Russo-Ukrainian War, Day 865: Ukraine strengthens navy with support from Britain and the Netherlands

Military

Russian forces attacked residential areas of Kherson and injured a pregnant womanA pregnant woman was hospitalized after being injured in a Russian attack on the Korabelnyi district of the city of Kherson on Sunday, July 7.

Russian Su-25 jet shot down by Ukrainian forces on Pokrovsk frontThe 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade of Ukraine shot down a Russian Su-25 fighter jet in Donetsk Oblast.

Front report: Russian troops use rotation of Ukrainian brigades and capture strongholdDue to a botched brigade rotation on July 6, Russian forces managed to capture a Ukrainian stronghold near Toretsk by using abandoned pipes to penetrate the position.

SBU drones attack ammunition depot in Russia’s Voronezh OblastSources in the Ukrainian security service claim responsibility for a drone attack on a strategic Russian military camp.

Gas distribution plant in Crimea catches fire after explosionAuthorities deployed by Russia in Crimea ruled out acts of sabotage in a recent explosion at a gas distribution point and attributed the incident to technical problems.

Ukrainian intelligence targets Russian logistics and electronic warfare in occupied DonetskA logistics center for storing tank equipment and ammunition in occupied Debaltseve was among the targets attacked by Ukrainian forces on July 6, GUR reported.

Ukrainian defense forces destroy 13 Russian drones overnightOn the night of July 7, Russian forces also carried out artillery and drone strikes on Nikopol in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, injuring three women.

Russian naval presence in northwestern Black Sea to end in 2023, says Ukrainian naval commander. Ukrainian Navy Commander Oleksii Neizhpapa announces that no Russian warships will be in the northwestern Black Sea since 2023. He explains the goals of the Ukrainian Navy, including attacking Russian ships and preventing missile attacks.

Away 07 July 2024the approximate losses of weapons and military equipment of the Russian armed forces from the beginning of the invasion to the present day:

• • • Staff: 550990 (+1150)
    • Tanks: 8155 (+2)
    • APV: 15645 (+16)
    • Artillery systems: 14937 (+40)
    • MLRS: 1115
    • Air defence systems: 879 (+1)
    • Airplanes: 360
    • Helicopters: 326
    • UAVs: 11862 (+53)
    • Cruise missiles: 2352 (+1)
    • Warships/Boats: 28
    • Submarines: 1
    • Vehicles and fuel tanks: 20103 (+50)

Intelligence and technology

Zelensky: Ukraine will strengthen its fleet with the help of Great Britain and the NetherlandsA day after announcing a new naval strategy, Zelensky announced that Britain and the Netherlands would help strengthen the Ukrainian fleet and spoke of “promising new details” regarding cooperation.

British Defence Minister announces new military aid package for UkraineLess than 48 hours after his appointment, the new British Defense Secretary announced further military aid to Ukraine, including more artillery guns, a quarter of a million rounds of ammunition and nearly 100 Brimstone precision missiles.

Ukraine intensifies countermeasures against Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups in Kharkiv OblastUkraine plans to strengthen control in Kharkiv Oblast. Due to Russian infiltration attempts, border guards are setting up additional observation posts and increasing the number of their response teams.

International

Estonia: Ukraine’s NATO membership is non-negotiable and irreversibleEstonian President Alar Karis said NATO’s only effective strategy at present is to support Ukraine as much as possible, with no limits on further assistance.

Britain’s new foreign minister wants renewed relations with the EU and the global south, criticises BrexitDavid Lammy, the new British Foreign Secretary, called for a fundamental reboot of British foreign policy, emphasizing the renewal of relations with Europe and developing countries.

Politico: NATO allies express concern about Biden’s age and re-election chancesOn the other hand, European leaders fear that Donald Trump’s return could harm NATO and Ukraine, according to a Politico investigation.

Political and legal developments

Second round of parliamentary elections in FranceFrance is currently undergoing important parliamentary elections with potential implications for Ukraine. President Emmanuel Macron is trying to contain the far right of Marine Le Pen, which made a surge in the first round last week and in the recent European elections.

Orban promises further “unexpected meetings” after meeting with PutinHungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban described his recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin as “extraordinary,” highlighting Putin’s enormous resources.

Estonia strengthens cargo controls at the border with RussiaEstonia plans to carry out comprehensive customs controls on its border with Russia to prevent the circumvention of sanctions, announced Prime Minister Kaja Kallas.

ISW: Orbán wants to shift the West’s attention from supporting Ukraine to peace talksThe Institute for the Study of War suspects that Orbán’s recent diplomatic efforts are part of a strategy to divert focus from military aid to Ukraine.

ISW: Kremlin propaganda shapes war support at home despite growing criticism. Recent Russian polls indicate growing support for peace talks with Ukraine, while Kremlin propaganda is influencing support for the war at home. “Non-opponents” criticize the conduct of the war but remain “patriotic,” ISW reports.

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