Daily Briefing

Key Takeaways

• SBU destroys a Russian Tu-95 strategic bomber at Engels airbase — 19 sources corroborated — the most significant deep-strike success against Russia's nuclear-capable aviation in the war.
• Ukraine's overnight drone campaign struck Wildberries logistics hubs in Elektrostal (Moscow Oblast) and Kotovsk (Tambov Oblast), killing at least 7 and wounding 50+, while also hitting a Noginsk oil depot ~50 km from Moscow — a deliberate tit-for-tat for Russian strikes on Nova Poshta warehouses.
• Ukraine's Black Sea naval drone campaign has struck 172 shadow fleet vessels in under two weeks (July 6–17), with satellite imagery corroborating at least 8 damaged tankers in the Sea of Azov.
• Ukraine's cabinet reshuffle is complete at the top security portfolios: Yevheniy Khmara named acting Defence Minister, Andriia Sybiha acting Foreign Minister, and Ihor Klymenko appointed NSDC Secretary — 16 sources corroborated.
• A bipartisan US Senate Russia sanctions bill with 60+ co-sponsors — proposing 100% tariffs on Russian oil buyers and shadow fleet measures — is gaining momentum, with Trump signaling support.