The day of the war at a glance: Russians dig into Luhansk – Kyiv gets tank jeeps from Germany

The day of the war at a glance
Russians dig into Luhansk – Kyiv gets tank jeeps from Germany

After rapid advances in eastern Ukraine, Kremlin troops are digging in in the Luhansk region. Kyiv does not expect further lightning successes, but secures the ground gains achieved. A video is said to show the Russian mercenary leader Prigozhin recruiting convicts. The federal government is supplying tank jeeps instead of Leopard 2s, and China’s president calls Putin his “old friend.” The 204th day of the war at a glance.

No continuation of the quick Kharkiv scenario in Luhansk

According to Ukrainian sources, Russian troops are strengthening their defense lines in the east of the country. This will make it more difficult for Ukrainian forces to continue their advance, Luhansk governor Serhiy Hajdaj said on television. “The Russians are digging in here in Swatowe and Troizke,” said Hajdaj, referring to two towns in the Luhansk region. “The fierce fighting continues in many directions… The rapid Kharkiv scenario will not be repeated,” said Hajdaj, referring to the initially rapid advance of the Ukrainian troops.

Oleksiy Danilov of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council also warned: “We should avoid euphoria, it will still take a lot of work to liberate our country, and the Russians have a lot of weapons.” According to the latest information from President Volodymyr Zelenskyj, the Ukrainian armed forces have so far recaptured around 8,000 square kilometers of Russian-held territory.

London: Ukraine expands control in Kharkiv

According to the British Ministry of Defense, Ukraine is consolidating its control over the retaken territories in the Kharkiv region. The Russian troops have largely withdrawn west of the Oskil River, the ministry said.

Head of the Wagner mercenaries recruits criminals

In Russia, a video caused a sensation that allegedly shows the Kremlin-affiliated oligarch Yevgeny Prigozhin recruiting prison inmates as a fighter. The video, shared by supporters of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny and some media outlets, shows a man appearing in front of prisoners and promising them release if they commit to serving as mercenaries in Ukraine for six months. At the same time, he announced that prisoners were already deployed on the Russian side. Prigozhin is the financier of the Wagner mercenary group.

Von der Leyen visits Kyiv

During a visit to Kyiv, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Ukraine’s efforts to achieve EU membership. “I have to say that the accession process is on the right track,” said the German politician at a joint press conference with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv. “It’s impressive to see the speed, determination and precision you are advancing with.” Zelenskyj said that Ukraine wanted to join the EU internal market even before the intended EU accession.

Lambrecht promises 50 dingoes

Germany will provide Ukraine with two more MARS 2 multiple rocket launchers, Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht said. Ukrainian soldiers would be trained there in September. In addition, 50 armored vehicles of the Dingo type would be delivered, said the SPD politician at the Bundeswehr conference in Berlin.

The exchange of rings planned with Greece is also about to be completed. The government in Athens will then deliver 40 infantry fighting vehicles to the Ukraine and will receive 40 Marder infantry fighting vehicles from Germany in return. However, Lambrecht said nothing about the battle tanks and armored personnel carriers repeatedly requested by Ukraine.

Putin and Xi demonstrate unity

The war in Ukraine was also the subject of a meeting between the Presidents of Russia and China, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, in Uzbekistan. At their first meeting since the Russian war of aggression began on February 24, the two heads of state demonstrated unity. On the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, Putin praised Xi’s “balanced” stance on the war in Ukraine. Putin said he was hoping for new impetus to deepen the Russian-Chinese partnership.

China has condemned Western sanctions against Russia and has shown understanding for Putin’s actions in Ukraine. Calling Putin an “old friend,” Xi announced further China-Russia cooperation to bring “stability and positive energy to a chaotic world.”

US accuses Beijing of pact with Putin

The US urged China to take a tougher stance on Russia. The government in Beijing should condemn the actions in Ukraine, said Presidential Office spokesman John Kirby. “The whole world should be in line against what Mr. Putin is doing. Now is not the time for any business-as-usual with Mr. Putin.”

Kremlin warns Washington against delivery of long-range missiles

Meanwhile, Russia warned the United States against supplying long-range missiles to Ukraine. If the United States decides to provide Ukraine with such missiles for the US-made HIMARS rocket launchers, it would cross a red line and become a party to the war, Moscow State Department spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said. Russia reserves the right to defend its territory.

More texts on the Ukraine war:

You can read all further developments in our live ticker.

source site-34