Ukraine receives small batch of Patriot missiles as Zelenskyy calls for more
Ukraine has received a small number of US-made Patriot interceptors, though President Zelenskyy says the country still gets only a fraction of what it needs. Russia is set to extend its diesel export ban while Ukraine keeps striking Russian oil facilities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the country has recently received a small number of US-made Patriot interceptors capable of shooting down Russian ballistic missiles. He did not specify how many had arrived or which country supplied them. According to broadcaster Suspilne, Zelenskyy also confirmed that Kyiv has received assurances of future deliveries of the French Crotale surface-to-air missile system.
Earlier this month, Zelenskyy said Ukraine needs about 5% of total US Patriot production to cover its defence needs, but has so far received only around 1%. He said improving that share had required significant, largely undisclosed effort on his part, including actions he could not publicly describe.
Fuel shortages in Russia
Three industry sources told Reuters that Russia plans to extend its diesel export ban through the end of September, as domestic fuel shortages persist and several refineries remain offline following repeated Ukrainian drone strikes. The ban, in place since 8 July, could reportedly be extended through the end of the year, according to one source. Russia's energy ministry did not respond to a request for comment. Export bans on other fuels, including motor gasoline, remain in effect until 31 January 2027, while a ban on jet fuel exports runs until the end of November 2026.
Ukraine's military struck Russia's Afipsky oil refinery in the Krasnodar region overnight on Tuesday, sparking a fire, according to Ukraine's general staff. The previous night, an attack reportedly damaged two gas separation units at the Astrakhan gas processing plant.
Other developments
A 33-year-old fisherman from Barnsley, Bradley Townsend, is believed to be the first British citizen killed while fighting for Russia against Ukraine, reportedly near Lyman in mid-June. German investigators reportedly found a third drone and suspected military explosives near Leipzig airport, linked to an earlier sabotage attempt. Sweden's military is moving to seize Russian-owned land near its Musko naval base, citing the growing threat from drone warfare. Ukraine's ousted defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, told Reuters the country is slowly losing the war but said Ukraine still has a chance to win if a clear plan is put in place soon.
