Russian Armed Forces Intensify Offensive in Ukraine
The Russian Ministry of Defense has reported significant military actions by the Russian Armed Forces in the Northern Military District zone from June 29 to July 5. During this period, the Russian forces executed 23 group strikes using precision weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles, targeting Ukrainian airfields, energy facilities, fuel storage, and assembly shops for attack UAVs and unmanned boats. Additionally, Russian air defense systems successfully shot down multiple Ukrainian aircraft, including two MiG-29s and one Su-27, as well as intercepting various missiles from the United States, Great Britain, France, and the Czech Republic.
The Black Sea Fleet also played a crucial role, destroying three unmanned boats of the Ukrainian Navy. The report highlights the surrender of 32 Ukrainian servicemen and significant losses on the Ukrainian side, with up to 1,595 military personnel, tanks, armored combat vehicles, and artillery guns being destroyed. The Russian forces managed to liberate several settlements, including Stepovaya Novoselovka and Spornoye, improving their tactical positions and repelling numerous counterattacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Civilian Impact and International Reactions
Amidst the military operations, civilian areas have also been heavily impacted. In the eastern region of Donetsk, bombings by Russian forces resulted in the deaths of four people and injuries to 23 others. The regional governor reported extensive damage to housing, shops, and administrative buildings in the town of Komar. Similar attacks in the towns of Selydove and Ukrainsk led to additional casualties and destruction.
The Ukrainian military has confirmed its withdrawal from certain districts, including the strategic city of Chassiv Yar, as Russian troops advance. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appealed to Western countries for expedited deliveries of batteries, weapons, and planes, emphasizing the need to regain control of the skies. Despite Western promises of F-16 aircraft, experts highlight the limited number of long-range anti-aircraft systems Ukraine possesses, making it challenging to protect critical infrastructure and air bases effectively.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated demands for Ukraine to abandon claims to four regions in the east and south, including Donetsk, for peace negotiations to proceed. The ongoing conflict continues to strain Ukraine's resources, with widespread electricity shortages affecting the population due to continuous Russian bombings.
