Dmytro Zhmailo, a Ukrainian expert and the Executive Director of the Ukrainian Center for Security and Cooperation, says Kyiv troops managed to stop the first wave of the Russian offensive. Currently, Moscow is trying to fulfill its main objective — the complete capture of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, UNIAN reports.

He notes that the second wave of Russian forces’ so-called summer offensive has just been launched. Although the Russians have had some successes in certain areas, the Ukrainian Armed Forces were able to repel the first wave of the offensive.

Zhmailo explains that the main reason for Russia’s advance near the Kostiantynivka settlement in Donetsk Oblast is the large concentration of Moscow’s units. About 100,000 troops from the overall 700,000-strong Russian grouping are concentrated there. Currently, the Russians are receiving reinforcements for the start of the second wave of the offensive.

However, according to him, the battle for Kostiantynivka has not yet begun. The city’s administration and police are still operating, although there is an ongoing humanitarian crisis with issues in water and electricity supply. Ukrainian troops hold positions in Chasiv Yar and on the outskirts of Toretsk, holding back the Russian occupiers’ rapid advance.

Moscow troops are focusing their most significant efforts along the Pokrovsk–Kostiantynivka highway, trying to “breakthrough” villages to get closer to the city. In the northern part of the region, activity has increased in the Lyman direction, with the prospect of reaching Sviatohirsk and squeezing the non-occupied territories of Donetsk.

Anton, a fighter from Ukraine’s 58th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade named after Hetman Ivan Vyhovskyi, known as Shket, has spent a year holding the line on some of the fiercest frontlines in Donetsk Oblast.

Over the last 12 months, he’s faced a wide range of Russian occupiers, from mobilized conscripts to convicts, Yakuts, and even Koreans.

“It was hell,” the soldier recalls.

The toughest position he held was a half-destroyed customs checkpoint that came under daily assaults, twice a day for 17 days straight, by Russian assault groups, including a unit made up of former inmates.

“When we checked their documents, it was clear — they were convicts recruited in Butyrka prison. They were given the cheapest body armor. Their commander didn’t even have a helmet. Command sent them straight to die,” Shket says. 

Shket explains that each Russian group has its own characteristics.

“Yakuts are a bit more stubborn, but they charge in just the same, without thinking. The Koreans, though — they’re young, resilient, and actually well-trained. But we can and must destroy them. It’s either us or them. There’s no third option,” the Ukrainian soldiers reveal. 

Despite his injuries, Anton remains resolute.

“I’m always ready to return as soon as I can. We should take example not from those who talk, but from those who act, even when it’s terrifying,” he adds. 

Currently undergoing treatment in a military hospital, first for a severe concussion and more recently for a new injury, Shket was wounded again after stepping on a Russian explosive device while returning to the front to relieve his comrades after heavy rotations.

“We’re standing as we did before, and we will keep standing.” Talks about peace or Russia’s capitulation are illusions, says military pilot Dmytro, callsign Apostol, Voiin Svitla reports. 

“If the aggressor country capitulates, it means huge reparations. No one will pay them,” he emphasizes.

Dmytro stresses that the Ukrainian army is strong due to the work of the rear, volunteers, and funds. But support has fallen critically now.

“We are raising five million for four army aviation brigades. Donations have critically dropped. No one wants to support,” explains the Ukrainian pilot. 

He emphasizes that the soldiers are not tired but need reinforcements.

“My guys and I are not tired. But we don’t need to bury soldiers; we need to go mobilize,” he says.

The pilot finds his greatest motivation in the civilians who don’t give up even in destroyed villages.

“We’re flying over Donetsk Oblast, one small hut, and a boy runs out waving a flag. Isn’t that motivation? I don’t want my children to be involved in war,” he adds.

Earlier, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry revealed that Kyiv forces eliminated more than 230,000 Russian soldiers in just six months of 2025. 

In June alone, Ukrainian forces inflicted heavy casualties: 32,420 Russian troops were killed or injured. Ukrainian strikes also destroyed 111 tanks, 272 armored vehicles.

Russia wants to end the war but “on its own terms.” Moscow is ready for a new round of negotiations with Ukraine. The delegations only need to agree on the time and place, said Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to UNIAN. 

His statements came after the NATO summit in The Hague, where US President Donald Trump softened his rhetoric on Ukraine and indicated he would consider Ukraine’s proposal for more Patriot air defense systems. 

Two days after the event, the Kremlin leader claimed Russia is prepared to return the bodies of another 3,000 fallen Ukrainian defenders. 

“Only Russia is friend of Russia”: Amid Trump’s peace efforts Russian general says Moscow’s goal must be victory, not just good terms with “someone”

Putin did not miss the chance to criticize Western countries, accusing them of aggression. According to him, the West “encouraged separatism and terrorism under the principle of ‘everything is fine if it’s against Russia.’” He also claimed Western countries cannot give up Russian energy. 

“The West keeps trying to bury Russia, but they’ll die themselves soon,” he claimed. 

At the same time, Putin spoke favorably about US President Donald Trump, saying he respects the politician greatly and believes in the sincerity of his efforts to end the war.

“Russia and the US have good prospects for economic cooperation. American businesses are signaling their desire to return to the Russian market,” he added.

Previously, Trump revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to help mediate the war between Israel and Iran, Fox News reported. According to the US president, Putin called him and made the offer. In response, Trump said “no, I don’t need help with Iran. I need help with you.”