Evening Brief: Ukraine’s Zelenskyy Orders Expanded US Military Coordination as Trump Resumes Arms Deliveries

· Guy D. McCardle

An M2 Bradley IFV on a war-torn battlefield in Ukraine. (@DefenceU/X)

Good evening. Tonight’s headlines trace a world in flux. Israel reportedly confirms Iranian missiles hit its military sites during last month’s war, while Trump’s sweeping federal cuts get the Supreme Court’s green light. Artificial Intelligence (AI) deepfakes target Secretary Rubio in a growing cyber threat, and Ukraine scrambles to speed up US aid as Russian strikes escalate. Meanwhile, Germany accuses China of a laser incident over the Red Sea, Macron calls on the UK to help “save Europe,” and Japan sends warships to the Philippines to counter Beijing. Here’s your tactical wrap-up to stay sharp tonight.

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Israeli Official Confirms Iranian Airstrikes Hit Military Sites During June Conflict

An Israeli military official confirmed Tuesday that Iranian airstrikes last month hit several Israeli military sites, marking the first public acknowledgment of such strikes.

The official, speaking anonymously as reported by Reuters, stated that “very few” locations were hit and that all affected sites remained operational.

No further details were provided on the specific targets or extent of damage.

Iran launched waves of missile and drone attacks on Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Beersheba, following Israel’s June 13 surprise strike on Iranian nuclear facilities and missile stockpiles.

The 12-day war resulted in 28 Israeli deaths, mostly civilians, and 935 Iranian fatalities, according to Iranian officials, including military commanders and civilians in Tehran.

Israel claimed the majority of Iranian projectiles were intercepted.

The war ended with a US-brokered ceasefire on June 24 after American forces struck Iranian nuclear infrastructure. This marked the most direct military confrontation between the two nations to date.

 

Supreme Court Greenlights Trump’s Federal Workforce Cuts

The US Supreme Court on Tuesday cleared the way for President Donald Trump to move forward with plans to dramatically downsize the federal workforce, overriding lower court rulings that had temporarily blocked the initiative.

The high court’s unsigned order upheld an executive directive instructing federal agencies to pursue job reductions, without ruling on specific terminations.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson cast the lone dissent, warning that the order could trigger mass firings, collapse key federal programs, and dismantle parts of the government as structured by Congress. She criticized the court’s “enthusiasm for greenlighting” what she called “legally dubious” emergency executive actions.

Trump has framed the cuts as a voter-backed mandate to overhaul Washington’s bureaucracy and previously tapped billionaire Elon Musk to lead the effort via the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), though Musk has since stepped down.

So far, at least 75,000 federal employees have exited through deferred resignation programs, with thousands more terminated or placed on leave. The true scale of the job cuts remains unclear.

In May, US District Judge Susan Illston ruled that Trump’s plan required congressional approval. Her ruling temporarily froze the downsizing and was upheld by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Illston’s injunction cited risks to vital services, including food safety and veterans’ healthcare.

Multiple cities—Baltimore, Chicago, and San Francisco—joined labor unions and advocacy groups in suing to block the plan, citing projected 40-50% staff reductions at several agencies.

Agencies affected include the Departments of Agriculture, Energy, Veterans Affairs (VA), Labor, Treasury, Interior, State, and major federal entities like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Social Security Administration, and National Science Foundation.

Despite Tuesday’s ruling, the legal battle continues in Illston’s court. Critics warn the cuts threaten essential public services, while Trump’s administration touts it as a necessary restructuring to streamline government.

 

State Department Warns of AI-Driven Impersonation of Secretary Rubio in Foreign Outreach Scam

The US State Department has warned all embassies and consulates about attempts to impersonate Secretary of State Marco Rubio using artificial intelligence (AI) to contact foreign officials.

A July 3 cable revealed that an impostor posing as Rubio had reached out to at least three foreign ministers, a US senator, and a state governor via text, Signal, and voicemail.

Though the impersonation attempts were described as “not very sophisticated,” officials said the threat warranted a department-wide alert due to the rising use of AI in deception.

The incidents follow a similar case in May involving a deepfake impersonation of White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, part of a broader trend flagged by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) of malicious actors using AI-generated voice and text messages to pose as senior US officials.

State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce confirmed the department is actively investigating and enhancing cybersecurity measures but declined to provide details. Officials emphasized that while there’s no direct cyber threat, compromised individuals could inadvertently expose sensitive information.

This is not the first time Rubio has been impersonated with AI.

A fake video earlier this year falsely showed him calling for the termination of Ukraine’s Starlink internet access. Claims later debunked by Kyiv.

Experts warn the quality of deepfakes has advanced to the point where it’s becoming increasingly difficult for humans to spot forgeries. Cybersecurity researchers describe the situation as an escalating arms race between detection tools and deepfake generators.

The Rubio case underscores growing national security concerns as AI tools become more accessible to adversaries aiming to manipulate diplomatic or political processes.

The FBI and cybersecurity experts continue to monitor and counter these emerging threats.

 

Trump Reverses Pentagon Pause on Ukraine Arms, Frustrated by Lack of Coordination

US President Donald Trump reversed a Pentagon decision to pause key weapons shipments to Ukraine after reportedly expressing frustration that the move had not been cleared with the White House, according to multiple officials familiar with internal discussions.

The reversal follows a week-long freeze on Patriot missiles, Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS), Hellfire missiles, and other critical munitions, which surprised both US allies and parts of Trump’s own administration.

Pentagon officials initially cited depleted US stockpiles as the reason for the pause, a decision reportedly pushed by policy chief Elbridge Colby.

Trump, caught off guard by the announcement, ordered an immediate resumption, stating Monday that Ukraine must be able to defend itself amid increasing Russian air attacks.

During a Cabinet meeting Tuesday, Trump sharply criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling growing impatience. “We get a lot of bull—- thrown at us by Putin,” Trump said, adding that he is considering new sanctions targeting countries that continue purchasing Russian oil, specifically referencing China and India.

Sen. Lindsey Graham confirmed Trump had endorsed a proposed 500% tariff on goods from nations importing Russian oil. Meanwhile, the Pentagon resumed munitions assessments to determine what can still be safely sent to Ukraine without compromising US readiness.

An internal “stoplight chart” is being used to classify stock levels—red, yellow, or green—while services continue inventory updates.

The US Army, which has supplied most of Ukraine’s weapons, now admits it will miss its 2025 target of producing 100,000 155mm shells monthly, pushing the timeline to 2026. Patriot missile production also lags behind goals.

Sen. Mitch McConnell praised Trump’s decision but urged him to resist internal opposition.

“He should disregard those at [the Department of Defense] who invoke munitions shortages while refusing to invest seriously in expanding production,” McConnell said.

The policy reversal underscores ongoing tension within Trump’s national security team as the administration balances support for Ukraine with “America First” defense priorities.

 

Zelenskyy Orders Expanded US Military Coordination as Trump Resumes Arms Deliveries

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday directed his defense minister and top military commander to intensify coordination with the United States to accelerate the delivery of critical military aid, particularly air defense systems.

The move follows US President Donald Trump’s announcement that Washington will resume sending primarily defensive weapons to Kyiv after briefly pausing shipments last week.

“We currently have all the necessary political statements and decisions, and we must implement them as quickly as possible to protect our people and positions,” Zelenskyy said in his nightly address, emphasizing the urgency of bolstering Ukraine’s defenses against intensified Russian airstrikes.

The US Department of Defense confirmed it will resume aid at Trump’s direction, aiming to help Ukraine hold the line while broader peace efforts continue.

Zelenskyy said the new aid would be focused on air defense systems and other key military supplies, calling the deliveries “critical” to saving lives and defending Ukrainian territory.

Ukraine has faced increased missile and drone attacks from Russia in recent weeks, prompting Kyiv to warn that any delay in Western aid would significantly weaken its defense capabilities.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s military and political teams are preparing new meeting formats with US counterparts this week to speed up support implementation.

 

Germany Accuses China of Laser Targeting Its Aircraft During EU Red Sea Mission

Germany has accused the Chinese military of targeting a German reconnaissance aircraft with a laser during a routine patrol over the Red Sea on July 2, as part of the European Union-led Aspides mission to protect commercial shipping.

The incident reportedly occurred near Yemen’s coast and forced the aircraft to abort its mission and return to base in Djibouti.

Berlin condemned the act as “entirely unacceptable,” summoning China’s ambassador for an explanation.

The German foreign ministry said the laser targeting endangered personnel and disrupted a lawful operation. It remains unclear whether the laser was a weapon or part of a guidance system.

The aircraft, described as a “multi-sensor platform” and “flying eye,” was conducting surveillance when it was targeted by a Chinese naval vessel without warning or prior contact, according to the German defense ministry.

Up to 700 German troops are participating in Operation Aspides, which aims to secure Red Sea maritime traffic from Houthi rebel attacks. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have repeatedly targeted commercial and Israeli-linked vessels since the Gaza war erupted in October 2023.

The latest Houthi attack occurred Monday, striking a Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged vessel. Attacks had paused earlier this year during a temporary ceasefire in Gaza but have resumed in recent weeks.

The Chinese military has not yet responded publicly to Berlin’s claims as of writing.

 

Macron Calls on Britain to Help ‘Save Europe’ During Landmark Post-Brexit Visit

French President Emmanuel Macron urged the United Kingdom to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Europe on defense, democracy, and sovereignty during a landmark state visit to Britain—the first by a European Union leader since Brexit.

Speaking to British lawmakers Tuesday, Macron warned of growing global threats and called for a stronger Franco-British alliance to uphold international order and reduce reliance on both the US and China.

The visit, blending royal ceremony and hard diplomacy, comes as Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer prepare to discuss Ukraine, migration, and defense cooperation.

Macron stated bluntly that the UK “cannot stay on the sidelines” of European security despite its EU departure.

The visit began with high-profile pageantry, including a red-carpet welcome by Prince William and Princess Catherine and a horse-drawn procession to Windsor Castle. King Charles is expected to echo Macron’s themes during a formal state banquet, warning that today’s threats “know no borders.”

On July 9-10, Macron and Starmer will hold talks on curbing irregular migration across the English Channel, amid a 50% surge in crossings this year. The UK seeks stronger French enforcement, and both sides are considering a “one-in, one-out” migrant swap deal. Macron stressed the need for “humanity, solidarity and fairness” in tackling the crisis.

Macron and Starmer will also revisit their joint push for a European-led peacekeeping force in Ukraine, despite US hesitation and no current ceasefire. Both leaders will join an international videoconference Thursday to advance the plan, aiming to reinforce future stability in the region.

In a cultural gesture, Macron confirmed that France will loan the historic Bayeux Tapestry to Britain for display in 2026—its first return in over 900 years.

Macron’s visit symbolizes a reset in UK-EU relations and affirms Franco-British alignment on key global challenges, even amid their different approaches to US policy under President Trump.

“We will save Europe by our example and our solidarity,” Macron said.

 

Japan to Export Naval Destroyers to Philippines to Counter China’s Maritime Expansion

Japan plans to transfer six decommissioned Abukuma-class destroyer escorts to the Philippines, marking a significant step in deepening defense ties between the two US allies as they confront China’s aggressive maritime activities.

The ships, in service with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force for over 30 years, will be evaluated this summer by a Philippine Navy delegation, according to Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun.

The destroyer export deal was agreed upon by Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro during a meeting in Singapore last month.

The Philippine Navy confirmed it will conduct a thorough inspection of the vessels to determine their compatibility with the country’s ongoing naval modernization efforts.

To navigate Japan’s strict military export laws, Tokyo will classify requested upgrades and communication systems as part of a joint development effort with Manila. This arrangement allows Japan to comply with its pacifist constitutional restrictions while advancing strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

The Abukuma-class destroyer escort is a 2,000-ton warship equipped with anti-ship and anti-submarine missiles, torpedoes, and naval guns. The Philippine Navy currently lacks destroyers in its fleet, operating only smaller frigates and corvettes.

The transfer underscores growing Japanese-Philippine defense alignment, which already includes joint military drills, radar assistance from Tokyo, and a landmark reciprocal access agreement signed last year allowing troop deployments between the two countries.

Beijing reacted by urging Tokyo to act cautiously and accused both countries of undermining regional stability.

Japan and the Philippines maintain that the move is a direct response to increasing Chinese incursions in the South China Sea and East China Sea.

 

Sources: News Agencies