Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Russian forces are holding back Russia’s summer push to break through defenses along parts of the front line, stating that it is “very tough for our guys out there.” The war now in its fourth year after Russia’s February 2022 invasion of its neighbor, the effort is draining resources on both sides, although Russia has more resources and people to sustain its fight. Ukraine is seeking further support from Western partners.
Russia has claimed the capture of some villages and hamlets in recent weeks, but no defensively stronger urban areas have fallen to its troops. Ukrainian forces have repelled Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups’ attempts to stage minor incursions near Pokrovsk in the eastern Donetsk region to film symbolic footage, such as raising a Russian flag.
Ukraine is working with international partners to secure 10 U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems, which can shoot down missiles, with three already confirmed from Germany and Norway. The Trump administration will sell the systems, but Ukraine’s task is to find funding for all 10. Ukraine is also seeking a license to manufacture the Patriot systems itself.
The Kremlin has expressed little hope for progress in direct talks between delegations from Russia and Ukraine, though envoys have begun discussing the possibility of a leaders’ summit with Ukraine. Zelenskyy said public protests against changes earlier this week to Ukraine’s anti-corruption law were “legitimate,” as they threatened the independence of anti-graft watchdogs and drew rebukes from European Union officials and international rights groups.
