Russian-Ukrainian war, day 864: NATO and South Korea discuss aid for Ukraine at summit in Washington

Exclusive

Ukraine and EU nervous about the seizure of power by the pro-Russian French right-wing extremistsAs the Rassemblement National party, known for its ties to Russia, wins a significant share of the vote in the French parliamentary elections, Ukraine and the European Union are preparing for possible changes in French foreign policy that could undermine support for Kyiv and weaken Paris’ influence in Europe.

Military

Ukrainian forces say Russian troops continue attempts to destroy Chasiv Yar. Chasiv Yar is a strategically important settlement. A possible capture by Russian forces could threaten other important cities in Donbass, including Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, which are important logistics routes for Ukrainian forces.

Ukraine attacks two oil depots in southern Russia (video)Ukrainian drones allegedly targeted Russian oil infrastructure in the Krasnodar region, causing fires at two oil depots and damaging a cell phone tower. Russia claims to have shot down seven drones.

Russia’s nighttime attack targets energy grid while Ukraine shoots down drones 24/27. Ukraine successfully defended itself against a large-scale Russian drone attack, shooting down 24 of 27 Shahed UAVs in 12 regions. The attack targeted power plants and temporarily cut off electricity supply to over 100,000 customers in Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts.

As of July 6 2024the approximate losses of weapons and military equipment of the Russian armed forces from the beginning of the invasion to the present day:

• Personnel: 549840 (+1260)
• Tanks: 8153 (+11)
• APV: 15629 (+18)
• Artillery systems: 14897 (+66)
• MLRS: 1115
• Air defence systems: 878
• Airplanes: 360
• Helicopters: 326
• UAVs: 11809 (+58)
• Cruise missiles: 2351 (+9)
• Warships/Boats: 28
• Submarines: 1
• Vehicles and fuel tanks: 20053 (+76)

Intelligence and technology

Reuters: NATO could adopt resolution on standardization of ammunition at summit in WashingtonThe aim of this measure is to improve the interoperability of member states on the battlefield.

Ministry of Defense: Ukrainian military doctors have completed the NATO Advanced Medical Staff Officer Course for the first time in history. Ukrainian medics at the NATO course for advanced medical officers. Photo: Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.

British intelligence: Russian authorities target VPN apps and VoIP services with latest censorship measure. Russian authorities have removed VPN apps from the App Store and called for an end to VoIP services in an effort to limit citizens’ access to independent information, increase surveillance capabilities and continue a long-standing effort to control the domestic information landscape, British intelligence said.

Russia organizes tank ammunition production in IndiaRussia begins producing armor-piercing shells in India to supply India’s large fleet of T-72 and T-90 tanks and replenish ammunition stocks.

International

China and Belarus begin joint military exercisesRecently, Belarusian officials said that Ukraine was massing troops near the border in order to draw Minsk into the conflict, but Kyiv has firmly denied this claim.

NATO and South Korea discuss aid for Ukraine at summit in WashingtonNATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced that NATO and South Korea will explore new cooperation mechanisms to support Ukraine at an upcoming summit in Washington.

Le Pen promises to stop Ukraine if the far-right wins the French electionsMarine Le Pen promises to limit Ukraine’s use of French weapons in Russia and block possible troop movements if her far-right Rassemblement National party comes to power in Sunday’s parliamentary elections.

Orbán meets Putin: The positions of Ukraine and Russia are “very far apart”. Before arriving in Moscow, Orban will visit Kyiv proposes a ceasefire followed by peace talks.

Political and legal developments

Russian occupation authorities confiscate Eurovision winner Jamala’s house in CrimeaIn 2024, Jamala’s album QIRIM, which preserves traditional Crimean Tatar songs, was awarded Ukraine’s highest cultural award.

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