Overview of the situation - Zelensky: No ceasefire with further occupation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pushed back efforts for a quick end to the war, stating in an interview with Japanese broadcaster NHK that he cannot agree to ceasefire demands as long as Russia continues to occupy Ukrainian territory. He reaffirmed his government's previous stance.
For the path to a just peace, Zelenskyy believes three essential conditions are necessary: "Patience, support (for Ukraine), and diplomatic pressure (on Moscow)." "If the USA and European countries remain united, they will exert additional pressure on Moscow and show that it has no chance," he emphasized.
Kiev has officially established contact with Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, the Republican and Democratic contenders in the US presidential race, in the past few days. The Ukraine is particularly concerned about the potential repercussions of a Trump victory on its ongoing fight against Russia. "We were in contact with his team," Selenskyy said.
Russia has been waging an unyielding offensive war against Ukraine for nearly three years. Kiev relies on Western support for its defense. The USA has been Ukraine's strongest supporter.
Series of Russian attacks in the East
The Russian Air Force has intensively bombed the eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv. According to a statement from the Kiev General Staff, the small town of Wowtschansk was hit by at least six glide bombs. Additionally, Russian combat aircraft attacked Ukrainian positions. There were no reports of casualties.
The main focus of Russian attacks appeared to be Pokrowsk. Throughout the day, 16 attacks were repelled, with more ongoing. The information could not be independently verified.
Reports also emerged of multiple Russian attacks in the Dnipropetrowsk region using artillery and combat drones. Several people were injured, according to the regional military administration, without providing further details.
In the Liman sector in the east of the country, Russian forces attacked Ukrainian army positions. At least twelve attacks were reported, according to the General Staff.
Zelenskyy described the situation in the Donetsk sector as particularly challenging. "In Pokrowsk, there have been the most Russian attacks in the last few weeks," he said, praising the Ukrainian troops there in his evening video address. "Who stops these Russian attacks and destroys their firepower is fulfilling one of the most important tasks in this war."
Reports: Russian troops at assembly position attacked
The Ukrainian military reportedly inflicted heavy losses on Russian troops in Luhansk in the east of the country with a rocket attack. Members of a panzer grenadier unit were allegedly targeted during a gathering on a training ground with ATACMS rockets, according to Ukrainian media, citing Russian social media and military sources. The sudden attack, which reportedly occurred on Saturday, resulted in the deaths of at least 19 Russian soldiers and injuries to 71 others. The information could not be independently verified.
The Ukrainian troops typically only use US-supplied ATACMS rockets against valuable targets. It is possible that the troop assembly at Luhansk was detected by a reconnaissance drone.
- Despite Volodymyr Zelenskyy's presidential efforts, Russia continues its occupation of Ukrainian territory, hindering the prospects of a ceasefire.
- The conflict in Ukraine has prompted the Ukrainian government to reach out to both Democratic and Republican presidential contenders in the United States, specifically Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the importance of patience, international support, and diplomatic pressure on Russia for a peaceful resolution to the conflicts in Ukraine.
- Kiev has been a target of intense aerial bombardments by the Russian Air Force in the east, with cities like Pokrovskiy and Kharkiv bearing the brunt of the attacks.
- The politically charged city of Kiev, the capital of Ukraine, depends on the United States and its European allies for military and diplomatic support in its fight against Russia.
- American President Donald Trump and his Democratic challenger Kamala Harris have both received messages from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressing concerns over potential US policy changes that could affect Ukraine's ongoing conflicts.
- Russia's unyielding war on Ukraine has placed a significant strain on Ukraine's economy and civilian population, leading many to hope that diplomatic efforts and international pressure will eventually lead to a peaceful resolution.
