Understanding of the current scenario - United States Introduces Fresh Sanctions on Moscow and Provides Assistance to Kyiv
On this Ukrainian Independence Day celebration, the United States government declared a comprehensive plan to bolster Ukraine's defensive struggle against Russia. Approximately 400 organizations and individuals perceived as aiding Russia's illicit war will face sanctions, as announced by U.S. President Joe Biden. Moreover, additional military aid will be dispensed to Kyiv.
Biden communicated his conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, expressing America's unwavering commitment towards Ukraine's people, vowing their support at every turn. Similarly, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed the UK's persistent support for Ukraine on this special day.
The fresh U.S. package features Himars rocket launchers
Over the past few months, the U.S. has consistently offered military assistance to Kyiv, following the congressional approval of approximately $61 billion in additional funding in late April. The latest aid package, valued around $125 million, includes Himars rocket launcher ammunition, artillery shells, small arms ammunition, ambulances, and medical equipment, according to the U.S. State Department.
These sanctions target Russian and international entities, intending to cripple Russia's war economy, including its energy sector. Assets connected to the sanctioned entities and individuals in the U.S. will be locked, and U.S. citizens, as well as those present in the U.S., are forbidden to engage in business activities with the sanctioned entities and individuals. International commerce will also become more complex for those affected.
On Friday evening, Zelenskyy urged Western allies to deliver the promised military aid, saying, "At the front, they fight with grenades and gear, not with words like 'tomorrow' or 'soon.'" He underscored that Ukraine is anticipating weapon and equipment packages "that have been declared and agreed upon, but yet to be delivered." He did not disclose any further details.
Earlier in the week, Zelenskyy called for the fastest delivery of outstanding weapons and ammunition packages, emphasizing that "the war does not take days off." Ukraine primarily relies on U.S. support for its military, with Britain, France, and Germany also significantly increasing international military aid to Kyiv.
Intense combat continues in eastern Ukraine
Ukrainian forces have reportedly repelled numerous Russian assaults. In all, 79 Russian attacks, including some with artillery and air support, were reported from the eastern Ukrainian battlefields, according to the daily report by the General Staff in Kyiv.
The edge of Donbass, near Pokrovsk, remained the fiercest battleground once again. There, Russian forces attempted to consolidate and expand their territorial gains from the previous day. Ukrainian defenders in this region were attacked 20 times within a few hours.
Similar intense fighting was reported near Torezk. Several ground troop assaults by the Russians were repelled. Russian combat aircraft bombarded Ukrainian positions and settlements with rockets. The ultimate goal of these Russian attacks is to seize control of the surroundings of Donbass.
The General Staff did not comment on the current Ukrainian advance in the Russian region of Kursk. It was only reported that the Russian air force had conducted several attacks with around 20 guided bombs in the region.
Zelensky reported that Russian forces were gradually being pushed back from the area around the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. "We are forcing the Russian army back, inch by inch," said Zelensky. "The enemy will never dominate Kharkiv, nor Ukraine."
Russian forces initiated an attack towards Kharkiv across the border in May, initially stating the purpose of creating a buffer zone along the border to prevent Ukrainian intrusions. The Russian offensive is now deemed unsuccessful, with Ukrainian units having reclaimed larger areas since then.
Rostov prohibits public gatherings
In response to repeated Ukrainian drone attacks against Russian military targets, such as fuel depots or logistics centers in Rostov, the authorities of the southern Russian region of Rostov have banned public outdoor events permanently. Governor Vasily Golubyev explained the situation on the Telegram platform, stating that events could still take place in closed spaces, but "under the highest security measures."
On this Independence Day, Ukrainians celebrated with heightened support from the international community. Biden, in his conversation with President Zelenskyy, reaffirmed America's unwavering commitment to aid Ukraine, promising Himars rocket launcher ammunition and other military supplies on this special day.
Recognizing the critical importance of these supplies, Zelenskyy urged Western allies to deliver the promised military aid promptly, emphasizing that Ukraine relies heavily on such support in its defensive struggle against Russia.
