Russo-Ukrainian war, day 1238: European allies are rushing to purchase US-made Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine

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The Shaheds come at midnight. Ukraine is betting $ 1,000 drones can stop them.. They're cheap, fast, and unproven—and they might be the only thing standing between civilians and a 90kg warhead.

One river stands between Russia and Ukraine's fortress city Pokrovsk. Ten Ukrainian brigades could soon be forced to abandon Pokrovsk—the Donbas fortress they've defended for over a year.

Military

Frontline report: Ukrainian brigade captures Russian positions after drone-only assault leaves enemy defenseless. The Third Assault Brigade guided captured Russian soldiers directly to Ukrainian lines using an aerial drone, with no Ukrainian infantry present during the entire operation. Russia reports drone attack: casualties in Voronezh, Energia plant targeted. Smoke billowed over the Energia defense plant in Yelets early on 15 July after overnight drone attacks struck three Russian oblasts, with officials reporting 55 intercepted UAVs and multiple casualties in Voronezh city center.

Intelligence and technology

Ukraine plans massive minefields along 3,000-kilometer border with Russia and Belarus. Temporary Ottawa Convention suspension allows Kyiv to counter Russian infantry squads. Germany, Denmark, Netherlands plan to buy US-made Patriots, capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles, for Ukraine. With Russia escalating airstrikes, European allies move to purchase US air defense systems for urgent delivery to Kyiv. Trump announces Europe will pay for US weapons sent to Ukraine. US President Donald Trump announced a new arrangement with European NATO allies where America will manufacture weapons for Ukraine while European countries provide the financing, alongside authorization for Patriot air defense system transfers. Trump asks Zelenskyy why Ukraine hasn't hit Moscow, considered Tomahawk missiles. President Trump has shifted from diplomatic outreach to military pressure on Vladimir Putin, asking Ukraine's leader why he hasn't hit Moscow and suggesting strikes on St. Petersburg amid releasing a $10 billion weapons package.

International

After Trump announes plan to arm Ukraine, Xi calls to deepen Russia–China strategic partnership. He also said the two countries must unite Global South nations to form "a more just international order." EU says Trump's Russia ultimatum too long as civilians die daily. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas criticized Trump's 50-day Russia ultimatum for being too lengthy while Ukrainian civilians face daily bombardment from Putin's forces. Ukrainian spy chief Budanov warns Kellogg: Putin's war goals stretch into next decade—and NATO is target. Ukraine's top intelligence official says Moscow's ambitions go far beyond Ukraine's borders. US NATO ambassador warns Putin: "If you want war we will arm Ukraine". Ambassador Matthew Whitaker claimed that Moscow faces a choice between peace negotiations and facing a better-armed Ukrainian military paid for by NATO allies. "Russia didn't care": Kremlin mocks Trump's tariff threat amid silence on next moves in case of Moscow's refusal to end war in Ukraine. Lacking enforcement details, the US ultimatum is branded empty.

Humanitarian and social impact

Ukrainian female journalist sentenced to seven years in Russian jail urges EU to act as guards force prisoners to stand for hours in freezing cold. She also endures nights without sleep. Russian overnight attacks on Sumy and Donetsk injury 5 people, including 14-year-old girl. A 14-year-old girl was hospitalized with glass fragment wounds after Russian forces launched three missile strikes against Shostka in Sumy Oblast on 15 July, hitting a hospital and sparking a fire.

Political and legal developments

Ukraine charges three Russian commanders for killing 20 people in Chernihiv's shop queue in 2022. Ukraine accuses Colonel Kurygin and two commanders of ordering a rocket barrage that targeted innocent civilians. Fifty Ukrainian NGOs rise in defense of Ukrainian top anti-corruption fighter Shabunin, charged with draft dodging and fraud. Activists call the case against Shabunin "politically motivated" and warn it risks silencing democracy. Read our earlier daily review here.