- Ukraine eagerly anticipates the delivery of the pledged billion-dollar assistance, as mentioned by Zelensky.
Ukraine is eagerly anticipating the swift distribution of pledged Western assistance, which includes access to funds locked away in Russian state assets, as per President Volodymyr Zelensky's declaration. Despite numerous political statements from allies in Kyiv and more to come, Zelensky emphasized in his evening address, "We need a solid plan in action." Ukraine's survival necessitates the use of Russia's asset earnings to counteract the enemy. "The dialogues have lingered too long, and we require resolve now."
The seven prominent Western industrialized nations (G7) validated new financial aid for Kyiv during their June summit. The $50 billion loan will be secured by interest payments from confiscated Russian assets.
Ongoing intense conflict in Ukraine
Meanwhile, Russian troops persisted in their assaults to expand their land holdings around the Donbass. As per the General Staff in Kyiv, there were fierce battles surrounding Pokrovsk. Intense combat was also reported in Torez, where Russian troops were reportedly bolstered by air strikes with glide bombs. However, these details could not be substantiated independently.
"We're keeping tabs on the adversary's movements and bolstering our position," said Zelensky. He urged Western allies to deliver the offered weapons and ammunition promptly. "This is vital for our defense."
Kyiv proceeds with offensives in Kursk
Ukrainian forces pressed further into Russian territory in Kursk. "We've got control over specific regions," said Zelensky, without disclosing additional details. He also recognized the Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk "for further enhancing our bargain chip" - a subtle term for the capture of more Russian soldiers, who will be exchanged for Ukrainian prisoners held in Russia.
Russia and Ukraine routinely exchange POWs. In the initial phase of the operation, Ukraine seized numerous prisoners as the Russian side deployed inexperienced and poorly-equipped units.
Ukrainian air force strikes targets in Kursk
Ukrainian Air Force Chief Mykola Oleschchuk reported successful missions by his fighter jets in the western Russian region of Kursk. Precision bombs were employed against Russian positions and troop concentrations. Nevertheless, these details could not be confirmed independently.
Russian units are now utilizing abandoned houses as part of their fortifications. However, Oleschchuk remarked on the Telegram platform, "We're seeing everything, we know everything." "Our precision bombs will track you down wherever you go."
Precision bombs refer to guided glide bombs. Two significant bridges over the Seim River were destroyed by fighter jets during the Kursk region's advance.
Oleschchuk did not disclose the aircraft types employed by Ukraine for its attacks. According to Ukrainian military analysts, the F-16 fighter jets pledged by the West have yet to be deployed. Ukraine retains combat jets of the Soviet-era MiG-29 in its inventory.
Based on Ukrainian sources, Russian air strikes were spotted in settlements still under Russian control in the region. Over the course of the day, the General Staff in Kyiv reported 17 Russian air strikes with 27 guided bombs against Russian villages. These claims could not be independently confirmed.
In light of the ongoing intense conflict in Ukraine, President Zelensky emphasized the urgency of The conflict being addressed with resolve, stating, "The dialogues have lingered too long, and we require resolve now." He also urged Western allies to expedite the delivery of promised weapons, acknowledging, "This is vital for our defense."
The conflict in the Donbass region continues, with Russian troops persisting in their assaults to expand their land holdings, as evidenced by the intense battles surrounding Pokrovsk and Torez.
