It’s Wednesday, July 15

Ukraine is buying 16 Rafale jets from France.

According to the same joint statement published yesterday, Ukraine is also buying an assortment of air defense systems, in addition to securing licensed production of Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles, which is a big deal – almost unprecedented in modern French history.

Today is also Ukrainian Statehood Day, with multiple European leaders in town for the celebrations – including Serbia’s Vučić. Ukraine signed a new drone deal with von der Leyen, while Zelensky, in his speech, said Ukraine is now producing 10 million drones a year and can produce 20 million with enough support. The latest example of a $400 drone killing a $19 million helicopter over Belgorod is probably a compelling argument for more investments.

And in today’s war shenanigans – Russia’s FSB just accused a Ukraine-born rapper of helping target Moscow, in addition to smuggling cocaine.

By Leo Chiu

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Ukraine War Updates

Total Blackout in Kerch After Ukrainian Strikes

Widespread blackouts have hit across the occupied peninsula in recent months as Kyiv ramps up attacks in unprecedented ferocity.

Other war-related updates:

For the Record

“Our main goal is not Russia without gasoline, but Ukraine without Russia, Ukraine without war, Ukraine with Europe, and Ukraine and Europe without the Moscow threat.”

– President Volodymyr Zelensky in his speech celebrating Ukrainian Statehood Day in Kyiv