Exclusive
 | From text to speech to HD video: How AI is enhancing media across the board. This blog post explores how AI is enhancing media, focusing on text-to-speech AI, AI video upscaler, and AI voice generator |
 | Ukraine’s Fire Point builds 100 attack drones every day, all day—aimed at Russia. Running nonstop, Fire Point will turn out 36,000 drones this year, nearly matching the Shahed swarms that Moscow sends by the thousands. |
Military
Ukrainian drones hit Russia’s largest Baltic gas hub in Ust-Luga strike (VIDEO). The precision strike on Novatek’s cryogenic fractionation unit marks Ukraine’s second successful attack on the strategic port this year.
HUR surprise assault liberates Novomykhailivka in Donetsk Oblast as Russians lose company-sized unit. The operation caught Russian defenders unprepared.
Marines raise Ukrainian flag on National Flag Day in liberated Donetsk settlement. The recapture of Zelenyi Hai comes amid broader Russian advance on the Donetsk front line.
Ukrainian drones strike Russian port and oil refinery in coordinated attack on war-funding infrastructure [updated]. The attack focused on energy facilities processing petroleum products for military use.
Intelligence and technology
Canada commits $ 1 billion in drones, armor, and ammunition for Ukraine — delivery expected in September. Prime Minister Mark Carney specified that this sum will fund immediate weapons procurement, with additional tens of millions allocated for bomb shelters and cybersecurity assistance.
Norway and Germany to finance two American Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine amid Russian missile threat. The joint purchase operates within the new mechanism in which Europe finances American-manufactured systems aimed for Ukraine.
International
NBC invites Russia’s top diplomat on Ukrainian independence day to demand territorial surrender. Lavrov set conditions on Ukraine’s right to exist while dismissing Zelenskyy as “de facto head of the regime” in interview with “Meet the Press.”
Humanitarian and social impact
Kherson’s former mayor freed from Russian captivity on Independence Day, while current mayor still suffers behind bars. Mykolaienko’s heroic decision to refuse early release in 2022 to save a critically ill cellmate reveals the moral choices facing Ukrainian prisoners.
Independence Day swap returns Ukrainian defenders from thousands who are still captive in Russia. These soldiers defended locations that defined Ukraine’s resistance.
Political and legal developments
German investigators: four bombs weighing up to 27 kg each destroyed Nord Stream gas pipelines 80 meters underwater. Placing bombs required specialized diving equipment and explosives expertise that points to military-level planning, German prosecutors stated.
New developments
Independence Day of Ukraine: celebrating independence when fighting for freedom. Ukraine declared independence in 1991; Russia has been trying to crush it ever since.
Read our earlier daily review here.