Moscow plans border closure amid mobilization, Czechia to build ammunition factory in Ukraine - Tuesday brief

Russia's war against Ukraine: Latest

• Russia’s losses in Ukraine as of July 16: +1,110 troops and 45 drones
• Russians creating filtration units in occupied Ukrainian territories
• Russia-Ukraine war: Frontline update as of July 16

Czechia to produce Colt ammunition and assault rifles in Ukraine

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, during a press conference with his Czech counterpart Petr Fiala, stated that Ukraine and Czechia signed two agreements in the defense industry. The agreements concern the production of ammunition and Colt assault rifles.

According to Shmyhal, during the meeting with Fiala, they discussed supplying new types of weapons for the Ukrainian military, training, and rehabilitation of soldiers, and new joint projects. Additionally, two agreements were signed in the defense industry sector.

The second signed agreement is for producing Colt CZ Group assault rifles in Ukraine. This agreement is between Ceska Zbrojovka and a corresponding Ukrainian enterprise. Shmyhal did not specify which one, citing security concerns.

Moscow prepares to close border in fall in case of new mobilization - UK intelligence

The Russian government is developing a system to prevent potential conscripts and mobilized individuals from leaving the country, according to the UK Ministry of Defence.

According to the briefing, on July 11, the independent Russian media outlet Meduza reported that the Russian government is implementing an "information exchange system" between the Ministry of Defence and the Federal Security Service (FSB) to relay detailed information about potential conscripts to the FSB's border service to prevent their escape from the country. The system is expected to be fully operational by autumn 2024.

British intelligence reports that Russia conducts two conscription cycles annually, calling up more than 250,000 individuals each year for one year of mandatory military service.

EU Parliament calls to strip Hungary of voting rights in EU over Orbán's 'peace missions'

MEPs demanded that Hungary be stripped of its voting rights in the EU after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's trips to Russia and China, according to Politico.

63 MEPs appealed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel, and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola with a statement that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán "has already caused significant damage by exploiting and abusing the role of the Council Presidency."

First batch of Czech ammunition reaches Ukraine’s front line - Prime Minister

Part of the ammunition that Ukraine has begun receiving under the Czech initiative is already on the front lines, according to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during a press conference with his Czech counterpart, Petr Fiala.

According to Shmyhal, during his visit to Czechia, an important point was the Czech initiative to supply ammunition to the Ukrainian military. He noted that the initiative is already in effect and has significantly improved the positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the front line.

Kamala Harris invites potential Trump's VP for debate - Politico

Vice President Kamala Harris congratulated Senator James Vance on his election as former President Donald Trump's running mate and challenged him to a televised debate, Politico reports.

Harris expressed "her hope that the two can meet in the vice presidential debate proposed by CBS News."

Harris and Vance are expected to face off in the debate later this summer. Biden's campaign has agreed to the CBS debate, which is scheduled for either July 23 or August 13. Trump's campaign did not decline the invitation but instead accepted Fox News' invitation to debate the vice presidential candidates.