Kiev: So far no ground losses in the counter-offensive
According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian army has suffered no losses in its ongoing counter-offensive. “In some areas our fighters are moving forward, in some areas they are defending their positions and resisting the attacks and intense attacks of the occupiers,” Zelenskyy said in his video evening speech on Monday. “We have not lost positions, only liberated.”
At the same time, however, there was bitter resistance from the Russians in Kiev and a “difficult situation” at the front. Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg does not expect Ukraine to receive a formal invitation to the upcoming July summit.
Kiev speaks of a planned counter-offensive – and a “difficult situation”
The Ukrainian army spoke of a planned course of their own counter-offensive – but at the same time admitted that there was a “difficult situation” at the front. In the south of the country, the Russian occupiers are encountering “bitter resistance,” Ukrainian commander-in-chief Valeriy Saluschnyj wrote on Telegram. The advance of the Ukrainians is hampered by fortifications, dense minefields and a “large number of reserves”. “The operation will continue as planned,” Zalushnyj assured.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Maljar reported on a “difficult situation” and heavy fighting in eastern Ukraine. The Russian army is trying to regain the initiative in Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region and in Lyman in the neighboring Luhansk region, she said.
Russia invaded neighboring Ukraine on February 24, 2022 and has been waging an offensive war ever since. Almost two weeks ago, the Ukrainian army launched a long-awaited counter-offensive and has since said it has been able to liberate eight villages and more than 113 square kilometers. While international observers also repeatedly note small Ukrainian successes, Moscow always claims to repel all attacks.
Stoltenberg: Formal NATO invitation to Ukraine is no longer a problem
NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg does not expect NATO to comply with Ukraine’s request for a formal invitation to the alliance at the forthcoming summit in July. “At the Vilnius summit and in the preparations for the summit, we are not talking about issuing a formal invitation,” Stoltenberg said after meeting Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin. “What we are discussing is how to bring Ukraine closer to NATO.”
Selenskyj has repeatedly emphasized in recent weeks that he expects a formal invitation to the summit in Vilnius, Lithuania. According to Stoltenberg, this is no longer discussed. However, allies agree that NATO’s door is open and that Ukraine already had the prospect of joining at the 2008 Bucharest Summit.
Macron: Samp/T anti-aircraft system deployed in Ukraine
France and Italy have supplied the Samp/T anti-aircraft system to Ukraine, which is now deployed in the country attacked by Russia. The system protects important facilities and human lives there, French President Emmanuel Macron said in Paris. Samp/T is an air defense system jointly developed by France and Italy since the early 2000s. It is considered flexible and effective for defense against aircraft and missiles.
What will be important on Tuesday
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will begin a two-day state visit to the former Soviet republic of Kazakhstan in Central Asia on Tuesday. Kazakhstan is economically interesting for Germany, partly because of its oil wealth. For example, the PCK refinery in Schwedt, Brandenburg, sources oil from Kazakhstan, among others, after the Russian war in Ukraine has stopped Russian oil from coming through the Druzhba pipeline since January. (con/sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
