The Russian offensive continues in Ukraine, particularly in the east of the country. If Russia put its troops to rest after the difficult captures from Sievierodonetsk and Lyssytchansk in the Donbass (East), the bombardments are incessant. On the diplomatic front, Washington promised new aid to kyiv on Saturday July 9. Franceinfo summarizes the highlights of this 136th day of war.
Continuous bombardment in the east of the country
“The whole front line is under constant bombardment”Donetsk Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said on Telegram on Friday evening. “They keep shelling in the direction of Donetsk (…) Bakhmout is shelled, Sloviansk is shelled day and night, Kramatorsk…”
The Ukrainian general staff for its part reported, on Saturday, Russian bombardments in the East and on Kharkiv, but no ground offensive. Troops from Moscow do not seem to be carrying out any assaults at the moment except for an attempt on Dolomitné, near Bakhmout. Four people were injured in Kharkiv (east), the country’s second largest city, according to regional governor Oleg Synegoubov.
“The Russian troops who have taken Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk clearly need to regenerate their combat power and strengthen their support capabilities, especially in terms of supplies, before launching another large-scale offensive operation”, analyzes the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Russian forces, “operational pause” since Thursday, “continue, however, to carry out more limited offensive operations”, involving fewer troops than in past weeks, and with “more localized” objectivesaccording to the ISW.
New aid from the United States of 400 million dollars
Washington announced the disbursement of new aid to kyiv. According to a senior Pentagon official, this support includes four Himars multiple rocket launcher systems and 155 mm shells, for a total value of 400 million dollars (393 million euros). This will improve Ukrainian capabilities to target arms depots and the Russian military’s supply chain, according to Washington. The United States has already provided $6.9 billion in military assistance to kyiv since the Russian invasion began on February 24.
Ukrainian soldiers in training in the UK
A first group of Ukrainian soldiers has arrived in the UK, the British government announced on Saturday. This move takes place within the framework of a “ambitious new training program” mobilizing 1,050 British soldiers. Thanks to “expertise” of the British army, “We will help Ukraine to rebuild its forces and intensify its resistance to defend the sovereignty of its country and its right to choose its own future”said British Defense Minister Ben Wallace.
Senate President Gérard Larcher visits kyiv
The third character of France, the president of the Senate Gérard Larcher, was visiting kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, on Saturday. He pleaded for the country to get “without delay the concrete fruits” of its status as a candidate for the European Union. He also assured that France would support Ukraine in a sustainable way. “We are, and we will continue to be at your side and to help you as long as it is necessary, in the long term, at all levels, including military”also assured Gérard Larcher.
“I am grateful for France’s support for Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as for the important help of our army and our people in this difficult period”Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on Telegram after meeting Gérard Larcher.