Ukraine Invasion: Part 61

[MagicFox]

Welcome to thread 61 with many thanks to all So many thanks to all contributors and a special salute to those providing daily updates. For the 61st time, Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

**
Agreed thread guidance:

A. The agreed purpose of the thread is for the sharing of information and commentary on current events
B. If you post a link please tell us where it leads/give a precis of the content
C. Discussion and debate is welcome, but please keep it respectful
D. Please keep on topic

On the subject of flying safety in that era, retired Air Vice Marshall Sean Bell had a few interesting things to say:

Better timestamp here:

@DdraigGoch

Thanks for the link, lots of good stuff in there, especially about flying in Germany, crappy weather etc.....different world.

FWIW I last worked with Sean when he was a lot younger and a new instructor in the training system...and seeing him there makes me realise how long ago that was......😱

Posting the ISW for a few days

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-6-2026/

Key Takeaways Thread

1. Russian forces launched their fourth large-scale missile and drone strike against Ukraine since June 1 on the night of July 5 to 6. This latest strike series again heavily targeted Kyiv City and caused dozens of civilian casualties.
2. Russian forces are taking advantage of Ukraine’s depleted stocks of anti-ballistic missile interceptors to maximize the destructive potential of their strike packages.
3. Russian forces have been decreasing the number of ballistic missiles in each strike package in recent weeks as Ukraine’s interception rate has declined.
4. Russian forces likely purposely timed this latest large-scale strike package to generate informational effects ahead of the July 7 to 8 NATO summit in Turkey.
5. Ukrainian forces conducted their deepest drone strike against Russia thus far in the war, striking the largest oil refinery in Russia over 2,500 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
6. Russian officials are trying to present Russia as a willing negotiator and Ukraine as the obstacle to peace ahead of US President Donald Trump’s meetings with Ukraine and Europe at the July 7 to 8 NATO summit.
7. Russia is engaging in increasingly risky kinetic behaviors against NATO member states as part of its “Phase Zero” condition-setting campaign.
8. Ukrainian forces advanced in the Oleksandrivka and Hulyaipole directions.

Ministry of Defence

@DefenceHQ

While operating in the Norwegian Sea on Operation FIRECREST, the UK's Carrier Strike Group was approached repeatedly by a Russian 'Bear-F' maritime patrol aircraft. The aircraft flew unnecessarily close to HMS Prince of Wales, dropped multiple sonobuoys nearby, and failed to respond on international safety frequencies. This activity was unsafe and unprofessional. Two UK F-35s from HMS Prince of Wales intercepted and escorted the aircraft until it left the area. The Carrier Strike Group continues to operate with NATO allies in the High North, reinforcing security across the Arctic and North Atlantic.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️After deadly Kyiv attack, Trump says Putin wants to end the war.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on July 6 that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to end the war in Ukraine, despite Russia's deadly aerial attack on Kyiv two days after the two leaders spoke by phone. [I'd say Putin thinks Trump is stupid, but he doesn't. He knows it.]

'We have nothing to use:' Kyiv currently defenseless against Russia's ballistic missiles
Supplies of Patriot PAC-3 interceptors have dried up, leaving Ukrainian air defense units powerless to defend Kyiv against Russia's fastest and most deadly munitions.
The shortage of interceptors was starkly demonstrated a few hours earlier when Russia launched the second massive attack on Ukraine in four days, once again focusing on the capital, Kyiv, killing at least 22 and injuring dozens of Ukrainian civilians.

⚡️Ukrainian missiles strike Russian airport, blackout reported in bordering Belgorod Oblast.
Ukrainian missiles struck Belgorod Airport, and a blackout was recorded in Belgorod Oblast amid an overnight attack on July 7, local authorities and social media channels reported.

'Everything just kept detonating' — Devastating Russian attack hits quiet Kyiv suburb of Vyshneve
Residents of the small town of Vyshneve, on Kyiv's western edge, have described scenes of terror amid Russia's latest devastating missile and drone attack on the capital, as they found themselves fleeing a series of massive explosions after a strike on the town.

“We pay taxes in Russia that helps war" — Oreo-maker's confession demands action on Russia remainers
“The CEO of the U.S. snacking giant Mondelez has acknowledged that the taxes the company pays in Russia help Russia’s war against Ukraine. Just three days after that interview, Russian drones struck a Mondelez factory in Ukraine, injuring two people,” writes Bennett Freeman, Co-founder and Steering Committee member of B4Ukraine, in his op-ed.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 17m
⚡️ RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE — JUL 7, 2026
■ Engagements and casualties below the 7-day average
■ Heavy drone losses and 90 missiles intercepted in the last 7 days (most this year so far)
■ Visually confirmed equipment batch: 1.9 🇷🇺/🇺🇦 (note: includes older 🇷🇺 losses)
■ 🇷🇺 overnight attacks: all drones, but the interception rate could be better
■ 🇷🇺 air strikes and shelling above average; 13 🇺🇦 strikes and 340 🇺🇦 drones (including water surface drones) launched into 🇷🇺

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

⚡️President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska have arrived in Ankara for the NATO summit.
The agenda begins with the Defense Industry Forum, where NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte delivered opening remarks.
A joint statement by Rutte and Zelenskyy is expected later today.
In the afternoon, an official reception and dinner will be held for heads of state and government and their spouses. The schedule also includes a meeting of the NATO–Ukraine Council at the foreign ministers’ level and a meeting of defense ministers with partners from Asia and Oceania.

The main session of the North Atlantic Council is scheduled for July 8, after which Rutte will hold a press conference.

❗️Trump announced successful negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s war against Ukraine.
The US president also said he hopes to discuss the issue in greater detail during the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara.
Commenting on the current geopolitical situation and diplomatic efforts, Trump said that a resolution to the war is much closer than most observers believe.

NATO countries bordering Russia have begun intensifying preparations for a potential war.
According to Politico, NATO members bordering Russia and Belarus are urgently preparing for the possibility of a conflict with Moscow and Minsk.
“Preparations are already underway in Finland, Poland, and Lithuania. They are building defensive fortifications and significantly increasing military spending. These countries are prepared to spend up to 5% of their GDP on defense.”

❗️Russian massive attack on Kyiv on July 6: search and rescue operations have been completed in the Darnytskyi district, according to the State Emergency Service.
Eleven people were killed under the rubble of a high-rise residential building.
Search and rescue operations are still ongoing in the Podilskyi district, where eight people have been confirmed dead.
Today, Kyiv has declared a Day of Mourning for the victims of Russia’s overnight strike on the capital.

Ukraine has signed its first Drone Deal agreements with six countries and expects to conclude seven more by the end of the year. NATO member states are the priority, Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council David Aloyan told The Guardian.
As of the end of June, Ukraine had reached agreements with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Azerbaijan, Latvia, and Lithuania.
“The initiative is called the Drone Deal, but in reality it covers much more than just drones.
Even more important are the experience and expertise, as well as access to all the components that make up this
According to him, interest in Ukrainian technology and battlefield experience increased after the outbreak of war in the Middle East. Iran used Shahed drones against its neighbors—the same drones Russia has been using to attack Ukraine for several years.
Countries in the region were interested not only in interceptor drones themselves, but also in Ukraine’s experience in using them effectively.
Kyiv offered these countries a comprehensive assessment of what is required at both the operational and tactical levels to ensure the effective use of such systems.
The supply of drones themselves is not yet part of the agreements, as meeting Ukraine’s own defense needs remains the top priority.
Diplomats and analysts interviewed by The Guardian said that, to some extent, Ukraine’s “drone diplomacy” was an effort to find new partners and keep Ukraine in focus as international attention shifted toward the Middle East.
According to Aloyan, the primary focus will now be on NATO partners, particularly those located closer to Russia or Ukraine and increasingly concerned about protection against drones.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said last month that at least 27 countries, including 15 NATO members, have expressed interest in such agreements.

A heavy Ukrainian 8×8 ground robotic system developed by VATAG Group that, according to its stated specifications, is capable of transporting up to 2 tons of payload.

🔥 The Unmanned Systems Forces destroyed a launcher of a Russian S-400 air defense system in Bryansk region.
According to the report, Russian forces used the launcher to fire missiles at ground targets, including, potentially, during attacks on Kyiv.

📉 Russian oil prices are falling again: the price of Urals crude has dropped to nearly $18 below the level projected in Russia’s budget.
In the first days of July, Urals crude was trading at an average of $41.66 per barrel, while Russia’s 2026 budget was based on a price of $59 per barrel, Bloomberg reports.

📉 Profits have fallen by up to 90%. In Russia, every third clothing retailer has become unprofitable amid declining consumer demand.
According to The Moscow Times, in 2025, 34% of mass-market retailers and 40% of premium brands were unprofitable, compared with 18% and 22%, respectively, in 2022.
Tvoe posted a loss of 620.8 million rubles, Oodji lost 819.2 million rubles, and Zenden recorded losses of 978.8 million rubles.
Profits among mass-market brands declined by 30% to 90%. At the same time, Russia’s clothing, footwear, and accessories market shrank by 5% to 4.2 trillion rubles.
Experts expect losses to continue growing and the number of profitable companies to decline further by the end of the year.

The UK Armed Forces are creating a new drone deployment unit modeled on Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, according to The Telegraph.
The initiative is part of a £5 billion investment plan to expand the military’s use of drones and autonomous weapons in response to the growing threat from Russia.
The new unit is being modeled on Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces, which have become a separate branch of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
A UK Ministry of Defence source added:
“Many decisions within the Defence Investment Plan were undoubtedly based on lessons learned from Ukraine’s experience in its fight against the Russians.”

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

As rescuers continue searching the rubble after Russia’s overnight attack that killed at least 17 people, US intelligence warns Ukraine could face two or three more large-scale missile and drone attacks like today’s within the next 10 days.
Residents are urged to take every air raid alert seriously.

The head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office Budanov says the active phase of the war could end this year — but warns the fighting will get worse before it gets better.
He ruled out territorial concessions, said battlefield success is key to keeping US support, and warned Russia still has the capacity for another massive mobilization.

Moscow faced one of its largest drone attacks in two years overnight, with Russian officials claiming more than 430 drones targeted the region.
At least 36 UAVs reportedly approached the capital, forcing flight restrictions at Sheremetyevo Airport.

Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces hit eight Russian shadow fleet tankers in a single night, according to commander Robert “Madyar” Brovdi.
All the vessels are under international sanctions, with a deadweight of around 7,000 tonnes each and a length of roughly 140 meters.

Norway has urged China to use its influence over Putin to push Russia back to the negotiating table and help end the war in Ukraine.
Oslo warned that Beijing’s close ties with Moscow are standing in the way of stronger relations with Europe.

Trump’s 90-Minute Putin Call Was Part of Mediation Effort After Zelensky Talks
US analyst Paul Goble told Kyiv Post that President Trump’s 90-minute call with Putin should be viewed less as a diplomatic breakthrough and more as part of Trump’s attempt to position himself as a mediator between Moscow and Kyiv ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. Goble said the real test will be whether the alliance can rebuild a common US-European position on Ukraine and keep pressure on Moscow.

Ukraine's State Export Control Service issued the country's first official permit for the export of finished Ukrainian-made combat drones.
Manufacturer F-Drones has already shipped 2,000 F10 strike UAVs to the US under a Pentagon contract won in the first phase of the Drone Dominance program, where the system placed sixth among 25 competitors.

Russia may not be strong enough to attack NATO outright — but Putin could still stage a false-flag drone attack and use it as a pretext for escalation, Poland’s foreign minister warned.
Sikorski said Ukraine is currently holding back Russian forces, buying Europe crucial time to strengthen its defenses.

A Ukrainian Mi-8 helicopter crashed in Ukraine’s Poltava region during a mission to repel a Russian drone attack, killing all four crew members on board.
Local authorities said the crash occurred on June 30 as the crew was defending Ukrainian skies against Russian drones.

Russia’s fuel crisis is escalating.
A police officer pulled a gun on a driver accused of cutting a five-hour gas station queue in Siberia, where security forces are now enforcing fuel rationing.

The death toll from Russia’s large-scale ballistic missile attack on Kyiv and the surrounding region on the night of June 6 has risen to at least 26, with dozens more injured.
The attack came just days after another Russian strike killed more than 30 people in Kyiv.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇺🇦🇺🇸US intelligence agencies are helping Ukraine bypass Russian air defense during strikes on oil refineries, the Financial Times reports, citing senior Ukrainian officials.
Since the beginning of 2026, Ukrainian drones have struck Russian refineries at least 194 times — 11 times more than in the same period last year. The Financial Times attributes these results to Ukraine increasing production of long-range drones, better coordination of strikes, and assistance from the US.
Russia's Ministry of Defense claims that in the first half of the year, air defense allegedly shot down nearly 64,000 Ukrainian drones, half of them in May and June alone. The FT believes this shows the immense strain currently placed on Russian air defense.
Despite this, the sources say the Kremlin does not plan to negotiate at least until February 2027. According to them, the Russians still hope that the Americans will simply "hand over" Ukraine to them.

Under the "spirit of Anchorage," the Russians understand an end to the war in which everyone recognizes Russia's sovereignty over Crimea, the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, as well as the currently occupied parts of the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, said Head of the Presidential Office Budanov.

Greece's Prime Minister's National Security Advisor Thanos Dokos has been called to resign following a phone call with Russian pranksters who posed as Ukraine's NSDC Secretary Rustem Umerov.
The Russian pranksters "Vovan" and "Lexus" tricked Dokos into revealing confidential information about the country's security. They discussed the Ukrainian naval drone with explosives that was recently discovered in Greek waters.
The Greek government insisted that the pranksters used a "complex AI-based hybrid attack." However, the Russians claim they only sent an email via Gmail.
▪️"Vovan" and "Lexus" have previously called Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. In 2019, they called North Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev three times in one year, posing as Petro Poroshenko. They have also called UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Polish President Andrzej Duda.
▪️In 2024, Putin awarded the pranksters with Orders of Friendship.

The Unmanned Systems Forces struck two Russian tankers carrying gasoline for Crimea in the Sea of Azov, reported Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces Robert Brovdi "Madyar."
These were two Russian shadow fleet tankers transporting 7,000 tons of fuel from Taganrog (equivalent to 200 tank cars).
Brovdi also reported that from July 1 to July 5, UAS drones hit 37 power nodes in temporarily occupied Crimea and in the occupied southern territories.
In addition, Madyar confirmed strikes on the "Simferopol" power grid in Crimea and the oil depot in Kerch, which monitoring channels had reported earlier in the morning.
Meanwhile, the SBU reported that it had attacked three hangars with aircraft equipment at the "Hvardiyske" airfield in Crimea. A Pantsir-S2 anti-aircraft missile system near Simferopol was also hit.

Belgorod, Russia, was under a massive attack overnight, with the city's main gas pipeline management facility hit.
As a result, the city is experiencing power and water outages.
Drones also struck the "Pervy Zavod" oil refinery in the Kaluga region. Drones were also spotted in the Moscow region — local authorities said that 430 UAVs had been heading toward the region since the evening.
OSINT analysts, citing NASA FIRMS data, also report fires in several areas of occupied Crimea:
🔴at the 110 kV "Saky" substation and near the railway station;
🔴in the area of the 330 kV "Zakhidno-Krymska" substation;
🔴near a S-400 air defense system position;
🔴north of Kerch, in the sea — possibly a vessel was hit

Lukashenko stated that Belarusians are peaceful people, do not want to fight, but have no intention of bowing their heads to the enemy.

During the overnight shelling, over 40,000 people took shelter in Kyiv's metro, including nearly 3,000 children, the Kyiv Metro press service reported.
The statement reminded that during air raid alerts, Kyiv residents can use 46 underground stations. The smallest number of people is usually at the central stations.
▪️During the previous massive attack on the night of July 2, the Kyiv metro sheltered 52,500 people — a record in recent years.

🇲🇱Rebels in Mali claim to have shot down a Russian Mi-24 helicopter during an ambush on a column of the Russian Defense Ministry's "African Corps."
Their claims are supported by independent OSINT analysts. The column was traveling from Gao to Anéfis to reinforce Russian-Malian forces amid active fighting. During the attack, in addition to the helicopter, the rebels destroyed several trucks and light combat vehicles.
▪️The "African Corps" took over operations previously run by the "Wagner PMC" after the death of its founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, in 2023.

Anton Milayev, the adopted great-grandson of Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev who was captured in Ukraine, has given an interview to the "Khochu zhyty" project.
Milayev says he lived in New York for 19 years but then returned to Russia because he got tired of "working for the Masons" and missed his homeland. He had accumulated debts, so in 2025 he signed a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense.
He expected to get a driver's position in the rear, but was instead sent to an assault battalion of the Airborne Forces. He was then deployed to the Kherson region to cross the Dnipro — a mission Milayev called a "meat grinder." After only four of the eight soldiers in his group survived, he made his way to the river on his own and surrendered to a drone.
He describes the conditions in captivity as "excellent" and says the Russians did not see any Nazis in Ukraine. He does not want to return to Russia and hopes to remain until the end of the war. Milayev also hoped that no one in captivity would learn about his family ties to Brezhnev, as they had no impact on his life.

More and more convoluted...

Anastasiia Berezovska, the suspect in the Monaco bomb attack, went to Ukraine although she had apparently been living in Germany.

She is believed to have repeatedly received funds into her c-money and bank accounts from two men in Ukraine: a former law enforcement officer and a current officer in the MoD's main intelligence directorate. Once in Ukraine she made contact with the men.

Then she was found shot the in the head.

Statement from SBU includes: "During the search of the former law enforcement officer's home, a basement room resembling a torture chamber was found. Both suspects were detained on suspicion of committing murder with premeditation by a group of individuals." The intelligence officer has confessed to murdering her.

SBU is working closely with Monaco authorities and the investigation continues to identify "other suspects" in the Monaco attack.

Woman suspected of Monaco bomb attack found dead in Ukraine
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yz3770yg8o

What on earth - ? That's truly bizarre

That article has just been updated to include:

Ukraine's prosecutor general said it had "no evidence" the room had been involved in Berezovska's case and that it "simply reflect[s] the profile of one of the suspects".

His office released a video of the room, which showed a mat dotted with what appear to be small spots of blood. Two axes, a pickaxe, tarpaulin spread on the floor and a large bag are also visible.

US intelligence agencies are helping Ukraine bypass Russian air defense during strikes on oil refineries, the Financial Times reports, citing senior Ukrainian officials.

Just for context, the U.S. has been supplying this type of intel to Ukraine for the entire war. There are hundreds of American intelligence specialists who do nothing but track the status and disposition of every unit within the Russian military, including air defense units.

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-7-2026/

Key Takeaways

1. Ukraine’s intermediate-range strike campaign against a multitude of diverse targets, including Russian air defenses, petroleum product transport, other logistics, and electrical substations, is collapsing logistics in occupied Crimea.
2. Ukraine’s successful intermediate- and long-range strike campaigns have forced a reckoning within the Russian ultranationalist information space, causing commentators to blame the Russian federal government for failing to create a cohesive air defense system that can adequately protect private businesses and critical infrastructure from Ukrainian long-range strikes.
3. The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) reportedly arrested the commander of the Russian 114th Motorized Rifle Brigade (51st Combined Arms Army [CAA], formerly 1st Donetsk People’s Republic Army Corps [DNR AC], Southern Military District [SMD]) on corruption charges.
4. Ukrainian forces conducted long-range strikes against Russian military assets and energy infrastructure in Russia.
5. Ukrainian forces recently advanced or maintained positions in Kostyantynivka.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Trump claims Zelensky, Putin 'want to make a deal' after speaking to both leaders.

⚡️ Ukrainian intelligence officer confesses to killing suspect in Monaco murder case, law enforcement says.
Ukrainian authorities have found the body of a woman suspected of attempting to kill Ukrainian businessman Vadym Iermolaiev in Monaco on June 29, the Prosecutor’s Office and the Security Service (SBU) said on July 7.

Who is Vadym Iermolaiev, the sanctioned tycoon injured in the Monaco attack?
A Ukrainian military intelligence officer has confessed to killing a woman suspected of attempting to assassinate businessman Vadym Iermolaiev in Monaco.
The Kyiv Independent explains in detail who Iermolaiev is.

⚡️ 2 defense industry enterprises hit in Russia’s Bryansk Oblast, oil depot in Belgorod Oblast, General Staff says.
The microelectronics manufacturer Kremniy El produces microchips, power semiconductor devices, and electronic warfare systems for Russia, along with other products, while the Bryansk Chemical Plant produces gunpowder, explosives, and rocket fuel components, according to the General Staff.

⚡️Ukraine signs drone cooperation deals with Estonia, Netherlands.

⚡️Update: Ukraine signs drone cooperation deal with Denmark.

⚡️'Europe needs its own effective anti-ballistic system,' Zelensky tells NATO Summit.
The Ukrainian president urged European allies that their need for affordable, mass-produced anti-ballistic systems "cannot wait until 2030 or beyond," and needs to be met "as soon as possible, in fact, today."

⚡️EU countries call to let Ukraine buy American Patriots.
Nine EU countries have co-signed a letter demanding that the bloc allow Kyiv to spend its 90 billion euro ($103 billion) loan on non-European defense equipment such as Patriot missiles, and to do so quickly. "This will help keep Ukraine in the fight and support it in protecting human lives," the letter reads.

Concerns mount as Zelensky turns sanctions into tool for punishing critics, former allies
Sanctions, which were introduced by Ukraine when Russia started its war in 2014, were initially intended as a tool for fighting Moscow and its proxies. Experts agree that sanctions against Russian nationals and Kremlin allies still remain an important method of thwarting Russia's aggression.
But in addition to the anti-Kremlin sanctions, Zelensky has increasingly used sanctions against Ukrainian citizens, a legally dubious practice that experts say may serve as a tool to punish critics and opponents.

⚡️'Moscow will fall' — Another 9 Russian shadow fleet tankers hit in Azov Sea, Ukraine's 'Madyar' says.
According to Robert Brovdi, over the past 72 hours Ukrainian forces hit 21 vessels , including 19 shadow fleet tankers, one cargo ship, and one ferry in Crimea's Kerch.

As Ukrainian drone strikes cripple Russia’s fuel supply, Moscow faces 'one crisis after another'

⚡️Canada pledges $900 million to Ukraine for vehicles and ammo, but no air defense.
Canada announced more than $900 million in new military aid for Ukraine on July 7, one of Ottawa’s larger recent support packages, President Volodymyr Zelensky said after meeting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.

⚡️IOC lifts Russian Olympic Committee suspension ahead of 2028 games.
The Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC), which had been in place since October 2023.

⚡️Raid on leading drone company fuels fears of crackdown on Ukraine's defense tech sector.
The CEO of top Ukrainian drone firm Vyriy Industries denied allegations of price gouging after law enforcement carried out large scale searches of his home, offices, and family members on July 7

⚡️'Manifestly unlawful' - Ukrainian court bans publication of investigative report on top official's brother.
"The court's ruling is manifestly unlawful and violates the fundamental rights of journalists and the public to gather and disseminate information of public interest that is publicly available about the country's highest-ranking officials," Olena Shcherban, a deputy executive director at the Anti-Corruption Action Center, said.

⚡️Ukrainian drones reportedly strike Russia's Saratov Oil Refinery.
Ukrainian drones struck Russia's Saratov Oil Refinery overnight on July 8, monitoring channels reported.

Bardella or Le Pen: What France's far-right choice means for Ukraine
For months, opinion polls have indicated that France's far-right National Rally (RN) is well placed to win the 2027 presidential election. But a court ruling on July 7 has upended expectations over who will lead the party's presidential ticket — a decision that could also have implications for Ukraine.

Exclusive: Ukraine shipping giant is sinking amid allegations of mismanagement and corruption risks
Leaked internal documents obtained by the Kyiv Independent suggest Ukrainian Danube Shipping Company (UDP), one of Ukraine's largest state-owned shipping companies, is being run into the ground and may be under the influence of external interests — offering a rare look at the governance failures that continue to plague the country's state-owned enterprises.
In an explosive letter to Ukraine's parliament obtained by the Kyiv Independent, dated May 6, Benoit Pleska — chair of UDP's supervisory board — paints a damning picture of the company's decline: collapsing activity and market share since 2020, "huge resistance" against the board's cleanup efforts, chronic corruption, and the systematic destruction of company assets.

⚡️Russian attacks kill 7, injure 88 in Ukraine [06 - 07 July 2026], as Kyiv marks Day of Mourning after devastating strike.
Overnight on July 6-7, Russian troops launched 123 drones against Ukraine, of which 108 were downed, the Air Force reported.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦
‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
⚡️ RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE — JUL 8, 2026
■ Engagements and casualties slightly above average; 🇺🇦 gains of 6 km² confirmed ■ Losses of unarmored vehicles and drones above average; 90 missiles intercepted in the last 7 days (most in 2026)
■ 🇷🇺 overnight attacks: drone interception rate could be better; no missiles intercepted, but 2 did not reach their targets
■ All 🇷🇺 strike indicators above average, but the most 🇺🇦 strikes so far this year, and 300 🇺🇦 strike UAVs launched into 🇷🇺

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Ukraine’s defense forces completed the two-stage operation "Auchan," striking 1,180 Russian targets.
The first phase targeted enemy armor, logistics, and equipment deep behind the front lines, single-handedly halting Russia’s mechanized offensive for six months. The second phase, named "Art-Auchan," utilized advanced drone units and newly developed munitions to cripple Russian artillery across the Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Starobilsk fronts. In total, the operation successfully disrupted Moscow's offensive plans and reduced Russian military activity across the frontline by up to 81%.

❗️President Zelenskyy spoke at the NATO summit in Ankara. The president’s key statements (at the Defense Industries Forum):
▫️ Ukraine eliminates about 30,000 Russian troops every month, primarily using drones.
▫️ The interception rate of Russian Shahed drones has increased to 90% — Ukraine now shoots down thousands of drones every week.
▫️ Ukrainian naval drones have become multifunctional platforms capable of striking targets at sea, on land, and in the air.
▫️ Ukraine regularly carries out long-range strikes on Russian military facilities. According to President Zelenskyy, there is no longer a major Russian refinery that has not been targeted by Ukrainian drones or missiles.
▫️ President Zelenskyy said that Ukraine has the world’s most advanced drone capabilities and invited partners to join the Drone Deal initiative.
▫️ The president called on allies to support licensed production of Patriot systems in Ukraine and accelerate the creation of a European ballistic missile defense system.
▫️ President Zelenskyy also asked the allies: “Is it really right to leave a country with such a level of defense capability outside NATO?”

A state of man-made emergency has been declared in the temporarily occupied part of the Kherson region under a “decree” signed by collaborator Vladimir Saldo.

The United States and several European countries will establish a joint technical maintenance center for PAC-3 missiles used by Patriot air defense systems. Washington has also signaled that it may allow PAC-3 missiles to be produced outside the United States.

“I received an invitation from Foreign Minister Wang Yi to visit China. Possible dates for the visit are currently being worked out. During my talks with Minister Wang Yi, I called on China to support a ceasefire. We welcome China’s readiness to play a more active role in achieving peace,” Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said during the panel discussion “Changing Roles: Ukraine as a Guarantor of European Security, Rethinking Dependencies” in Ankara.

🇺🇦🇪🇺 President Zelenskyy met with European Council President António Costa and discussed efforts to open the remaining five negotiation clusters in Ukraine’s EU accession talks.

Greek shipping companies have earned at least $3.8 billion transporting Russian oil since July 2023 under the G7 price cap regime.
Dynacom Tankers earned the most, at about $915 million, followed by Olympic Shipping (Onassis Group) with $404 million. Stealth Maritime and Polembros Shipping each earned more than $200 million.

❗️The Omsk refinery, Russia’s largest, has suspended operations following Ukrainian drone strikes, Reuters reports.
According to the agency, the shutdown is likely to worsen fuel shortages across Russia.

⚡️The Ukrainian Defense Forces struck the Kremny EL and Bryansky plants in Russia's Bryansk region, an oil depot at the Belgorod airfield, railway bridges, and other military facilities, the General Staff reported.

Kremny EL is one of Russia's leading microelectronics manufacturers.
The company produces microchips, power semiconductor devices, and electronic components used in command and control systems, communications, electronic warfare, and weapons systems.
The Bryansky Chemical Plant produces gunpowder, explosives, and rocket fuel components used in the manufacture of ammunition and missiles.
The Defense Forces also struck two railway bridges near the settlements of Rozdolne and Ichki in temporarily occupied Crimea.
According to the General Staff, the Russian military used these bridges to transport personnel, weapons, and ammunition.
In addition, Ukrainian forces struck Russian logistics depots in the Volnovakha and Yasynuvata districts of the Donetsk region.

❗️Russian agents who were allegedly preparing a sabotage attack on a German defense company supporting Ukraine were detained near the Serbian-Hungarian border, Bild reports, citing sources.
According to the newspaper's sources, the suspects were detained in early June, although the operation has only now become public.
During a search of their luggage, police reportedly found an explosive device.
According to the report, the arrests by Serbian police were made possible thanks to intelligence provided by German and partner intelligence agencies.
German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said the alleged plot was foiled after authorities placed those involved in preparing the attack under surveillance.

🇸🇰👏 Slovakia has temporarily suspended the issuance of Schengen visas to Russian citizens.
The only exception is visas issued for travel to sporting events. The restrictions will remain in effect throughout July and August 2026. After that, the acceptance of applications is expected to resume, although no exact date has been announced.

❗️A missile strike destroyed the finished goods warehouse of Philip Morris Ukraine in Kyiv for the fourth time. No injuries were reported.
Despite the loss of the warehouse, the company is quickly reconfiguring its supply chains. At the same time, thanks to the timely diversification of its logistics network, product deliveries to customers will not be disrupted, the company said.

Evacuation under fire: an NRC saved a life, and an FPV drone covered the operation
Another example of how ground robotic systems are already changing the battlefield today.
During the evacuation of a wounded Ukrainian serviceman using a ground robotic system (NRC), the vehicle was struck by an enemy FPV drone. The situation appeared critical, as another Russian drone was attempting to finish off the wounded soldier.
However, Ukrainian operators reacted with lightning speed. An FPV drone pilot intercepted and destroyed the enemy drone before it could complete the attack. Thanks to this, the wounded soldier was given a chance to survive.
This story once again demonstrates that modern warfare relies on the coordinated use of different unmanned systems. Ground robotic platforms take on the most dangerous tasks, while aerial drones provide cover and eliminate threats. https://t.me/United24media/44025

🤬FIFA is set to discuss the possible return of Russian teams to international football, according to Sky News.
The organization will reportedly consider lifting the ban after the International Olympic Committee’s decision to reinstate the Russian Olympic Committee and allow it to participate in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. [well, what else would be expected of organisations so thoroughly corrupt?]

This morning, Russian forces struck a five-story residential building in Kharkiv. Unfortunately, two people were killed in the attack.
There are currently 34 injured, including four children. Medics are providing all of them with the necessary assistance.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Ukraine’s main priorities at the NATO summit in Ankara are securing more air defense capabilities and strengthening the country’s diplomatic position — President Volodymyr Zelensky
He said all scheduled meetings had taken place, along with several important unscheduled talks, stressing that Ukraine continues to work toward effective and equal partnerships and the protection of lives.

NATO allies are expected to approve a massive new military support commitment for Ukraine worth €70 billion a year for the next two years.
The Ankara summit is also set to recognize Ukraine as a contributor to NATO’s security, while delivering new air defense pledges, defense industry deals and another meeting between Zelensky and Trump.

A massive fire is raging in Kyiv near a crowded market after a Russian drone fell in the area.
At least six people have been injured, while residents have been urged to close their windows as thick, acrid smoke spreads across the city.

President Zelensky and Polish President Nawrocki spoke in person for the first time on the sidelines of the NATO summit, Ukraine’s Presidential Office confirmed.
The brief conversation took place Tuesday evening, with the two sides agreeing to try to coordinate schedules for a separate meeting.

During a brief conversation in Ankara, President Zelensky and Hungarian Prime Minister Magyar agreed to meet soon.
Magyar said the meeting could take place in Budapest or Kyiv, followed by a joint visit to Berehove in Ukraine’s Zakarpattia region.

NATO leaders rolled out a lavish welcome for US President Donald Trump in Ankara, as anxiety built ahead of the summit’s harder negotiations.
Trump praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and their personal “chemistry,” while continuing to show frustration with European allies over Iran, defense spending and Ukraine.

Two bombs exploded near the Damascus hotel where French President Macron was holding meetings, injuring 18 people, including four police officers.
The blasts struck across from the Four Seasons Hotel during Macron’s historic visit to Syria — the first by a leader of a major EU country since Bashar al-Assad’s fall.

A bill under consideration in Poland’s Sejm proposes equating the ideology of the OUN and UPA with Nazism and communism.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry said Kyiv does not seek further deterioration in relations with Poland and expects the same approach from Warsaw.
Spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi stressed that Poland remains a strategic partner and said sensitive historical issues should be addressed through professional dialogue based on mutual respect, rather than used in political rhetoric.

Ukraine’s Air Force announced that another Russian military aircraft was destroyed on Wednesday.
No further details have been released so far.

Ukraine’s long-range strikes – reaching targets like Ufa, 930 miles from the front – are turning Russia’s size into a liability, argues Kyiv Post’s Jason Jay Smart.
https://www.kyivpost.com/videos/79784

Russia launched a deadly morning missile attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city Kharkiv, killing at least two civilians and wounding 20 others. Among the injured were three teenagers aged 14, 16 and 17.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇨🇿The Czech Republic will not block the NATO military support package for Ukraine worth €70 billion. However, according to Prime Minister Andrej Babiš, the country will not participate in the initiative.
Babiš stated that these funds will be paid by "large countries, as in the past." The day before, Poland and Slovakia announced that they would also not support the final declaration of the NATO summit if it includes financial commitments for Ukraine.
▪️The idea of allocating €70 billion was put forward by Germany in May. Of this amount, €30 billion is to come from the already agreed €90 billion two-year EU loan for Ukraine. Another €40 billion is to come from bilateral commitments of individual states.

🇧🇬🇺🇦Bulgaria no longer has anything to transfer to Ukraine from its military stockpiles, as it has "exhausted its capabilities," Bulgarian Prime Minister Rumen Radev stated at the NATO summit in Ankara.
According to him, Bulgaria has already sent 13 military aid packages to Ukraine. The country is now only prepared to repair Ukrainian military equipment on its territory.
He also criticized the West for attempting to defeat nuclear Russia militarily and called for a swift shift to diplomacy to avoid a "nuclear response."

Satellite images of the Omsk Oil Refinery show at least three strikes on technical trestles and columns of the ELOU-AVT-11 processing unit, according to OSINT analysts.
According to their data, the actual number of hits exceeds five. The images also show that the attack damaged technical trestles between other AVT units.
▪️Yesterday, the General Staff confirmed the strike on the Omsk Oil Refinery — located 2,500 km from the border with Ukraine. This refinery is the last of Russia's 11 largest gasoline producers to be struck by Ukrainian forces. It is Russia's most powerful oil refinery, processing over 21 million tons per year.

In Warsaw, an unknown individual smashed exhibits at a handicraft gallery. Prior to this, a female employee of the establishment had protested against anti-Ukrainian slogans at a nearby march.
Zofia Boruczyńska, the owner of Las Rąk, said that on July 4, during a march where anti-Ukrainian slogans were being chanted, one of her employees made a gesture with her thumbs down as a sign of protest. According to her, the establishment did not make any disparaging gestures regarding the memory of the victims of the Volhynia tragedy.
Following this incident, the Warsaw gallery came under attack: aggressively minded individuals entered the premises, the gallery received threatening phone calls, was subjected to online harassment, and negative reviews appeared on its Google page.

Drones attacked a Russian oil refinery in Saratov and the Nizhnekamskneftekhim complex in Tatarstan, Russians report.
Saratov region governor Roman Busargin stated that civilian infrastructure facilities were damaged. Local sources report that a fire broke out at the Saratov refinery following the strikes.
Additionally, Russian channels report an attack on a military airfield in the Voronezh region, where Su-34, Su-35, Su-30SM, and other combat aircraft are based.
Meanwhile, Rostov region governor Yuriy Slyusar also stated that drones damaged two tankers in the Taganrog Bay. According to him, there was no fuel on board.

Vyshneve, outside Kyiv, looks like this after the Russian shelling

The Russians attacked Ukraine with 7 missiles and 169 drones; air defense neutralized 139 UAVs. Here is what is known about the aftermath:
🔴Kyiv. Two people were injured in overnight Russian attacks. Fires broke out in the Desnianskyi and Sviatoshynskyi districts of the capital.
🔴Zaporizhzhia. Three people were injured in overnight Russian attacks: a 43-year-old man and a 76-year-old man and woman. 15,342 subscribers were left without power.
🔴Kharkiv. Two people were injured as a result of a Russian strike. The Russians struck the Nemyshlianskyi and Osnovianskyi districts. In total, over 30 private houses were damaged.
🔴Kherson. A 49-year-old man is in serious condition after a Russian strike on a minibus in the Korabelnyi district. Two other men were injured in a drone attack on a vehicle, and a 66-year-old woman was injured in artillery shelling.

Just tuned in to the middle of Press Conference with Zelensky and Trump.

Wow.

Trump says Ukraine will be granted licence to manufacture Patriot missiles.

Tone of Trump towards Zelensky really different. Trump starting to repeat Z's lines rather than Putin's. Trump talking (slightly enviously) about "lot of love in the room for Ukraine."

He called him 'President Zelenskyy' as well.

And this

Trump: "One of the things I talked to [Putin] about was 'Where would you want to meet?' And he said 'Ideally in Moscow.' I said 'You're not going to meet in Moscow.'…Would you go to Moscow?"

Zelensky: "It's difficult. There are a lot of Ukrainian drones there."

I saw that bit!

When Trump picks a Republican to endorse in a congressional race, he simply endorses whoever is ahead in the polls. Principle doesn't matter, he just wants to be on the side that's winning.

That’s quite heartening then if he sees Zelenskyy as being on the winning side.

YES! That's what I thought immediately. He now thinks Ukraine is winning.