Russians intensify their attacks on the eastern front line. Andriy Yusov, spokesman for Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR), reported during a national television marathon that Ukraine’s Defence Forces inflicted significant losses on the Russian military in the Kharkiv region, halting their advance and thwarting plans to capture the village of Borova. “Ukrainian defenders foiled the Russians’ advances in Borova, resulting in substantial losses of manpower and equipment,” Yusov stated, noting Russian efforts to mobilise reserves while the threat persists but dismissing talk of forming new powerful groups to replicate their efforts. He noted that Russia’s plans have been disrupted, necessitating the transfer of reserves from other sensitive areas. This indicates significant setbacks and an unfolding situation contrary to their plans. However, Ukraine’s northern border remains tense and precarious, with ongoing attempts by the enemy to stretch Ukrainian reserves and divert attention from the Eastern front.
Additionally, Nazar Voloshyn, spokesperson for the Khortytsia operational-strategic group, conveyed to Ukrainian media outlet Suspilne that Russian forces have been attacking Toretsk to advance towards Chasiv Yar. Meanwhile, Russian forces are pushing towards the villages of New York and Shumy. “In the past week, enemy assaults have been constant. There are mechanised frontal assaults on Chasiv Yar, as well as attempts by small groups of up to five people to break into the Novyi and Kanal neighbourhoods. For several days now, the enemy has also been advancing from another direction, from Toretsk, towards Chasiv Yar. The invaders are pushing from Horlivka towards Shumy and the New York settlement,” Voloshyn said.
Also, on the evening of June 20, the 24th King Danylo Separate Mechanised Brigade announced on Facebook its redeployment to Chasiv Yar to strengthen defences. The brigade described the situation as ‘critical,’ citing ongoing large-scale frontal assaults by the enemy and attempts to encircle the area from both the north and south.
Putin threatens to arm North Korea; Seoul says it is considering supplying 155mm artillery shells to Ukraine. Vladimir Putin’s threat to arm North Korea came in response to ongoing Western military support for Ukraine. This warning followed the recent signing of a new defence pact between Russia and North Korea, which has escalated diplomatic tensions across the region. Signed during Putin’s visit to Pyongyang, the pact marks a significant agreement between the two nations, reminiscent of their Cold War-era mutual defence commitment. The deal sparked strong reactions from South Korea, Japan, and the United States, with South Korea summoning the Russian ambassador to express condemnation and call for an end to military cooperation with North Korea. A US military official underscored concerns about the implications of closer Russia-North Korea ties, citing worries over regional stability and ongoing support for Ukraine, as reported by CNN.
Meanwhile, Yonhap News Agency, citing government sources, reported that potential arms under consideration include 155mm artillery shells and air defence systems, which Ukraine needs. “There are various options for providing weapons, and our stance on recent developments between Russia and North Korea depends on how Russia approaches the situation in the future,” a South Korean official told Yonhap. Previously, South Korea had supplied Ukraine with only non-lethal items and equipment for the war against Russia in accordance with its policy prohibiting the provision of lethal weapons to countries at war. Recently, National Security Advisor Chang Ho Jin stated that South Korea would review its position on supplying weapons to Ukraine after North Korea and Russia signed an agreement obligating mutual immediate military assistance if one of them is attacked.
Trump claims Biden’s support for Ukraine joining NATO triggered the Russian invasion. Former US President Donald Trump has blamed the current administration’s stance on Ukraine for provoking the Russian invasion. In a podcast interview, Trump falsely suggested that President Biden’s statements about Ukraine joining NATO “were a significant factor leading to the war.” Trump asserted that such remarks were misguided and escalated tensions, claiming that Russia “would not have invaded Ukraine if he had remained in office.” He reiterated his position that he would halt military aid to Ukraine if re-elected, criticising Biden’s handling of the situation as reckless. Trump’s comments reflect ongoing debates in the US about the country’s foreign policy and its implications for international security, as he expressed in the All-In Podcast.
