Ukraine war briefing: We will build missiles the way we built drones – Zelenskyy

What Happened

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced an initiative to accelerate the domestic production of anti-ballistic missile systems and ballistic missiles, aiming for operational results by the 2026–2027 period. This development coincides with intensified aerial warfare, as the UN reported a 37% increase in civilian casualties during the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2023, citing Russian long-range strikes. Concurrently, Ukrainian forces conducted long-range drone strikes against oil refineries in the Bashkortostan and Yaroslavl regions of Russia, while Russian forces continued strikes on Ukrainian port infrastructure, including an attack on a Guinea-Bissau-flagged vessel in the Black Sea that resulted in one fatality.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The push for domestic missile production reflects Ukraine's strategic effort to reduce reliance on Western military aid and counter Russia's long-range aerial superiority. The ongoing targeting of energy infrastructure and the Black Sea shipping corridor underscores the economic dimension of the conflict, as both sides attempt to degrade the other's export capabilities and logistics networks.

Watch For

Monitor the upcoming visit of Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Belgrade, which marks a significant diplomatic effort to influence Serbia's stance toward the conflict. Additionally, track the implementation of the Ukrainian government's subsidised credit programme for farmers affected by port attacks and any further developments regarding the transfer of the seized Caffa cargo ship from Swedish authorities to Ukraine.