Key facts
- Ukraine's defense minister stated that drone strikes on occupied Crimea represent a new technological stage of the war.
- President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed Ukrainian drones struck JSC Research Institute of Physical Measurements (NIIFI) in Penza and an oil refinery in Ufa.
- NIIFI manufactures components for various Russian missile systems and aircraft.
- Ukraine plans to announce details regarding the opening of weapons exports in the coming days.
- A poll indicated that Valerii Zaluzhnyi's electoral rating has fallen by 9%.
- President Zelensky called on Ireland and the EU to advance Ukraine's membership.
Ukraine's Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated on July 1 that the country's increasingly frequent drone strikes on occupied Crimea are a result of a "new technological stage of the war," making it difficult for Russia to manage its crises. Fedorov indicated that Crimea, used as a Russian military base, is a crucial target for Ukraine to disrupt logistics and troop transfers.
President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Ukrainian drones struck the JSC Research Institute of Physical Measurements (NIIFI) in Penza, a defense enterprise developing missile components, and an oil refinery in Ufa overnight. NIIFI is a key manufacturer for various Russian missile systems and military aircraft, and is part of the Roscosmos corporation.
In other developments, Fedorov announced that Ukraine will soon unveil details on opening its domestic weapons export market, a move aimed at supporting its burgeoning defense industry. He stated that all requirements have been finalized and the process will be streamlined.
Separately, a poll by Rating Group showed that the electoral rating of former army commander Valerii Zaluzhnyi has fallen by 9% between July 2025 and June 2026. If a presidential election were held now, Zelensky would lead with 32% of the vote, followed by Zaluzhnyi with 16%.
President Zelensky also urged Ireland and the European Union to uphold their commitments and advance Ukraine's membership process, particularly as Ireland assumed the EU Council Presidency. Progress has reportedly been hindered by Hungary's government.