Day 1,240.

Today, as Russia continues to target civilians, dropping a bomb on a shopping center, NATO members admit to being taken by surprise by Trump’s announcement that they would have to buy a Patriot missile system for Ukraine. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz comes to the UK to discuss defence, and Ukraine names Yulia Svyrydenko new prime minister. Finally, our colleague Danielle Sheridan interviews former head of the British Army General Sir Patrick Sanders.

Photo for illustrative purposes. A Russian Mi-8 military helicopter flies near the town of al-Qahtaniyah, Syria, on Feb. 4, 2021. (Delil Souleiman / AFP via Getty Images)

Contributors:

Adélie Pojzman-Pontay (Reporter and Producer). @adeliepjz on X.

Danielle Sheridan (Defence Editor). @SheridanDani on X.

With thanks to General Sir Patrick Sanders, former head of the British Army.

Content Referenced:

Starmer and Merz find their happy place: War, Politico

https://www.politico.eu/article/keir-starmer-friedrich-merz-war-uk-germany-europe-defense-security-missiles-donald-trump-ukraine/

Trump promised Patriots for Ukraine. Now Europe has to provide them, Reuters

https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-celebrates-trumps-weapons-reversal-devils-details-2025-07-16/

'Prepare for war with Russia by 2030' says ex-army chief Gen Sir Patrick Sanders, Battle Lines, The Telegraph

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiK4YIowwTM&list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dk&index=1

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Russia drops 500kg bomb on Donetsk & missing Mi-8 helicopter found crashed in far East

Ukraine: The Latest

Russia drops 500kg bomb on Donetsk & missing Mi-8 helicopter found crashed in far East