Ukraine relies on Western weapons to liberate the occupied territories. Zelensky thanks several countries for their continued support, including Germany.
War against Ukraine: the situation on June 18
War against Ukraine: the situation on June 18. In the midst of Ukraine’s ongoing counter-offensive, President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked Western partners for their continued military assistance. Zelensky also directly mentioned Germany in his evening video message, which announced the delivery of 64 more Patriot air defense missiles to the attacked country.
In the heavily flooded southern Ukrainian region of Kherson, the death toll continues to rise a week and a half after the dam collapsed. In St. Petersburg, Russia, an African delegation met with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin to present their low hopes for a peace initiative for Ukraine.
Zelensky thanks Germany – Ukrainian ambassador demands more weapons
“Germany, thank you (…) for your unwavering strength in protecting lives from Russian missile terror,” Zelensky said. Earlier, however, Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany Oleksiy Makeev also noted that his country needs more Western support to defend itself against Russia: “Western support is essential for our survival. But it is not enough: we have two Iris-T systems, several Patriots,” Makeev said in an interview with the Berliner Zeitung newspaper, referring to two air defense systems.
“Kyiv is well protected by them, but more air defense systems, armored vehicles and tanks are needed elsewhere.” The diplomat reiterated Ukraine’s demand for fighter jets and long-range ammunition.
Dam failure: death toll continues to rise
Meanwhile, a week and a half after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam, the death toll in the Kherson region in southern Ukraine continues to rise. Ukrainian authorities report 16 dead as a result of devastating floods, and Russian invaders on the other side of the Dnieper – about 29. Dozens of residents are still missing.
Ukraine accuses Russia of deliberately blowing up the dam, and many international experts also consider it likely. Moscow denies the allegations.
African delegation urges Moscow to negotiate
During a visit to St. Petersburg, representatives of several African states called on Russia to negotiate with Ukraine. “We would like to urge you to start negotiations with Ukraine,” said Azali Assoumani, leader of the African Union and President of the Comoros, at a meeting with Kremlin head Putin, Interfax news agency reported. According to the statement, South African leader Cyril Ramaphosa said: “We are convinced that the time has come for both sides to start negotiations and end this war.”
The delegation, which also includes representatives from Egypt, Senegal, Zambia, the Republic of the Congo and Uganda, said it had developed a ten-point plan as part of its peace initiative. According to the state-run TASS news agency, Putin spoke of “a measured approach by African friends to the Ukrainian crisis.” However, hopes for success are extremely small after almost 16 months of Russia’s war of aggression. Before visiting St. Petersburg, the delegation visited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Friday.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned against imaginary peace in Ukraine. “We all want this war to end. But for peace to be lasting, it must be fair,” Stoltenberg said in an interview with the Welt am Sonntag newspaper. “Peace cannot mean freezing the conflict and accepting a deal dictated by Russia. Only Ukraine can determine acceptable conditions,” the NATO Secretary General emphasized. “The more occupied territories Ukraine can liberate, the more chances it has at the negotiating table to reach a just and lasting peace,” he added.
What’s important today
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken arrived in China today for a two-day visit, his first trip to the People’s Republic. Among other things, China’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine is a source of contention between the two countries.
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Top photo: Vadim Ghirda/AP
