Zelenskyy seeks European anti-ballistic aid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Paris on July 13, 2026, to meet with about 25 European leaders from the Coalition of the willing to seek joint development of anti-ballistic air defenses against Russia's ballistic missiles, which have pummeled Ukraine's power grid. The meeting coincided with European foreign ministers discussing Ukraine's needs in Brussels. Zelenskyy aims to accelerate plans before winter, when Russia typically intensifies attacks on energy infrastructure. U.S. President Donald Trump recently pledged to license MIM-104 Patriot production to Ukraine, but experts say implementation could take years. Meanwhile, Ukraine reported striking 105 Russian vessels in the Sea of Azov over eight days, part of efforts to isolate Ukraine — Crimea and disrupt logistics. Russia claimed to have downed 350 Ukrainian drones heading toward Russia — Moscow, with three killed near Istra. Russia also said it thwarted a Ukrainian drone attack on Ukrainka (air base) and Shagol Air Base. Russian strikes on Ukraine — Zaporizhzhia hospitalized over 70 people, and a drone crashed in Moldova. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced sanctions against Russian hackers and summoned Russia's ambassador. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed the Paris meeting as a 'coalition of warmongers.' The death of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham and the resignation of Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko were also noted.