Summary: Ahead of a U.S. trip, Kyiv is lining up drone, air‑defense and munitions deals after a wave of long‑range strikes on Russian infrastructure, including the Kirishi refinery and Novorossiisk port.
Why it matters
Targeting export terminals and large refineries stresses Russia’s energy logistics and raises Europe’s fuel‑price risk. The visit aims to lock in capacity—from interceptors to ISR drones—before winter.
Key facts
- Deals sought: loitering munitions, counter‑drone, and air‑defense reloads.
- Recent strikes: Kirishi refinery fire; deaths and emergency at Novorossiisk.
- Pressure track: Russia says drones strayed into Poland by mistake; Ukraine rejects that narrative.
What to watch
Contracts announced during/after the visit; allied stockpile backfills; insurer behavior at Black Sea/Baltic ports.