Ukraine court detains weapons expo organizer after Russian strike kills 11
A Ukrainian court remanded the organizer of a weapons exhibition that was hit by a Russian missile, killing at least 11. Also, the US admits lagging in drone production, and Zelenskyy meets allies.
A Kyiv court has remanded Vasyl Goncharuk, head of the Armada weapons industry association, in custody following a Russian ballistic missile strike on a shooting range outside Kyiv on Friday that killed at least 11 people. Prosecutors accuse Goncharuk of negligence, saying the event was held without official authorization, gathered over 300 people including military personnel and officials, and provided only a small shelter. The exhibition was promoted on social media. President Zelenskyy said it "certainly should not have been taking place there." Goncharuk appeared in court limping, claiming light injuries from the attack.
US behind in drone production
A Pentagon official admitted Monday that the US is still far behind Ukraine's drone production capabilities. Travis Metz, chief operating officer of the Defense Innovation Unit, said Ukraine will produce 6–7 million small FPV attack drones this year—about 500,000 per month—while the Pentagon's $1.1 billion program will have ordered just under 200,000 by February. Metz predicted the US will catch up and lead, but insisted on domestic supply chains. None of the drones from 19 companies competing in the August test may contain banned parts like Chinese motors or batteries.
Diplomatic meetings
Zelenskyy is in Washington to attend the funeral of Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a strong Ukraine supporter. All 100 US senators were invited to a meeting with him. Voting may begin on a bill imposing sanctions on Russia championed by Graham. Zelenskyy is also scheduled to meet President Trump. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, in his first meeting with a foreign leader, told Zelenskyy: "We are with Ukraine 100%." He announced Britain is providing new jamming technology called "Stone Cloak" to help Ukraine hit targets and save lives. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude.
Other developments
Romania expelled a Russian diplomat after repeated drone airspace violations. Romanian F-16s shot down three drones in three days. Russia's ambassador was shown drone fragments identified as Shahed models. Ukraine struck a Russian export terminal in Rostov region and oil facilities in Yaroslavl and Udmurtia. Zelenskyy said the terminal, about 250 km from the frontline, was hit. Five people were reported killed in Russia's Rostov region. Russian forces struck three Ukrainian ports, including fuel facilities in Odesa. Frontline attacks in eastern Ukraine killed seven and injured over 20. In Donetsk region, three died near Kostiantynivka and one near Kramatorsk. In Dnipropetrovsk region, three were killed and six wounded in over 50 drone and artillery attacks. In Russia's Belgorod region, a Ukrainian drone hit a building, killing one and injuring two.
US aid delay
Trump's administration told Congress it will not spend $400 million in aid to Ukraine until fiscal 2029, even as Kyiv faces critical weapons shortages. Democrats and some Republicans criticized the Pentagon for delaying. In May, the Pentagon outlined a spending plan covering $200 million for weapons, $99.9 million for vehicles, and $100 million for services, but funds remain unused.
