Ukrainian drone strikes on an oil depot in Russia’s Volgograd region. Satellite imagery has unveiled the remarkable precision of Ukrainian drone strikes on an oil depot in the Volgograd region. As reported by Radio Svoboda, emergency crews successfully extinguished a fire that erupted at the oil depot in Kalach-na-Donu on the morning of July 5, over 24 hours after the initial drone strikes. The images vividly depict how the UAVs precisely targeted two clusters of fuel tanks in close proximity, damaging a total of seven tanks. This incident underscores the formidable effectiveness of Ukrainian drone capabilities in pinpointing and disrupting vital infrastructure.
Russian attack on Odesa’s port infrastructure. During the night of July 10, Russian forces launched an attack on the port infrastructure in the Odesa region. Oleg Kiper, head of the Odesa Regional Administration, confirmed two fatalities—a security guard and a truck driver—and reported that a watchman sailor was injured and is currently hospitalised. Kiper also noted extensive damage to warehouse facilities, cargo trucks, and a civilian vessel, which suffered a liquid leak as a result of the attack. Earlier, Mykola Oleshchuk, Air Force Commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, announced that the Russians used Kh-59/Kh-69 aviation missiles in the assault on the port infrastructure in Odesa. Ukrainian military personnel successfully neutralised three out of the four airborne targets launched by the attackers.
Russian losses in the two-month offensive in the Kharkiv region exceeded 90%. According to Armia Inform, a news agency of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence, Colonel Viktor Solimchuk, Chief of Staff and Deputy Commander of the Operational-Tactical Command “Kharkiv,” revealed that Russian losses in the two-month offensive in the Kharkiv region exceeded 90%. As of early June, Russian casualties included 2939 killed and 6509 wounded, with an additional 45 occupiers surrendering as prisoners of war. During this period, Russian forces faced significant setbacks, including the near-complete decimation of their 138th Motorised Rifle Brigade in Vovchansk and substantial attrition within the 83rd and 157th Tank Regiments. The 83rd Airborne Assault Brigade continues to sustain daily losses, sometimes in significant numbers, as confirmed by both captured personnel and intercepted radio communications. Responding to these severe losses, the Operational-Tactical Command “Kharkiv” noted that the Russian command has been forced to withdraw units from other fronts, deploy reserves, and enlist volunteer Orthodox extremist-right brigades, such as the Alexander Nevsky brigade.
Modi’s visit to Moscow. During Narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow, the Indian Prime Minister and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to enhance trade between their countries, defying Western efforts to isolate Russia economically due to its invasion of Ukraine. According to the Financial Times, the leaders pledged to increase annual bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030, up from $65 billion currently. India plans to import more Russian oil and fertilizers while seeking to export more agricultural and industrial products. Modi referred to Russia as India’s “all-weather friend” and received the Order of St. Andrew, Russia’s highest civilian honour, from Putin. This visit highlights India’s complex geopolitical balancing act, maintaining its longstanding ties with Russia while navigating pressures from the West.
Politico: Allies expected to declare Ukraine’s path to NATO membership ‘irreversible.’ NATO members are poised to declare that Ukraine’s path to membership in the alliance is “irreversible” at the upcoming Washington summit. As reported by Politico, this term will appear in the final version of the joint declaration, affirming the alliance’s commitment to Ukraine’s future membership, contingent on Kyiv undergoing democratic reforms. The inclusion of this language is a significant development for Ukraine, which has sought clearer assurances from NATO amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. The decision represents a notable setback for Russia, which initiated the war to prevent Ukraine from moving closer to the West. The summit will also announce additional air defence support for Ukraine, further consolidating NATO’s support for the country.
More F-16 for Ukraine from Norway. Norway has announced its decision to donate six F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine this year, which is crucial in bolstering Ukraine’s defence against Russian airborne threats. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre emphasized the significance of this support, highlighting that the donations will commence within 2024, alongside contributions from other nations. Last year, Norway committed to this initiative as part of a multinational effort led by Denmark, the Netherlands, and the USA, reaffirmed during Ukraine’s Independence Day in Kyiv. Norway has been actively involved in training Ukrainian fighter jet pilots in Denmark since autumn 2023, underscoring its ongoing commitment. Additionally, Norway continues to provide expertise through the fighter aircraft coalition. It supports the establishment of a Western fighter aircraft arm for Ukraine, led by Denmark’s efforts at Skrydstrup Air Base, as highlighted by Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
