Summary of global news: Strikes near Kiev, Putin on Russian defense, Zelensky on Ukrainian conflict, Khan's ICC removal, EU sable fur sanctions avoided, and various geopolitical tensions.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy met with Raytheon representatives in Kyiv to discuss co-production of Patriot air defense systems, following a shift in US tone. This comes as Ukraine intensifies drone attacks inside Russia, targeting logistical hubs and an oil facility.
A Saudi-owned vessel was attacked in the Red Sea, causing a fire, confirmed by Saudi state media. Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi group claimed responsibility, stating it launched missile and drone attacks on two Saudi oil tankers as part of a 'maritime blockade' linked to the US-Iran conflict, raising concerns about escalating regional tensions and global oil supply disruption.
Ukrainian drone attacks across multiple Russian regions resulted in the interception of 223 drones. However, attacks in Voronezh and Crimea caused two deaths, including a three-year-old boy, and injured several others, including children, also leading to power outages and infrastructure damage.
Russia maintains contact with the US on Ukraine but sees no escalation in conflict resolution efforts. Tensions between the US and Iran persist, with experts speculating on the use of ceasefires for strategic planning. The EU struggles to agree on new sanctions against Russia.
Tensions escalate between Iran and the US, with Russia and China calling for peace. The US deploys forces to the Middle East, while Iran's military warns of expanded conflict. Meanwhile, Ukraine faces a critical winter and military reshuffles, and the EU navigates sanctions against Russia.
Iran's IRGC claims its Nasr-2 Operation missile and drone strikes disabled US radar, communications, and air-defense systems in Kuwait, Jordan, and Iraq, causing a "dark night" for American bases. The US acknowledges four casualties but has not confirmed equipment destruction.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims its Aerospace Force used cruise missiles to destroy Amazon's central data infrastructure and target US air defense systems in Bahrain. The alleged attack, unconfirmed by US or Bahraini officials, comes amid ongoing military confrontations between Iran and the US.
Lockheed Martin announced plans to develop and manufacture a new air defense weapon with US and European partners, with initial production expected within 36 months, capitalizing on Europe's rearmament boom fueled by the war in Ukraine.
The US is increasingly concerned about Iran's growing effectiveness in penetrating its air defenses in the Middle East, following a deadly missile and drone strike on a military base in Jordan that killed two American service members and left one missing.
Russia launched one of its heaviest attacks on Ukraine, firing over 40 missiles and 120 drones, damaging residential buildings in Kyiv, killing one and wounding 15. Ukraine reiterates pleas for more air defense interceptors and tougher EU sanctions.
The US reported a third American service member killed and unidentified remains found near a Jordan attack site, escalating conflict with Iran. This follows US retaliatory strikes and raises concerns over Strait of Hormuz oil shipments and global economic stability.
Air defense and electronic warfare systems repelled an attack by 81 drones over the Moscow Region. Three people were killed and three injured in Pionersky settlement near Istra, and two injured in Solnechnogorsk after a drone struck a multifamily building.
NATO members agreed a €140 billion military aid package for Ukraine at their Ankara summit. US President Trump announced a license for Ukraine to produce Patriot air defense missiles, a move experts call historic but years from production. NATO membership discussions were notably absent.
Turkish President Erdogan may announce Friday the resale of S-400 missile systems, purchased from Russia in 2017, to a third country, likely in the Persian Gulf such as the UAE or Qatar. This follows Turkey's exclusion from the US F-35 program.
Russian air defense systems destroyed 376 Ukrainian drones overnight over various regions and the Sea of Azov. Fires broke out at the Ilsky oil refinery and two oil product facilities in Azov due to falling debris, with firefighting and evacuations underway in Taganrog.
US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering allowing Turkey back into the F-35 fighter jet program, a move discussed with Turkish President Erdogan at the NATO summit. This potential thaw in defense ties faces opposition from Israel, concerned about regional military balance.
An explosion heard in Bushehr, Iran, was the result of air defenses engaging a target, according to Bushehr Province Deputy Governor Ehsan Jahanian. The IRNA news agency reported that a military base near Bushehr was attacked by the US and Israel. Blasts were also reported in Konarak and Choghadak.
The Ukraine conflict, nearing 1,600 days, mirrors WWI with trench warfare and large-scale drone deployment. NATO has pledged $80 billion in military aid, with the US contributing $70 billion. Ukraine's air defense has evolved from Soviet-era systems to Western technology, including Patriot and IRIS-T, while facing challenges against Russian ballistic missiles.
At a NATO summit in Turkey, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the U.S. will grant Ukraine a license to manufacture Patriot air defense systems, a significant win for Kyiv. Trump also struck a positive tone with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, expressing optimism for a peace deal. The summit saw European allies increasing defense spending, though Trump initially expressed dissatisfaction with some partners.
The US conducted airstrikes on approximately 90 Iranian military targets, including air defense systems and naval infrastructure, in response to Iran's attacks on commercial vessels. Iran retaliated by targeting US bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, escalating regional tensions.
US Central Command forces conducted approximately 90 strikes against Iranian military targets on July 8 to degrade Iran's ability to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The targets included air defense systems, missile sites, and naval capabilities. This follows a previous US strike on 80 targets in Iran.
Donald Trump stated the US will license Ukraine to manufacture Patriot anti-aircraft missiles, rather than supplying them directly. Zelensky has repeatedly requested more aid, including Patriots, to counter Russian airstrikes. Trump cited US needs and potential production timelines.
Russia's Defense Ministry reported that its air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 111 Ukrainian drones over various Russian regions and the Black and Azov Seas within a 12-hour period on Wednesday, July 7.
