Photo : Source: Jacquelyn Martin/AP/picture alliance
Photo : Source: Jacquelyn Martin/AP/picture alliance
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 13 July, Russia launched a massive overnight assault on Ukraine, firing hundreds of drones and long-range missiles. The attack resulted in death of six according to Ukrainian officials. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack tactics which targeted specific cities and regions. He reported that 26 cruise missiles and 597 attack drones were launched while Ukrainian air defences intercepted 319 drones and 25 missiles.
On 13 July, Zelenskyy reported death of two and injury of 20 in another drone and missile strike by Russia in the Chernivtsi, Lviv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kharkiv regions. He said Russia used “simulator” drones to overload Ukraine’s air defences and increase the difficulty of intercepting actual suicide drones. Meanwhile, Russia’s defence ministry claimed that it had struck military-industrial targets in Lviv, Kharkiv, Lutsk, and military airfield. Zelenskyy called on Western allies to take decisive action beyond symbolic gestures to help end Russia’s war against Ukraine. Emphasizing the urgent threat posed by intensified Russian airstrikes, he urged swift decisions, particularly through the imposition of sanctions. Zelenskyy called sanction on individuals and entities that assist Russia in drone production and profit from its oil exports.
On 12 July, Zelenskyy confirmed the resumptions of military aid by the US after a short pause. He noted that new European defence packages are also being prepared.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 13 July, North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un reiterated his unwavering support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The talks, held marked another step in the growing military and political cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow. According to North Korea’s state media, Kim expressed readiness: “To unconditionally support and encourage all the measures taken by the Russian leadership as regards the tackling of the root cause of the Ukrainian crisis.” Lavrov highlighted growing ties between Moscow and Pyongyang. According to the report in TASS, Lavrov emphasized on nuclear weapons, technological advances and sensitive military technologies.
On 12 July, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov defended wartime censorship in Russia amid the conflict with Ukraine, saying it is necessary given the circumstances. He noted that many media outlets have been shut down and some journalists have fled the country over the past three years. Peskov emphasized that the war is also being fought in the information space, justifying the unprecedented military censorship. He added that blocking platforms like X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube was aimed at preventing media that deliberately discredit Russia from spreading misinformation.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from Europe and the US
On 12 July, US President Donald Trump confirmed that he had reached an agreement with NATO leaders to supply weapons to Ukraine. He explained that the US is sending weapons to NATO, which then transfers them to Ukraine and covers the costs. Trump said: “We will send them Patriots, which they desperately need, because Putin really surprised a lot of people. He talks nice and then bombs everybody in the evening. But there's a little bit of a problem there. I don't like it.” The Patriot missiles are considered the most advanced with capability to destroy cruise and ballistic missiles. According to Trump: “We basically are going to send them various pieces of very sophisticated military equipment. They are going to pay us 100% for them, and that's the way we want it.” Ukraine’s main needs include Patriot missile interceptors and GMLRS mobile rocket artillery, which might be part of the upcoming shipment. These weapons could reach the frontlines quickly, as stocks are already reported to be positioned in Europe.
On 12 July, EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said the EU plan for a new set of sanctions against Moscow in response to Russia’s intensified attacks on civilians, which she called unacceptable. She also noted ongoing negotiations to implement an oil price cap aimed at cutting off a key source of funding for Russia’s war.
On 11 July, US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio said after meeting Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Kuala Lumpur that there are no signs Russia is willing to compromise. Rubio noted Trump’s disappointment with Moscow’s hardline position and confirmed that sanctions remain a viable option, with the Trump administration actively working with the Senate and Congress on a sanctions bill targeting Russia.