Ukrainian drones reportedly struck a Russian military airfield in Millerovo, Rostov region, on July 22, causing approximately 10 explosions, according to local reports. This comes as Ukraine has also reported a "mass launch" of drones targeting the Russian Federation, with approximate flight routes indicating many drones headed towards the Luhansk region and accumulating in Rostov. Simultaneously, Russian forces have reported territorial advances in several areas. In the Krasnoarmeisk area, Russian forces advanced 600 meters in Zverevo and occupied new positions in Poltavka. Additionally, Russian forces reportedly captured Bila Hora and raised the Russian flag in Varachino, Sumy buffer zone. Unconfirmed reports also indicate that Russian sabotage groups penetrated the city of Pokrovsk, engaging in ongoing operations, with Ukrainian forces reportedly suffering losses and an increase in friendly fire incidents during efforts to neutralize these groups. International support for Ukraine's air defense continues to grow. The Netherlands announced a substantial contribution to the U.S.-led initiative to strengthen Ukraine's air defenses, as stated by Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans. Norway also expressed readiness to significantly boost funding for Ukraine's air defense, coordinating with Germany on the production of air defense systems and ammunition, and discussing the delivery of additional Patriot systems, according to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Separately, the UK Defense Journal reported that the U.S. has deployed tactical nuclear weapons, specifically B61-12 thermonuclear bombs, to the Lakenheath military base in the UK for the first time since 2008. Amidst the ongoing conflict, there are reports of increased Russian drone production. Russian state television aired a new report on Shahed/Geran production at the Alabuga plant, showcasing local engine manufacturing, which suggests Russia may no longer rely on Iranian or Chinese engines for these drones. On the Ukrainian side, a Ukrainian pilot, Colonel (Retd) Konstantin Oborin, was reportedly killed during a combat mission over Odesa while attempting to intercept incoming Shahed drones. Furthermore, concerns have been raised regarding Russian naval activity in Irish-controlled waters, with 19 sanctioned Russian “shadow fleet” tankers tracked since May, prompting Ireland’s Naval Service and Air Corps to step up monitoring due to fears of oil spills and cable damage. Gas Networks Ireland also warned that the Irish economy could lose €64 billion if a pipeline exporting gas from the UK is subjected to “physical sabotage.” In related developments, Hungary, Serbia, and Russia are reportedly finalizing an agreement to construct a new oil pipeline. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó attributed this initiative to “a series of wrong decisions” by Brussels that he claims have negatively impacted Europe's energy market. Meanwhile, General Christopher Donahue of the U.S. Army stated to Defense News that NATO and its allies possess the capability to rapidly “take down” Kaliningrad if Russia poses a military threat, given its geographical position. On the strategic aviation front, as of 00:00 on July 25, strategic aviation was not active, and rocket launchers were reported to have been brought to base points.
