Key Takeaways from the ISW: US President Donald Trump stated that the United States will grant Ukraine a license to produce an unspecified type of interceptor missile for Patriot air defense systems, which are critical for Ukraine’s ability to defend against Russian ballistic missiles. Ukrainian forces are intensifying strikes against Russian fuel tankers as Russia increasingly relies on seaborne transportation of gasoline to occupied Crimea from Russia. Ukrainian forces continued their long-range strike campaign against Russian oil infrastructure and military assets deep into Russia on July 7 and 8. Ukrainian forces conducted a second phase of Operation Auchan in June 2026 aimed at disrupting Russian offensive capabilities, specifically targeting Russian artillery. Ukraine’s Western partners continue to provide military aid to Ukraine, including through the purchase of US-produced weapons and joint drone production. Ukrainian forces recently advanced in western Zaporizhia Oblast, and Russian forces recently advanced north of Kharkiv City. Russian forces launched two Kh-31P anti-radar missiles, five Iskander-M and S-400 ballistic missiles, and 169 drones against Ukraine overnight. JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. See the original here.