US Patriot air defense systems remain crucial to Ukraine's ability to defend itself against Russian ballistic missile strikes.
This was stated by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
ISW continues to assess that US assistance to Ukraine, in particular Patriot air defense systems and interceptors, is crucial to Ukraine's ability to protect its defense industrial base, preserve the capabilities it receives from its partners in the face of long-range Russian strikes, and protect its civilian population.
Ukrainian and US Presidents Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump discussed diplomatic efforts and joint work in support of Ukraine's defense-industrial base during a phone call on July 4.
On the night of July 3-4, Russian forces launched the largest combined drone and missile strike against Ukraine since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, with the city of Kiev as the primary target.
Since January 2025, Russian forces have carried out 10 of the largest strikes of the war.
On July 3, U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged Russian President Vladimir Putin's unwillingness to end the war in Ukraine, as Kremlin officials continue to demonstrate a critical lack of interest in good faith negotiations with Ukraine.