Russo-Ukrainian war, day 1226: Beijing is enabling Moscow’s war crimes by supplying components for Russian drones

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"Luxury TikToking": French MEP slams Macron's two-hour call with Putin. While Ukraine fights for survival, Macron phones Putin. French MEP Glucksmann calls it peak European performance: busy, public, and strategically empty.

Can Europe replace US Patriots for Ukraine as its "daddy" in Washington steps back?. As the US withdraws Patriot missiles this week, UK defense expert Frank Ledwidge warns: Europe lacks the systems Ukraine needs to survive.

Military

In one night Ukrainian drones hit Russian military airfield and drone defense factory used to fuel aggression. Fires erupted at Russia's Borisoglebsk aviation center where Su-34, Su-35S, and Su-30SM aircraft conduct training operations before attacking Ukraine. Azov electronics plant hit in Russia's Rostov Oblast with new Ukrainian Shahed-like drones. One of Russia's largest southern plants for aerospace and thermal optics was targeted. Ukrainian drones strike Russian plant making Shahed warheads near Moscow. The GenStaff says it hit a crucial facility tied to thermobaric Shahed munitions in Sergiev Posad.

Intelligence and technology

US Defense Secretary Hegseth unilaterally blocks weapons for Ukraine, even though experts say aid does not affect stockpiles. With no warning and no clear justification, Defense Secretary Hegseth has paused Ukraine's weapons deliveries, igniting fury in Congress Ukraine's arsenal expands West: Denmark to host Kyiv's first overseas defense plants. As part of the EU's rotating presidency, Denmark is stepping up to build Ukrainian-designed weapons. Beijing is enabling Moscow's crimes: Ukraine finds Chinese parts in Russian drones used in 4 July most massive strike of war. A day earlier, Russia damaged China's consulate in Odesa. Russia's chemical weapons use in Ukraine now "large-scale," intelligence shows. The Dutch MIVD and Germany's BND say they've confirmed a full program behind the attacks.

International

Republican Party lawmaker says Ukraine should not count on Biden-era weapons after Kyiv banned church led by Putin's war priest. As Russian missiles rained down on Kyiv, Anna Paulina Luna said Ukraine should not count on American defense systems, legally approved during Joe Biden's presidency. Czechia to probe firms accused of arming Russia. Czech agencies will investigate companies flagged by Zelenskyy for allegedly supplying weapons-related machinery to Russia. China to EU: Ukraine war must not end in Russian defeat. In closed-door talks, Beijing signaled it prefers a prolonged war if it keeps the US distracted, per media reports. Trump admits "no progress" after sixth call with Putin on Ukraine. Trump's verdict on his sixth call with Putin? "Not happy … no progress at all." Russia, he says, still "won't back down" on Ukraine.

Humanitarian and social impact

Ukraine on fire with civilians injured as Trump doubts Putin wants to end war. Russia launched 322 drones at Ukraine on the night of 5 July, sparking fires at different locations and injuring at least 16 civilians, including children. Seriously wounded Ukrainian POWs return home from Russian captivity filled with torture. The exchange on 4 July included soldiers captured during Mariupol siege in 2022 who spent over three years in Russian custody. Hours after Trump-Putin call, Russia attacks Kyiv with record 550 missiles and drones (updated). Fires broke out across Kyiv, with more than 20 injuries reported. Railway infrastructure and five ambulances were also damaged.

Political and legal developments

Russia becomes first country to officially recognize Taliban breaking Western isolation. The move reverses Russia's 2003 designation of the Taliban as a terrorist organization and now promises cooperation in security, counter-terrorism and trade. Read our earlier daily review here.