Allies to license Ukraine to produce air defense missiles
European G7 countries and the US are ready to license Ukrainian companies to build long-range missiles and air defense systems, addressing critical shortages.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said current production is insufficient and granting licenses to European and Ukrainian firms could offset the shortfall. In an overnight statement, G7 leaders pledged to increase air defense deliveries to Ukraine and consider licenses to boost domestic production. Merz noted that US companies in particular could grant licenses to European manufacturers, expressing gratitude to Donald Trump for cooperation. A diplomatic source confirmed that production under license would cover not only air defense systems but also deep-strike capabilities. Ukraine has extensive indigenous anti-drone capabilities but faces severe shortages of interceptor missiles needed to stop cruise and ballistic missiles.
The G7 summit showed newfound unity on increasing pressure on Russia. Merz described the final statement as a success. French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted a "very deep change" in the US approach, noting that Trump acknowledged Russia lacks serious willingness for peace. Trump in his press conference emphasized talks with Zelenskyy and Putin, saying both want peace but do not know how to achieve it. He referred to Russia as the offensive party and said they are losing the most troops.
A program launched in May shows how Taiwan's civil defense movement is learning from Ukraine, with drone piloting courses aimed at improving public drone literacy.
Zelenskyy is due to join EU leaders at a summit in Brussels. An EU official revealed preliminary diplomatic contacts between the EU chief's office and the Kremlin. The EU supports Ukraine in achieving a just and lasting peace and is not a mediator.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for a single EU envoy from a "medium-sized power" to handle contacts with Russia on Ukraine to avoid confusion.
Ukraine is seeking an additional $20 billion in military funding from allies, said Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, with the request to be made at the Ramstein group meeting.
The EU plans to allow Ukrainian refugees to stay for another year, but possible exceptions may include men of military age, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. It is unclear if this applies only to new arrivals or also to those already in the EU.
Russia accused Ukraine of a drone strike on a bus carrying Belarusian schoolchildren. Ukraine's military denied this, stating it did not use unmanned aerial vehicles against targets in Bryansk oblast during that period. Reuters could not verify the report.
Hungary is investigating its tax authority and other agencies over the seizure of a routine Ukrainian bank cash transport under the previous pro-Russian government of Viktor Orbán. Hungary returned the $82 million in cash and gold to Ukraine after Orbán lost elections to Péter Magyar.
