Key facts
- President Zelensky stated Ukraine could destroy all Russian ballistic missiles if the US sold 10% of its Patriot interceptor missile stockpile.
- Ukraine repatriated 261 bodies claimed by Russia to be Ukrainian soldiers.
- Ukraine struck the Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat oil refinery complex in Russia.
- Ukraine's Air Force will stop publishing figures on Russian ballistic missiles launched and intercepted.
- The head of the Mykolaiv draft office was arrested for accepting bribes for draft exemptions.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated his plea for more air defense systems, stating that Ukraine could neutralize all Russian ballistic missiles if the United States were to supply 10% of its Patriot interceptor missile stockpile. In an interview with CNN, Zelensky specified that selling 5% of the U.S. stock would help Ukraine survive the winter and save lives, while 10% would enable the destruction of all Russian ballistic missiles.
This appeal comes in the wake of a particularly deadly July for Ukrainian civilians, with only 29 out of 195 launched ballistic missiles intercepted by Ukraine's forces. Zelensky described Ukraine's current acquisition of U.S. interceptor missiles as "1%."
In other developments, Ukraine repatriated 261 bodies that Russia claims belong to Ukrainian soldiers. The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War stated that Ukrainian investigators would conduct examinations to determine the identities of the remains. Ukraine also confirmed striking the Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat oil refinery complex in Russia's Republic of Bashkortostan, located approximately 1,300 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.
Ukraine's Air Force has faced criticism for its decision to stop publishing daily figures on Russian ballistic missile launches and interceptions, a move explained by spokesperson Yurii Ihnat as being for security and communication reasons. Ihnat cited negative media coverage amplifying perceived failures to intercept missiles.
Additionally, the scandal-hit 425th Assault Regiment, known as Skelia, has been assigned to the command of the 1st Azov Corps of the National Guard as part of reforms by Commander-in-Chief Mykhailo Drapatyi. Meanwhile, the head of the Mykolaiv regional enlistment office was arrested for allegedly accepting bribes to issue draft exemptions, highlighting ongoing corruption investigations within Ukraine's mobilization efforts.