Russo-Ukrainian War, Day 860: Hungarian President Orbán Visits kyiv, Urges Zelensky to Consider Ceasefire

Exclusives

Lessons from Aceh: How Ukraine can avoid the pitfalls of reconstructionThe Ukrainian government and civil society are already developing information systems to track reconstruction efforts. But in implementing them, it is instructive to consider recent large-scale reconstruction programs, which contain important lessons on how to use digital tools effectively.

Military

Ukrainian pilots attack ammunition depot in Russian-occupied CrimeaMultiple explosions were reported in occupied Sevastopol on Monday evening. 02 Jul 2024Approximate losses of weapons and military equipment of the Russian armed forces from the beginning of the invasion to the present day:

• • • Staff: 545,090 (+1,280)
    • Tanks: 8107 (+8)
    • APV: 15566 (+16)
    • Artillery systems: 14655 (+56)
    • MLRS: 1114 (+3)
    • Anti-aircraft systems: 874
    • Plane: 360
    • Helicopters: 326
    • Drone: 11641 (+21)
    • Cruise missiles: 2335 (+2)
    • Warships/Boats: 28
    • Submarines: 1
    • Vehicles and fuel tanks: 19787 (+74)

Intelligence and Technology

Ukraine’s Use of U.S. Weapons Remains Limited, Pentagon SaysThey are not in favor of deep strikes into Russia.

Ukraine to receive first F-16 fighters from the Netherlands “soon”Dutch Defense Minister Ollongren informs parliament about the approval of an export license for 24 F-16 fighters and 7 engines to Ukraine. The first delivery is expected soon, details are being kept confidential.

Pentagon: No Sign of North Korean Troops in Ukraine Despite Media ReportsThe Pentagon has no evidence that North Korean troops in Ukraine are supporting Russia, but acknowledges the DPRK’s military assistance to Russia’s war efforts. South Korean media have reported a possible deployment of North Korean engineering troops to the occupied Donetsk Oblast.

International

Orbán meets Zelenskyy in kyiv as Hungarian FM calls LavrovThe Russian Foreign Ministry reported that Budapest was behind the call, during which both sides welcomed their “political dialogue.”

Hungarian PM Orbán suggests Zelensky consider ceasefire to speed up peace talksHungarian Prime Minister Orbán visits Kiev and proposes to President Zelensky to end the war with Russia. They discuss cooperation with the EU, participation in the peace summit, bilateral relations and opening the first Ukrainian school in Hungary.

Blinken: New air defense systems for Ukraine to be announced before NATO summitDespite Ukraine’s constant demands for air defense systems since the Russian invasion two and a half years ago, Kharkiv, Odessa and Dnipro still face relentless bombing.

Pentagon: US prepares $2.3 billion military aid package for UkraineIt will include anti-tank weapons, interceptors and ammunition for the Patriot and other air defense systems.

Zelensky renews ‘high-level contacts’ with Gambia after 20-year hiatus, thanks president for support for peace summitUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that during a recent phone call with Gambian President Adama Barrow, they discussed cooperation on peacemaking and food security and he welcomed Gambian students returning to safe regions of Ukraine for educational programs.

Political and legal developments

Putin ally Lukashenko calls Ukraine ‘enemy’, puts Belarusian troops on alertBelarus allowed Russia to launch its 2022 invasion from its territory and continues to support Putin without major consequences.

ISW predicts Russia’s power projection at the head of the UN Security CouncilISW reports that Russia is likely to use its month-long presidency of the UN Security Council, which began on July 1, to project power, citing the historical use of the position and its veto power for influence.

Abuser Trap: Russian Billionaire Abramovich Not Yet Under US Sanctions, While His Business Fuels Russia’s War in Ukraine. Although Roman Abramovich’s metallurgical and mining company has been supplying materials to the Russian state-run military-industrial complex for more than a decade, the US has yet to impose sanctions on the billionaire, while his children live in the UK and US without sanctions, according to Trap Aggressor’s investigation.

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