War in Ukraine - Zelensky refuses ceasefire due to Russian occupation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected all efforts to hasten the end of the war. He cannot agree to the demands for a ceasefire as long as Russia occupies Ukrainian territory, he said in an interview with Japanese broadcaster NHK. This reaffirms the previous stance of his government.
For the way to a just peace, there are, in his view, three essential prerequisites: "Patience, support (for Ukraine), and diplomatic pressure (on Moscow)." "If the USA and European countries remain united, this will add 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 two Republican and Democratic contenders in the race for the US Presidency, in the past few days. The Ukraine is particularly concerned about the possible election of Trump regarding the support it has received so far in its fight against Russia. "We were in contact with his team," Selenskyy said.
Russia has been waging an unyielding offensive war against Ukraine for over two and a half years. Kiev relies on Western support for its defense. The USA has been the strongest supporter of Ukraine so far.
Russian offensive in the east of Ukraine
The Russian Air Force has intensively targeted the eastern Ukrainian region of Kharkiv. The small town of Wowtschansk was reportedly hit by at least six glide bombs. In addition, Russian combat aircraft attacked Ukrainian positions. There were no reports of casualties.
Another focus of Russian attacks was Pokrovsk. During the day, 16 attacks were repelled, and more were ongoing. The information could not be independently verified.
Reports of several Russian attacks with artillery and combat drones came from the Dnipropetrowsk region. Several people were injured, according to the regional military administration, without further details.
In the sector Liman in the east of the country, Russian units attacked positions of the Ukrainian army. At least twelve attacks were registered, the General Staff reported.
Zelenskyy described the situation in the Donetsk sector as particularly difficult. "There have been the most Russian attacks in Pokrovsk in the last few weeks," he said, and praised the Ukrainian units deployed there in his evening video address. "Who stops these Russian attacks and destroys this Russian firepower fulfills one of the most important tasks in this war."
Reports: Ukraine attacks Russian troops
The Ukrainian military reportedly inflicted heavy losses on Russian troops in Luhansk in the east of the country with a rocket attack using ATACMS rockets. Members of a tank infantry battalion were reportedly hit during a gathering on a training ground. Ukrainian media reported this, among other things, citing Russian social media and their own military circles. The unexpected attack, which reportedly took place on Saturday, allegedly 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 usually only use US-supplied ATACMS rockets against valuable targets. It is possible that the troop concentration at Luhansk was detected by a reconnaissance drone first.
Despite Volodymyr Zelenskyy's rejection of a ceasefire due to Russia's occupation of Ukrainian territory, discussions about a potential peace settlement continue. The Ukrainian President has emphasized the importance of patience, international support, and diplomatic pressure on Russia for a just resolution.
In the midst of these negotiations, reports suggest that Ukraine has launched attacks on Russian troops in Luhansk, causing significant losses. The use of ATACMS rockets against a Russian tank infantry battalion led to at least 19 deaths and 71 injuries, according to unverified sources.
