Ukraine War Gains Momentum as Zelenskyy Prepares for Paris Talks with European Leaders
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to attend a Paris meeting with over 20 European leaders to discuss continued support and air defenses for Ukraine, as the country's military and diplomatic position has strengthened in recent months amid improved relations with the US under President Trump and Ukrainian strikes causing chaos in Russia during the Ukraine war. [1] [2]
Zelenskyy Heads to Paris for Support Talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was due in Paris on Monday for talks with two dozen European leaders helping Kyiv fight Russia's invasion. [2] The gathering of the so-called coalition of the willing is expected to include more than 20 heads of state, with Finland's President Alexander Stubb also participating. [1] The meeting focuses on Ukraine support and air defenses. [2] European foreign ministers were meeting separately in Brussels on related matters. [2] Ukraine's military and diplomatic outlook has improved considerably in recent months. [1]
Improved US Relations and G7 Outcomes
At the recent G7 meeting in Évian, Trump showed cautious support for Ukraine, met with Zelenskyy, and agreed to focus on the conflict after an Iran-related ceasefire, while G7 nations committed to strengthening Ukrainian air defense and increasing pressure on Russia. [1] The Évian G7 summit proved positive for Ukraine. [1] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy received the long-sought meeting with US President Donald Trump there. [1] Trump displayed at least cautious goodwill toward Ukraine and stated that Russia should make a deal with Ukraine. [1] G7 countries agreed on strengthening Ukraine's air defense and committed to increasing pressure on Russia, with Trump responding positively to these points. [1] Ahead of the meeting an initial peace agreement had been reached in the Iran war, after which Trump said he would turn his attention back to Ukraine. [1]
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attends Paris meeting with European leaders on Ukraine support and air defenses. — Source: newsmax
NATO Summit Breakthroughs on Aid and Patriots
At the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump promised Ukraine a license to produce US Patriot air defense missiles, NATO countries agreed to provide 70 billion euros in annual support for two years, and the EU had previously approved a 90 billion euro loan package. [1] A turning point occurred at the NATO summit held in Ankara, Turkey, in early July. [1] Trump promised Ukraine a license to manufacture American Patriot air defense missiles. [1] Patriots are vital for Ukraine because they are practically the only system capable of intercepting Russian ballistic missiles. [1] If the decision holds, Ukraine could for the first time produce Patriot missiles, for which it faces a constant shortage. [1] Starting production will take time, with experts estimating one year or even several years. [1] NATO countries also agreed on two years of support for Ukraine totaling 70 billion euros per year. [1] In the spring the EU had granted Ukraine a 90 billion euro loan package. [1]
Warming Ties Between Trump and Zelenskyy
Trump's relationship with Zelenskyy has warmed significantly since a tense February 2025 White House meeting, with the two holding a joint press conference in Ankara where Trump praised Zelenskyy as effective, though Trump also plans to call Putin. [1] Relations have come a long way from February 2025, when Trump and US Vice President J.D. Vance sharply criticized Zelenskyy during a chaotic White House meeting. [1] Trump's attitude toward Ukraine and Zelenskyy appears to have changed recently. [1] In Ankara, Trump and Zelenskyy held a joint press conference. [1] Trump said he had developed a good relationship with Zelenskyy and praised him as "very effective." [1] Trump nevertheless maintains contact with Russia and stated he intends to call Russian President Vladimir Putin after the NATO summit. [1] Trump and Zelenskyy met under warmer circumstances at the NATO summit last week. [1]
Ukrainian Strikes Disrupt Russian Energy and Daily Life in Ukraine War
Ukraine has intensified long-range strikes on Russian energy infrastructure and oil facilities, leading to fuel shortages, long queues at gas stations across Russia including Moscow, power outages and food shortages on occupied Crimea, and an attack on an oil refinery in Omsk over 2,500 km from the border. [1] Ukraine has accelerated its long-range strikes on Russia's energy network and oil production facilities during the current year. [1] The effects of the war now appear in Russians' daily lives through fuel shortages. [1] The impacts have caused irritation among Russians. [1] Citizens complain on social media about fuel shortages and air-raid alerts. [1] Queues at gas pumps have stretched to dozens of hours long in various parts of the country. [1] Even in the Russian capital Moscow, obtaining gasoline requires waiting for hours. [1] On Russian-occupied Crimea, fuel sales have been restricted, power outages have increased significantly, and the region also faces food shortages. [1] Ukraine has carried out strikes deep into Russian territory. [1] Last week Ukraine reported striking an oil refinery in Siberian Omsk more than 2,500 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. [1]
Estonian women join defense organization amid Ukraine war. — Source: errnews
Russian Military Losses and Overall War Toll
Russia's military losses in the past day total 1,600 personnel, bringing the overall estimated losses since February 2022 to 1,420,690, along with substantial equipment losses including tanks, artillery, and drones. [4] Russia has lost 1,600 soldiers killed and wounded over the past day. [4] This brings its total number of personnel losses to 1,420,690. [4] The total combat losses of the Russian forces between 24 February 2022 and 13 July 2026 are estimated to include approximately 1,420,690 military personnel, 12,125 tanks, 24,931 armoured combat vehicles, 45,865 artillery systems, 1,929 multiple-launch rocket systems, 1,489 air defence systems, 437 fixed-wing aircraft, 353 helicopters, 1,894 ground robotic systems, 405,693 operational-tactical UAVs, 4,896 cruise missiles, 33 ships/boats, 2 submarines, 119,532 vehicles and fuel tankers, and 4,412 special vehicles and other equipment. [4] The information is being confirmed. [4]
What to watch next: Trump plans to call Russian President Vladimir Putin after the NATO summit while the Paris meeting of over 20 leaders proceeds on Ukraine support and air defenses.
