G7 summit backs US‑Ukraine missile production as Moscow refinery struck by drones

At the G7 summit in Evian, leaders of the United States and the European members agreed to produce long‑range missiles and air‑defence systems in Ukraine under U.S. licences, a move intended to boost Ukraine’s military capability and increase pressure on Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted the commitment as a strong deterrent and pledged tighter sanctions against Moscow.

On 18 June, Ukrainian drones attacked the Kapotnya refinery on the outskirts of Moscow, damaging a plant that supplies up to 40 % of the city’s gasoline and roughly half its diesel. The strike was described as the most significant aerial attack on the Russian capital’s energy infrastructure since the invasion began, signalling Kyiv’s ability to hit critical Russian logistics.

In parallel, the United States negotiated a 60‑day memorandum with Iran, signed digitally by President Donald Trump and JD Vance, to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and suspend certain sanctions, aiming to stabilise global oil flows. The deal also included a temporary halt to U.S. tariff pressure on the European Union, reflecting heightened commercial tensions.