Exclusives

European court makes history: Russia guilty of Ukraine human rights violations since 2014 and plane downing MH17. The European Court of Human Rights recognized Russia’s actions as a “targeted campaign to destroy the Ukrainian state as a subject of international law.”

Ukraine’s perfect German missiles never miss—but Russia’s drone factories never sleep. Ukraine is getting 2,000 new German IRIS-T air-defense missiles. Against endless Russian drones, it still might not be enough.

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church says it left Moscow. Documents say otherwise.. Church officials can claim what they want, but the paper trail doesn’t lie—and it leads straight back to Moscow.

Russian oil flows through Hungary unchecked—investigation traces deals to PM Orbán’s closest allies. Russian crude keeps pouring into the EU pipeline, enriching figures tied to both Putin and Orbán.

Military

First battlefield capitulation to robots: Ukrainian drones force Russian surrender and seize fortified position (video). The 3rd Assault Brigade seized fortified Russian positions using kamikaze land drones and quadcopters.

741 projectiles: Russia’s biggest attack since war began follows suspicious lull in massive overnight bombing. Russian forces combined 728 drones with 13 missiles in the 9 July assault on Ukraine, while the night before they launched just dozens of projectiles, creating a stark contrast.

Reuters: Trump resumes GMLRS rocket and 155mm artillery deliveries to Ukraine after Russia’s largest airstrike. The US resumed weapons shipments to Ukraine after a brief pause. On Tuesday, Russia launched more than 740 drones and missiles in a single night.

Zelenskyy asks Trump’s Ukraine envoy Kellogg for US missiles – Trump calls Patriot systems “very expensive”. As Russian strikes intensify, Ukraine is pressing its case directly to Trump’s circle, while questions linger over the price of protection.

Intelligence and technology

Ukraine catches Chinese spies trying to steal secrets of missile that sank Russia’s flagship. The Security Service of Ukraine claims to have detained father and son spy team who attempted to acquire production documentation for the Neptune cruise missile system that has struck multiple Russian naval vessels.

“Limpet mines are the new sanctions”: Ukraine is targeting Russia’s shadow oil fleet, says former Royal Navy officer. Six tankers linked to Russian oil exports have been damaged by underwater explosions this year. Former Royal Navy officer Tom Sharpe says Ukraine is likely using limpet mines placed by divers or drones to target Putin’s shadow fleet.

Lithuania and Finland to start domestic landmine production for themselves and Ukraine amid Russian threat. Other NATO’s eastern flank countries like Poland, Latvia, and Estonia also withdraw from the 1997 Ottawa Convention that banned landmines.

WSJ: Trump weighs sending Ukraine another Patriot air defense system as Putin rejects peace. This decision follows Trump’s disappointment with Putin after their phone call and after a Pentagon weapons delivery pause created confusion within his own administration.

CNN: Hegseth ordered halt to Ukraine arms—White House learned from the press. Senior US and Ukrainian officials were blindsided by the sudden stop in missile deliveries.

International

Russia’s war against Ukraine prompts Czechia to train teenagers in combat skills to strengthen national defense. Czech Army General announced the initiative aims to expand national reserves while introducing young people to military service amid Russia’s security threat.

The Pope asked Zelenskyy to hold peace talks at the Vatican—even though Putin already said no. As Russia launches its largest drone barrage of the war, the Pope offered Zelenskyy the Vatican as a venue for talks—an idea the Kremlin had previously rejected.

German Chancellor: Russia’s “criminal regime” made diplomacy impossible, threatens entire Europe freedom. Friedrich Merz told lawmakers he would continue military assistance to Ukraine “despite opposition from the political left and the Russia-friendly right here in the house,” framing the conflict as a threat to European political freedom.

EU considers € 100 billion Ukraine fund amid US support uncertainty and no war end in sight. EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis told reporters the bloc remains “ready to provide all necessary support for Ukraine for as long as it’s needed.”

Baptist-led church council in Kyiv warns: Russia must be condemned or real peace won’t come. Clergy say “peace” without justice only rewards atrocity and emboldens future aggression.

Political and legal developments

Ukrainian commission confirms Moscow-linked church remains under Russian control. Documentation contradicts three years of independence assertions.

Read our earlier daily review here.