In an interview with Russia Today, Lavrov emphasized: “Now the geography is different. It’s not just about the DNR and the LNR (Donetsk and Luhansk, ed.), but also the Kherson region, the Zaporizhia region and several others. areas, and this process is continuous, consistent and persistent”. Nothing has changed in terms of political objectives: “The president said very clearly, as you quoted him – denazification, demilitarization in the sense that there are no threats to our security, military threats from the territory of Ukraine, that task remains.” , highlighted the minister.
Meanwhile, the strategically important Antonivka Bridge over the Dnieper River (Dnepr) has been so damaged by Ukrainian attacks that it is closed to traffic. “We counted about eight hits on the Antonivka bridge, the bridge was seriously damaged,” said the deputy head of the occupation administration of the Kherson region, Kirill Stremusov, as reported by RIA Novosti. A total of twelve rockets from US Himars rocket launchers were fired at the kilometer-long structure. There were already hits the day before.
Conquered large parts of southern Ukraine
Ukraine had repeatedly announced an offensive to recapture southern Ukraine. In this context, the destruction of the river crossings was mentioned as an option to prevent Russian troops from retreating to the left bank of the Dnipro River. Kyiv has also repeatedly called for the civilian population in the occupied areas to flee.
Russia invaded Ukraine nearly five months ago, taking control of much of Ukraine’s southern regions of Kherson and Zaporizhia.
The Ukrainian general staff reported on Wednesday morning Russian bombings and attacks in several areas. Russian troops were preparing an offensive on Bakhmut in the Donetsk region. Fighting was taking place towards Bakhmut with the aim of creating the conditions for this offensive and the acquisition of the Wuglegirsk power plant. “Enemy units lack ammunition, food and water,” the staff added, but did not elaborate.
Ukraine resists in Donbass
According to Ukrainian sources, five civilians were killed in Russian bombings in the eastern Donetsk region. The regional government said on Telegram that 16 people were injured. In the southern city of Nikopol, two people were killed in Russian attacks, the government of the Dnipropetrovsk region, where the city is located, said on Telegram. Kharkiv Governor Oleh Synyehubov reported on Russian bombing of the Saltivskyi district in Kharkiv. Three civilians were killed, including a 13-year-old child, Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform reported.
Meanwhile, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has ordered his troops to take more decisive action against Ukrainian drones over the Russian border area. It should also be prevented that Ukrainian troops bomb residential areas in places that have been conquered by Russian forces. According to the ministry, Shoigu said this after inspections of Russian units deployed in Ukraine.
Overall, the Russian offensive in Donbass, eastern Ukraine, is still progressing slowly, according to British information. The Ministry of Defense in London announced on Twitter that there were minimal gains in the territory because the Ukrainian armed forces resisted, citing the latest report by the military intelligence service.
Meanwhile, Ukraine is seeking a debt service delay. Repayment of Eurobonds and interest due on them will be suspended for 24 months from August 1, according to a government resolution. The Ministry of Finance must therefore negotiate the plans with creditors by 15 August. Payments for certain warrants linked to gross domestic product must also be deferred – from May 2023 to August 2024.