Following a phone call between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, Russia launched a devastating aerial attack on Kyiv using a record number of drones and ballistic missiles. Ukrainian officials condemned the assault as a deliberate act of terror and a clear interpretation of Moscow’s diplomatic stance. This sustained attack resulted in significant damage and casualties, with at least 23 injuries and one confirmed fatality. The attack has intensified calls for increased military aid to Ukraine.
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Russia has officially recognized the Taliban government in Afghanistan, becoming the first country to do so since the group seized power in 2021. This recognition followed the removal of the Taliban from Russia’s list of outlawed organizations and the acceptance of credentials from Afghanistan’s newly appointed ambassador. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated this move will encourage “productive bilateral cooperation,” while the Afghan Foreign Ministry hailed it as a historic step. Despite the Taliban’s enforcement of strict rules, particularly on women, Russia aims to engage with the group to stabilize the region.
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Germany is contemplating a significant defense procurement plan, potentially valued at €25 billion, to procure thousands of combat vehicles for NATO’s expanding force structure. This strategic move, fueled by growing concerns of a large-scale European war, aims to bolster deterrence against Russia. The potential purchases include up to 2,500 GTK Boxer armored vehicles and up to 1,000 Leopard 2 battle tanks, designed to equip new brigades under NATO’s force generation plans. The German Defense Minister and military officials are reviewing the proposal, anticipating legislative approval by year-end, as Germany strives to meet its NATO commitments.
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Since 18:00 on July 3rd, Russian forces launched a barrage of 550 drones and missiles targeting Ukraine, with Kyiv as the primary focus. Ukrainian air defense systems intercepted 478 aerial assets, while eight hits and debris were reported across 33 locations. The attack included a mix of Shahed drones, various missile types, and decoys. Air Force and other units successfully downed two cruise missiles and 268 drones, with an additional 208 drones either disappearing from radar or suppressed by electronic warfare.
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A landmark agreement was signed between Kyiv and Copenhagen, permitting Ukrainian defense companies to establish production facilities in Denmark. This marks a unique instance of international cooperation, enabling the export of Ukrainian defense technologies for supply to the country’s own armed forces. Following Denmark’s prior commitment to funding Ukrainian weapons production, it now becomes the first nation to host Ukrainian arms production lines. This initiative aligns with Ukraine’s broader strategy to internationalize its defense industry and scale up both domestic and international production.
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The Paris Court of Appeal affirmed a 2018 arbitration ruling, rejecting Russia’s challenge and mandating compensation to Ukraine’s Oschadbank for losses stemming from the annexation of Crimea. This decision requires Russia to pay over $1.5 billion in damages and legal fees, marking the first such victory for a Ukrainian bank against Russia. Oschadbank has been actively pursuing Russian assets to enforce the award, recently seizing over 87 million euros in France. The bank is prepared for a prolonged legal battle to ensure Russia fulfills its financial obligations.
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Dutch intelligence has confirmed Russia’s intensified use of banned chemical weapons in Ukraine, according to Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans. Evidence indicates Russia has employed chemical agents like chloropicrin and tear gas in improvised munitions, causing fatalities and injuries among Ukrainian soldiers. Data collected by the General Staff of Ukraine reveals a significant number of instances of Russian chemical weapon use. Dutch intelligence is working with international partners to gather further evidence and investigate the increased production of these weapons, raising concerns about the threat to other countries.
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The Defense Department recently halted a U.S. weapons shipment to Ukraine, citing concerns about low stockpiles, despite an analysis by senior military officers concluding the aid package would not jeopardize American military ammunition supplies. This decision was made unilaterally by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, surprising the State Department, members of Congress, and allies. Lawmakers from both parties expressed frustration, examining if the delayed shipment violated legislation mandating security assistance for Ukraine. Some believe the Pentagon is using readiness as an excuse to halt aid.
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During a visit to Denmark, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced an agreement with several American companies for the joint production of drones. The agreement focuses on various drone types, including interceptor drones, reconnaissance quadcopters, and attack UAVs, with production expected to reach hundreds of thousands this year and increase further in the next. The collaboration will involve American company Swift Beat and grant some Ukrainian manufacturers access to the technologies. This partnership aims to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities, particularly in intercepting enemy drones and missiles.
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On July 1, the Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant Kupol, a crucial Russian facility manufacturing drones and missile systems, was targeted in a Ukrainian attack. This assault, confirmed by both Russian and independent sources, resulted in casualties and damage to the plant. The Ukrainian Security Service claimed responsibility for the attack, employing a new long-range Liutyi drone without a rolling chassis, potentially extending its operational range. The attack, which Russia admitted, inflicted significant damage to the facility.
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John Q. Hosedrinker