Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukrainian forces are successfully maintaining their defenses against a significant Russian offensive this summer. During a press briefing on Thursday, Zelensky stated, “They are not advancing. It’s very tough for our guys out there. And it’s tough everywhere.” His comments, which were embargoed until Friday, highlighted the challenging conditions faced by both Ukrainian and Russian troops as the conflict enters its fourth year since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Despite Russia’s claims of capturing some villages in recent weeks, Zelensky emphasized that no major urban areas have fallen to Russian forces. He noted that Russian sabotage and reconnaissance units have attempted minor incursions near Pokrovsk in the eastern Donetsk region but were repelled each time. “It happened five to seven times recently, sometimes with only two or six people. Once they tried to hold a position with 12 people — and all of them were eliminated by our defenders,” he explained.
### Humanitarian Situation Worsens
As the conflict continues, Russian bombardments have intensified, particularly in urban centers. On Friday, the city of Kharkiv was struck for the second consecutive day, injuring seven individuals, following an attack the previous day that left 42 wounded. The humanitarian situation in Ukraine is deteriorating, according to Joyce Msuya, the United Nations’ deputy humanitarian chief. She stated before the Security Council, “There is no safe place left in Ukraine.”
In response to the ongoing threats, Ukraine is actively seeking to bolster its air defenses. Zelensky mentioned efforts to secure ten U.S.-made Patriot missile systems, with three already confirmed from Germany and Norway. Each system costs over $1 billion, and Ukraine is also exploring the possibility of manufacturing the systems domestically.
### Diplomatic Efforts and Domestic Concerns
While Zelensky expressed a desire for an end to the war through potential high-level talks, he noted that progress in negotiations with Russia remains uncertain. “We need an end to the war, which probably begins with a meeting of leaders. It won’t work any other way with (the Russians),” he commented. However, the Kremlin has indicated that a top-level meeting is unlikely before a comprehensive peace agreement is reached.
In domestic matters, Zelensky addressed public protests against recent changes to Ukraine’s anti-corruption laws. He deemed the protests “legitimate” as they reflected society’s concerns about the independence of anti-graft agencies. “It’s very important that society speaks. I respect the opinion of society,” he stated. The changes had received criticism from European Union officials and international rights organizations, prompting Zelensky to propose new legislation aimed at restoring the independence of these agencies.
As protests continued into their third day, Zelensky expressed optimism about the new bill scheduled for a vote on July 31, 2023. He remarked, “The most important thing right now is that the bill exists. I believe it will receive enough votes. I want that to happen.”
The situation in Ukraine reflects both the ongoing military challenges and the political complexities that impact the nation’s future. As the international community watches closely, the resolve of Ukrainian forces and the government’s efforts to address internal concerns remain critical to the country’s stability.
