Moscow, Kyiv, Capitals – Agencies
The verbal conflict between Washington and Moscow escalated, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to order the deployment of two nuclear submarines to areas near Russia. Meanwhile, Moscow expressed hope for ongoing peace talks with Kyiv and the potential for conflict resolution, while Ukraine showed interest in holding a leader-level meeting.
President Trump stated that he mandated the placement of nuclear submarines in proximity to Russia in response to threats from Dmitry Medvedev, the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council.
Trump posted on Truth Social: “I have ordered the deployment of two nuclear submarines to the appropriate areas, anticipating that these foolish and provocative statements will prove to be more than just words.”
Peace Talks
Regarding the peace discussions between Moscow and Kyiv, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed hope that negotiations could continue and that working groups could explore possible resolutions. However, he noted that Moscow’s objectives remain unchanged.
Putin acknowledged that anyone feeling disappointed with the outcome of the peace talks likely had unrealistic expectations. He added, “We need a lasting and stable peace based on solid foundations, satisfying both Russia and Ukraine, ensuring the security of both nations… The conditions remain as they are from the Russian side.” He emphasized the necessity for discussions to occur away from cameras, in a calm atmosphere.
In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his willingness to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that Kyiv aims to move past mere statements and lower-level meetings regarding the resolution of the war.
Zelensky tweeted: “If these are genuine signs of readiness to end the war with dignity and establish a true, lasting peace, Ukraine reaffirms its preparedness for a leader-level meeting at any time, urging a transition beyond exchanges of statements to technical meetings and ultimately discussions between leaders.”
Additionally, Trump condemned the Russian strikes on Ukraine as disgraceful, reaffirming his intention to impose new sanctions on Russia. He commented to reporters, “What they are doing is disgusting… We will impose sanctions… I don’t know if the sanctions bother President Putin, but we will enact them.”
On another note, Ukrainian authorities declared a day of mourning for the victims of a Russian strike in Kyiv, where mourners laid flowers and candles at the damaged residential building, as heavy machinery worked to clear debris.
Rescue teams in Ukraine recovered over ten additional bodies from the rubble of a partly collapsed residential building in Kyiv following what has been described as the worst airstrike on the Ukrainian capital this year, raising the death toll from the attack to 31.
Zelensky announced yesterday that among the five children found dead after the assault was a two-year-old, declaring the end of a rescue operation that lasted more than 24 hours.
A total of 159 individuals were injured due to the multi-wave attack in which Russia launched over 300 drones and eight missiles early Thursday, marking the latest in a series of violent strikes on Ukrainian towns and cities.
The residential building in the Sviatoshyn area of western Kyiv partially collapsed as a result of the attack. Reports indicate damage in at least three other areas of the capital.
The Russian military has sustained its advance in Ukraine for the fourth consecutive month, achieving its most significant gains since November, according to an analysis by the French news agency of data from the American Institute for the Study of War.
In just one month, Russian forces gained control of 713 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory, compared to Ukraine’s recovery of 79 square kilometers, resulting in a net gain of 634 square kilometers. This is a significant increase compared to 588 square kilometers in June, 507 square kilometers in May, 379 square kilometers in April, and 240 square kilometers in March, following a slowdown during the winter.
Drone Surge
Russia also launched the highest number of drones in a single month against Ukraine in July since the war began, according to the analysis. The report, based on figures released by Ukrainian authorities, indicated that the Russian military deployed 6,297 long-range drones against Ukraine in July, marking an increase for the third consecutive month and a rise of 16% compared to June.
This number includes a significant portion of decoy drones aimed at overwhelming Ukraine’s stressed air defense systems. Additionally, Russia fired 198 missiles at Ukraine in July, exceeding any other month this year except for June.
Deliveries of Patriot Systems
The German government announced the potential commencement of Patriot air defense system deliveries to Ukraine. The German Ministry of Defense stated that the German army will send additional Patriot launchers to Ukraine in the coming days as a first step, and as a second phase, additional components will be delivered over the next two to three months to enhance Ukraine’s air defense capabilities with more Patriot batteries.