Trump grants Kyiv Patriots licences: What’s next in the Russia-Ukraine war?

US President Donald Trump has granted Ukraine a license to produce Patriot missile interceptors, a crucial Western-made weapon depleted by frequent Russian strikes. This move aims to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities, though domestic production timelines are unspecified and Washington will retain its own missile stock. Experts suggest that while immediate impact might be limited, access to US technology could accelerate Ukraine's domestic missile development programs, potentially focusing on simpler, cheaper variants. The article also highlights Ukraine's increasing reliance on advanced technologies like spy drones and ground robots for "network-centric warfare," enabling real-time coordination between personnel and weaponry to counter Russian tactics and address soldier shortages.

Damascus experienced three explosions in the week of July 2, 2026, with one blast near the Justice Palace killing at least 10 people and two others near the Four Seasons Hotel injuring 36. Syrian officials announced the apprehension of an ISIL-linked cell responsible for the attacks. While the bombings have caused fear and highlighted ongoing security challenges, they are seen as attempts to create instability rather than a complete breakdown of security. Many residents, accustomed to years of conflict, continue their daily lives, though anxiety persists regarding attacks near government institutions. Analysts suggest these attacks aim to damage the perception of stability in the capital, where progress has been made since the fall of the al-Assad regime, but clandestine networks remain a challenge.

At the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, Donald Trump informed Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Ukraine might be granted a license to manufacture Patriot missile interceptors. This potential diplomatic win for Kyiv aims to address Ukraine's struggle against increasing Russian missile threats. However, Trump's promise was vague, and he admitted to not consulting the companies that produce the Patriot system. The article highlights that manufacturing these complex and expensive munitions would be a lengthy and costly process, with no clear timeline for increased production. Trump also indicated that the US has limited Patriot interceptors in its own stockpile, contributing to a global shortage.

At a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, member states pledged €70 billion in military aid for Ukraine in 2026, with commitments to sustain similar levels in 2027. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the summit, advocating for continued support. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about peace progress and offered to help Ukraine produce Patriot missile systems. Zelenskyy also secured bilateral agreements for drone deals and other support packages from various allies. The summit concluded amidst ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine, highlighting the continued need for air defense.

At the conclusion of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, US President Donald Trump announced new arms sales to NATO allies and Ukraine. These sales will include advanced air defense systems, signaling an increase in military partnership. Trump stated that as European nations rebuild their militaries, American equipment will be the primary beneficiary, projecting $3 billion in new defense investment between European and US contractors. A significant part of this includes a planned Lockheed Martin Patriot missile maintenance facility in Europe. This development suggests a potential shift in Trump's stance towards the alliance, following previous criticisms.

Russian missile attacks struck Kyiv for the third time in a week on Wednesday, causing fires in two districts, according to the city's mayor. Two people were injured in the latest assault. This follows a large-scale Russian attack on Kyiv on Monday that killed at least 14 people and damaged numerous buildings. Earlier on Tuesday, a Russian missile strike hit Odesa, injuring ten people. Both sides have increased their use of long-range weapons. Ukraine has targeted Russian energy facilities and, over the past two days, claimed its drones attacked a dozen tankers from Russia's "shadow fleet" delivering fuel to occupied Crimea, striking eight sanctioned vessels in the Sea of Azov.

Kyiv was rocked by a series of explosions early Wednesday morning as Russia continued its attacks on the Ukrainian capital. Journalists reported hearing a large blast before air raid sirens sounded, followed by four more. According to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, missile strikes caused fires in warehouses in one district and a non-residential building in another. Two people were injured, with one requiring hospitalization. These events occurred while NATO leaders were meeting for a summit in Turkey.

At a two-day NATO summit in Ankara, the US president is reportedly in a combative mood, contributing to divisions among leaders. Key areas of contention include Russia's war in Ukraine, defense spending, and the US-Israel conflict in Iran, where a ceasefire appears to be faltering. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is engaging in talks with leaders to garner support for Ukraine against Russia's ongoing war. Meanwhile, NATO allies are presenting a united front against what the article describes as an unreliable US. The discussion, featuring The Guardian's Shaun Walker, explores the implications of these dynamics for Ukraine.

Syrian authorities have significantly increased security measures in Damascus following two deadly explosions. A cafe bombing on July 2 killed at least 10, and a twin bombing on Tuesday, occurring near French President Emmanuel Macron's hotel, wounded 36. The latter attack involved two improvised explosive devices detonated while bomb disposal teams were present, though authorities stated it posed no direct threat to Macron. Security units are investigating, with officials pointing to similarities between the attacks and identifying possible perpetrators linked to Iranian-backed cells. These incidents challenge the transitional government's efforts to project stability and attract international support, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in rebuilding the nation's institutions after years of conflict.

Two explosions occurred near the Four Seasons hotel in Damascus on Tuesday, where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying during a state visit. Eighteen people, including four police officers, were injured when improvised explosive devices, placed in a car and a garbage can, detonated after being discovered by security forces. Macron was not in his hotel at the time and continued his visit with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, stating his visit proceeded as planned. Syrian authorities confirmed the explosions were outside Macron's security perimeter and posed no direct threat to his visit. This incident follows another blast in Damascus earlier in the week, which France condemned as a terrorist attack.

Two improvised explosive devices detonated near the Four Seasons hotel in Damascus on Tuesday, wounding at least 18 people, according to Syrian authorities. The explosions occurred while French President Emmanuel Macron was meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the presidential palace. Macron's visit, the first by a major Western leader to Syria since the toppling of Bashar al-Assad, was not interrupted. However, the blasts are considered a setback for Syria's new leadership, which is attempting to project stability and attract foreign investment. The Syrian interior ministry stated an investigation is underway to identify those responsible for the attacks, which follow a recent IED explosion in a Damascus cafe.

Explosions rocked Damascus on Tuesday, wounding at least 18 people, during a landmark visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to meet Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa. The blasts occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel, where Macron was reportedly staying, as he entered the presidential palace. Syrian authorities stated the explosions were caused by explosive devices, one in a garbage bin and another in a parked car, and an investigation is underway. Macron's office confirmed he was safe and the visit was continuing. This incident follows a similar bombing days earlier that killed at least 10 people. Macron's visit marks the first by a major Western leader to Syria under al-Sharaa's leadership, with the goal of discussing economic rebuilding and potential investments.

Explosions occurred in central Damascus on July 7, 2026, near the Four Seasons Hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron had stayed. The blasts, believed to be an attack targeting Macron's delegation, injured 18 people, including four police officers. Syrian authorities stated the explosives were discovered and detonated by security forces attempting to dismantle them, and that the incident did not pose a direct threat to Macron's itinerary. Macron, the first European leader to visit Syria since Bashar al-Assad's 2024 ouster, arrived safely for meetings with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa. No group has claimed responsibility, but analysts suggest the French delegation was the likely target, aiming to create unrest. Macron stated his visit would continue, emphasizing the Syrian people's aspirations for a sovereign and secure nation.

Explosions were heard in Damascus, Syria, on Tuesday, with television footage showing plumes of smoke rising over the city. The cause of the blasts was not immediately clear, and there was no immediate information regarding casualties. An Al Jazeera correspondent reported that two explosions occurred near a hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was scheduled to stay during a visit. Following the explosions, authorities sealed off roads in the area.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will urge NATO members at a meeting in Turkey to provide more air defense systems, specifically interceptor missiles like Patriots, to protect against Russian ballistic attacks. Zelensky expressed frustration that global production has not kept pace with the need for such defenses, arguing that stockpiled missiles are ineffective when civilians are being killed. He is also seeking NATO's assistance in developing Ukraine's own air defense production capabilities. The article notes that Russia is increasingly using ballistic weapons, while Ukraine has been targeting Russian oil refineries with drones, which Moscow has labeled as "terrorism."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged NATO to admit Ukraine, arguing that the country's developed defensive capabilities from its war with Russia would strengthen the alliance. Speaking at a NATO defense industry forum, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine possesses most necessary weapons and seeks European assistance in developing an alternative to US Patriot systems for ballistic missile defense. He highlighted Ukraine's success in striking Russian economic targets, even in Siberia, and noted that Russia's advance rate has significantly slowed. Despite Ukraine's military advancements, NATO allies, including the US, are hesitant to admit a country at war with Russia. Zelenskyy also emphasized Europe's need for its own anti-ballistic missile production capabilities due to dwindling US Patriot interceptor stocks.

European nations are increasingly concerned that the United States may be unable to fulfill its arms supply commitments to NATO allies. Depleted US stockpiles, due to conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, have led to delays and cancellations of key weapon deliveries, including Tomahawk missiles and Patriot PAC-3 interceptors. This situation, highlighted by Ukraine's inability to intercept numerous Russian missiles, forces European countries to consider alternative methods for their defense. While the US has pushed for increased European defense spending, questions arise about the future reliability of American arms shipments. European diplomats acknowledge that building new defense production lines will take years, creating a vulnerable period of self-reliance.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is urging the U.S. and European allies to provide more air defense missiles, particularly Patriots, to protect against Russian attacks. He highlighted a recent massive Russian assault on Kyiv, stating that insufficient interceptor missile supplies hinder Ukraine's ability to defend against ballistic missiles. Zelenskyy expressed hope that the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, will yield strong decisions supporting Ukraine's air defense. He believes the U.S. and Europe possess the capacity to halt Russian "terror." Zelenskyy is expected to attend a dinner with NATO leaders during the summit.

Russia launched a significant overnight missile and drone attack on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, resulting in at least seven fatalities and 24 injuries. The assault, which involved ballistic and cruise missiles and drones, caused a residential building in the Podilskyi district to partially collapse and damaged other multistory buildings in Darnytsia, with people feared trapped. This attack followed a warning from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about an imminent large-scale assault and comes days after a previous attack killed at least 31 people in Kyiv. President Zelenskyy reiterated his calls for Western allies to provide more air defense systems, specifically Patriot missiles, to counter Russia's ongoing aggression.

Russia launched ballistic missile and drone attacks on Ukraine's Kyiv region on Monday, resulting in at least eight deaths and dozens of injuries. The strikes hit apartment blocks and other buildings, with rescue crews working to extract residents. This assault marks the second major attack on the capital and its surroundings in less than a week, occurring just before a NATO summit in Turkey where US President Donald Trump and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy are expected to discuss the war. The article also notes increased long-range attacks from both sides, with Ukraine targeting Russian energy facilities and Russia reporting drone attacks near Moscow and a Ukrainian strike impacting electricity in Crimea. Fighting continues for the strategic eastern town of Kostyantynivka.

Ukraine aims to sign defense deals, particularly focused on drone technology and expertise, with at least seven NATO countries by year-end. Having already secured agreements with six nations, including three Middle Eastern states, Azerbaijan, Latvia, and Lithuania, Kyiv is transitioning from a military hardware buyer to a security provider. Ukraine offers its experience in developing radar systems, ground stations, and integrated drone defense capabilities, drawing on its extensive combat experience. These "drone deals" extend beyond just the drones themselves, emphasizing the transfer of knowledge and access to components. The initiative is driven by the growing threat of drone attacks, prompting countries to seek Ukraine's specialized assistance in building effective air defense systems.

French President Emmanuel Macron has become the first major Western leader to visit Syria since Bashar al-Assad's ouster in 2024. Macron arrived in Damascus on Monday to discuss regional security, business, and investment opportunities with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and a business delegation. This visit follows a period of relative calm in the Middle East and precedes Macron's travel to the NATO summit in Ankara, where al-Sharaa is also expected to attend. France has supported Syria's new leadership, despite initial skepticism from some Western governments regarding al-Sharaa's past affiliations and concerns about democratic transition, women's and minorities' rights. Macron previously hosted al-Sharaa in Paris, advocating for the lifting of sanctions, most of which have since been removed.

French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in Syria for talks with President Ahmed al-Sharaa, marking the first visit by a Western European leader since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in 2024. Macron stated his commitment to a sovereign, united, and peaceful Syria. The visit, accompanied by a business delegation, aims to discuss regional security and investment opportunities. Both leaders are scheduled to attend the NATO summit in Turkiye, where al-Sharaa is expected to meet with US President Donald Trump. France previously supported Syria's new leadership, urging the lifting of sanctions, despite initial skepticism from other Western governments regarding the new government's inclusiveness and democratic transition.

President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa on Wednesday during the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. The White House confirmed these meetings, which come as Ukraine seeks to re-engage Trump on the conflict with Russia, now in its fifth year. Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin recently spoke with Trump to congratulate him on the July Fourth holiday. Trump's discussions with Zelenskyy will focus on the war's front lines, with Ukraine aiming to highlight prospects for ending the conflict. Separately, Trump has publicly suggested Syria should combat Hezbollah, a notion al-Sharaa has reportedly dismissed. Trump will also meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and hold a press conference before returning to the U.S.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump held an 85-minute phone call on Saturday. During the conversation, Putin congratulated Trump on the 250th anniversary of US independence. The two leaders also discussed the situation in Ukraine, particularly in relation to Trump's upcoming attendance at the NATO summit in Turkey on July 7-8. This was according to Kremlin foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov. The call focused on these key topics, with the Ukraine settlement being a natural point of discussion given the upcoming NATO meeting.

Syrian state media has announced that French President Emmanuel Macron will soon visit Syria, marking him as the first Western leader to do so since Bashar Assad's ouster in 2024. This visit follows Macron's meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa in Paris in May 2025, where Macron pledged to advocate for the lifting of sanctions on Syria, many of which have since been removed. While the exact date of Macron's trip is undisclosed, he is expected to be accompanied by French investors and company representatives. The visit comes as Syria faces immense challenges from a prolonged conflict, with significant infrastructure damage and a dire need for substantial financial aid for reconstruction and poverty reduction.

Russia claims its forces have captured the city of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk, a statement Ukraine denies. Russia's Defense Ministry accused Ukraine of refusing a proposed six-hour ceasefire on Monday to allow for the handover of fallen Ukrainian soldiers' bodies. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the Russian claim a lie and an attempt to create a news story, stating Ukrainian forces remain in control. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov mocked Zelenskyy's suggestion of a meeting in Kostiantynivka, reiterating an invitation for talks in Moscow. Separately, Russian officials reported one person was killed and two injured in a Ukrainian attack on Russian-occupied Crimea.

Nato's 32 member states will convene in Ankara, Turkey, for their annual summit on July 7-8. The meeting is expected to prioritize discussions on securing peace in Ukraine and the Middle East. Analysts suggest that ongoing conflicts in these regions, along with U.S. pressure on European allies to increase defense spending, may lead to Indo-Pacific security issues taking a secondary role. This is anticipated despite warnings from the Nato chief regarding China's connections with Russia. The summit will be Turkey's first time hosting since 2004.