Frontline report: Germany sends secret Gepard convoy as Ukraine prepares for a summer of fire
Today’s biggest updates come from Ukraine, where Europe is ramping up military aid after Russia rejected any new ceasefire agreements.
After repeated warnings, the EU and its key members are now fully mobilizing support—arming Ukraine with air defenses, artillery, and fighter jets as it prepares for a Russian summer offensive.
Lavrov dismisses ceasefire, demands Ukrainian capitulation
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated Russia will no longer consider a ceasefire unless Ukraine capitulates. Since 2014, Russia and its proxies have violated all 25 ceasefire agreements, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the OSCE.
EU sanctions Russia, sends frozen funds to Ukraine
The European Union responded swiftly. After Russia’s rejection, the EU unveiled its 17th sanctions package, targeting:
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189 Russian shadow oil fleet vessels, bringing the total to 342 sanctioned ships
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31 additional companies supporting Russia’s military tech and missile production
Beyond sanctions, the EU has released over €1 billion in profits from frozen Russian assets, directly funding Ukraine’s wartime economy. European nations are also expanding their own military production to support sustained aid.
UK and France ship artillery and ammo at unprecedented scale
The UK has transferred its entire AS-90 howitzer fleet, while France is sending all Caesar howitzers produced this year—over 200 units expected in 2025.
France also committed frozen Russian funds to produce spare parts and support systems. Meanwhile, the EU has gathered over two-thirds of its 2 million promised artillery shells, boosting Ukraine’s firepower.
Europe delivers F-16s, air defenses to counter Russian strikes
To counter Russia’s growing air assault capabilities:
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Norway will deliver 6 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by the end of 2025
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Belgium is contributing 2 F-16s for spare parts
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Germany is quietly sending Gepard air defense systems, with at least 10 spotted en route to Ukraine.
As Germany no longer discloses its shipments publicly, actual delivery numbers may be significantly higher. These systems are vital to stopping Russian missile and drone strikes, bolstering Ukraine’s air defense both from the ground and the skies.
Europe arms Ukraine for summer offensive as Russia doubles down
With Russia rejecting diplomacy and pressing ahead with its offensive, Europe is acting with unprecedented urgency and unity. Billions from frozen Russian assets are flowing into Ukraine’s defense sector, and military aid is reaching new levels—from artillery and shells to fighter jets and air defense systems.
The stakes are high, but the message is clear:
If Russia refuses to stop this war, Europe will ensure Ukraine can win it.
In our regular frontline report, we pair up with the military blogger Reporting from Ukraine to keep you informed about what is happening on the battlefield in the Russo-Ukrainian war.
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