Vue normale

Hier — 17 juillet 2025Flux principal
  • ✇Euromaidan Press
  • Russia’s chemical attacks in Ukraine top 10,000, Kyiv reports
    Russia’s chemical attacks in Ukraine have exceeded 10,000 incidents since February 2023, according to Anton Honchar, chief specialist of the Radiation, Chemical and Biological Defense Directorate of Ukraine’s Armed Forces Support Command. Honchar told Ukrainska Pravda that Russian forces began using chemical weapons against Ukrainians as early as 2014–2015. Earlier in July, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas voiced concern over Russia’s increasing use of c
     

Russia’s chemical attacks in Ukraine top 10,000, Kyiv reports

17 juillet 2025 à 04:58

Mobile units collect and analyze samples of Russian-used chemical weapons along the entire frontline. Left: a Russian RG-Vo hand grenade tests positive for toxic agents. Right: Ukrainian specialist in full protective gear examines a recovered sample. Photo: Command of the Support Forces of Ukraine, via Ukrainska Pravda.

Russia’s chemical attacks in Ukraine have exceeded 10,000 incidents since February 2023, according to Anton Honchar, chief specialist of the Radiation, Chemical and Biological Defense Directorate of Ukraine’s Armed Forces Support Command. Honchar told Ukrainska Pravda that Russian forces began using chemical weapons against Ukrainians as early as 2014–2015.

Earlier in July, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas voiced concern over Russia’s increasing use of chemical weapons. She cited intelligence from Dutch and German services that recorded at least 9,000 incidents since the full-scale invasion began. Kyiv says Russia’s use of chemical weapons began much earlier but couldn’t be fully documented until mobile teams and international protocols were in place.

Ukrainian mobile teams specializing in chemical detection are now deployed across the front, collecting samples of grenades, contaminated gear, and aerosols. These groups work in close coordination with the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and Special Operations Forces. Honchar noted that over the past month alone, Ukrainian teams recorded about 760 instances of chemical weapons use by Russian troops.

Banned toxic grenades lead Russia’s battlefield arsenal

According to Honchar, 88% of Russia’s chemical attacks involve hand grenades such as the RG-Vo and K-51, both of which are banned for combat use under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). These grenades are intended for riot control, not military operations, yet Russia reportedly uses them to flush Ukrainian troops out of trenches and bunkers. Kyiv accuses Moscow of violating Article 1, Clause 5 of the CWC, which prohibits the use of toxic chemicals as weapons against enemy forces.

Another widely documented agent is chloropicrin, once used to test gas masks. Now, it’s being weaponized in improvised explosive devices or loaded into containers and dropped from drones.

Evidence collected for international prosecution

Honchar stressed that Ukraine now has the technical ability to gather battlefield samples according to international forensic standards. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) requires strict procedures to validate evidence in court. Ukraine’s field units adhere to these rules, enabling the country to pursue accountability at both the national and international level.

A soldier with the Ukrainian army's 56th Motorized Brigade.
Explore further

Russian forces drop banned chemical irritants from drones on Ukraine

Moscow’s chemical warfare infrastructure exposed

Ukraine accuses Russia of continuing to research, produce, and distribute chemical weapons despite claiming to have destroyed its stockpiles in 2018. The OPCW had been told by Moscow that its inventory was eliminated, yet Ukraine says banned agents are being actively used. One case cited by Honchar involved Russian General Kirillov, head of the Russian Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Defense Troops. According to the SBU, he was responsible for supplying banned grenades to frontline units before being eliminated in December 2024.

russia’s chemical weapons use ukraine now “large-scale” intelligence shows russian grenade containing agent rfe/rl 01000000-0aff-0242-a20d-08db3104052f_w1597_n_r0_s_s 4 dutch german agencies have confirmed russia using banned large scale drones dropping choking agents
Explore further

Russia’s chemical weapons use in Ukraine now “large-scale,” intelligence shows

Russian units repeatedly implicated in toxic attacks

Russia’s 155th Naval Infantry Brigade has been identified as one of the units most often using chemical weapons. Kyiv says these attacks are concentrated in combat-heavy directions such as Pokrovsk, Kupiansk, and Lyman, where Russian forces attempt to force Ukrainian troops out of fortified positions.

Honchar said Russian forces prefer to use chemical weapons during spring, summer, and autumn due to better evaporation conditions, and mainly during daylight assaults when their ground offensives are most active.

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this. We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. Become a patron or see other ways to support
À partir d’avant-hierFlux principal
  • ✇Euromaidan Press
  • One river stands between Russia and Ukraine’s fortress city Pokrovsk
    The latest update from the Ukrainian Deep State analysis group is an “emergency call,” according to one mapper. Russian troops may be close to securing a lodgement on the western side of the Kazennyi Torets River near the village of Razyne, just east of the fortress city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk Oblast. If significant Russian forces can cross the river and march west from Razyne, they could put pressure on the supply lines into Pokrovsk, the southernmost chain in a belt of for
     

One river stands between Russia and Ukraine’s fortress city Pokrovsk

14 juillet 2025 à 10:05

The latest update from the Ukrainian Deep State analysis group is an “emergency call,” according to one mapper. Russian troops may be close to securing a lodgement on the western side of the Kazennyi Torets River near the village of Razyne, just east of the fortress city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk Oblast.

If significant Russian forces can cross the river and march west from Razyne, they could put pressure on the supply lines into Pokrovsk, the southernmost chain in a belt of fortified cities stretching north toward the border with Russia. 

The Ukrainian troops in and around Pokrovsk—some or all of no fewer than 10 brigades—would surely evacuate the ruined city rather than risk starvation and encirclement. But that would hand Russia its biggest victory in months, albeit an extremely costly one.

Pokrovsk is the southern link in Ukraine’s “fortress belt” in Donetsk Oblast, along with Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, Druzhkivka, and Kostyantynivka. 13 July 2025. Map: ISW.

Russian field armies have been fighting their way toward Pokrovsk ever since the fall of Avdiivka, 40 km to the west, back in the spring of 2024. Tens of thousands of Russians have been killed or wounded, but strong recruitment in Russia means fresh troops keep coming. 

Pokrovsk is a hard target, however—and stiff Ukrainian defenses halted the Russian advance directly on the city as long ago as February. Instead of directly attacking Pokrovsk, the Russians pivoted. Attacking east and west of the city, they’ve slowly closed a territorial pincer around it. Today, Russian troops are just a few miles east of the main north-south road into Pokrovsk—and also a few miles south of the main west-east road into the city.

Now the Russian Center Operational Grouping is at a literal and proverbial crossroads. The grouping’s commanders face a choice. They can attempt to surround Pokrovsk from the northeast—or from the west.

Neither is easy, but both are possible. “Envelopment of Pokrovsk from the northeast would require the enemy to advance significantly toward Rodynske”—4 km to the north—“seize it, and establish a strong defensive area there to enable attacks on Pokrovsk,” the Ukrainian Center for Defense Strategies noted.

“Other possible courses of action for the enemy could include an advance north of Udachne or Kotlyne to sever the [west-east] M30 highway,” CDS added.

Pokrovsk in April 2025. Photo: Hromadske

Attacking from the east

It’s in the east where the Russians are making the most progress—and where they may choose to concentrate forces for further gains. The main obstacle, besides the Ukrainian 17th Heavy Mechanized Brigade, 38th Marine Brigade and 142nd Mechanized Brigade, is the narrow Kazennyi Torets River. “In order to advance west of Razyne, Russian forces would need to force the Kazennyi Torets River at several locations, which could present an obstacle to their advance,” CDS explained. 

17th Heavy Mechanized Brigade soldier and tank.
17th Heavy Mechanized Brigade soldier and tank. 17th Heavy Mechanized Brigade photo.

Deep State’s update indicates the Russians may soon cross the river, if they haven’t already done so. Their success “directly depends on the combat capability of the involved units,” CDS stated. Those units include the 39th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade, the 150th Motorized Rifle Division and the 110th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade.

The 39th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade has led several of the most successful Russian assaults along this axis since the fall of Avdiivka.

For Ukraine, the consequences of a Russian march west of Razyne could be serious as Russia’s wider war on the country grinds into its 41st month and the Kremlin continues to enjoy a huge manpower advantage. “If the command of Ukrainian defense forces fail to stabilize the situation on this direction in the near future, then Ukraine’s military-political leadership should prepare for the opening of the Pavlohrad operational direction,” according to CDS. 

The city of Pavlohrad lies 60 km west of Pokrovsk. It’s safe right now, but that could change fast if and when Pokrovsk falls.

Explore further

Ukraine cuts back on tanks—and creates a deadlier kind of brigade

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this. We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. Become a patron or see other ways to support
  • ✇Euromaidan Press
  • Russia masses 100,000 troops to crush Ukraine’s defenders in Donetsk’s crucial battle
    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. Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed that Moscow plans to escalate military operations in eastern Ukraine within the next 60 days. Russia currently occupies about 20
     

Russia masses 100,000 troops to crush Ukraine’s defenders in Donetsk’s crucial battle

14 juillet 2025 à 08:57

A 1st Heavy Mechanized Brigade tank.

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.

Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed that Moscow plans to escalate military operations in eastern Ukraine within the next 60 days. Russia currently occupies about 20% of Ukraine’s territory, including most of Luhansk Oblast, two-thirds of Donetsk Oblast, and parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson Oblasts. Moscow illegally declared the annexation of the four oblasts following sham referenda in late 2022, not fully controlling them. 

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.

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this. We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. Become a patron or see other ways to support
  • ✇Euromaidan Press
  • ISW: Russia halts Kostiantynivka push—now Pokrovsk braces for encirclement threat
    Russia halts Kostiantynivka push and is now intensifying its offensive near Pokrovsk, raising the threat of Ukrainian positions being encircled in Donetsk Oblast. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on 7 July that Russian forces recently entered the strategic village of Novoekonomichne and appear to be shifting operations away from the stalled front west of Toretsk. Amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, Russian military operations aimed at seizing all of Donetsk Oblast intensified
     

ISW: Russia halts Kostiantynivka push—now Pokrovsk braces for encirclement threat

8 juillet 2025 à 07:38

isw russia halts kostiantynivka push—now pokrovsk braces encirclement threat luhansk oblast 07 2025 push now intensifying its offensive near raising ukrainian positions being encircled donetsk institute study war (isw) reported

Russia halts Kostiantynivka push and is now intensifying its offensive near Pokrovsk, raising the threat of Ukrainian positions being encircled in Donetsk Oblast. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on 7 July that Russian forces recently entered the strategic village of Novoekonomichne and appear to be shifting operations away from the stalled front west of Toretsk.

Amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, Russian military operations aimed at seizing all of Donetsk Oblast intensified around Pokrovsk in February 2025, with multiple units redeployed to reinforce this axis. The focus then shifted toward Kostiantynivka, but the main push now appears to be returning to Pokrovsk.

Russia changes direction after stalled advances: it halts Kostiantynivka push, shifts focus to Pokrovsk

After failing to make significant gains toward Kostiantynivka since early June 2025, Russian forces are now making platoon-sized mechanized assaults in the Pokrovsk direction. Geolocated footage published on 6 and 7 July confirms Russian troops recently advanced into southern and northeastern parts of Novoekonomichne, east of Pokrovsk.

Kostyantynivka Direction July 07, 2025 isw russia halts kostiantynivka push—now pokrovsk braces encirclement threat luhansk oblast 07 2025 push now intensifying its offensive near raising ukrainian positions being encircled donetsk institute study war (isw) reported
Map: ISW

Russian milbloggers claimed further movements northwest of Koptieve and west of Myrne — both northeast of Pokrovsk — and southwest of Myrolyubivka to the east. ISW assessed that these moves aim to “support both the envelopment of Pokrovsk and the establishment of a salient” that could allow Russian forces “to try to envelop Kostiantynivka and Ukraine’s wider fortress belt.

isw russia trade deep breakthrough attempts slow envelopment around fortress belt donetsk oblast situation area pokrovsk - ukraine's 5 2025 pokrovsk-direction-july-05-2025 russian forces advancing northeast preparing wider push toward dobropillia
Explore further

ISW: Russia may trade deep breakthrough attempts for slow envelopment around fortress belt in Donetsk Oblast

According to ISW, “Russian forces have not made significant gains in the area west of Toretsk toward Kostiantynivka since early June 2025,” suggesting that the military command is “likely temporarily deprioritizing that effort in favor of more opportunistic advances in the Pokrovsk direction.”

One Russian milblogger noted that earlier attempts to storm Novoekonomichne from the east near Malynivka failed, but that Russian troops successfully entered the settlement from the south. Russian forces had been trying to advance into Novoekonomichne for two months, facing sustained Ukrainian defenses and counterattacks.

Threat grows for Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad

With Russian troops now positioned inside Novoekonomichne, ISW suggests that their next targets could include Rodynske, north of Pokrovsk. The goal may be to pressure Ukrainian forces into withdrawing from Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad under threat of encirclement.

Map: ISW.

ISW concluded that Russia’s actions northeast of Pokrovsk indicate a broader shift:

“Russian forces appear to be refocusing their attention on the area northeast of Pokrovsk in the direction of Dobropillia.”

ISW also noted that Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Novopavlivka in Donetsk Oblast. Meanwhile, Russian troops made gains in northern Sumy Oblast and near Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Novopavlivka.

Map: ISW.

Rubikon in Donetsk Oblast

ISW has also reported the presence of Russia’s Rubikon units throughout eastern Ukraine, including Donetsk Oblast, from the Borova direction in eastern Kharkiv Oblast to the Velyka Novosilka direction in the west. 

Rubikon is a recently formed drone training and innovation center overseen by the Russian Ministry of Defense. Ukrainian servicemembers operating in the Kostiantynivka direction told the NYT in an interview published on 7 July that the arrival of Rubikon drone operators marked a “turning point” in Russia’s tactical drone capacity.

Russia previously deployed Rubikon units to Kursk Oblast in early 2025, where operators using fiber optic drones played a major role in eliminating a Ukrainian salient. 
You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this. We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. Become a patron or see other ways to support
  • ✇Euromaidan Press
  • ISW: Russia may trade deep breakthrough attempts for slow envelopment around fortress belt in Donetsk Oblast
    Russian forces are advancing northeast of Pokrovsk and may be preparing a wider push toward Dobropillia, aiming to bypass Ukraine’s heavily fortified “fortress belt” in Donetsk Oblast from the west. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on 5 July disclosed the Russian news envelopment strategy near the fortress belt, saying that recent gains and troop movements indicate a renewed focus on partial envelopment tactics rather than direct assaults on fortified positions. Amid the ongoing
     

ISW: Russia may trade deep breakthrough attempts for slow envelopment around fortress belt in Donetsk Oblast

6 juillet 2025 à 04:42

isw russia trade deep breakthrough attempts slow envelopment around fortress belt donetsk oblast situation area pokrovsk - ukraine's 5 2025 pokrovsk-direction-july-05-2025 russian forces advancing northeast preparing wider push toward dobropillia

Russian forces are advancing northeast of Pokrovsk and may be preparing a wider push toward Dobropillia, aiming to bypass Ukraine’s heavily fortified “fortress belt” in Donetsk Oblast from the west. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on 5 July disclosed the Russian news envelopment strategy near the fortress belt, saying that recent gains and troop movements indicate a renewed focus on partial envelopment tactics rather than direct assaults on fortified positions.

Amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war, Russian military operations east of Donetsk Oblast’s Pokrovsk have intensified since February 2025, with multiple units redeployed to reinforce this axis. Initial efforts concentrated along the Pokrovsk-Kostyantynivka T-0504 highway, with a gradual shift toward Dobropillia in recent months. Ukrainian forces have inflicted significant degradation on attacking Russian units, raising questions about their sustainability. Yet despite limited resources, Russia continues to press this axis with hopes of securing operational advantage over Ukraine’s key defensive lines.

Envelopment strategy: Tactical focus on Dobropillya and Rodynske

ISW noted in its 5 July 2025 assessment that Russian troops had recently taken Koptieve and Shevchenko Pershe and advanced into southeastern Razine, northeast of Pokrovsk. These gains support a broader objective: enveloping Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad from multiple directions “to force Ukrainian withdrawals” without a frontal assault on Ukraine’s main defense line, based on Russia’s operational patterns showed in its in previous seizures of cities in the region.

The Russian military command is likely implementing the same doctrinal method used to seize Avdiivka and Vuhledar in its attempts to seize Pokrovsk and possibly Ukraine’s fortress belt,” ISW wrote.

Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief General Oleksandr Syrskyi confirmed on 28 June that Russian forces are actively attacking in the “Dobropillya direction.” Units involved include the Russian 68th Army Corps and two divisions from the 8th Combined Arms Army.

OSINT analysis revealed nearly 1,000 Russian bomb strikes within weeks, targeting Ukraine's second line of defense between Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast. Map: X/@clement_molin
OSINT analysis revealed nearly 1,000 Russian bomb strikes within weeks, targeting Ukraine’s second line of defense between Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast. Map: X/@clement_molin

Combat elements of the Russian 39th and 150th Motorized Rifle units, having operated in the Pokrovsk area since spring 2025, recently advanced near Novotoretske and Novoekonomichne. They previously seized Malynivka and now hold Koptieve. Meanwhile, elements from the 110th Motorized Rifle Brigade are also active northeast of Pokrovsk.

videos show russian ammo stockpile spectacularly destroyed donetsk's khartsyzk occupied since 2014 (video) massive secondary detonation mashroom cloud rising after donetsk oblast late 2 2025 powerful explosions erupted russian-occupied city
Explore further

Videos show Russian ammo stockpile spectacularly destroyed in occupied Donetsk Oblast’s Khartsyzk

Struggles in other sectors push tactical adaptation

ISW says Russian forces have struggled to break Ukrainian lines southeast and southwest of Pokrovsk since early 2025, especially under drone fire. Instead of launching high-risk penetrations, Russia now appears to be prioritizing slow advances toward Rodynske and Dobropillia to exert pressure on the fortress belt from the west, which supports the idea that the Russians are imposing the new – envelopment – strategy near the fortress belt. Ukrainian artillery units report repeated attacks in areas such as Malynivka, Novoolenivka, and Popiv Yar — all northeast of Pokrovsk.

western-made 155-mm shells combat zone kharkiv oblast rfe/rl 155mm
Explore further

Russian battlefield gains expected after US aid pause, ISW warns

A Ukrainian National Guard commander stated on 5 July that Russian forces are using motorcycles and buggies to conduct assaults. Russian milbloggers reported that Kremlin forces have tried to disrupt Ukrainian logistics by damaging a bridge near Shakhove and targeting ground lines near Udachne and Kotlyne.

Possible long-term operation west of the fortress belt

Further Russian moves toward Dobropillia would suggest an effort to develop a salient bypassing Ukraine’s fortress belt from the west. To sustain such a position, Russian forces would need to secure settlements along the Pokrovsk-Oleksandrivka line and ensure supply over the Kazenyi Torets River — a task complicated by uncertain river conditions and Ukrainian resistance.

Such an operation would likely be a multi-year effort with significant personnel losses and hard-fought gains, although Russian forces have proven willing to undertake such long-term operations,” ISW wrote.

ISW assesses that the Russian command may be adapting its original strategy for a direct assault against Kostiantynivka and instead pursuing operations to envelop the fortress belt through attritional advances. However, the success of this approach remains uncertain given the apparent exhaustion of Russian units after over a year of sustained operations in the area.

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this. We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. Become a patron or see other ways to support
  • ✇Euromaidan Press
  • Russian battlefield gains expected after US aid pause, ISW warns
    The United States has halted key weapons deliveries to Ukraine, a move that think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW) warns could accelerate Russian battlefield gains and force Ukrainian troops to conserve dwindling resources. The suspension, which affected munitions already staged in Poland, caught Ukrainian authorities off guard and threatens to weaken Ukraine’s ability to hold the line. This comes as US President Donald Trump actively undermined Ukraine by briefly halting military assis
     

Russian battlefield gains expected after US aid pause, ISW warns

3 juillet 2025 à 07:04

western-made 155-mm shells combat zone kharkiv oblast rfe/rl 155mm

The United States has halted key weapons deliveries to Ukraine, a move that think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW) warns could accelerate Russian battlefield gains and force Ukrainian troops to conserve dwindling resources. The suspension, which affected munitions already staged in Poland, caught Ukrainian authorities off guard and threatens to weaken Ukraine’s ability to hold the line.

This comes as US President Donald Trump actively undermined Ukraine by briefly halting military assistance and intelligence sharing earlier this year, while refusing to approve any new military aid amid Russia’s ongoing invasion. At the same time, his administration lifted some restrictions on Russia and pushed for unrealistic peace negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

Ukraine not notified before US halted weapons

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense stated that no official notification was given prior to the US announcement about the aid suspension. The New York Times reported US officials as saying the munitions weren’t scheduled for delivery for several months, but the Wall Street Journal contradicted this, noting that deliveries already staged in Poland were halted as of 1 July. Politico cited a Trump administration official as saying no additional aid has been requested, but that remaining Biden-era packages could sustain Ukraine “several more months.”

Ukrainian forces continue to husband matériel

A deputy battalion commander told the Washington Post in a 2 July article that Ukrainian troops are now focused on holding defensive positions rather than advancing. This echoes past situations when US aid suspensions forced Ukrainian forces to ration air defense interceptors, GMLRS rockets, and artillery shells.

While European partners are increasing support and Ukraine’s domestic defense industry is expanding, ISW assessed that only the United States can provide some crucial systems at the necessary scale and speed.

Ukrainian forces very likely will have to conserve materiel again should the United States continue to suspend weapons deliveries,” ISW wrote.

Russian offensives benefit from past US aid delays

According to ISW, past pauses in US assistance have created openings for Russian forces. During the fall 2023 and winter-spring 2024 suspensions – when the US Congress Republicans delayed approving the Ukraine aid funding for six months.

During this period, Russian troops intensified offensives, particularly around Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast. In January 2024, Russia ramped up its assault on the settlement, eventually capturing it in February while Ukrainian troops were constrained by artillery shortages. These conditions allowed Russia to sustain offensive momentum, aiming westward and launching further attacks toward Pokrovsk during spring 2024, when aid was still delayed.

ISW assessed that between 6 December 2023, when the US aid pause began, and 24 April 2024, when it resumed, Russian troops advanced roughly three kilometers per day — especially in Donetsk Oblast.

In contrast, during the previous six months, Russia had lost around 203 square kilometers due to Ukraine’s 2023 counteroffensive, which was heavily supported by US and allied military aid.

Why the pause happened: US reviews global commitments

Politico reported that the Trump administration made the decision in early June 2025 to hold off on certain deliveries, but the effect only became clear in early July. White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly confirmed on 1 July that the decision followed a Department of Defense review of US global military assistance. NBC, citing six defense and congressional officials, said the Pentagon ordered the pause while it reassessed stockpiles, and that the delay could be extended if stock levels remain low or if US needs elsewhere take precedence.

Kyiv urges resumption of aid

Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized on 2 July that timely delivery of allocated US defense aid remains critical, especially to bolster air defenses. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that delays would embolden Russia to continue its war and avoid negotiating peace. Ukrainian diplomats noted ongoing talks with Washington to find a path forward that supports Ukraine’s defense needs.

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this. We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. Become a patron or see other ways to support
  • ✇The Kyiv Independent
  • Russia hits evacuation vehicle in Donetsk Oblast, killing civilian
    The Russian army attacked an evacuation vehicle carrying three wounded civilians, which resulted in the death of one of them, Ukraine's National Police reported on July 1.Russia has for months focused its offensive efforts on the embattled town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast and has recently been escalating attempts to break through to neighboring Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, a region that has not yet seen combat.According to the police, Russian forces attacked the evacuation vehicles provided by chapl
     

Russia hits evacuation vehicle in Donetsk Oblast, killing civilian

1 juillet 2025 à 11:25
Russia hits evacuation vehicle in Donetsk Oblast, killing civilian

The Russian army attacked an evacuation vehicle carrying three wounded civilians, which resulted in the death of one of them, Ukraine's National Police reported on July 1.

Russia has for months focused its offensive efforts on the embattled town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast and has recently been escalating attempts to break through to neighboring Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, a region that has not yet seen combat.

According to the police, Russian forces attacked the evacuation vehicles provided by chaplains three times: at the entrance to the city, in the city center, and during the evacuation of civilians from Pokrovsk. The police called Russia's actions "targeted hunting."

The police picked up one injured person in the city, and the other two — on the way to the hospital. In the meantime, the Russian army hit the car with a Molniya drone. As a result of the attack, one of the police officers was injured.

As the evacuation vehicle came under fire, one of the injured could not be brought to the hospital in time and died of blood loss.

"We called for reinforcements and sent the injured civilian with them, hoping for a miracle. But it did not happen, Russia took another life," Hennadii Yudin, head of the "White Angel" police unit, said.

Another injured man, who was evacuated with a shrapnel wound, is undergoing treatment, the police said.

Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported on June 27 that Russia has amassed "about 111,000 personnel" in the Pokrovsk sector, but Ukrainian forces are holding the line.

Syrskyi's statement came as Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed Moscow is "ready" for a third round of peace talks with Kyiv.

Russia's so-called "peace memorandum" demands that Ukraine recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea, as well as Kherson, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Luhansk oblasts — none of which are fully under Moscow's control.

As Russia inches closer to Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, new Ukrainian region might soon be at war
Moscow said its troops had crossed into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast and were conducting offensive operations in the region, a claim Kyiv quickly denied as “Russian disinformation.” Russian troops have been pushing toward Dnipropetrovsk Oblast for months, trying to solidify the southern flank to capture Pokrovsk and the remaining parts of the
Russia hits evacuation vehicle in Donetsk Oblast, killing civilianThe Kyiv IndependentAsami Terajima
Russia hits evacuation vehicle in Donetsk Oblast, killing civilian
  • ✇Euromaidan Press
  • Russo-Ukrainian war, day 1220: Russia masses 111,000 troops on Pokrovsk front
    Exclusive Why Ukraine must bet it all on Putin’s greatest weakness—Crimea. Ukraine’s strikes are turning Crimea from Russia’s “unsinkable aircraft carrier” into a sinking ship that could drag Putin’s regime down with it. Russia killed her mom and little sister. Now her iPhone keeps showing them smiling.. The photo shows Mariia’s proud face after cutting her own hair. These spiky Russian vans look like a joke—until the drones hit. What looks like a construction site mishap
     

Russo-Ukrainian war, day 1220: Russia masses 111,000 troops on Pokrovsk front

28 juin 2025 à 02:25

Exclusive

Why Ukraine must bet it all on Putin’s greatest weakness—Crimea. Ukraine’s strikes are turning Crimea from Russia’s “unsinkable aircraft carrier” into a sinking ship that could drag Putin’s regime down with it.
Russia killed her mom and little sister. Now her iPhone keeps showing them smiling.. The photo shows Mariia’s proud face after cutting her own hair.
These spiky Russian vans look like a joke—until the drones hit. What looks like a construction site mishap is actually Russia’s “porcupine van”—a spiked vehicle built to deflect Ukrainian drones on the battlefield.
Ukraine quietly won the NATO summit where everyone was waiting for drama. Ukraine got everything it realistically could from NATO — and somehow, that was enough.

Military

Watch: Ukraine’s FPV drones strike Russia’s prized S-400 air defense occupied Crimea. For the attack, Ukraine’s military intelligence unit used FPV copters, likely launched from a naval drone.

Four Su-34 warplanes reduced to ashes as Ukrainian special forces hit deep behind Russian lines again. Explosions ripped through the airfield with Russia’s most lethal bombers.

Frontline report: Ukraine set a forest trap in Sumy — a Russian battalion vanished inside. Ukrainian forces killed battalion commander Andrey Yartsev and overran his command post, forcing dozens of Russian soldiers to surrender.

Russia couldn’t win in close combat—so it set city ablaze with weapons that fuse to body and refuse to extinguish. Protocol III prohibits attacks with this substance near civilian concentrations, but that didn’t stop Moscow troops in Luhansk Oblast.

Russia concentrates 111,000 troops for breakthrough in this hottest sector of Ukraine’s front. Syrskyi warns that behind the offensive lies a political motive.

Intelligence and technology

Drone wipes out Kim Jong Un’s rocket system in Ukraine strike (video). Initially confirmed in Russian service only in April 2025, the vehicle was located and neutralized in Donetsk Oblast.

FT: Taiwan deploys Ukraine-inspired “overkill” suicide drones against China threat. Taiwan has completed combat trials of suicide drones modeled on Ukraine’s anti-tank weapons, with plans to acquire 25,000 units equipped with the same AI systems Ukrainian forces use to destroy Russian armor, the Financial Times reports.

Czech firms secretly shipped machine tools to Russia — even during war, investigation finds. Tools from top manufacturers entered Russia even in 2024, data shows, according to The Insider.

Ukrainian interceptor drone climbs to 11 km—higher than Everest and as high as airliners (video). A video released online shows it soaring above Kherson Oblast skies.

Canada may co-build weapons with Ukraine—and it could boost its economy. New partnerships could help Ukraine scale drone manufacturing while strengthening Canada’s defense economy.

International

North Korean forces may soon fight inside Ukraine, says Seoul. South Korea warns Pyongyang is preparing for deployment of forces into Ukrainian territory as early as July.

Germany passes law blocking family visas for 388,000 refugees. Germany’s parliament has approved legislation preventing families of 388,000 migrants with subsidiary protection status from entering the country, as Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt cited overstretched integration capacity in education, housing and childcare.

Pro-Palestinian activists cause $ 1.1 mn damage to Ukraine-bound military vehicles in Belgium. One hundred fifty pro-Palestinian activists stormed a Belgian military equipment facility after mistakenly believing the company was supplying weapons to Israel, according to Belgian media reports.

Ukraine has done its part for accession talks start, now it’s EU’s turn, Leyen says. Hungary alone holds up talks despite Kyiv’s compliance and Brussels’ green light.

Humanitarian and social impact

Russia targets Ukrainian air base. Ukraine downs almost all of 363 drones and 8 missiles. Four civilians were injured in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, while the death toll from the previous attack rose to 21.

Political and legal developments

America First policies threaten Russian war crimes in Ukraine documentation efforts. International organizations, collecting evidence of sexual violence and torture by the Russians in Ukraine, face losing American funding under new Trump’s White House recommendations.

“West keeps trying to bury Russia, but they will die themselves soon,” says Putin in new speech. While offering peace talks, the Kremlin leader lashes out at the West.

Putin: Russia ready for third round of peace talks despite “absolutely opposite” terms on ending war. The Russian leader also emphasized that recent massive prisoner exchanges and body returns had established a foundation for continued talks.

“Only Russia is friend of Russia,” says Russian general amid Trump’s peace efforts. Behind public praise, Russian leadership treats Trump’s peace overtures as unreliable, and continues the war with full force.

Half of Ukrainians believe country moving towards democracy, 41% – towards authoritarianism – poll shows. Trust in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy determines how Ukrainians view their country’s political direction, with 82% of his critics seeing authoritarianism compared to 76% of supporters who perceive democratic development.

Read our earlier daily review here

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.

We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society.

Become a patron or see other ways to support

  • ✇The Kyiv Independent
  • Russia has amassed 111,000 troops near Pokrovsk, Syrskyi says
    Pokrovsk remains the "hottest spot" along Ukraine's front lines, with Russia concentrating its largest group of personnel in that direction — a force numbering 111,000 troops, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported on June 27. Russia has for months focused its offensive efforts on the embattled town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast and has recently been escalating attempts to break through to neighboring Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, a region that has not yet seen combat. Ukraine denied reports tha
     

Russia has amassed 111,000 troops near Pokrovsk, Syrskyi says

27 juin 2025 à 21:12
Russia has amassed 111,000 troops near Pokrovsk, Syrskyi says

Pokrovsk remains the "hottest spot" along Ukraine's front lines, with Russia concentrating its largest group of personnel in that direction — a force numbering 111,000 troops, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi reported on June 27.

Russia has for months focused its offensive efforts on the embattled town of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast and has recently been escalating attempts to break through to neighboring Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, a region that has not yet seen combat. Ukraine denied reports that Russian forces breached the regional border in May and June.

In May, Syrskyi reported that Ukraine had stabilized the situation in Pokrovsk.

After a working visit to the Pokrovsk sector, Syrskyi on June 27 said that the city is still "the hottest spot along the entire 1,200-kilometer front line" with nearly 50 combat clashes recorded per day. It's also where Russia has concentrated the bulk of its forces in Ukraine.

Russia has amassed "about 111,000 personnel" in the Pokrovsk sector, Syrskyi said, but Ukrainian forces are holding the line.

"The enemy continues to try to break through to the administrative border of Donetsk Oblast ... Russian sabotage and assault groups were particularly active here two weeks ago," Syrskyi said.

"But they were all destroyed or neutralized, and the remnants were pushed back from the administrative border. The situation is under control."

Russia has amassed 111,000 troops near Pokrovsk, Syrskyi says
Ukraine's Donetsk Oblast (Nizar al-Rifai/The Kyiv Independent)

Russia is attempting to break into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast not only for operational reasons, but also for performative ones, Syrskyi said.

"To achieve a psychological effect: to put the infamous 'foot of the Russian soldier' there, plant a flag, and trumpet another pseudo-'victory.'"

Syrskyi's comments echo recent remarks by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who claimed in a propaganda-heavy speech on June 20 that "wherever the foot of a Russian soldier steps is Russian land." President Volodymyr Zelensky fired back the next day, promising "Ukrainian drones for the foot of every Russian soldier."

While Putin claimed on June 27 that Moscow is "ready" for a third round of peace talks with Kyiv, the Kremlin has sent no signal that it's ready to abandon its maximalist ambitions in Ukraine.

Russia's so-called "peace memorandum" demands that Ukraine recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea, as well as Kherson, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Luhansk oblasts — none of which are fully under Moscow's control.

Zelensky's Deputy Chief of Staff Pavlo Palisa said on June 6 that Russia aims to occupy all Ukrainian territory east of the Dnipro River and advance toward Odesa and Mykolaiv in a broader plan to sever Ukraine's access to the Black Sea amid a renewed summer offensive.

Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian drones reportedly strike 4 fighter jets in Russia
Key developments on June 27: * Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian drones reportedly strike 4 fighter jets in Russia * North Korea deployed 20% of Kim’s elite ‘personal reserve’ to fight against Ukraine in Russia, Umerov says * Pro-Palestinian activists reportedly destroy military equipment intended for Ukraine * Zelensky signs decree to synchronize Russia sanctions
Russia has amassed 111,000 troops near Pokrovsk, Syrskyi saysThe Kyiv IndependentThe Kyiv Independent news desk
Russia has amassed 111,000 troops near Pokrovsk, Syrskyi says

ISW: Ukrainians advance near Borova and Velyka Novosilka, Russians in Vovchansk and near Pokrovsk and Novopavlivka

26 juin 2025 à 13:19

isw ukrainians advance near borova velyka novosilka russians vovchansk pokrovsk novopavlivka svatove-kreminna direction 25 2025 fresh battlefield movements indicate both ukrainian russian forces made gains several contested areas across kharkiv

Fresh battlefield movements indicate that both Ukrainian and Russian forces made gains in several contested areas across Kharkiv and Donetsk oblasts in recent days, according to a June 25 report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Geolocated footage supports a series of advances, with Ukrainian forces regaining ground in eastern Kharkiv and southern Donetsk oblasts, while Russian troops pushed forward in key directions including Vovchansk, Pokrovsk, and Novopavlivka.

This comes amid Russia’s major escalation of ground assaults and air attacks in Ukraine, while US President Donald Trump has pushed for Kyiv-Moscow peace talks for months, allegedly to end the ongoing Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russia’s strategic objective is to capture the entirety of Donetsk Oblast and advance into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast as part of broader territorial ambitions beyond the four oblasts – Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson –  it has already claimed to have illegally annexed, yet does not fully control any of those.

Ukrainian progress near Borova and Velyka Novosilka

ISW reports that Ukrainian forces recently advanced in the Borova direction in eastern Kharkiv Oblast. Geolocated footage published on 25 June confirms that Ukrainian troops regained positions in Zelenyi Hai, located east of Borova. The footage strongly suggests that Ukrainian forces likely liberated the settlement.

isw ukrainians advance near borova velyka novosilka russians vovchansk pokrovsk novopavlivka luhansk oblast 25 2025 fresh battlefield movements indicate both ukrainian russian forces made gains several contested areas across kharkiv
Map: ISW

Meanwhile, in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine also made headway in the Velyka Novosilka direction. Geolocated footage released on 23 June indicates Ukrainian forces advanced southeast of Novopil, southwest of Velyka Novosilka.

Map: ISW

Ukrainian counteroffensive near Lyman hits Russian regiment

Ukrainian troops operating in the Lyman direction launched a counterattack on 24 June, reportedly striking elements of the Russian 283rd Motorized Rifle Regiment, which is part of the 144th Motorized Rifle Division, 20th Combined Arms Army. The Ukrainian brigade stated that its operation “destroyed” a platoon from the Russian regiment and resulted in progress near Ridkodub, north of Lyman.

However, Russian sources counter these claims. A Russian milblogger alleged that Russian troops advanced east of Zelena Dolyna and north of Novomykhailivka, both located in the same northern part of Donetsk Oblast.

Russian gains around Vovchansk and Pokrovsk

Russian forces continued their push in northern Kharkiv Oblast. According to ISW, geolocated footage published on 23 and 25 June shows Russian troops advancing in northern and northwestern parts of Vovchansk, northeast of Kharkiv City.

isw ukrainians advance near borova velyka novosilka russians vovchansk pokrovsk novopavlivka 25 2025 fresh battlefield movements indicate both ukrainian russian forces made gains several contested areas across kharkiv donetsk oblasts
Map: ISW

In the Donetsk Oblast’s Pokrovsk direction, geolocated video from 24 June depicts Russian troops advancing north of Shevchenko Pershe and into western Lysivka, both situated near Pokrovsk.

Donetsk’s Yalta fell in the Novopavlivka direction

The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that units from the 36th Motorized Rifle Brigade, part of the 29th Combined Arms Army under the Eastern Military District, took control of central Yalta, south of Novopavlivka in Donetsk Oblast. Geolocated footage published on 25 June supports this claim, showing Russian servicemembers raising their flag in the settlement center.

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this. We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. Become a patron or see other ways to support
❌
❌