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The Kremlin is panicking: Europe and the US send new air defense systems and missiles to Ukraine
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EU faces internal divisions as Slovakia and Malta block 18th sanctions package against Russia
The European Union has been unable to green-light its much-anticipated 18th sanctions package against Russia, which promised to deliver a significant blow to the Russian economy. As reported by Radio Svoboda, a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on July 15 failed to reach an agreement, as Slovakia and Malta both stood in opposition.
Journalists reveal that Bratislava is requesting assurances from Brussels for compensation if a complete ban on Russian gas imports is enforced among member states. Slovakia fears such a ban may bring severe economic hardship. Malta, on the other hand, is wary of the ramifications a stricter oil price cap might have on its crucial tanker fleet, a lifeline for the nation’s economy.
Interestingly, Hungary, often seen as an ally to Russian President Vladimir Putin within Europe, did not join the bloc vetoing the sanctions. The debate over the new sanctions is set to continue at the EU ambassadors' level on July 16, as European diplomats endeavor to cobble together a compromise that could see the sanctions passed by week's end.
This 18th sanctions package is poised to include mechanisms for a dynamic oil price cap on Russian crude, a complete shutdown of the Nord Stream and Nord Stream-2 pipelines, and further sanctions on Russian banks.
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Ukraine war latest: Mass attack hits cities overnight as Ukrainians brace for 50 more days of Russian terror
Key developments on July 16:
- Mass attack hits cities overnight as Ukrainians brace for 50 more days of Russian terror
- Putin unfazed by Trump's threats, plans to fight on in Ukraine, Reuters reports
- Patriot missiles bound for Ukraine already being shipped, Trump says
- US-founded extremist group claims killing
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“It's just a terrible, stupid Russian terror,” Zelenskyy on the attack on Dobropillia
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Ukraine and the United States to build joint facility for ammunition production
Ukraine and the United States are joining forces to establish a joint facility for the production of specialized chemicals essential for manufacturing ammunition for the Ukrainian military. This facility will operate in the U.S.
According to the press service of the public joint-stock company "Ukrainian Defense Industry," the agreement was finalized on July 11 during the International Conference on Ukraine's Recovery (URC 2025) held in Rome.
The new facility will focus on producing chemical components utilized in ammunition production. Its U.S.-based location aims to ensure an uninterrupted supply and safeguard production from war-related risks.
"We are truly grateful to the United States for this support and new opportunities. The Ukrainian defense sector must gradually move from large-scale procurement to self-production to meet urgent needs," emphasized the CEO of "Ukrainian Defense Industry," Oleh Hulyak.
Present at the document signing were U.S. Special Envoy to Ukraine, retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, Ukrainian Presidential Strategy Advisor Oleksandr Kamyshin, and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of "Ukrainian Defense Industry," David Lomjaria.
Ukrainian Defense Industry officials noted that this initiative would address the shortage of specialty chemicals currently limiting domestic ammunition production capabilities. Additionally, it is seen as a step towards reducing critical dependency on external suppliers.
It should be noted that the United States remains Ukraine's key strategic partner in security and defense sectors. Amidst the full-scale war with Russia, this partnership holds significant importance, not only on the battlefield but also in enhancing the country's industrial capacity.
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HELL on the FRONTLINE: Russia attacks civilians with artillery and FPV drones
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More units joining the 12th Corps
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Russia intensifies efforts to encircle key Ukrainian cities of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad
Russian forces are intensifying their efforts in the Pokrovsk direction, with the cities of Myrnohrad and Pokrovsk now almost encircled by Russian troops. The defense of this critical area hinges on the resources Ukraine can deploy.
"There won't be a partial encirclement, unfortunately, it's already underway if you look at the map—both Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad. The issue is how much further the enemy can advance. Obviously, they're attempting to tighten their grip around Myrnohrad and Pokrovsk," said Igor Romanenko, a former deputy chief of the Ukrainian General Staff, live on Espreso TV.
According to Romanenko, the critical issue is how much Ukraine's defense forces can mobilize in terms of manpower and armaments to counter Russian advances in this defensive sector. Ukrainian forces have long held the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad front, consuming a significant amount of Russian military resources.
"However, they are stepping up their efforts there, the enemy. That’s why we're seeing this kind of advancement," the military expert noted.
He added that in the near term, it will become clear what resources will be committed and what results that might yield. The situation will be resolved directly on the battlefield.
According to the morning briefing from Ukraine's Command, 60 enemy assaults were repelled in the Pokrovsk direction within the last 24 hours. Battles raged near settlements including Mykolske, Shevchenko, Molodtske, Orekhove, Popov Yar, Novoekonomichne, Myrolyubivka, Lysivka, Kotline, Zvereve, Udachne, and Oleksiivka, with advances toward Rodinske, Pokrovsk, Muravka Filial, and Dachne as well.
Maxim Bakulin, the press officer of the National Guard's 14th Rapid Deployment Brigade, "Krasna Kalina," noted that Russians have abandoned motorcycle raids in the Pokrovsk direction due to heavy combat losses.
In early July, a military serviceman with the callsign "Muchnoy" warned that operational encirclement threatened Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad due to a shortage of Ukrainian infantry.
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Zelensky proposes former Prime Minister Shmyhal as Ukraine's new defense minister
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17 PATRIOT MISSILES FOR UKRAINE: TRUMP CONFIRMS DELIVERY
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German Quantum Systems takes 10% ownership in Ukrainian defense robotics firm Frontline
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'We are doubling the Ukraine Facility' — EU proposes 100 billion euros for Ukraine aid fund in 2028–2034 budget
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Madness on Russian TV screens: Solovyov calls for war with NATO
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US-founded extremist group claims killing of Ukrainian security service colonel in Kyiv
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Ukraine parliament backs nearly $10 billion defense budget increase in first reading
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Patriot is on the way: how Ukraine saves and defends itself
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Latvian prime minister on Trump's NATO deal and new Russia sanctions
The Kyiv Independent’s Deputy Chief Editor Oleksiy Sorokin spoke with Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa during her visit to Kyiv on July 15, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of his deal with NATO to arm Ukraine and his threat to impose severe sanctions on Russia if it doesn’t reach a peace deal with Ukraine within the next 50 days.
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Ukraine's new ground drones are hitting the battlefield in ever-increasing numbers
Ukraine's use of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) has accelerated in recent months, a development experts say could help ease pressure on infantry as Kyiv struggles with ongoing recruitment problems and losses.
Ukraine’s first confirmed UGV — often referred to as ground drones — combat mission took
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Russia becomes third-largest gas supplier to EU
Russia has surged to become the third-largest gas supplier to the European Union, surpassing Norway, as reported by Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, citing Eurostat data.
The United States remains the EU's top gas supplier, selling gas worth €1.9 billion to Europe, despite a one-third decrease in its April performance. Algeria holds the second position, supplying €1.12 billion worth of gas. Russia exported €1.1 billion worth of gas to the EU, marking a nearly 25% increase over April. Meanwhile, Norway reduced its supplies by 13%, reaching €842 million in May. RIA Novosti highlights that Russia boosted its shipments of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by one-third in May, accounting for €703 million. Pipeline gas deliveries also climbed by 6.4%, hitting €408 million.
In June 2025, the European Commission unveiled a plan to completely ban Russian gas imports by 2027's end. This blueprint calls for banning pipeline gas and LNG imports starting January 1, 2026, with exceptions for pre-existing contract deliveries. Hungary and Slovakia, dependent on pipeline supplies, oppose the ban, while Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Spain continue to import Russian gas. Before Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the EU sourced nearly half its gas from Russia—now it's less than 20%.
According to Reuters, Moscow and Washington in May discussed resuming Russian gas imports to Europe as a potential condition for peace in Ukraine.
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After rejecting ceasefire, Russia calls on West to 'pressure' Ukraine toward negotiations
