Ukraine-Russia war – live: Kyiv claims new gains made against Putin’s troops near Bakhmut
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Ukrainian troops have advanced by more than a kilometre in the last day against Russian forces near the eastern city of Bakhmut, a military spokesperson said on Friday.
His comments were the latest by Kyiv signalling that the counteroffensive it launched in early June is gradually making progress although Russian accounts of fighting in the Bakhmut sector differ from Ukraine’s.
“The defence forces continue to hold the initiative there, putting pressure on the enemy, conducting assault operations, advancing along the northern and southern flanks,” military spokesman Serhiy Cherevatyi told Ukrainian television. “In particular, over the past day, they have advanced more than one kilometre (0.62 mile).”
The president of Belarus said there were “no war heroes” following Wagner’s attempted coup in Moscow after Vladimir Putin was hailed a hero by Russian state TV.
Alexander Lukashenko, ally to the president, appeared to shoot down statements of heroism made after the failed uprising.
The Belarusian leader told the BBC: “I think that no one came out of that situation a hero.
“Not Prigozhin, not Putin, not Lukashenko. There were no heroes. And the lesson from this? If we create armed groups like this, we need to keep an eye on them and pay serious attention to them.”
Key Points
Putin ally Lukashenko says there were no heroes after Wagner mutiny
Death toll in Lviv attack rises to seven after two more bodies retrieved
US to provide ‘cluster munitions to Ukraine’ despite concerns
Zelensky asks Nato leaders to take concrete steps on membership
Belarus leader Lukashenko says Prigozhin is back in Russia
Wigs, gold bars and ‘severed heads’: Inside Wagner boss’s lavish Russian mansion
Ukraine reports new advances near eastern city of Bakhmut
08:57 , Maanya Sachdeva
Ukrainian troops have advanced by more than a kilometre in the last day against Russian forces near the eastern city of Bakhmut, a military spokesperson said on Friday.
His comments were the latest by Kyiv signalling that the counteroffensive it launched in early June is gradually making progress although Russian accounts of fighting in the Bakhmut sector differ from Ukraine’s.
“The defence forces continue to hold the initiative there, putting pressure on the enemy, conducting assault operations, advancing along the northern and southern flanks,” military spokesman Serhiy Cherevatyi told Ukrainian television.
“In particular, over the past day, they have advanced more than one kilometre (0.62 mile).”
A spokesperson for the Ukrainian armed forces general staff said Ukrainian forces had had “partial success” near the village of Klishchiivka, just southwest of Bakhmut.
Ukrainian military analysts have said that securing Klishchiivka would help Ukraine take back the shattered small city of Bakhmut, which was captured by Russian forces in May after 10 months of heavy fighting.
Russia’s RIA news agency cited a Russian army source as saying earlier this week that Moscow’s forces had repelled a Ukrainian attack on Klishchiivka and were mopping up remaining Ukrainian troops in the area.
Reuters could not independently verify the battlefield situation.
Ukraine reports new advances near eastern city of Bakhmut
08:41 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
Ukrainian troops have advanced by more than a kilometre in the last day against Russian forces near the eastern city of Bakhmut, a military spokesperson said on Friday.
His comments were the latest by Kyiv signalling that the counteroffensive it launched in early June is gradually making progress although Russian accounts of fighting in the Bakhmut sector differ from Ukraine‘s.
“The defence forces continue to hold the initiative there, putting pressure on the enemy, conducting assault operations, advancing along the northern and southern flanks,” military spokesman Serhiy Cherevatyi told Ukrainian television.
“In particular, over the past day, they have advanced more than one kilometre (0.62 mile).”
A spokesperson for the Ukrainian armed forces general staff said Ukrainian forces had had “partial success” near the village of Klishchiivka, just southwest of Bakhmut.
Ukrainian military analysts have said that securing Klishchiivka would help Ukraine take back the shattered small city of Bakhmut, which was captured by Russian forces in May after 10 months of heavy fighting.
Russia‘s RIA news agency cited a Russian army source as saying earlier this week that Moscow’s forces had repelled a Ukrainian attack on Klishchiivka and were mopping up remaining Ukrainian troops in the area.
Reuters could not independently verify the battlefield situation.
Moscow, which began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine over 16 months ago, sees Bakhmut as a stepping stone to attacking other cities. Russia still holds Bakhmut but both sides say fighting in the area is intense, with Ukrainian forces hoping to encircle the city.
Kyiv says it has taken back a cluster of villages in the south since launching its counteroffensive but that fierce resistance and minefields have slowed its forces’ progress. Russia still holds large parts of east and southeast Ukraine.
Putin ally Lukashenko says there were no heroes after Wagner mutiny
08:23 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
The president of Belarus said there were “no war heroes” following Wagner’s attempted coup in Moscow after Vladimir Putin was hailed a hero by Russian state TV.
On 23 June, Yevgeny Prigozhin led his troops in a mutiny that hurtled toward Moscow at lightning pace, only to be called off at the 11th hour.
Putin made an emergency address to Russia promising retribution to all those taking part in the coup.
Alexander Lukashenko, ally to the president, appeared to shoot down statements of heroism made after the failed uprising.
The Belarusian leader told the BBC: “I think that no one came out of that situation a hero.
“Not Prigozhin, not Putin, not Lukashenko. There were no heroes. And the lesson from this? If we create armed groups like this, we need to keep an eye on them and pay serious attention to them.”
EU takes a major step in approving plans to boost its anemic ammunition production to help Ukraine
07:39 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain
The European Union took a major step early Friday in approving plans to boost its anemic production of ammunition and missiles within the 27-nation bloc, to both defend itself and quickly help Ukraine in trying to push back the invasion by Russia.
The EU presidency announced early Friday that the member states and the EU Parliament reached a deal “to urgently mobilise” half a billion euros from its budget for an Act in Support of Ammunition Production.
The deal follows up the decision by EU leaders in March to boost urgently needed ammunition deliveries to Ukraine, which were then sought to start a counteroffensive against Russian forces.
ASAP was part of the plan to send Ukraine 1 million rounds of artillery ammunition within the next 12 months.
The EU had already approved plan for a fast-track purchasing procedures when it approved funds Friday to ramp up production in EU facilities and factories.
“This is yet another proof of the EU’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine, strengthening the EU’s defense, technological and industrial base, and ultimately ensuring the long-term security and defense of EU citizens,” said Defense Minister Margarita Robles of Spain, which currently holds the EU presidency.
“Facing a war on European soil, we can no longer afford to neglect our defense as we have done over the last three decades. We urgently need to adapt our budgetary priorities,” said EU Parliament member Michael Gahler.
EU takes a major step in approving plans to boost its anemic ammunition production to help Ukraine
07:38 , Maanya Sachdeva
The European Union took a major step early Friday in approving plans to boost its anemic production of ammunition and missiles within the 27-nation bloc, to both defend itself and quickly help Ukraine in trying to push back the invasion by Russia.
The EU presidency announced early Friday that the member states and the EU Parliament reached a deal “to urgently mobilise” half a billion euros from its budget for an Act in Support of Ammunition Production.
The deal follows up the decision by EU leaders in March to boost urgently needed ammunition deliveries to Ukraine, which were then sought to start a counteroffensive against Russian forces.ASAP was part of the plan to send Ukraine 1 million rounds of artillery ammunition within the next 12 months. The EU had already approved plan for a fast-track purchasing procedures when it approved funds Friday to ramp up production in EU facilities and factories.
“This is yet another proof of the EU’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine, strengthening the EU’s defense, technological and industrial base, and ultimately ensuring the long-term security and defense of EU citizens,” said Defense Minister Margarita Robles of Spain, which currently holds the EU presidency.“
Facing a war on European soil, we can no longer afford to neglect our defense as we have done over the last three decades. We urgently need to adapt our budgetary priorities,” said EU Parliament member Michael Gahler.
Why the US is willing to send Ukraine cluster munitions now
07:15 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
The US has decided to send cluster munitions to Ukraine to help its military push back Russian forces entrenched along the front lines.
The Biden administration is expected to announce today that it will send thousands of them as part of a new military aid package worth $800m, according to people familiar with the decision who were not authorized to discuss it publicly before the official announcement and spoke on condition of anonymity.
The move will likely trigger outrage from some allies and humanitarian groups that have long opposed the use of cluster bombs.
Proponents argue that Russia has already been using the controversial weapon in Ukraine and that the munitions the US will provide have a reduced dud rate, meaning there will be far fewer unexploded rounds that can result in unintended civilian deaths.
More here.
Why the US is willing to send Ukraine cluster munitions now
Live: Ukrainian president Zelensky meets Czech PM in Prague
07:14 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Zelensky asks Nato leaders to take concrete steps on membership
06:50 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky called on Nato leaders to take concrete steps towards Ukrainian membership at a summit next week.
Mr Zelensky said that Ukraine needed much more than the general statement that the door to Nato was “open”.
Ukraine is seeking a clear indication from Nato at an 11-12 July summit in Vilnius, Lithuania, that it can join the military alliance when the war ends.“
We are talking about a clear signal, some concrete things in the direction of an invitation. We need this motivation. We need honesty in our relations,” Mr Zelensky said.
“We need some kind of signal, a clear one,” he said in response to journalists’ questions. “That Ukraine will be in the alliance. Not that the door is open – this is not enough.”
Inside Vladimir Putin’s luxury armoured train
06:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
New pictures have revealed the inside of Russian president Vladimir Putin’s luxury armoured train.
The images, released by Dossier Center, a website that tracks the activity of those linked to the Kremlin, depict a personal beauty salon, medical suite and even a gym complete with state-of-the-art equipment including a hyperextension machine and a step platform.
The hammam features a “fancy shower” including an “aroma foam” mode with a price tag of £3.75m, with the train also featuring anti-ageing machines, a lung ventilator, a defibrillator and a patient monitor designed to assess pulse, temperature and other parameters.
Eleanor Noyce has more.
Inside Vladimir Putin’s luxury armoured train complete with beauty salon
Russia expels Finnish diplomats, shuts down consulate
06:17 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Russia yesterday announced the expelling of nine Finnish diplomats and shutting down of Finland’s consulate in St Petersburg in retaliation for Finland expelling nine Russian diplomats last month.
Russia’s foreign ministry said it summoned Finland’s ambassador to Russia, Antti Helantera, and relayed its “strong protest in connection with the confrontational anti-Russian policy pursued by the Finnish authorities”.
The statement also noted that “the parameters of Finland’s accession to Nato create a threat” to Russia’s security, and “encouraging the Kyiv regime to (go to) war and pumping it with Western weapons means clearly hostile actions against our country”.
More here.
Russia expels Finnish diplomats, shuts down consulate in a tit-for-tat move
Zelensky to hold talks with Erdogan today
06:01 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
President Volodymyr Zelensky will hold talks with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan today during his latest leg of a tour to push Ukraine’s bid to join Nato.
The talks in Istanbul come on the eve of the 500th day since Vladimir Putin’s invasion, with Mr Zelensky admitting the Ukrainian counteroffensive was progressing slowly.
“But nevertheless, we are advancing, not retreating, like Russians,” Mr Zelensky told reporters. “We now have the initiative.”
How many casualties has Russia suffered in Ukraine?
05:40 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Establishing accurate data on the number of military casualties sustained since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began on 24 February 2022 is difficult for two reasons.
The severity of the fighting on the ground and the fact that both sides are inclined to keep their cards close to their chests to avoid damaging morale.
The Kremlin is unlikely to admit to high fatality rates among its troops because to do so would amount to a confession that Vladimir Putin’s spurious war to “de-Nazify” Russia’s neighbour state is not going according to plan.
Moscow is more likely to downplay its own (rarely offered) numbers and accuse its enemies of dishonestly briefing against it whenever outside estimates are offered that imply significant Russian losses.
Ukraine, meanwhile, posts a daily report on its Ministry of Defence website listing a cumulative total of the number of enemy personnel “liquidated”, alongside other combat losses, which stood at much higher total of 213,700.
Joe Sommerlad has more.
How many casualties has Russia suffered in Ukraine?
Ukraine submits request to join trans-pacific trade pact
05:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Ukraine has submitted its request to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to the trade pact’s depositary country New Zealand, Japan’s economy minister Shigeyuki Goto said today.
The CPTPP includes Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam, with the UK becoming the 12th member state.
Japan “must carefully assess whether Ukraine fully meets the high level of the agreement” in terms of market access and rules, Mr Goto told a regular press conference.
Sumy border shelled by Russian forces over 100 times in 24 hours
05:22 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Russian forces caused over 100 explosions in a single day as it attacked six border communities in Sumy Oblast yesterday, according to the Sumy Military Administration.
The Russian military shelled the communities of Bilopillia, Myropillia, Krasnopillia, Hlukhiv, Esman, and Seredyna Buda. Sumy Oblast, located on northeastern Ukraine, shares a border with Russia.
Vladimir Putin’s forces fired at the border 15 times, attacking with mines, mortars, grenade launchers, and unguided aerial missiles, Kyiv Independent reported.
Nato ‘monitoring closely’ Prigozhin’s movements
04:45 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Nato secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg yesterday said the military alliance was “monitoring closely” the location of Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin and his fighters.
The exiled Wagner boss is back in Russia weeks after his failed mutiny and his Wagner troops have remained at the camps they stayed in before an attempted mutiny against Moscow.
“We are monitoring closely where the Wagner soldiers are moving around and also where [Prigozhin] is moving,” Mr Stoltenberg told reporters.
“We have seen some preparations for hosting large groups of Wagner soldiers in Belarus. So far we have not seen so many of them going to Belarus. And we have also seen Prigozhin moving around.”
US to provide ‘cluster munitions to Ukraine’
04:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
The Joe Biden administration has reportedly decided to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine and is expected to announce today that the Pentagon will send thousands as part of the latest military aid package.
The decision comes despite widespread concerns that the controversial bombs can cause civilian casualties.
The Pentagon will provide munitions that have a reduced “dud rate,” meaning there will be far fewer unexploded rounds that can result in unintended civilian deaths.US officials said yesterday that the cluster munitions would be part of about $800m in new military assistance to Ukraine.
More here.
US to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine as part of a new military aid package: AP sources
Death toll in Lviv attack rises to 7
04:12 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
The death toll from the Russian missile strike into a residential building in Lviv in western Ukraine rose to seven after two bodies were retrieved from under the rubble.
The roof and top floor of the building were destroyed in what Lviv’s mayor called the biggest attack of the war on civilian infrastructure in Lviv, a city 70km (43 miles) from the border with Nato and EU member state Poland.
“There definitely will be a response to the enemy. It will be a noticeable one,” president Volodymyr Zelensky said in an online post accompanying a video of the damage in Lviv.
Governor Maksym Kozytskyi said 70 per cent of the rubble left by the attack had been cleared by mid-evening. Emergency services said at least 36 had been hurt and that they had pulled seven people alive from the rubble.
Latest pictures from the frontlines
04:00 , Martha Mchardy
Russian aircraft again flies ‘dangerously close’ to US and French jets
03:56 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Russian pilots flew a fighter jet “unprofessionally against both French and US aircraft” while conducting surveillance over Syria, the US military said.
The Russian fighter jets dropped flares in front of the MQ-9 Reaper spy planes and “flew dangerously close,” Lt Gen Alex Grynkewich, commander of the 9th Air Force, said in a statement.
“Once again today Russian fighter aircraft flew incredibly unsafe and unprofessionally against both French and U.S. aircraft over Syria,” the US Air Force tweeted.
“We fully support our French allies right to conduct security missions in the region.”
Once again today Russian fighter aircraft flew incredibly unsafe and unprofessionally against both French and U.S. aircraft over Syria. We fully support our French allies right to conduct security missions in the region. #Chammal @CTJFOIR @EtatMajorFR https://t.co/x2I6jxzA7x
— US AFCENT (@USAFCENT) July 6, 2023
Latest pictures from Lviv as Russian missile strike kills five
03:00 , Martha Mchardy
UK to supply Ukraine with 17 specialist fire engines
02:00 , Martha Mchardy
The UK will supply Ukraine with 17 specialist fire engines as the war-torn country continues to defend itself against the Russian invasion.
The Rapid Intervention and Major Foam Vehicles, sourced from the Royal Air Force, Defence Fire and Rescue and the Welsh Assembly, are due to arrive in the coming weeks, the Ministry of Defence said.
The Ukrainian military fire service has already conducted a week’s training at RAF Wittering to familiarise themselves with the equipment in preparation.
Defence secretary Ben Wallace said the vehicles would boost the country’s ability to protect its infrastructure amid the Kremlin’s campaign of missile and drone attacks.
They were delivered from locations around the UK to the Cambridgeshire military base, where personnel are inspecting and preparing them before their onward journey to Ukraine.
Due to arrive in the coming weeks, the urgently-needed equipment will help bolster Ukraine’s ability to respond to damage caused by Russia’s continued use of cruise missiles and one-way attack drones against Ukrainian infrastructure.
Ben Wallace said: “These specialist firefighting vehicles will boost Ukraine’s ability to protect its infrastructure from Russia’s campaign of missile and drone attacks and continue our support for Ukraine, for as long as it takes.”
Watch: Devastating aftermath of deadly Lviv attack captured in drone footage
01:00 , Martha Mchardy
Latest pictures from the Zaporizhzhia Region
Friday 7 July 2023 00:00 , Martha Mchardy
UK announces new sanctions regime targeted at Iranian threats
Thursday 6 July 2023 23:00 , Martha Mchardy
The Foreign Secretary has announced greater powers for the UK to issue sanctions against Iran after the Government accused Tehran of attempts to kill British and UK-based individuals.
James Cleverly said the new sanctions regime will ensure there “can be no hiding place for those who seek to do us harm”.
According to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Iran has increased its efforts to kill or kidnap individuals perceived to be enemies of the regime outside of Iran, including those based in the UK.
Mr Cleverly in a statement said: “The Iranian regime is oppressing its own people, exporting bloodshed in Ukraine and the Middle East, and threatening to kill and kidnap on UK soil.
“Today the UK has sent a clear message to the regime — we will not tolerate this malign behaviour and we will hold you to account.”
Read more:
UK announces new sanctions regime targeted at Iranian threats
UK names new ambassador to Ukraine as Melinda Simmons’ four-year term ends
Thursday 6 July 2023 22:00 , Martha Mchardy
Dame Melinda Simmons is leaving her post as UK ambassador to Ukraine, the Foreign Office said.
The ambassador, who has helped maintain the close relationship with Volodymyr Zelensky’s administration in war-torn Kyiv, will transfer to another diplomatic post.
She will be replaced in September by Martin Harris, who has previously served as deputy head of mission in both Kyiv and Moscow during his diplomatic career.
Read the full story:
UK names new ambassador to Ukraine as Melinda Simmons’ four-year term ends
NATO summit should focus on ‘clear signal’ on Ukraine’s membership, says Zelensky
Thursday 6 July 2023 21:44 , Martha Mchardy
The forthcoming NATO summit in Vilnius should focus on real content and a “clear signal” on Ukraine’s future membership in the military alliance, president Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday.
“...We are talking about a clear signal, some concrete things in the direction of an invitation,” Zelenskiy told a news conference alongside his Czech counterpart, Petr Pavel. “We need this motivation. We need honesty in our relations.”
Zelensky also praised the Czech Republic for taking political decisions without reference to Moscow or anyone else.
Why did Russia invade Ukraine?
Thursday 6 July 2023 21:00 , Eleanor Noyce
Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine has been raging for one year now as the conflict continues to record devastating casualties and force the mass displacement of millions of blameless Ukrainians.
Vladimir Putin began the war by claiming Russia’s neighbour needed to be “demilitarised and de-Nazified”, a baseless pretext on which to launch a landgrab against an independent state that happens to have a Jewish president in Volodymyr Zelensky.
Ukraine has fought back courageously against Mr Putin’s warped bid to restore territory lost to Moscow with the collapse of the Soviet Union and has continued to defy the odds by defending itself against Russian onslaughts with the help of Western military aid.
Read more:
Here’s why Putin really invaded Ukraine
Preparing for an attack by Russia, Zaporizhzhia’s residents cannot escape the threat of nuclear disaster
Thursday 6 July 2023 20:00 , Eleanor Noyce
Europe’s largest nuclear power plant shimmers ominously across the cracked earth of the dry reservoir in south Ukraine.
Deep fissures in the dry river beds are all that separate Ukrainian-held territory from Russian-controlled reactors. It is a violent reminder of the last crisis to befall this war-blasted corner of Ukraine and is a warning of a potential future one.
The explosion of the Russian-controlled Nova Kakhovka dam last month, an attack Kyiv blames on Moscow (the Kremlin denies the allegation), unleashed the waters of Europe’s biggest reservoir over cities, towns and villages, causing one of the worst ecological disasters on the continent in recent history.
Kyiv believes Moscow is setting up to strike Europe’s largest power plant, which it occupies. Bel Trew in Nikopol – mere miles from the facility – finds everyone planning for the ‘worst case scenario’:
Zaporizhzhia’s residents cannot escape the threat of nuclear disaster
How many casualties has Russia suffered in Ukraine?
Thursday 6 July 2023 19:00 , Eleanor Noyce
Establishing accurate data on the number of military casualties sustained since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began on 24 February 2022 is difficult for two reasons. The severity of the fighting on the ground and the fact that both sides are inclined to keep their cards close to their chests to avoid damaging morale – especially at a time when the war is entering a pivotal new stage.
The Kremlin, in particular, is unlikely to admit to high fatality rates among its troops because to do so would amount to a confession that Vladimir Putin’s spurious war to “de-Nazify” Russia’s neighbour state is not going according to plan and, in fact, represents a monumental miscalculation on the part of its leader, who is already under pressure at home over the attempted uprising by Wagner Group mercenaries.
Joe Sommerlad reports:
How many casualties has Russia suffered in Ukraine?
Ukrainian president Zelensky arriving to Prague -Czech president’s office
Thursday 6 July 2023 18:21 , Martha Mchardy
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky is visiting Prague on Thursday, the Czech president’s office said, and is due to meet president Petr Pavel in a show of thanks for continued support in Kyiv’s battle against Russia’s invasion.
The mega-ski resort hoping to attract 65,000 tourists — in the heart of wartorn Ukraine
Thursday 6 July 2023 18:02 , Eleanor Noyce
Ukraine may be deep in a bloody war with Russia, but that hasn’t stopped the authorities from aspiring to pull in tourists.
Hundreds of miles from the front line of fighting, in tranquil pristine forests in the west of the country, plans are being drawn up for a mega-ski resort, the largest in the country, expected to accommodate 65,000 visitors.
But environmentalists are intent on defending what they say is one of Europe’s most unspoilt and beautiful mountain landscapes, with meadows and lakes.
Jane Dalton reports:
The mega-ski resort hoping to attract 65,000 tourists — in heart of wartorn Ukraine
ICYMI: Boris Johnson says Trump played ‘important role’ in arming Ukraine
Thursday 6 July 2023 17:31 , Eleanor Noyce
Boris Johnson said he told Donald Trump that he had played an “important role” in supporting Ukraine against the Russian invasion, whether he was aware of it or not.
The former PM said he “reminded” the ex-US president he had approved the sale of Javelin anti-tank missiles to Ukraine in 2018 – before claiming British military aid was “enabled” by Mr Trump’s example.
Speaking in an interview with the One Decision podcast, “I just think it’s very important if you have a chance to talk to people like Donald Trump, just to get … over [that] I know in my heart that Ukrainians are going to win. I know they deserve to win.”
Adam Forrest reports:
Boris Johnson says Trump played ‘important role’ in arming Ukraine
U.S expected to announce Ukraine weapons aid package including cluster munitions on Friday
Thursday 6 July 2023 17:10 , Eleanor Noyce
The U.S is expected to announce a weapons aid package for Ukraine - including cluster munitions - on Friday, two U.S officials have told Reuters.
The cluster munitions, banned by more than 120 countries, normally release large numbers of smaller bomblets that can kill indiscriminately over a wide area, threatening civilians.
Both Russian and Ukrainian forces have used cluster munitions that have killed Ukrainian civilians, Human Rights Watch said in a report on Thursday which called on both nations to stop using them and urged the U.S. not to supply them.
US to announce provision of cluster munitions to Ukraine on Friday
Thursday 6 July 2023 17:07 , Martha Mchardy
The United States is expected to announce a new Ukraine weapons package on Friday including the provision of cluster munitions, two U.S. officials told Reuters.
Zelensky visits Bulgaria and draws support for Kyiv’s NATO membership bid
Thursday 6 July 2023 17:00 , Eleanor Noyce
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed military aid Thursday during a trip to the Bulgarian capital in which Bulgaria’s parliament expressed its support for Ukraine’s entry into NATO after its war with Russia is over.
During his brief visit at the invitation of Bulgaria’s new pro-Western government sworn in a month ago, Zelensky also discussed European integration and bilateral energy cooperation. Talking to reporters after the meetings, he defended Ukraine’s right to fight Russian aggression and to seek help to do so.
“Occupiers came to our land, killed, tortured, kidnapped Ukrainian children, separated them from their families and tried to teach them hatred,” Zelensky said. “This is happening at a time when we need to be united and build an international order based on rules”, he added.
Read more:
Zelenskyy visits Bulgaria and draws support for Kyiv’s NATO membership bid
White House: Providing cluster munitions to Ukraine under ‘active consideration’ but no announcement to make yet
Thursday 6 July 2023 16:37 , Eleanor Noyce
The Biden administration is weighing whether to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates told reporters on Thursday.
Mr Bates said the idea is under “active consideration” but there is no announcement to make.
The U.S. military believes that cluster munitions would be useful for Ukraine in pushing back against Russian forces, a senior Pentagon official said in June, but they had not been approved for Kyiv yet because of congressional restrictions and concerns among allies.
Ukraine has urged members of Congress to press President Joe Biden’s administration to approve sending Dual-Purpose Conventional Improved Munitions (DPICM).
The cluster munitions, banned by more than 120 countries, normally release large numbers of smaller bomblets that can kill indiscriminately over a wide area, threatening civilians.
Both Russian and Ukrainian forces have used cluster munitions that have killed Ukrainian civilians, Human Rights Watch said in a report on Thursday which called on both nations to stop using them and urged the U.S. not to supply them.
Russia expels Finnish diplomats, shuts down consulate in a tit-for-tat move
Thursday 6 July 2023 16:31 , Eleanor Noyce
Russia‘s Foreign Ministry on Thursday announced the expelling of nine Finnish diplomats and shutting down of Finland’s consulate in St. Petersburg in retaliation for Finland expelling nine Russian diplomats last month.
The ministry said in a lengthy statement that it summoned Finland’s ambassador to Russia, Antti Helanterä, on Thursday, and relayed its “strong protest in connection with the confrontational anti-Russian policy pursued by the Finnish authorities.”
The statement also noted that “the parameters of Finland’s accession to NATO create a threat” to Russia’s security, and “encouraging the Kyiv regime to (go to) war and pumping it with Western weapons means clearly hostile actions against our country.” The statement concluded that “this line of the Finnish authorities cannot remain unanswered.”
Read more:
Russia expels Finnish diplomats, shuts down consulate in a tit-for-tat move
What will NATO leaders decide at the Vilnius summit?
Thursday 6 July 2023 16:12 , Eleanor Noyce
NATO leaders will meet in Vilnius between 11 and 12 July to tackle a wide range of topics, from divisions over Ukraine‘s membership bid and Sweden’s accession to boosting ammunitions stockpiles and reviewing the first defence plans in decades.
It will be the fourth NATO summit since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with the first held virtually on 25 February 2022, just one day after the attack, followed by meetings in Brussels and in Madrid.
The summit looks set to be dominated by how NATO will define its future relationship with Ukraine, amid repeated calls by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for Kyiv to receive an invitation into the alliance at Vilnius.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has made clear that Kyiv will not become a member while the war goes on, and that the Vilnius summit will not issue a formal invitation, either.
Still, allies are divided over how swiftly Ukraine should be allowed to join after fighting ends.
While eastern European countries say a road map should be offered to Kyiv at the summit, the United States and Germany are wary of any move that might take the alliance closer to war with Russia.
In the run-up to Vilnius, more countries have backed a British proposal to allow Kyiv to skip the so-called Membership Action Plan (MAP) programme that sets out political, economic and military targets candidates have to meet and that other eastern European nations had to pass before joining NATO.
With such a move, the alliance could address demands to go beyond the declaration of the Bucharest summit in 2008, which said Ukraine would become a member eventually, without offering Kyiv an actual invitation or timetable.
NATO is also likely to find a stronger wording than 2008 to underscore Kyiv’s perspective for joining the alliance.
Leaders could agree upon something like “Ukraine‘s rightful place is in NATO”, echoing remarks by Stoltenberg on a visit to Kyiv in April, or stress that “trans-Atlantic security would be incomplete without Ukraine“.
Russian missile strike kills five in Lviv in western Ukraine - officials
Thursday 6 July 2023 15:47 , Eleanor Noyce
A Russian missile slammed into a residential building in Lviv in western Ukraine on Thursday, killing five people in a city that is far from frontlines and home to thousands displaced by war.
The roof and top floor of the building were destroyed in what Lviv’s mayor called the biggest attack of the war on civilian infrastructure in Lviv, a city 70 km (43 miles) from the border with NATO and European Union member state Poland.
“There definitely will be a response to the enemy. It will be a noticeable one,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an online post accompanying a video of the damage in Lviv.
Regional authorities put the death toll at five, including a 32-year-old woman and her 60-year-old mother.
Emergency services said at least 36 others had been hurt and that they had pulled seven people alive from the rubble. Reuters television footage showed residents calming crying neighbours while others helped rescuers sweep up shattered glass.
“They, Russians, Rashists, say that they are bombing military objects but they hit a peaceful house. People were sleeping. How could they do it?,” said Lviv resident Vira Luben, a woman in her seventies, using a derogatory term for Russians.
Holding back tears, she added: “World - save and help us, because without you we will not manage to deal with them.”
Ukraine‘s air force said Russia had attacked Lviv with Kalibr missiles launched from the Black Sea. It said seven out of 10 missiles were shot down.
UK minister calls for Russia to grant IAEA access to Ukrainian nuclear plant
Thursday 6 July 2023 15:30 , Eleanor Noyce
A Foreign Office minister has called for Russia to grant experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) access to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon called for “full and unfettered access” be given to the IAEA for the safety and security of all, including Russia, whose forces seized control of the plant last year.
However, he emphasised that the power station, unlike the Chernobyl nuclear plant in 1986, has been scaled down in its operation, which limits the threat.
He said: “We take President Zelensky’s concern about possible Russian threats to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which is currently under illegal Russian control, extremely seriously.
“We are in regular contact with the director general of the IAEA, director general (Rafael) Grossi of the International Atomic Energy Agency, regarding the situation at the nuclear power plant, as well as the highest levels of the government of Ukraine.
“Working with our international partners, we continue to call for Russia to grant the IAEA full access to the nuclear plant, as called for by director general Grossi on 5 July, and it is vital that IAEA staff have full access to the nuclear plant in order to monitor the safety and security of the site.
“The site itself, much of it in terms of its direct energy provisions, has been scaled down and there is only one, I think, current operating generator on the site, and even that has been scaled down sufficiently, specifically for that purpose.
“Of course, the risk remains very high but we have been assured by the IAEA that there is no immediate threat in this respect.”
Zelensky to visit Turkey on Friday for grain deal talks with Erdogan - Anadolu
Thursday 6 July 2023 15:10 , Eleanor Noyce
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will visit Turkey on Friday for talks with President Tayyip Erdogan on the Black Sea grain deal and developments in the war in Ukraine, the state-run Anadolu Agency said on Thursday.
Turkey and the United Nations brokered last year’s deal, which allows for the export of grain and other agricultural products from Ukraine‘s Black Sea ports despite the ongoing war.
But Russia, angry about aspects of its implementation, has threatened not to allow it further renewal beyond 17 July.
Zelensky and Erdogan will hold face-to-face talks and also attend interdelegational meetings, Anadolu said.
Erdogan, re-elected last month for another five-year term, has sought to maintain strong ties with both Kyiv and Moscow since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022.
Turkey, a NATO member, has not joined its Western allies in imposing economic sanctions on Russia, but has also supplied arms to Ukraine and called for its sovereignty to be respected.
Russia and Ukraine announce prisoner exchange
Thursday 6 July 2023 14:55 , Eleanor Noyce
Russia and Ukraine announced a prisoner of war exchange on Thursday involving the return of 45 soldiers from each side.
Russia’s defence ministry said that 45 Russian servicemen had been returned from Ukrainian custody, the Russian news agency RIA reported.
Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukraine‘s presidential staff, said 45 service personnel and two civilians had been returned to Ukraine.
In a post on the Telegram messaging app, Yermak said some of those freed had fought in Mariupol and the southern city’s Azovstal steel plant, and others had fought on the frontline elsewhere.
“Each of them is a hero,” Yermak said.
Ukraine‘s human rights ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets, said most of those freed were “seriously injured” and all would undergo rehabilitation.
In a separate post, Yermak said that two children aged six and 10 had been allowed to return to Ukraine following the release of their mother, a military medic, last October.
Russia and Ukraine have periodically exchanged groups of prisoners in the course of the war, now in its 17th month.
Lubinets said that 2,576 Ukrainians have been freed in prisoner swaps since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of its neighbour in February 2022.
Ukraine and Bulgaria sign memorandum on energy cooperation following Zelensky’s Sofia visit
Thursday 6 July 2023 14:50 , Eleanor Noyce
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday his country and Bulgaria had agreed on more active cooperation in the defence sector, and that he had invited Sofia to take part in Ukraine‘s reconstruction.
“We discussed the military aid which Bulgaria gives to our country. We count on the continuation of the cooperation which has already saved many lives,” he told a joint press conference with Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov in Sofia.
He thanked his hosts for their support as Ukraine battles Russian forces who launched their full-scale invasion more than 16 months ago.
Bulgaria is a member of the NATO military alliance and the European Union, two Western groupings that Ukraine hopes to join. Zelenskiy said before talks that a NATO summit in Lithuania next week was on the agenda of his visit to Sofia.
Shortly before the two leaders gave speeches, a memorandum on energy cooperation was signed between the two countries.
“Together we are ready to give our countries greater guarantees in energy stability, as well as attractive prices for ordinary people,” Zelensky said.
He said he had invited Bulgaria to participate in the reconstruction effort in Ukraine, particularly in the rebuilding of the education sector. Zelensky said Bulgaria was also ready to help in the areas of ecology and digitalisation.
Russia's agricultural bank not considering creating subsidiary to connect to SWIFT - Ifax
Thursday 6 July 2023 14:49 , Eleanor Noyce
Russian agricultural bank Rosselkhozbank on Thursday said it was not considering setting up a subsidiary that could connect to the SWIFT global payments system, Interfax reported.
Such a move had been reported as a step that could possibly avert the collapse of the Black Sea grain deal due to expire on 17 July.
Britain plans to target Iranian decision makers with new sanctions regime
Thursday 6 July 2023 14:41 , Eleanor Noyce
Britain said on Thursday it would create a new sanctions regime for Iran, giving it greater powers to target decision makers, including those involved in weapons proliferation and threats against British nationals.
The current sanctions regime against Iran focuses on human rights, but the proposals would widen the scope of criteria that the government could cite in bringing new designations in future.
“The Iranian regime is oppressing its own people, exporting bloodshed in Ukraine and the Middle East, and threatening to kill and kidnap on UK soil,” British foreign minister James Cleverly said in a statement.
“Today the UK has sent a clear message to the regime - we will not tolerate this malign behaviour and we will hold you to account. Our new sanctions regime will help to ensure there can be no hiding place for those who seek to do us harm.”
Britain said that under the new regime, which will be legislated for later in the year, individuals and entities could also be sanctioned if they contributed to the undermining of peace and stability in the Middle East and internationally.
It also said it had given evidence at the UN Security Council that Iran was continuing to send weapons to the Houthis in Yemen, and to Russia, to support its fighting in Ukraine.
UK’s next ambassador to Ukraine ‘delighted’ to lead in ‘supporting the Ukrainian government'
Thursday 6 July 2023 14:20 , Eleanor Noyce
“I am delighted to be returning to Ukraine to lead our Embassy’s vital work in supporting the Ukrainian government and people as they defend their country and our common values,” Martin Harris, the UK’s next ambassador to Ukraine, said in a statement on his appointment.
Mr Harris, who was previously Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General in Kyiv between 2003 and 2008, had most recently been the Foreign Office’s director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Mr Harris also previously spent time in Moscow, serving as Britain’s Deputy Head of Mission there from 2014 to 2017.
Britain’s outgoing ambassador to Kyiv, Melinda Simmons, who was appointed to the role in 2019, will take up another diplomatic service appointment, the government said in a statement.
Ms Simmons said on Twitter she would be leaving Ukraine at the end of August. Mr Harris is due to take up his post in September.
Ukraine and Bulgaria agree on more defence cooperation - Zelensky
Thursday 6 July 2023 14:00 , Eleanor Noyce
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday his country and Bulgaria had agreed on more active cooperation in the defence sector, and that he had invited Sofia to take part in Ukraine‘s reconstruction.
“We discussed the military aid which Bulgaria gives to our country. We count on the continuation of the co-operation which has already saved many lives,” he told a press conference in Sofia, where he met Bulgarian leaders.
Russia says Ukrainian shelling kills one man in Belgorod region
Thursday 6 July 2023 13:50 , Eleanor Noyce
Ukrainian shelling killed one man on Thursday in the village of Novopetrovka in Russia’s Belgorod region, close to the border with Ukraine, regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on his Telegram channel.
Blasts and attacks on Russian regions bordering Ukraine have been occurring almost daily in recent months, with Russian officials blaming either Ukrainian forces or pro-Ukrainian saboteurs.
Ukraine hardly ever publicly claims responsibility for attacks inside Russia. Both sides deny targeting civilians in the war that Russia launched on its neighbour in February 2022.
Preparing for an attack from Russia, Zaporizhzhia’s residents cannot escape the threat of nuclear disaster
Thursday 6 July 2023 13:40 , Eleanor Noyce
Europe’s largest nuclear power plant shimmers ominously across the cracked earth of the dry reservoir in south Ukraine.
Deep fissures in the dry river beds are all that separate Ukrainian-held territory from Russian-controlled reactors. It is a violent reminder of the last crisis to befall this war-blasted corner of Ukraine and is a warning of a potential future one.
Kyiv believes Moscow is setting up to strike Europe’s largest power plant, which it occupies. Bel Trew in Nikopol – mere miles from the facility – finds everyone planning for the ‘worst case scenario’:
Zaporizhzhia’s residents cannot escape the threat of nuclear disaster
Russia says Ukraine has directed more than 70 drone attacks at Crimea this year - RIA
Thursday 6 July 2023 13:22 , Eleanor Noyce
The secretary of Russia’s Security Council, Nikolai Patrushev, said on Thursday that Ukraine had directed more than 70 drone attacks at Crimea this year, and also attacked southern Russia’s Krasnodar and Rostov regions, the RIA news agency reported.
“The targets, as a rule, are energy and industrial infrastructure facilities, the destruction or damage of which threatens peaceful life and human health,” Patrushev was quoted as telling a meeting on the security of southern Russia in Krasnodar.
Russia seized and unilaterally annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, in a move not recognised internationally. Kyiv demands that Moscow hand it back.
UK appoints Martin Harris as new ambassador to Ukraine
Thursday 6 July 2023 13:14 , Eleanor Noyce
The UK government on Thursday named Martin Harris as the new ambassador to Ukraine.
Harris, who was previously Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General in Kyiv between 2003 and 2008, had most recently been the Foreign Office’s director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Outgoing ambassador to Kyiv, Melinda Simmons, who was appointed to the role in 2019, will take another diplomatic service appointment, the government said in a statement.
After the flood: The nightmare is just beginning for those left to rebuild after the Ukraine dam explosion
Thursday 6 July 2023 13:12 , Eleanor Noyce
In a mud-soaked nightdress, the Ukrainian grandmother claws at the fetid water that has swallowed the steps down to her home in Kherson city.
Frail and in shock, Antonia Shevchenko, 84 appears unaware of the futility of her attempts to try to drain the swamp drowning her house.
Her daughter Svetlana, 64, marooned by the sweltering mud, tries to coax her to stop and calm down. Shelling roars in the background.
It is the first time the pair have been back since they evacuated after the Nova Kakhokva dam blew up last month, unleashing the contents of one of Europe’s largest reservoirs over southern Ukraine.
Bel Trew travels the Dnipro River speaking to some of those who have been left with nothing after the floodwaters wrecked their homes, and hears from officials warning of the extreme long-term consequences that could be felt by the rest of the world:
The unfolding nightmare for those left to rebuild after the Ukraine dam explosion
Russia's Patrushev says threats to Russia from NATO are growing - TASS
Thursday 6 July 2023 12:50 , Eleanor Noyce
The secretary of Russia’s Security Council, Nikolai Patrushev, said on Thursday that threats to Russia from the U.S.-led NATO military alliance were growing, according to the TASS news agency.
TASS quoted Patrushev as referring to a build-up of NATO military infrastructure near Russia’s borders, the intensification of reconnaissance activities and the presence of tactical nuclear weapons in Europe.
U.S. expected to provide cluster munitions to Ukraine - NYT
Thursday 6 July 2023 12:32 , Eleanor Noyce
The United States is expected to announce it will give cluster munitions to Ukraine for its fight against Russia’s invasion, the New York Times reported on Thursday, citing an unidentified senior Biden administration official.
ICYMI: Devastating aftermath of deadly Lviv attack captured in drone footage
Thursday 6 July 2023 12:28 , Eleanor Noyce
Devastating drone footage shows the aftermath of a Russian missile attack on Lviv which has killed at least four people.
Around nine others were injured in an overnight attack, Ukraine’s Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said on Thursday (6 July).
Approximately 60 apartments and 50 cars in the area of the strike were damaged, Lviv mayor Andriy Sadovyi said.
Drone video posted by Volodymyr Zelenskyy shows damaged buildings viewed from above, with third and fourth floors of a building ruined.
Emergency services have been searching for people trapped in the debris in the city which has seen hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian war refugees flee from other areas to the east.
Watch:
Devastating aftermath of deadly Lviv attack captured in drone footage
Russia summons Finnish ambassador over ‘anti-Russian stance’
Thursday 6 July 2023 12:10 , Eleanor Noyce
Russia’s foreign ministry on Thursday summoned the Finnish ambassador to object to what spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said was Helsinki’s anti-Russian political stance.
Russia’s war in Ukraine, which it calls a “special military operation”, has prompted Finland to seek to join the U.S.-led transatlantic NATO defence alliance.
Ukraine plans to move to professional army after war ends - PM
Thursday 6 July 2023 12:04 , Eleanor Noyce
Ukraine plans to abandon conscription and move to a professional army after the war with Russia to bring Kyiv closer to NATO standards, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Thursday.
After a meeting with top defence and security officials at which reforms known as “the Ukrainian shield” were discussed, Shmyhal said the government would also continue to focus on supporting a further increase in domestic weapons production.
“The primary task is to complete the transition of the Security and Defence Forces of Ukraine to NATO standards. In all aspects: from equipment and weapons to planning and analysis,” Shmyhal said on the Telegram messaging app.
“After the end of the war, Ukraine will abandon the draft as it existed before the war. The foundation of our defence will be a professional army.”
Ukraine wants to join NATO and hopes to receive a clear signal on its membership prospects when the military alliance holds a summit in Lithuania next week.
Shmyhal said Ukraine would also create combat-capable reserve pools to complement the army, with all people who qualify to join the reserves undergoing regular training.
Shmyhal said the development of domestic weapon production capabilities was another important element of the future Ukrainian defence forces.
“Ukraine is already actively increasing the production of weapons and equipment. Moreover, we are launching new programs and projects,” he said, adding that the government would support more private businesses in the sector and was working to forge international partnerships.
Ukraine depends heavily on Western military supplies. The government aims to transform its weapon-producing industry and appointed a new head of state-owned weapons producer Ukroboronprom last month.
Wigs, gold bars and ‘severed heads’: Inside Wagner boss’s lavish Russian mansion
Thursday 6 July 2023 12:00 , Eleanor Noyce
A raid by Russian security services has revealed the colourful inside of mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin’s St Petersburg lavish mansion.
A wardrobe stuffed full of wigs, gold bars and a stuffed alligator were among the many bizarre finds in photos and footage published by pro-Kremlin media outlet Izvestia.
Officials are also said to have found assault weapons, ammunition and even a photograph allegedly showing the severed heads of the Wagner leader’s enemies.
Read more:
Wigs, gold bars and ‘severed heads’: Inside Wagner mercenary boss’s lavish mansion
The mega-ski resort hoping to attract 65,000 tourists — in the heart of wartorn Ukraine
Thursday 6 July 2023 11:47 , Eleanor Noyce
Ukraine may be deep in a bloody war with Russia, but that hasn’t stopped the authorities from aspiring to pull in tourists.
Hundreds of miles from the front line of fighting, in tranquil pristine forests in the west of the country, plans are being drawn up for a mega-ski resort, the largest in the country, expected to accommodate 65,000 visitors.
But environmentalists are intent on defending what they say is one of Europe’s most unspoilt and beautiful mountain landscapes, with meadows and lakes.
Jane Dalton reports:
The mega-ski resort hoping to attract 65,000 tourists — in heart of wartorn Ukraine
Boris Johnson says Trump played ‘important role’ in arming Ukraine
Thursday 6 July 2023 11:29 , Eleanor Noyce
Boris Johnson said he told Donald Trump that he had played an “important role” in supporting Ukraine against the Russian invasion, whether he was aware of it or not.
The former PM said he “reminded” the ex-US president he had approved the sale of Javelin anti-tank missiles to Ukraine in 2018 – before claiming British military aid was “enabled” by Mr Trump’s example.
Speaking in an interview with the One Decision podcast, “I just think it’s very important if you have a chance to talk to people like Donald Trump, just to get … over [that] I know in my heart that Ukrainians are going to win. I know they deserve to win.”
Adam Forrest reports:
Boris Johnson says Trump played ‘important role’ in arming Ukraine
Russia says it will respond harshly to any Ukrainian attack on Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant
Thursday 6 July 2023 11:18 , Eleanor Noyce
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters on Thursday that Moscow would respond with utmost harshness to any Ukrainian attack on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
Both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of planning to attack Europe’s largest nuclear plant, which is located on Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine‘s Zaporizhzhia region, near the front line of Russia’s conflict with Ukraine.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen visits China as part of efforts to sooth strained relations
Thursday 6 July 2023 11:15 , Eleanor Noyce
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen arrived in Beijing on Thursday for meetings with Chinese leaders as part of efforts to revive relations that are strained by disputes about security, technology and other irritants.
Yellen planned to focus on stabilizing the global economy and challenging Chinese support of Russia during its invasion of Ukraine, Treasury officials in Washington told reporters ahead of the trip.
The secretary was due to meet with Chinese officials, American businesspeople and members of the public, according to Treasury officials. They gave no details, but said Yellen wouldn’t meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Read more:
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen visits China as part of efforts to sooth strained relations
Kremlin: Ukraine trying to drag countries into conflict with Zelenskiy's Bulgaria visit
Thursday 6 July 2023 11:09 , Eleanor Noyce
The Kremlin on Thursday said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Bulgaria showed that Kyiv was doing all it could to drag as many countries as possible into the conflict.
Zelensky said he was in the Bulgarian capital Sofia for talks with the country’s president and prime minister on issues including security and next week’s NATO summit.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said discussions like those Zelensky was having in Bulgaria would not affect the outcome of what Russia calls its “special military operation” in Ukraine in a big way, as he said the current situation on the front line was showing.
Lukashenko says he is ready to mediate Ukraine peace talks - TASS
Thursday 6 July 2023 10:55 , Eleanor Noyce
Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday said he was ready to mediate Ukraine peace talks if Moscow and Kyiv deem it necessary, the TASS news agency reported.
Lukashenko, who last month brokered a deal to end an armed mutiny in Russia, was speaking in Minsk.
He added that Ukraine had hit a dead end but there was still a chance of a way out.
