Russia continues massive missile attacks on Ukrainian cities, while Ukraine inflicts increasingly tangible blows on the enemy's military-economic potential. Against this background, a public debate is ongoing within the country on reforming the military leadership and personnel decisions. At the same time, the European Union is expanding sanctions against the Russian military-industrial complex, trying to limit the production of drones.
The Russian Federation carried out one of the most massive ballistic strikes on Kyiv
On the night of July 19, the Russian Federation carried out one of the most powerful ballistic strikes on Kyiv since the start of the full-scale war. According to the Ukrainian authorities, the enemy used 41 missiles of various types and 125 drones, as a result of which at least one person was killed and 16 others were injured. Residential buildings, a dormitory, a supermarket, warehouses, a metro station and other civilian infrastructure were damaged.
Ukrainian air defense shot down 18 missiles and 108 drones, but the massive attacks continue to increase Ukraine's need for missile defense systems. President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed:
Defense against ballistic missiles is our constant and highest priority now. Interceptors are needed every day." Despite the destruction, residents of the capital have already begun to eliminate the consequences of the strikes and restore damaged facilities.
Protests continue in Kyiv demanding Syrsky's resignation
Kyiv has been holding protests for the second day in a row after personnel changes in the government, during which participants are demanding the resignation of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrsky, and the return of Mykhailo Fedorov to the post of Minister of Defense. According to the protesters, Ukraine needs a more modern approach to warfare and army reform. President Volodymyr Zelensky explained the personnel decisions by a deep conflict between Syrsky and Fedorov.
The participants of the action say that the main problem is not Fedorov's dismissal, but his retention in office. One of the protesters, combat medic Andriy, said:
"Syrsky had conflicts not only with the defense minister, but also with brigade and corps commanders. If he stays, we will simply be ineffective." At the same time, Zelensky appointed Igor Klymenko as secretary of the National Security and Defense Council and announced his intention to continue the development of defense technologies.
Ukrainian strikes cause fuel and logistical problems for Russian farmers
Українські drone strikes on Russian oil refineries and the escalation of hostilities in the Sea of Azov are increasingly affecting the economy of the southern regions of the Russian Federation. Due to a shortage of diesel fuel, fuel prices have increased, and shipping restrictions have practically stopped the sale of grain from the Rostov region. According to experts, if the situation does not change, Russia may reduce its wheat exports to the world market by 5-10 million tons.
Farmers report rising costs and difficulties in selling the crop. One of the farmers, Lyubov Fedorchenko, said:
“Everything is standing. Barley is standing. Wheat is standing. And we really need money now. We need to sell the crop and buy diesel fuel and fertilizers.” According to the farmers, financial pressure does not allow them to invest in new equipment and expand production.
The EU has imposed new sanctions against Russian drone manufacturers
The European Union is has announced sanctions against the chairman of the board of directors of ABS Electro, Irina Kharisova, and five Russian companies that are part of this group. Brussels said that the companies are engaged in the production of electronic components and radio electronics necessary for the manufacture of combat drones used by the Russian Federation in the war against Ukraine. The decision was made against the backdrop of increased Russian attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.
The EU noted: “These entities are part of the Russian military-industrial complex, in particular, they are involved in the production of drones.” The sanctions include freezing Irina Kharisova’s assets and banning her from entering the European Union. At the same time, the EU continues to work on the 21st package of sanctions, which could cover Russian banks, cryptocurrency networks, the oil industry and the production of drones.
Photo: Reuters
Author: Danylo Pievchev