Ukraine is pushing for concrete results by year-end on a European anti-ballistic missile system, joining the Freyja programme as an alternative to Patriot batteries amid deepening supply shortfalls. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said allied deliveries of interceptor missiles have fallen to one-third of last year's level, with partners citing Middle East conflicts while he suggested political motives may also play a role. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty about granting Kyiv a production licence, saying the missiles are needed domestically.
The push comes as Ukraine observes a day of mourning after 17 people were killed in a Russian strike on the Kyiv region on Thursday. Civilian casualties are mounting: the United Nations recorded 1,396 deaths in the first half of 2026, a 37% increase over the same period last year.
On the battlefield, Ukraine struck oil facilities deep inside Russia and hit two Russian patrol boats in the Black Sea, while Sweden prepares to hand over the seized shadow-fleet cargo ship Caffa. Zelenskyy will visit Serbia on Sunday.