Russian Advances and Ukrainian Resistance in the Ongoing War
Russia has recently captured two more villages in eastern Ukraine: Novopokrovske in the Donetsk region and Stepova Novoseliska in the Kharkiv region. Despite these gains, experts doubt the success of Russia's broader military strategy due to weak tactical capabilities. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggests that Russia's military command may aim to create operational opportunities for advances in the Chasiv Yar or Avdiivka areas, but the likelihood of success remains low.
Ukraine Strengthens Air Defenses with Western Support
In response to the ongoing Russian aggression, Ukraine is set to receive modern weapons from its Western allies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the country's air defenses would be significantly bolstered in July with the arrival of F-16 fighter jets, Patriot air defense systems, and longer-range missiles. These enhancements are expected to have a decisive impact on the course of the war, providing Ukraine with more protection against Russian air strikes.
Diplomatic Strains and Support from the West
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán recently visited Kyiv to meet with President Zelensky, marking his first visit since the start of Russia's invasion. Orbán, known for his close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, has often blocked EU efforts to aid Ukraine. Despite this, the meeting was seen as an opportunity to discuss peace and support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Zelensky continues to call for more support from Western allies, emphasizing the need for courage and unity to defeat Russian ambitions.
- At a meeting with representatives of the US Congress in Kyiv, Zelensky expressed gratitude for Washington's ongoing support against Russian aggression. He stressed the importance of continued Western support to ensure Ukraine's security and defeat Russian expansionist goals.
- Orbán's visit comes amid Hungary's assumption of the semiannual rotating presidency of the European Union, a role that could influence the bloc's agenda. However, the visit was marked by tension, with Kyiv not confirming Orbán's arrival and the Kremlin downplaying its significance.
- Orbán has previously accused Kyiv of mistreating the ethnic Hungarian minority in the Zakarpattia region, using this as a justification for his refusal to support Ukraine militarily. His visit also coincides with efforts to form a new nationalist alliance in the European Parliament, highlighting the complex political dynamics at play.
