Overview of the situation - Zelensky appeals for additional US support
After the NATO summit in Washington, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues to seek support for his country in the US. During a meeting with governors of US states in Salt Lake City (Utah), he explored possibilities for deepening relations between Ukraine and the US, Zelenskyy wrote on platform X. "I thank you for your readiness to support Ukraine in the future, extending cooperation with our defense industries, and participating in Ukraine's rebuilding."
The Ukraine does not need foreign soldiers, Zelenskyy told the governors in his speech. "All we ask for is sufficient support - air defense systems for our cities, weapons for the men and women at the frontlines, help in protecting normal life and rebuilding."
The USA have been the strongest supporters of Ukraine so far. Recently, Congress released a billion-dollar package initiated by President Joe Biden, which provided Kiev with much-needed military aid. The Ukrainian military had to abandon numerous positions due to a lack of ammunition before and retreat. The current situation at the fronts in the south and east of the country is a stalemate.
Kiev: Attacks not for the sake of attacks
Ukraine does not want to initiate attacks in Russian territory or on Russian soil simply for the sake of attacks. It's not about symbolic single strikes, Mykhailo Podolyak, an advisor in Zelenskyy's office, told the governors.
"It's about the systematic destruction of air defense support points, where strategic aviation is stationed," Podolyak said. This deliberate heavy strikes against the civilian population and civilian objects in Ukraine.
Podolyak also made it clear that Ukraine does not intend to randomly target targets in Russia. "The right strategy is to weaken Russia in three ways: increasing war costs, destroying logistics, and prolonging the time it takes to bring resources to the battlefield," Podolyak wrote on Telegram.
Background is the debate about the possible use of heavier Western weapons systems against targets on Russian territory. The Ukrainian leadership has been asking their western partners for such authorization for a long time.
So far, only targets in the occupied areas of Ukraine, including Crimea, as well as in the east of the country and in the Russian border area, can be attacked with missiles. Ukraine could only use drones with significantly lower explosive power against targets deep in Russian territory before.
Dead in Russian attacks in Eastern Ukraine
At least five people have been killed in a series of Russian attacks on smaller towns in eastern Ukraine, according to official reports. At least 13 people were seriously injured in attacks on Myrnohrad and Kostyantynivka in the Donetsk region, regional military administrator Vadym Filaschkin reported.
According to Filaschkin's reports, Russian soldiers have taken Myrnohrad under heavy fire in recent days. The city, which had about 47,000 residents before the war, had shelling incidents at an administrative building and a public transportation stop on Friday.
In light of possible new tensions, Russian and American defense ministers held a brief phone call. The topic of preventing security threats and reducing the risk of a potential escalation was raised, according to the Russian Defense Ministry regarding the conversation between Minister Andrey Belousov and Lloyd Austin. The US Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining communication lines.
No reason for the conversation was given. However, it became known at the NATO summit in Washington that, from 2026, the US plans to station weapons systems in Germany that can reach out to Russia. These are reportedly Tomahawk missiles with a range of up to 2500 kilometers, which can technically be nuclear-armed, as well as SM-6 air defense missiles and new hypersonic weapons. Russia and China reacted angrily to the announcement.
Report: Zelensky makes a stop in Ireland
According to reports, Zelensky is expected to make a stop in Ireland on his return journey from the US this Saturday. He is said to meet Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris, as reported by RTE. The British "Guardian" also reported that Zelensky is likely to participate in the fourth summit of the European Political Community (EPC) starting on Thursday at Blenheim Palace near Oxford. The goal of the EPC is to improve cooperation between the EU and non-EU states in Europe. According to "Guardian," European heads of state and government are expected to discuss Ukraine, European security, and democracy.
- At the NATO Summit in Washington, discussions surrounding Ukraine's future support from the United States of America were extensively addressed.
- During the meeting with governors in Salt Lake City, Utah, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the potential future support from American states.
- The United States has been a significant supporter of Ukraine, as evident in President Joe Biden's initiation of a billion-dollar military aid package for Kiev.
- Ukraine, led by President Zelenskyy, does not seek foreign soldiers but rather requires air defense systems, weapons for frontline personnel, and assistance in protecting normal life and rebuilding.
- NATO Summit discussions in Washington revealed plans for the US to station weapons systems in Germany from 2026, reaching out to Russian territory.
- Rumors suggest President Zelenskyy will make a stop in Ireland during his return journey from the US, meeting with Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris and potentially participating in the European Political Community summit.
- Despite Russian attacks in Eastern Ukraine leading to casualties, Russian and American defense ministers have held a phone call to discuss preventing security threats and reducing potential escalation risks.
- Men and women in Ukraine's military have been forced to retreat due to a lack of ammunition, emphasizing the critical need for support from countries like the United States.
