The Kremlin has denied that its assault on the Ukrainian region of Kharkiv has failed, despite not achieving the objective of creating a 'buffer zone' to prevent fire towards Russia, particularly Belgorod. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov stated that the operation continues and will persist until completed.
On Tuesday, the Russian Federation announced restrictions starting July 23 on access to 14 localities in the Belgorod region due to Kyiv's bombings. Despite the ongoing offensive since May, these measures are seen as 'new practices' to ensure the safety of the population.
Two civilians were killed in a new Ukrainian drone attack in the Belgorod region, according to Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov. Despite conquering some localities in Kharkiv, Russian forces have not managed to create the desired security zone or break through opposing defenses, leading to heavy losses according to Kyiv.
The decision to restrict access in Belgorod follows Western authorization for Ukraine to strike military targets on Russian territory with modern Western weapons. Ukrainian attacks on Russia have intensified, targeting sites used for daily bombardments on Ukraine. This has forced Ukraine to redeploy troops, losing ground in the east.
Meanwhile, China and Russia continue to strengthen their alliance, with trade between the two countries reaching an all-time high. Despite Western calls for China to withdraw support, trade volume increased by 4.6 percent in the first half of 2024. Chinese exports to Russia rose by 1.8 percent, while imports from Russia surged by 6.9 percent.
In 2023, trade between China and Russia exceeded 240 billion US dollars, a 26.3 percent increase from the previous year. This growth is attributed to agreements between Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin to boost bilateral trade. Despite threats of secondary sanctions from the US, smaller Chinese banks and the Chinese currency, yuan, are facilitating trade.
Chinese companies have filled gaps left by Western firms in Russia, notably in the automotive industry. China has also increased its oil and gas imports from Russia, indirectly financing Russia's war in Ukraine. Chinese exports of dual-use goods, crucial for both civilian and military purposes, have also surged, playing a significant role in the conflict.
Western analysts argue that China's support is essential for Russia's war efforts. According to Mareike Ohlberg from the German Marshall Fund, China's backing allows Russia to continue its aggression in Ukraine, posing a security threat to Europe.
- Moscow's ongoing offensive in Kharkiv aims to create a buffer zone to shield Russia, particularly Belgorod, from Ukrainian attacks. Despite heavy losses and restricted access in the Belgorod region, Kremlin insists the operation is not a failure.
- China's unwavering support for Russia is evident in their increasing trade, even as Western nations urge China to distance itself. The bilateral trade has reached unprecedented levels, with China filling the void left by Western companies in Russia.
- The rise in Chinese exports of dual-use goods to Russia underscores China's critical role in supporting Russia's military capabilities. This support is seen as a significant factor in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, posing potential threats to European security.
