Photo : Bloomberg
Photo : Bloomberg
By Neha Tresa George
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 29 July, Anadolu Agency reported on Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine visited a forward command post in the Kharkiv region and the city of Derhachi in the northwest of Kyiv. The focus of the meeting was to prepare the Kharkiv city and oblast for the winter and autumn period. He appreciated: “I am grateful for their bravery and heroic operations behind enemy lines, as well as during the defence and de-occupation of our cities and villages.” He also spoke with the local authorities concerning the security and energy of the region.
On 29 July, Ukrinform reported on Russia’s concentrated attacks targeting five settlements in Kharkiv- Lyptsi, Hlyboke, Morokhovets, Krasne and Vovchansk. According to Vitaliy Sarantsev, the Kharkiv Operational Tactical Grouping of Troops spokesperson, there is a difficult situation in Vovchansk and the asymmetrical measures sought by the Ukrainian troops to counter the Russian forces. He confirmed Russia’s use of “high-precision technology involving artificial intelligence, long-range reconnaissance, and electronic warfare equipment to destroy their unmanned aerial vehicles.”
On 29 July, Ukrinform reported on the attack of Russian troops on the Chuhuiv district in the Kharkiv region resulting in fire. According to the statements of the Main Directorate of the State Emergency Service (SES) in Kharkiv, Russian troops attacked the private sector of Lozova village in the Vovchansk community of the Chuhuiv district. The attack led to the destruction of private houses and outbuildings. The rescuers extinguished two fires preventing their spread to residential buildings. Although there were no casualties, SES reported the death of over 100 domesticated birds.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 29 July, ABC News reported on the takeover of two frontline villages in the eastern Donetsk region- Vovche and Prohres by the Russian troops. Earlier this week, the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation claimed to take control of the villages. Later, Oleksandr Shyrshyn, the 47th brigade's deputy battalion commander, confirmed the capture of the villages. These are located 30 kilometres away from northwest of Avdiika, another Donetsk city captured by Russia. The Ukrainian General Staff also reported on the Russians attempt to break through the Ukrainian defences around Pokrovsk, a town of around 60,000 people.
On 29 July, RT reported on the interception of a US-made М270А1 MLRS system by the Russian troops near the village of Novotroitskoye in Russia’s Kherson Region, currently occupied by the Ukrainian troops. The system was identified to be similar to HIMARS, capable of firing both ATACMS tactical ballistic missiles and smaller high-precision projectiles, by a Russian surveillance drone. Iskander-M was launched in the estimated location resulting in a large explosion and fire. The Russian military estimated the death of up to 15 Ukrainian servicemen and the destruction of M270A1 and one escort vehicle.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the Europe and the US
On 29 July, Ukrinform reported on the US grant of USD 3.9 billion to Ukraine. According to Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine’s Prime Minister: “Ukraine expects to receive the first $3.9 billion in direct budget support from the United States, totaling $7.85 billion.” During his meeting with Penny Pritzker, the US Special Representative for Ukraine’s Economic Recovery, they discussed the issues related to the work of the Multi-Agency Donor Coordination Platform, financing of budget expenditures, recovery projects, and support for the energy sector. Shmyhal emphasised the necessity to get funds by early 2025.
On 29 July, the President of Ukraine’s official website reported on the round of negotiations held with Greece on the signing of a bilateral security agreement. They continued the work of draft documents to finalise the agreement for the leaders to sign in the future. Ukraine has concluded 25 bilateral security agreements following the G7 Joint Declaration adopted in 2023 in Vilnius.
THE GLOBAL FALLOUTS
On 29 July, Ukrinform reported on the visit of Moriyama Masahito, The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Science of Japan to Kyiv's Irpin and Bucha region. According to the Japanese embassy: “Moriyama visited Irpin, a town that became a shield against an attack on the capital.” In addition, he visited the memorial of Ukrainian victims and the Nemyshaiv Vocational College, where students used agricultural and construction equipment provided by the Japanese government. On his visit, Masahito assured the continuous support of Japan to Ukraine.
References
“Zelenskyy visits front line command post in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region,” AA news, 29 July 2024
“Japan’s education minister visits Irpin, Bucha,” Ukrinform, 29 July 2024
“Five settlements in Kharkiv region in focus of enemy attacks,” Ukrinform, 29 July 2024
“Russian troops shell village in Kharkiv region, fire breaks out,” Ukrinform, 29 July 2024
“Ukrainian troops say Russia has driven them out of 2 more eastern Donetsk villages,” ABC News, 29 July 2024
“Russian military strikes Ukrainian HIMARS-family launcher – MOD, RT, 29 July 2024
“Ukraine to receive $3.9B from United States in coming weeks – PM Shmyhal,” Ukrinform, 29 July 2024
“Ukraine and Greece Finalize the Text of the Bilateral Security Agreement,” President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, 29 July 2024