus. The worsening of Russian-Azerbaijani relations was likely planned in advance,” noted Ukrainian Defense Intelligence representative Andrii Yusov.

Ukraine’s military intelligence continues to monitor Russian troop movements both inside and beyond Russian territory.

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Ukraine is moving closer to NATO even without formal membership. Two Ukrainian mine countermeasure vessels, Cherkasy and Chernihiv, have passed the Alliance’s Level 1 certification, Ukraine’s Naval Forces report. 

“We still have to move forward with our naval fleet, but we are developing rapidly, even amid war,” says Vice Admiral Oleksii Neizhpapa.

The Maritime Capability Coalition, launched under the leadership of the UK and Norway, has already united 19 countries to help turn Ukraine’s Armed Forces into a naval force in Europe.

One of Ukraine’s most ambitious projects is the construction of Corvette-class ships. However, it is a technically and financially complex challenge: building one vessel takes 3 to 6 years, and another 1 to 2 years are needed for full combat integration.

“This is a major challenge for Ukraine, considering the war and limited budget. Some criticize these decisions, but the future of our fleet is strong, and it is already taking shape,” Neizhpapa explains.

Ukraine also proudly boasts the largest Marine Corps in Europe, which has already proven its effectiveness on the front lines.

“It’s important that our partners see how we fight at sea and learn from our experience,” concludes the Navy Commander.

Earlier, Ukraine upgraded its sea-based Katran drone with strike capabilities reaching targets up to 100 kilometers away, according to Ukraine’s HUR military intelligence.

The unmanned vessel, originally designed as a kamikaze platform, evolved into a strategic multi-role system capable of deep and extended operations. The drone can operate for up to six days on water and reach targets as far as 3000 kilometers, nearly tripling the publicly stated range of 1,000 kilometers that had been reported back in March.

When the enemy targets evacuation vehicles carrying the wounded, every second can save a life. Ukraine’s Defense Ministry reports that its representatives took part in a conference of NATO’s Centre of Excellence for Military Medicine (NATO MILMED COE), held at JATEC in Poland. 

The main focus was held on effective battlefield casualty evacuation, integration of civil-military planning, and the implementation of innovations in military medicine: unmanned aerial vehicles, telemedicine, and artificial intelligence.

“During the conference, JATEC reviewed Ukraine’s unique combat experience and enhanced cooperation with NATO to strengthen the medical capabilities of both the Alliance and Ukraine,” says JATEC Commander Brigadier General Wojciech Ozga.

The meeting brought together over 230 participants from 18 NATO countries and partners.

The Ukrainian representatives emphasized that the enemy deliberately targets evacuation teams along with the wounded in order to demoralize units. This makes evacuation one of the most dangerous tasks in field medicine.

“Effective evacuation of the wounded is one of the most difficult aspects of field medicine under conditions of large-scale aggression,” said Valerii Vyshnivskyi, Director of Program Implementation at JATEC.

Key challenges include interoperability, communications, and planning. These areas require revision of evacuation and pre-medical aid mechanisms to save more lives under real combat conditions.

Anna Paulina Luna, a US lawmaker from the Republican Party, has connected an arms freeze to Ukraine’s ban on the Moscow-affiliated church.

This week, the Pentagon halted the delivery of certain air-defense missiles and precision-guided munitions to Ukraine, citing concerns over depleting US stockpiles.

In a post on X, Anna Paulina Luna accused President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of banning the Orthodox Church.

Fact check for Tucker Carlson: Russia, not Ukraine, is persecuting Christians

“Zelenskyy BANNED THE ORTHODOX CHURCH. I CAN PROMISE THERE WILL BE NO WEAPONS FUNDING FOR YOU @ZelenskyyUa. NEGOTIATE FOR PEACE. WE ARE NOT YOUR PIGGY BANK,” she wrote on X. 

Meanwhile, an analysis conducted by senior US military officers showed that the weapons package for Ukraine, but halted, did not pose a threat to American military capabilities. Sources say that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has unilaterally blocked arms for Ukraine, which were approved during Joe Biden’s presidency.

No fresh arms sanctions have been endorsed by US President Donald Trump’s administration. At the same time, since Trump’s peace efforts began, the only thing that has changed for Ukraine is the intensification of Russian attacks and an increase in the number of civilian victims. 

US military leaders are clear: aid to Ukraine does not harm America. But Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth once again says “no,” despite the facts, the pressure, and the law, NBC News reports. 

Chaos in sky: Hegseth halts Ukraine’s weapons flights without Trump’s order

An analysis conducted by senior US military officers showed that the weapons package for Ukraine, but halted, did not pose a threat to American military capabilities. Nevertheless, Hegseth suspended the shipment, the media outlet writes, citing three US officials.

According to sources, the Pentagon chief’s decision has surprised the US State Department, members of Congress, Ukrainian officials, and European allies. It has been criticized by both Republicans and Democrats in the US. 

Representative Adam Smith, a Democrat from the House Armed Services Committee, has stated that the Pentagon’s explanation for pausing the aid was disingenuous, saying the real reason appears to be simply to end US support for Ukraine.

“We are not at any lower point, stockpile-wise, than we’ve been in the 3½ years of the Ukraine conflict,” Smith says, adding that his staff “saw the numbers,” and there was no evidence of shortages that would justify halting the aid.

The sources said Hegseth was supported by Elbridge Colby, the Deputy Secretary of Defense for Policy. Colby has long advocated reducing American aid to Ukraine and shifting weapons and resources to the Pacific region to counter China.

Congressional aides said lawmakers from both parties have been frustrated that they had not been informed in advance and were reviewing whether the delay violated legislation requiring continued security assistance to Ukraine. The White House has defended the decision, stating it followed an ongoing Pentagon review of support to allies and partners.

The review began after Hegseth ordered the Pentagon Joint Staff to reassess stockpiles of all munitions. According to three officials, while some US precision munitions were at lower levels, the figures had not crossed critical thresholds.

Officials say the Joint Staff has concluded that further aid to Ukraine would not reduce US stockpiles below the levels required for military readiness.

Ukraine will establish defense plants in Denmark. Ukraine’s Minister for Strategic Industries, Herman Smetanin, and Denmark’s Minister for Industry, Morten Bødskov, have signed an agreement on cooperation.

Herman Smetanin recalls that a year ago, Denmark was the first to begin financing weapons production by Ukrainian companies.

Today, it has become the first country where Ukraine exports its own defense technologies for production, scaling, and delivery to the Ukrainian military.

“This is a unique case of international cooperation for the Ukrainian defense industry. I am extremely grateful to Denmark for such significant support of Ukraine’s defense sector,” the minister states.

He adds that Ukraine will make every effort to strengthen Denmark’s and its partners’ defense capabilities.

In 2024, Ukraine and Denmark introduced a new mechanism for funding arms procurement for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This mechanism was named the “Danish model.”

It is a system of military assistance to Ukraine that involves direct financing and procurement of weapons from Ukrainian defense companies. This approach supports Ukraine’s defense industrial base, helping to equip Kyiv troops with NATO-standard technology.

The first project under the Danish model was the procurement of 155mm 2S22 Bohdana self-propelled howitzers with full-cycle financing, from production to crew training and technical support. In 2025, defense support under this model will scale up to over €1.3 billion, part of which comes from frozen Russian assets. The funds will go toward the production of artillery, attack drones, missiles, and anti-tank systems.

The Security Service of Ukraine has found Chinese-made components in the debris of Iranian Shahed drones used by Russia to strike Kyiv.

According to an official statement, the Russian-modified Shaheds contained launch parts marked with the name of Suzhou Ecod Precision Manufacturing Co., Ltd. These drones were used in an overnight attack on Kyiv on 4 July.

“These components, specifically catapult launch mounts, were recovered from the drones that Russian forces used to attack the capital,” the SBU stated, releasing photographic evidence.

A criminal case has been opened, with the strike on Kyiv classified as a war crime.

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has pointed to the symbolic irony: “We found a component of the Shahed-136/Geran-2 in Kyiv, manufactured in China and delivered quite recently, while just the day before, the Russian strike damaged the building of China’s Consulate General in Odesa.”

To the minister, this illustrates how Putin has drawn third countries into his war.

“North Korean troops, Iranian weapons, Chinese manufacturers — this is what Ukraine is fighting against,” said Sybiha. 

The Ukrainian foreign minister has emphasized that global security is interconnected: “Security in Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific region is inseparable. This is not a competition for attention.”

He has called on the US and the international community to increase pressure not only on the Kremlin but also on all those supporting its war.

Russian soldiers stripped Ukrainian civlians and beat them with sticks in 2022. The Kharkiv Regional Prosecutor’s Office reported that two occupiers will face justice for organizing torture chamber in Kupiansk, in Kharkiv Oblast. 

The torture chamber operated inside the occupied district police department. Another 16 Russia suspects are wanted and will be tried in absentia.

“People were beaten with fists, feet, and sticks, and electrocuted,” the prosecutor’s office stated.

During torture, victims were forced to give false testimony about themselves or others, confessing to cooperation with the Ukrainian Army or the Security Service. 

The torture chamber was active for six months. Ukrainian civilians were held in cells under completely unsanitary conditions, without water, food, or medical assistance. In some cases, the occupiers staged mock executions, forced people to dig their own “graves,” and threatened their relatives.

Among the victims were teachers, rescuers, volunteers, combat veterans, and other civilians.

A total of 18 individuals involved in the torture have been identified.

They include:

• the so-called “chief” of the illegal “Internal Affairs Directorate”
• Russian military personnel
• militants from the illegal Russian-installed entities in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts
• former Ukrainian police officers who betrayed their oath

Earlier, Ukrainian prosecutors identified nine Russian soldiers, who held 11 civilians in devastating conditions for over ten days in 2022. Among the Ukrainian civilians tortured by the Russians were children and elderly people. 

Anton, a fighter from Ukraine’s 58th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade named after Hetman Ivan Vyhovskyi, known as Shket, has spent a year holding the line on some of the fiercest frontlines in Donetsk Oblast.

Over the last 12 months, he’s faced a wide range of Russian occupiers, from mobilized conscripts to convicts, Yakuts, and even Koreans.

“It was hell,” the soldier recalls.

The toughest position he held was a half-destroyed customs checkpoint that came under daily assaults, twice a day for 17 days straight, by Russian assault groups, including a unit made up of former inmates.

“When we checked their documents, it was clear — they were convicts recruited in Butyrka prison. They were given the cheapest body armor. Their commander didn’t even have a helmet. Command sent them straight to die,” Shket says. 

Shket explains that each Russian group has its own characteristics.

“Yakuts are a bit more stubborn, but they charge in just the same, without thinking. The Koreans, though — they’re young, resilient, and actually well-trained. But we can and must destroy them. It’s either us or them. There’s no third option,” the Ukrainian soldiers reveal. 

Despite his injuries, Anton remains resolute.

“I’m always ready to return as soon as I can. We should take example not from those who talk, but from those who act, even when it’s terrifying,” he adds. 

Currently undergoing treatment in a military hospital, first for a severe concussion and more recently for a new injury, Shket was wounded again after stepping on a Russian explosive device while returning to the front to relieve his comrades after heavy rotations.

Nine Russian soldiers held 11 civilians in devastating conditions for over ten days in 2022. Ukrainian prosecutors have identified them and filed charges with the Office of the Prosecutor General.

Among the Ukrainian civilians tortured by the Russians were children and elderly people.

According to the investigation, on 27 March 2022, in the village of Andriivka in Bucha district, a Russian commander and a sergeant detained and beat two local residents.

“The occupiers beat them and then unlawfully detained them in a garage together with four other civilians,” the statement reads.

One of the detainees was interrogated with at least five blows to his back, several strikes to his abdomen, and was hit on the head with the back of an axe.

Also, on 25 February 2022, in the village of Vyshhorod in Bucha district, seven Russian soldiers unlawfully detained 11 civilians.

“Among the hostages were children aged 11 and 13, as well as elderly people aged 61 and 79,” the prosecutors note.

The occupiers forcibly locked the people in a cellar unfit for prolonged stay, lacking light, heating, water, or sanitation.

“The Russian military held the victims in the cellar for more than 10 days, allowing only two women to go out once a day,” the agency reported.

The suspects’ actions have been classified as cruel treatment of civilians and other violations of the laws and customs of war.

The future of modern warfare is being built in Ukraine at this moment. New equipment is being developed and deployed in Ukraine at a significantly lower cost and in a remarkably shorter time compared to almost anywhere else in the world, Bloomberg reports. 

Ground drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which have been used on a large scale for the first time in the war with Russia, have sparked a revolution on the battlefield.

Russian forces under Russian President Vladimir Putin’s command have deployed nearly 695,000 soldiers along the front and continue to bombard civilian populations with missiles and drones. The main weapon against the invaders has become the adaptability of Ukraine’s defense industry.

A striking example is the modular robotic platform TerMIT, which serves both for transportation and clearing pathways. It is equipped with Starlink satellite internet and is already in use by more than 20 military units.

TenCore, a company that started in February 2024 with five employees, now has 175 workers and projects $80 million in revenue for 2025, due to producing over 2,000 units of equipment. Investors sought to buy the company, but TenCore refused.

Also, over 70% of Russian equipment has been destroyed by Ukrainian drones, making the country one of the most powerful drone armies in the world.

Russia, in response, is ramping up drone production and using technologies that make them harder to jam. While Moscow scales up production, Ukraine bets on innovation and creativity — and this could change the course of the war. Whichever model prevails will decide the outcome of the war.

The biggest obstacle for Ukraine’s defense industry is funding. Despite a defense budget of $12 billion, Ukraine’s production potential is three times greater than it is today. Kyiv seeks to attract more investment from its Western allies, including from the European new project SAFE, which envisions $150 billion for defense tech funding. 

Russia shows no signs of stopping in Ukraine. A recent report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) draws attention to alarming statements made by high-ranking Russian officials on 30 June.

In particular, during a meeting on the socio-economic development of temporarily occupied territories, Russian President Vladimir Putin frequently used imperial terms such as “Donbas” and “Novorossiya” instead of the legally defined names of Ukrainian regions — Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts.

Equally telling were the statements of his press secretary Dmitry Peskov, who responded to comments by Odesa Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov that “Odesa is not a Russian city” by referring to the “inseparable historical unity” of the city with Russia.

The idol, the butcher: Expanding gap in attitudes toward Stalin reflects Ukraine and Russia’s diverging identities

Meanwhile, Putin’s aide Vladimir Medinsky once again repeated the Kremlin myth that “Ukrainians and Russians are one people.”

“Putin’s, Peskov’s, and Medinsky’s June 30 statements are only the latest statements from high-ranking Kremlin officials indicating the extent of Russia’s territorial ambitions,” notes the ISW.

Analysts add that the Russian leadership systematically denies Ukraine’s right to independent statehood, culture, language, and identity. The Kremlin openly demonstrates its intent to destroy the Ukrainian nation as a distinct subject of international law.

The UN has officially debunked Russian lies about the Olenivka prison massacre. A group of UN experts has released findings exposing a war crime committed by the Russian military against Ukrainian prisoners of war at the Volnovakha Correctional Colony No. 120 in Olenivka, says Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets. 

The report has identified the type of weapon and munitions used by Russia in the attack carried out during the night of 28–29 July 2022, which killed over 50 Ukrainian defenders and wounded around 130 more.

“You run, they knock you down, and beat you with rebar”: Ukrainian POW’s 3-year hell in Russian captivity

“This is an important document that should become a powerful push for continuing the investigation,” states Lubinets. 

He reminds that the pain over Olenivka has not faded, and Ukraine continues to demand just punishment for those responsible.

The report also exposes Russia’s manipulations, including its immediate attempt to blame Ukraine by falsely claiming the attack was carried out with a HIMARS strike.

The UN officially refuted that lie only a year later: “The Olenivka attack was not caused by a HIMARS missile.”

Despite the ICRC and UN’s initial readiness to investigate the tragedy, the mission was disbanded just five months later due to a lack of security guarantees. Lubinets notes that he repeatedly tried to submit materials to the UN mission, but they refused to review them.

“I also proposed a joint visit to the site of the tragedy with Russia’s human rights commissioner that offer was declined as well,” he adds.

In 2024, Serhii Yevsyukov, the former head of the Olenivka colony, died in a car bombing that also critically injured his wife. Ukrainian authorities accused Yevsyukov, who was then the head of the Olenivska colony, of involvement in the deaths of Ukrainian prisoners of war from the Azov battalion held in the detention center. 

The explosion was caused by a planted explosive device equivalent to approximately 100 grams of TNT. 

Ukraine will produce weapons together with allies at home and abroad. Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has announced the launch of a joint weapons production program with countries participating in the Ramstein format.

The program envisions creating new manufacturing capacities both within Ukraine and in partner countries.

Ukrainian manufacturers will receive a special legal and tax regime, enabling rapid scaling and modernization of defense production.

Until the war ends, all products from these enterprises will be supplied directly to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

“This is a new type of military-industrial cooperation, where Ukraine is an equal partner and player on the global defense market,” Umerov emphasizes.

To implement the initiative, the Ministry of Defense, together with the Ukrainian Parliament’s Committee on Finance, Tax, and Customs Policy, has already presented key provisions of four draft laws to defense enterprises. The first vote in the parliament is expected to be conducted this month.

Earlier, Kyiv announced its air and missile defense systems would be integrated into the high-tech infrastructure of the Norwegian-American NASAMS complex. 

NASAMS can destroy drones, aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and ballistic targets at medium and low altitudes in all weather conditions.

“We’re standing as we did before, and we will keep standing.” Talks about peace or Russia’s capitulation are illusions, says military pilot Dmytro, callsign Apostol, Voiin Svitla reports. 

“If the aggressor country capitulates, it means huge reparations. No one will pay them,” he emphasizes.

Dmytro stresses that the Ukrainian army is strong due to the work of the rear, volunteers, and funds. But support has fallen critically now.

“We are raising five million for four army aviation brigades. Donations have critically dropped. No one wants to support,” explains the Ukrainian pilot. 

He emphasizes that the soldiers are not tired but need reinforcements.

“My guys and I are not tired. But we don’t need to bury soldiers; we need to go mobilize,” he says.

The pilot finds his greatest motivation in the civilians who don’t give up even in destroyed villages.

“We’re flying over Donetsk Oblast, one small hut, and a boy runs out waving a flag. Isn’t that motivation? I don’t want my children to be involved in war,” he adds.

Earlier, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry revealed that Kyiv forces eliminated more than 230,000 Russian soldiers in just six months of 2025. 

In June alone, Ukrainian forces inflicted heavy casualties: 32,420 Russian troops were killed or injured. Ukrainian strikes also destroyed 111 tanks, 272 armored vehicles.

They pieced together a heavy grenade launcher under enemy fire, on Russian territory. Ukrainian soldiers of the 39th Brigade assembled a heavy automatic UAG-40 grenade launcher on Russian soil to support an infantry assault in a bold operation. 

A Ukrainian defender from the brigade, known by the callsign Philosopher, says that a team of eight soldiers from the fire support company risked their lives to disassemble and transport the mobile grenade launcher.

Its ammunition was also taken into Russian territory, from the Sumy axis, to provide fire cover for advancing Ukrainian assault groups.

“We dragged the UAG-40… onto enemy territory and directly supported assault operations,” Philosopher recalls.

The team rotated positions during the mission. A single ammo box with 32 grenades weighed 15–16 kg, and they needed at least five boxes daily. The UAG-40 itself weighed another 40 kg.

Russian forces bombarded their position with guided air bombs, scoring four direct hits that destroyed their shelter, but the Ukrainians dug themselves out and kept firing.

“When we had to pull back, I gave the order to destroy the UAG so it wouldn’t fall into enemy hands. But they didn’t abandon it, they carried it out,” the defender says. 

Today, the legendary launcher is kept with the brigade as a symbol of Ukrainian soldiers’ courage, skill, and tenacity.

The Ukrainian Defense Minsitry reports that Kyiv forces have eliminated more than 230,000 Russian soldiers in just six months of 2025, the equivalent of nearly 20 divisions. Moscow has also lost thousands of armored vehicles, artillery systems, and drones.

According to Ukraine’s General Staff, Russia’s total losses in the first six months of 2025 include:

• 1,311 tanks 
• 2,885 armored fighting vehicles
• 8,222 artillery systems 
• 21,021 vehicles. 

The most devastating vehicle losses were recorded in April 2025, when Ukrainian forces destroyed 4,104 Russian vehicles.

Despite international calls for a ceasefire, combat intensity remains high. In June alone, there were 5,304 combat clashes, over 28,273 since the beginning of the year.

Meanwhile, Russian summer offensive continues but with small achievements. For instance, in Sumy Oblast, Russian elite units such and airborne brigades, have pushed deeper expanded their control by more than 25 kilometers in width.

However, Ukrainian defenders have successfully halted further Russian advances in key areas like Yunakivka, Yablunivka, and Novomykolaivka. 

The hottest spot of the front remains the city and area near Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast. Russian command has deployed a force of 111,000 troops to this part of the 1,200 front-line. 

The rail war rages on. On 1 July, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (HUR) announced the destruction of a Russian locomotive on temporarily occupied territory in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The targeted railway section, heavily used by Russian forces to move weapons and equipment, has been shut down again.

This marks the second strike on this key logistics route in recent days. On 26 June, Ukraine’s resistance movement, in coordination with HUR, sabotaged the same track. The resulting explosion disabled the line for over a week.

Despite rapid repair attempts, Russian troops fell into a trap once more.

“On 1 July, the occupiers restored the rails and ties, sent a military train, and then came another thunderous surprise: the enemy locomotive was knocked out,” HUR reported.

The agency added that one of the main supply arteries for the occupying army is now out of action again.

In the early hours of the same day, Russian forces launched more than 400 strikes across 13 settlements in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, said regional governor Ivan Fedorov.

A 56-year-old man was injured in the attack. Over the course of the day, Russian troops carried out four airstrikes, 271 UAV launches of various types (mostly FPV drones), six attacks using multiple rocket launchers, and 122 artillery strikes.

Authorities recorded 23 reports of damage to apartments, private homes, vehicles, and businesses.

Russia has lost control over a part of its sanction-evading oil business. Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR) says a powerful explosion occurred in the engine room of the Vilamoura tanker on 27 June, while it was en route from the Libyan port of Es-Zuwaytina.

The vessel was located about 150 km northeast of Libya’s territorial waters and was carrying approximately 1 million barrels of crude oil.

The tanker was sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands and, according to intelligence, had been repeatedly used to transport oil products from ports of the aggressor state. In April, it was spotted in Ust-Luga, and in May, near Novorossiysk.

Currently, the damaged Vilamoura is being towed by the firefighting ship Boka Summit (flying the Maltese flag) to the Laconian Gulf in Greece. The tanker is owned by TMS Tanker Ltd., a company registered in Marousi, Greece.

“The Kremlin is losing an important tool used to circumvent international sanctions and fund its war of aggression against Ukraine,” Ukraine’s intelligence emphasized.

Earlier, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the largest sanctions package in the country’s history, targeting 100 Russian oil tankers linked to Russia’s shadow fleet. According to an official press release, the targeted vessels have collectively carried over $24 billion in Russian oil since January 2024. 

Ukrainian air and missile defense systems will be integrated into the high-tech infrastructure of the Norwegian-American NASAMS complex. Ukrainian Defense Industry JSC says it will become a breakthrough in the country’s air defense by combining domestic developments with powerful Western weapons. 

NASAMS can destroy drones, aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and ballistic targets at medium and low altitudes in all weather conditions. Its range reaches up to 180 km, and its altitude ceiling is 21 km.

The agreement between the companies includes integrating Ukrainian short- and medium-range air defense systems into the NASAMS infrastructure. In particular, the parties agreed that Ukrainian systems will operate in conjunction with Norwegian command and control modules.

In January, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced the beginning of the expanded cooperation with Kongsberg. Ukrainian representatives and the team of the company held a meeting on the joint project. It also addressed anti-drone systems and the possibility of localizing their production in Ukraine, along with the development of maritime capabilities.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk says that counting on Russian energy supplies during the war against Ukraine would be a “grave sin.” He has welcomed Orlen’s decision to stop purchasing Russian oil for its refinery in the Czech Republic, UkrInform reports. 

The Polish company Orlen will cease buying Russian oil for its Czech refinery after 30 June. Tusk has emphasized that this decision is part of Poland’s and Europe’s strategy to minimize dependence on supplies from aggressive countries, including Russia.

“I don’t need to explain to anyone today that during a war, where Russia is the main negative actor, relying on Russian supplies for Polish energy would be a grave sin,” Tusk says.

In May, Orlen and Ukraine’s state oil and gas company, Naftogaz, signed a memorandum of strategic cooperation in several areas, which will also contribute to strengthening the region’s energy security.

According to Tusk, Poland’s energy independence from Russia has been hard-won, but the country now feels more secure on this front.