Ukraine war latest: Around 20,000 Russians killed in Kharkiv offensive, Zelensky says (2024)

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Key updates on July 20-21:

  • Around 20,000 Russians died in Kharkiv offensive, Zelensky says
  • Front-line troops lack ammunition, drones, Zelensky says
  • Zelensky on Trump's peace plan: No one can push Ukraine to give up territory for peace
  • Most Ukrainian POWs haven't seen Red Cross while in Russian captivity, ombudsman says
  • Satellite images show damage to Russian airfield after reported drone strike
  • Ukraine's sanctions on Russia's Lukoil may result in fuel crisis in Hungary
  • Ukraine increases defense spending by almost $12 billion in 2024

Around 20,000 Russian troops were killed during Russia's failed offensive in Kharkiv Oblast, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with the BBC on July 18.

Russia launched its offensive on Kharkiv Oblast in May, pressing towards Ukraine's second-largest city, but the assault quickly stalled.

"We stopped this offensive, and their attack failed. This is a fact," Zelensky said.

"About 20,000 of their people died. These villages cost them."

The Kyiv Independent was unable to independently confirm the figure.

‘We took out so many of them:’ Ukraine stabilizes Kharkiv front after brutal Russian offensiveEditor’s note: In accordance with the security protocols of the Ukrainian military, soldiers featured in this story are identified by first names and callsigns only. KHARKIV OBLAST – In battles fought under a sky swarming with enemy drones, even the most minimal movement, even the quickest dash fro…The Kyiv IndependentFrancis Farrell

Front-line troops lack ammunition, drones, Zelensky says

Ukrainian troops on the front line lack key supplies, particularly ammunition and drones, Zelensky said on July 21.

Ammunition shortages have long been an ongoing issue in Ukraine, particularly in the first half of 2024. Over the winter months, Ukraine's Armed Forces suffered a critical shortage of artillery shells, in large part due to delays in U.S. military aid.

"What exactly is lacking ... Distribution of ammunition and a sufficient number of drones, above all," Zelensky said.

Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi visited front-line brigades and reported on the lack of military provisions, Zelensky said.

The report comes days after the Defense Ministry announced on July 16 that it would return "a significant amount" of ammunition previously designated as expired to the front lines.

Zelensky on Trump's peace plan: No one can push Ukraine to give up territory for peace

Zelensky said in a July 20 interview that no one can force Ukraine to give up territory in order to achieve peace.

Zelensky was responding to former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's comments that he could end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours.

As Trump's victory in the Nov. 5 presidential election becomes more likely, his proposal for a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia is coming under close scrutiny.

"If one person in the world, and this person is Donald Trump, can stop the war in 24 hours, the question is at what price, and who will pay?" Zelensky said in an interview with BBC.

Zelensky and Trump held a phone call on July 19, five years after a fateful 2019 phone call between the two led to Trump’s first impeachment.

President Zelensky announced on Twitter that the two discussed the "vital importance of bipartisan and bicameral" U.S. support for Ukraine.

The Ukrainian leader also noted that the leaders agreed to a future "personal" meeting to discuss peace with Russia.

"Ukraine will always be grateful to the United States for its help in strengthening our ability to resist Russian terror," Zelensky said

Zelensky, Trump hold call, discuss future of US supportPresident Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump, former U.S. president and Republican presidential nominee, held a phone call on July 19, five years after a fateful 2019 phone call between the two led to Trump’s first impeachment.The Kyiv IndependentOwen Racer

Most Ukrainian POWs haven’t seen Red Cross while in Russian captivity, ombudsman says

Ukraine's Human Rights Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said on July 20 that most Ukrainian prisoners of war who were released had never been visited by the Red Cross representatives while in Russian captivity.

His post on social media came in response to a recent interview of Boris Michel, the head of the delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Russia, with the Russian state-controlled media RIA Novosti.

In the interview, Michel said that ICRC staff visited 3,100 prisoners of war in Russia and Ukraine, adding that these visits “are very important for the prisoners of war themselves and their relatives, as they await news about their loved ones.”

Lubinets said that Michel didn’t specify how many visits were paid to POWs separately in Russia and Ukraine because “almost all” the POWs who received the visits were Russian prisoners held by Ukraine in accordance with the Geneva Conventions.

Most Ukrainian POWs haven’t seen Red Cross while in Russian captivity, ombudsman saysUkraine’s Human Rights Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets commented on the recent interview of Boris Michel, the head of the delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Russia, with the Russian state-controlled media RIA Novosti.The Kyiv IndependentNatalia Yermak

Satellite images show damage to Russian airfield after reported drone strike

The Millerovo military airfield in Russia's Rostov Oblast was damaged after a reported overnight drone strike, according to satellite data from July 20.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that Ukraine attacked the region with 26 drones overnight on July 19-20. The Crimean Wind Telegram channel then reported that a fire broke out at the Millerovo airfield as a result of the strike.

The airfield's technical-operational unit and the fuel and lubricant warehouse were damaged in the attack, according to satellite imagery compiled by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).

The data indicates that fires broke out at the warehouse, the technical-operational unit hangar, and an area of open field.

The photos also appear to substantiate Russian officials' claims that no aircraft were damaged in the strike.

Ukrainian forces regularly conduct drone strikes and sabotage acts on Russian territory, targeting military assets, oil refineries, and industrial facilities.

Ukraine's sanctions on Russia's Lukoil may result in fuel crisis in Hungary

Hungary is facing a fuel shortage following Ukraine's decision to ban Russian oil passing through its territory.

In June, Kyiv imposed sanctions blocking the transit of pipeline oil from Lukoil to Central Europe to cut off the Kremlin's source of income used to support its military. Yet, Ukraine's ban does not apply to other Russian oil exporters who still use the pipeline.

The restrictions have created supply shortages in Budapest, which depends on Russia for 70% of its oil supply, with Lukoil providing half of that volume, according to Politico.

Following Ukraine's move, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said this measure could threaten Hungary's long-term energy security.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico criticized Ukraine's sanctions against the Russian company Lukoil in a phone conversation with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on July 20, the Slovak news agency Tasr reported.

"Slovakia doesn't intend to be a hostage to Ukrainian-Russian relations," Fico reportedly told Shmyhal.

Fico criticizes Kyiv’s sanctions against Russian oil in call with Shmyhal“Slovakia doesn’t intend to be a hostage to Ukrainian-Russian relations,” Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico reportedly said.The Kyiv IndependentAbbey Fenbert

Ukraine increases defense spending by almost $12 billion in 2024

The government has increased defense spending by Hr 495.3 billion (nearly $12 billion), providing funds for all Ukraine's law enforcement agencies, the Defense Ministry announced on July 19.

"Financing the needs of Ukrainian forces is now a top priority. Additional funds for weapons, fortifications, and salaries for servicemen are a critical component of countering the military aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine," Deputy Defense Minister Yurii Dzhyhyr said.

According to the statement, Hr 373.7 billion (nearly $9 billion) will be allocated to the Defense Ministry, with 269.5 billion (nearly $6.5 billion) of this amount will be spent on military salaries and one-time financial assistance in the event of the soldiers' death or injury.

The government also allocated Hr 47 billion (nearly $ 1.1 billion) to purchase and modernize weapons, military equipment, and ammunition, and Hr 4.7 billion (nearly $113 million) will be spent on logistics.

More than Hr 40 billion (nearly $965 million) will be allocated for the construction of fortifications by the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the State Security Service, while Hr 8.9 billion (nearly $215 million) will be transferred for the needs of the State Special Transport Service.

Ukraine finances the country's defense sector through taxes and military bonds.

The state budget expenditures for the security and defense sector amounted to Hr 732.8 billion (nearly $17.6 billion) from January to May 2024, or 58.3% of the total expenditures, the Finance Ministry reported in June.

Ukraine war latest: Around 20,000 Russians killed in Kharkiv offensive, Zelensky says (2024)

FAQs

Why did Russia start war? ›

The ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War began in February 2014. Following Ukraine's Revolution of Dignity, Russia occupied and annexed Crimea from Ukraine and supported pro-Russian separatists fighting the Ukrainian military in the Donbas War. These first eight years of conflict also included naval incidents and cyberwarfare.

When did Russia invade Ukraine? ›

Is Russia still invading Ukraine? ›

The invasion, the largest conflict in Europe since World War II, has caused hundreds of thousands of military casualties and tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilian casualties. As of 2024, Russian troops are occupying about 20% of Ukraine.

How many tanks does Russia have left? ›

The IISS Military Balance 2024 report says Russia has around 1,750 tanks of various types—including more than 200 of the T-90 variety—remaining, with up to 4,000 tanks in storage.

Why does Russia not want Ukraine to join NATO? ›

Russia accused Ukraine of a military build-up of its own and demanded "legal guarantees" that it would never join NATO.

How much money has the US sent to Ukraine? ›

To date, we have provided more than $55.4 billion in military assistance since Russia launched its premeditated, unprovoked, and brutal full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and approximately $58.2 billion in military assistance since Russia's initial invasion of Ukraine in 2014.

How much artillery does Russia have left? ›

Russia has staggering amounts of artillery, both in the field and in reserve. A February 2024 report from RUSI estimated that Russia had just under 5,000 artillery pieces in the field, of which about 1,000 are self-propelled guns on tracked vehicles, the rest being old-fashioned towed artillery.

What language is spoken in Ukraine? ›

The official language of Ukraine is Ukrainian, a Slavic language, which is spoken regularly by 88% of Ukraine's population at home in their personal life, and as high as 87% at work or study. It is followed by Russian which is spoken by 34% in their personal life.

Is Kyiv safe right now? ›

Ukraine - AVOID ALL TRAVEL

These include attacks on city centres and populated areas, including Kyiv. The ongoing Russian invasion poses a significant security risk, even if you are not near the front lines. If you are in Ukraine, you should consider leaving the country if you can do so safely.

How many times has Ukraine been invaded by Russia? ›

List
ConflictInvasionYear
World War II (1939–1945)Operation Barbarossa1941
Russo-Ukrainian War (2014–present)Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation2014
War in Donbas2014–2022
Russian invasion of Ukraine2022–present
10 more rows

What parts of Ukraine does Russia control? ›

Russia occupies Crimea and parts of Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Luhansk, Mykolayiv, and Zaporizhzhya Oblasts. The amount of Ukrainian territory Russia occupied shifted during the year.

Why did Russia enter the war? ›

When the Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand was shot dead in Sarajevo in June 1914, it triggered a wave of threats, ultimatums and troop mobilisations. By August, Serbia had been invaded by Austria-Hungary and Russia had declared war in response, prompting the German Kaiser to declare war on his Russian cousin.

Why did Russia start Cold War? ›

Origins of the Cold War

The Soviets, on the other hand, were determined to maintain control of eastern Europe in order to safeguard against any possible renewed threat from Germany, and they were intent on spreading communism worldwide, largely for ideological reasons.

Why did Russia invade Georgia? ›

Russia. Russian authorities stated that Russia reacted to the numerous casualties among the South Ossetian civilian population caused by the Georgian attack. According to Russia, its aim was defence of Russian citizens and Russian peacekeepers in South Ossetia.

Why did Russia get out of the war early? ›

Russia left WW1 because it was in the interest of Russian Communists (Bolsheviks) who took power in November 1917. The Bolsheviks' priority was to win a civil war against their domestic opponents, not to fight in WW1.

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