Episode summary
The host reports on Ukraine's unprecedented deep strike into Russian territory, with FP-1 drones hitting the Omsk oil refinery approximately 2,700 kilometers from the front lines. The facility accounts for roughly 8% of Russia's total oil refining capacity, processing 420,000 barrels per day. The attack came less than 12 hours after Putin launched strikes on Kyiv that killed over 20 people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued public statements criticizing the United States for failing to scale up production of Patriot missile interceptors and made an unprecedented request for the US to grant Ukraine licenses to manufacture Patriots domestically. Zelensky argued that Ukraine could produce these systems both for its own defense and to supply NATO allies and partners in the Middle East and Asia. The episode also covers President Trump's claims from the Oval Office that he is close to brokering a peace deal, which the host disputes, noting Trump's previous unfulfilled promise to end the war within 24 hours. Trump spoke with Putin for 90 minutes on July 4th, shortly before Russia launched its attack on Kyiv. The host details multiple Ukrainian strikes across Russia, including attacks on refineries in Yaroslavl, facilities in Belgorod, and infrastructure in Crimea. Zelensky stated that Ukrainian forces intercepted all 6 Kalibr missiles and 31 of 33 cruise missiles in recent attacks but lack sufficient Patriot interceptors to defend against ballistic missiles. The episode concludes with Trump departing for a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, which Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has allegedly attempted to undermine.