International Press Review dated 16 - 27 June 2025
- Anton Kuchuhidze
- Jun 26
- 4 min read
In recent weeks, the global media space has been dominated by the transformation of modern warfare and NATO's historic decision to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP.
Recent developments on the global stage such as Ukrainian drone strikes on russian strategic bombers and Israel’s destruction of Iranian air defence systems, highlight the increasing reliance on high-tech means of warfare. These incidents demonstrate the ability to neutralize key military assets even before full-scale hostilities begin.
According to The Wall Street Journal, NATO must revise its defence planning approach by investing not only in weaponry, but also in critical infrastructure, logistics, cyber defence, and innovative technologies. Strengthening defences against drones, cyberattacks, and sabotage is becoming a top priority. In parallel, Ukrainian companies are actively developing interceptor drones to counter the growing threat posed by russian unmanned systems.
NATO needs to reassess its strategic priorities, focusing on rapid and secure troop deployment, adapting infrastructure to meet modern challenges, and safeguarding it against emerging threats.
Le Monde reports on a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. During the talks, the two leaders agreed to jointly produce military drones. The cooperation will involve combining advanced technologies with combat experience to develop and manufacture modern weapons on a large scale. The first contracts between defence companies are expected to be signed in the near future.
Keir Starmer emphasized that the UK’s support for Ukraine will continue until the conflict is fully resolved and will help Kyiv secure the most favourable position in any potential negotiations. Zelenskyy, for his part, thanked the UK for its “strong support from the very beginning of the war.”
Reuters quoted President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as saying that Ukraine is actively working to develop domestic interceptor drones to counter the growing threat from russian drones, particularly the Iranian-made Shahed models. He emphasized that several Ukrainian enterprises have already launched production of these drones, and output is steadily increasing.
In a separate Reuters report, it was noted that U.S. President Donald Trump, during a meeting with Zelenskyy at the NATO summit in The Hague, stated that Ukraine could be provided with additional Patriot missile systems. These systems play a crucial role in defending Ukrainian cities from russian missile strikes.
These developments underscore how modern warfare is becoming increasingly reliant on advanced technology, mobility, and the resilience of rear infrastructure - factors that are reshaping NATO’s approach to defence planning. Ukraine, drawing on its unique combat experience, is not only adapting to evolving challenges but also emerging as an innovative player in drone technology. Enhanced cooperation with international partners and growing investment in defence signal a clear recognition of the serious threat posed by the russian federation.
Ukraine’s drone strike on parked Russian bombers and Israel’s destruction of Iranian air defenses sound a warning for NATO countries: Savvy adversaries can eliminate vital battlefield assets anywhere, before they enter a fight.
That makes the work of preparing for battle more important than ever. Addressing the challenge of protecting and mobilizing forces inside the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s homeland is rising on the alliance’s must-do list.
“If World War III breaks out on the European continent, what’s the first shot?” said U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker recently. “Is it going to be Russian tanks invading Poland, or is it going to be a cyberattack on one of our allies or a challenge on some infrastructure?”
President Trump said Saturday he would like to see the war between Israel and Iran end. In a readout of his call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump said they discussed the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran. "He feels, as do I, this war in Israel-Iran should end, to which I explained, his war should also end.”
Trump wrote on social media that he and Putin mainly discussed Iran and would speak more about Ukraine next week. According to Russian state media reports, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said that Trump told Putin that Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is ready to resume talks with the Iranians.
Seeking to shore up support more than three years into Russia's invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a surprise visit to London on Monday, June 23, cementing a deal to jointly produce military drones. Zelensky met with Starmer at his Downing Street home, after earlier visiting King Charles III at Windsor Castle. The trip comes on the eve of a NATO summit in The Hague, which Zelensky is due to attend.
According to a statement released late on Monday by Starmer's office, the two countries will share "battlefield technology," with "data sets from Ukraine's front line set to be plugged into UK production lines, allowing British defense firms to rapidly design and build, at scale, cutting edge military equipment available nowhere else in the world."
U.S. President Donald Trump indicated on Wednesday he will consider providing more of the Patriot missiles that Ukraine needs to defend against mounting Russian strikes, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin "really has to end that war".
His remarks came after a 50-minute meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on the sidelines of a NATO summit in The Hague. Both leaders described it as a positive step in a conflict that Trump described as "more difficult than other wars".
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Friday that Ukraine was working on the rapid development of interceptor drones to counter the swarms of Russian drones that have been descending on Ukrainian cities in increasing numbers in recent weeks.
Ukrainian officials have noted the sharply increased numbers of Iranian-designed Shahed drones deployed by Russian drones in the course of a single night and say it is vital to develop technology capable of tackling the threat they pose.
The Netherlands will provide Ukraine with 100 drone-detection radars and 20 medical evacuation vehicles as part of a new 175 million euro ($202 million) aid package, Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans said on Tuesday.
Delivery of the radars, which will help identify incoming drones and relay data to air defence systems, is expected to be completed by year-end.
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