Fri Jul 18 01:58:24 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the situation based on the provided text:

**Headline: Drone Attacks Intensify as Ukraine Considers Drone-for-Weapons Deal with U.S.; Cabinet Overhaul in Kyiv**

**Summary:**

Moscow and border regions faced a barrage of Ukrainian drone attacks, with Russian air defenses reportedly intercepting dozens over the past 24 hours. The attacks come as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated a possible deal with the U.S. to exchange battlefield-tested Ukrainian drones for U.S. weaponry.

**Full Article:**

Moscow, Russia – Russian authorities reported repelling multiple Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Moscow and border regions on Thursday evening. According to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, air defenses successfully destroyed a drone headed towards the capital. The Russian Defence Ministry claimed to have intercepted 46 Ukrainian drones within a four-hour period, with the majority downed near the Ukrainian border. Specifically, 31 drones were intercepted over the Bryansk region and 10 over Crimea.

The escalating drone activity coincides with discussions between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding a potential agreement where Washington would acquire Ukrainian drones in exchange for Kyiv purchasing American weapons. Zelenskyy revealed the discussions to *The New York Post*. This decision to ramp up arms shipments to Ukraine is a signal to Kyiv to abandon peace efforts, Russia Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

Meanwhile, Switzerland has been informed by the U.S. of delays in the delivery of Patriot air defense systems, with Washington prioritizing shipments to Ukraine.

On the diplomatic front, Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico announced his country will no longer block the 18th package of European Union sanctions against Russia.

Domestically, Ukraine is undergoing a significant cabinet reshuffle. Parliament appointed Yulia Svyrydenko, 39, as the country’s first new prime minister in five years, aimed at revitalizing wartime management. Denys Shmyhal, the former Prime Minister, has been named defence minister. This overhaul occurs amid dimming prospects for peace negotiations with Russia.

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