On July 21st, the U.S. Army, specifically soldiers from the 7th Army Training Command, the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine, and the 173rd Airborne Brigade, successfully executed the Army's first live-grenade drop from an unmanned aircraft system at the Grafenwoehr Training Area in Germany, as confirmed by statements from the U.S. Army and OSINTtechnical on X. This development marks a significant step in the U.S. military's integration of drone technology for offensive capabilities. Simultaneously, reports from the field indicate a deteriorating situation in Pokrovsk, Ukraine, where Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups (DRGs) have reportedly entered the city, with counter-sabotage operations ongoing. According to Playfra0 on X, Russian DRGs successfully achieved their objectives, and the situation is described as "very bad," particularly in areas where they were recorded. Supply lines to the town have worsened, and evacuation is now "almost impossible," though rumors of a Ukrainian withdrawal are false, with forces holding positions. In related military developments, Germany and the United Kingdom are coordinating efforts to send additional air defense systems to Ukraine. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that Germany would provide more air defense systems and ammunition. He also stated that he agreed with Pete Hegseth during a trip to Washington last week for Germany to join in providing five Patriot systems "as soon as possible." Furthermore, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that French companies have decided to begin drone production in Ukraine following a meeting with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. Overnight drone strikes by Ukraine on railway hubs in Likhaya and Kamennolomni, Rostov region, have reportedly disrupted Russian military logistics, according to NOELreports. Economically, U.S. Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo urged European nations to support potential secondary tariffs against Russia, particularly targeting countries and companies continuing to purchase Russian energy resources. Separately, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó announced an agreement between Hungary, Serbia, and Russia to construct a new oil pipeline, blaming Brussels for issues in Europe's energy market. Meanwhile, an investigation by France24, as highlighted by fs0c131y on X, revealed that a Russian Orthodox church near Stockholm-Västerås Airport in Sweden may be serving Moscow's intelligence operations, with Swedish security police SAPO stating Russia uses the Moscow Patriarchate in Sweden as a platform for intelligence gathering. The church's priest, Pavel Makarenko, reportedly received a medal from Russia's foreign intelligence service, the SVR, in November 2023.
