NATO
Germany has approved a preliminary request for the supply of 40 Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets to Turkey. The aircraft, a joint project of BAE Systems, Airbus, and Leonardo, will be built in the United Kingdom with German components.
According to Martin Wolf, the outcome of the war in Ukraine will affect the future of European liberal democracy. He emphasized that Ukraine is fighting for the right to choose its own destiny, against Russia's autocracy and its desire to dominate Europe.
Next year, Ukraine will need at least $120 billion for defense. Half of this amount is expected to be raised with the support of allies, as announced by Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal.
The German government is considering involving women and pensioners in truck driving to ensure the delivery of equipment and provisions to the front in the event of a war with Russia. This is due to a shortage of about 100,000 truck drivers and the potential loss of up to 300,000 Eastern European drivers in the event of a conflict.
The Netherlands intends to make a substantial contribution to the US initiative to provide Ukraine with additional air defense systems. This was confirmed by Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans, emphasizing the importance of supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
US President's Special Envoy Keith Kellogg, during his visit to Kyiv, discussed with the Ukrainian side the necessary weapons, including Patriot systems, and joint arms production. The visit took place in the context of agreements between the leaders of the US and Ukraine, confirming the continuation of high-level dialogue.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte summarized the results of the Ramstein meeting and coordinated further work. They discussed a new initiative to purchase American weapons, including Patriot systems, for Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will not join NATO now, but can receive additional funding from the Alliance for its army and military motivation. He emphasized the need to focus on obtaining funds for drones and for the military, leveraging the readiness of the US and key European leaders to strengthen Ukraine within the framework of 5% defense spending.
At the 29th meeting in the "Ramstein" format, partners announced key decisions regarding strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities. The USA is initiating a new mechanism jointly with NATO for European countries to purchase American weapons, and the Netherlands is allocating 125 million euros for the maintenance of F-16 aircraft.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that Ramstein participants continue to work closely to support Ukraine, including through a new initiative that provides allies with access to purchase American equipment through the Alliance. This initiative will allow European NATO countries to purchase American weapons, including Patriot systems, for further transfer to Ukraine.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the heads of Ukrainian embassies, outlining five key priorities for diplomacy. These include weapons, Russian assets, integration with the EU and NATO, negotiations to end the war, and connecting Ukrainians abroad with Ukraine.
Germany will provide Ukraine with two additional Patriot systems, which will be deployed in the coming days. The purchase of long-range Ukrainian-made drones will also be financed.
People's Deputy Fedir Venislavsky stated that Ukraine has a chance to receive a certain number of air defense systems in a short time, although not all of the announced 15-17 complexes. The US has allowed European partners to purchase and transfer air defense systems to Ukraine, which will speed up the process.
Poland scrambled military aircraft due to another massive shelling of Ukraine by Russia. Polish and allied fighter jets are returning to their deployment locations after the cessation of airstrikes.
The UK Secretary of State for Defence will initiate a "50-day campaign" to arm Ukraine at the Ramstein meeting to force Putin to the negotiating table. This initiative supports Donald Trump's proposal for an ultimatum to Russia by September 2.
The next round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine is expected in Istanbul this week, likely on Wednesday or Thursday. Humanitarian aid, prisoner exchange, infrastructure security, and border areas will be discussed.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed the frontline situation, particularly in Sumy region, and long-range strikes with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. Requests for additional funding for drone production and supply, which will be signed next week, were considered.
Lieutenant General Alexus Grinkevich urged NATO countries to adopt Ukraine's experience in implementing innovations in the defense sector. He emphasized the importance of cooperation between the military and the defense industry for the prompt supply of equipment.
The Trump administration is reviewing the schedule for transferring Patriot air defense systems so that Germany can promptly transfer two complexes to Ukraine. The US will accelerate arms supplies to allies who transfer their stocks to Ukraine.
During July 18, 177 combat engagements took place at the front, 47 of which were assault actions stopped in the Pokrovsk direction. The invaders launched two missile and 71 air strikes, used 3843 kamikaze drones, and carried out 5825 shellings.
Germany plans to transfer a Patriot air defense system to Ukraine, which is currently being produced by Raytheon. The delivery is expected no earlier than in 6-8 months, as the system is still in production.
On July 19, the Australian government announced the transfer of Abrams tanks to Ukraine as part of a A$245 million aid package. Most of the 49 tanks have already been delivered, with the rest to arrive in the coming months.
The Commander-in-Chief of NATO's European forces, Alexus Hrynkevych, stated that the US and the EU have 18 months to prepare for a possible large-scale military conflict with China and Russia. There is a risk of coordinated aggression, which could lead to a simultaneous attack on Taiwan and NATO countries.
France supports the European Commission's proposal for an EU budget of almost 2 trillion euros for 2028–2034, citing threats from Russia. Germany, Austria, Finland, Sweden, and the Netherlands consider such expenditures excessive and demand a more frugal approach.
The 29th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the "Ramstein" format will be held online on Monday, July 21. Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal will hold talks with G7 defense ministers.
The new meeting of the Contact Group on Ukraine's Defense in the "Ramstein" format is scheduled for July 21. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte will take part in the virtual meeting, where issues of supplying Patriot systems will be discussed.
Netflix used AI-generated visual effects for the first time in the series The Eternauts for a building collapse scene. This allowed for faster production and reduced costs, despite controversies surrounding the use of AI in the entertainment industry.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer does not rule out London's participation in Germany and the US's talks on arms procurement for Ukraine. Discussions are at an early stage between London, Washington, and European countries.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the delivery of Patriot systems to Ukraine is being discussed, but will take days or weeks. The US has also revised the Patriot supply schedule to accelerate support for Ukraine.
The US is considering selling Patriot air defense systems from its own stocks to Ukraine. This is happening as part of Donald Trump's new plan, under which European allies will purchase American weapons for Kyiv.