On July 11, a Ukrainian MiG-29 successfully struck a Russian military crossing in the Zaporizhzhia region with two US-made GBU-62 bombs upgraded with JDAM-ER kits. These precision-guided munitions, which utilize GPS and inertial navigation for accuracy and extended range, were instrumental in targeting a temporary crossing vital for supplying Russian troops near Kamianske. The gradual degradation of Russian air defenses has enhanced the effectiveness of these strikes, contributing to Ukraine’s defensive strategy of targeting logistics and infrastructure. This action is part of a larger effort to disrupt Russian advances, as seen in the recent precision airstrike on a Russian troop concentration in Russia’s Belgorod region.
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According to reports from the United Nations and independent researchers, Russia’s aerial attacks on Ukraine surged in June, resulting in the highest number of civilian casualties since the conflict’s outset. The Institute for the Study of War indicated a significant rise in drone and missile attacks in the first half of the year, with an approximate 605% increase compared to the previous year. This escalation included over 5,681 drones and missiles fired in June alone, representing the highest monthly total since the full-scale invasion. The surge in attacks, including over 700 attack and decoy drones in a single night, is believed to be an attempt to demoralize Ukrainians and undermine their government amidst ongoing conflict.
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Donald Trump’s statements on the Russia-Ukraine war have been inconsistent, with some claims deemed exaggerations. Despite previously suggesting he would halt U.S. aid, Trump now acknowledges European contributions exceeding the U.S. and has resumed direct weapons shipments. A potential arrangement involves European allies as intermediaries for U.S. weapons, which was suggested by Ukraine amidst a halt in Pentagon support. Trump expressed disappointment in Russia, hinting at a major statement to come, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio seeks a roadmap to end the conflict.
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Reports indicate that Colonel Sergei Ilyin, commander of the Pacific Fleet’s 155th Guards Naval Infantry Brigade, was killed in Ukraine during the special military operation. The independent Telegram news channel Astra reported this, citing a now-deleted post from officials in Ilyin’s hometown, which included his birth and death dates. Furthermore, on the same day, reports surfaced about the death of 11 senior Russian military officers, including Navy Deputy Commander Mikhail Gudkov, in a Ukrainian missile strike. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed Major General Gudkov’s death, but did not specify the cause or mention other reported casualties.
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In a recent announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that the U.S. would be sending weapons, including Patriot air defense systems, to Ukraine via NATO. This decision comes in response to a surge in Russian drone and missile attacks, with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky requesting ten Patriot systems. NATO, funded by member contributions, will be covering the costs of the weapons. The U.S. has urged allies to contribute their existing Patriot batteries, while a refurbished Patriot battery from Israel is also slated for delivery. The move underscores the urgency of bolstering Ukraine’s air defenses amid increased Russian bombardments, despite the high cost and reluctance of Western countries to part with these critical systems.
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Several Russian regions experienced large-scale drone attacks on July 10, 2025. Explosions were reported in Kursk Oblast, where a facility and warehouse were set ablaze, and Tula Oblast, where major defense industry facilities were targeted. Dubna near Moscow, home to the Kronshtadt drone manufacturing plant, was also hit. Furthermore, debris from a UAV fell on the territory of the PJSC Beriev Aircraft Company in Taganrog, while a drone crash-landed in Lipetsk Oblast, causing a fire. While the Russian Defence Ministry claimed to have intercepted 155 Ukrainian drones, no definitive information on the attacks’ consequences has been provided.
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that frozen Russian assets should remain immobilized until Moscow provides at least 500 billion euros in compensation to Ukraine. The G7 countries have immobilized approximately $300 billion in Russian assets, with profits from these assets being channeled toward Ukraine’s reconstruction and defense. Merz emphasized Germany’s involvement in Ukraine’s reconstruction, citing benefits such as economic growth and energy security. President Zelensky urged European partners to form a recovery coalition to rebuild Ukraine and called for the more active use of immobilized Russian assets.
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According to the head of Ukrainian military intelligence, North Korea is now providing up to 40% of Russia’s ammunition used in the war in Ukraine. The Kim Jong Un regime is also supplying Russia with other weaponry, including ballistic missiles and artillery systems. In exchange, Russia is offering financial and technological support to North Korea, easing its international isolation. This increasing cooperation solidifies the growing partnership between Pyongyang and Moscow.
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Ukraine has received another 1 billion euros ($1.2 billion) from the European Union, sourced from frozen Russian assets, according to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. These funds are part of the G7’s Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) mechanism, which aims to provide Ukraine with $50 billion in loans repaid using profits from frozen Russian assets. To date, Ukraine has received over $18.5 billion this year through this initiative, with plans to further advocate for the complete confiscation of Russian assets at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome. The ERA initiative, primarily supported by the U.S. and the EU, is expected to deliver all funds to Ukraine by the end of 2027, with contributions from the EU, U.S., U.K., Canada, and Japan.
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During the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the EU’s unwavering support for Ukraine, pledging to provide assistance for the duration of the conflict. The EU, already Ukraine’s largest donor, will disburse new financial tranches, including €1 billion in macro-financial support and over €3 billion from the Ukraine Facility, which will unlock €10 billion in investment. Von der Leyen also highlighted that supporting Ukraine aids EU member states in meeting their NATO defense targets, while the conference also saw announcements regarding a fund dedicated to Ukraine’s reconstruction.
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John Q. Hosedrinker