Russia launched a widespread ballistic missile and drone attack across Ukraine on Saturday, killing at least 10 people and injuring more than 80 in an overnight bombardment. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia deployed 12 missiles, including six ballistic missiles, and 121 drones.
In the Donetsk region, a 67-year-old man was killed when three FAB-250 guided aerial bombs struck the city of Sloviansk, damaging at least 15 private residences. The attacks also hit Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, with ballistic missiles, injuring 11 people, including an 11-year-old boy. Ukrainian officials stated that air defense systems successfully shot down 111 drones and two guided missiles.
Amidst the escalating attacks, President Trump announced a significant policy shift at a July 8 NATO Summit, promising Ukraine the ability to produce Patriot interceptor missiles. This decision marks a departure from previous U.S. policy, which had only provided Ukraine with the interceptors without permitting domestic production. The move comes as Ukraine's supply of Patriot missiles has dwindled, impacting its ability to defend against Russian aerial assaults.
Sources indicate that President Biden had previously rejected Ukraine's requests for such a production license. The report also detailed a shift in the relationship between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, noting a prior adversarial meeting in February 2025, which has reportedly improved.
President Zelensky and approximately 25 world leaders are scheduled to convene in Paris on Monday for a summit focused on renewing ceasefire efforts and finalizing security guarantees for Ukraine. NATO chief Mark Rutte and a U.S. representative are expected to attend the meeting.