War in Ukraine: Ukrainians repel Russian attacks on the eastern front and await weapons promised by the West
Ukrainians repulsed Russian attacks in Zaporozhye. Kiev's army is defending the eastern front, waiting for military aid to enable it to launch its own offensive. In a Unity Day message, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed confidence that his country would win the war.
Moscow announces an offensive in the Zaporozhye region. British experts say the Russians could also advance on the eastern front, in Bahmut. At the same time, the Ukrainian army is defending the eastern front, waiting for military aid from the West.
"More shells and more guns are needed. We have enough handguns and grenade launchers, but we're short on ammo. Of course, something heavier like tanks would be nice.";
"It's hard, really hard. Our battalion does not leave its positions. Before I was in Maryinka, now I came here."
Kiev hopes to receive German Leopard 2 tanks, despite the fact that no such deliveries have been agreed so far. The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, had a meeting with the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz. The Berlin leader announced that he would continue to help Ukraine, but did not specify anything about the Leopard 2 tanks.
"We are the ones who, together with our friends and partners, are writing the next chapters of European history. And we will not allow Europe to return to a time when violence will replace our politics. We will continue to support Ukraine as long as necessary. Together with the Europeans, let's keep the peace in Europe", said the German chancellor.
Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin, said supplies of offensive weapons to Kyiv would lead to a global catastrophe.
Today, Ukraine celebrated Unity Day. On this occasion, President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated the Ukrainians and expressed his confidence that his country would emerge victorious against Russia.
"Every city is a hometown. Every village is a native village. Every street is a native street. Even though we've never been there in our lives. And fighters from Kyiv, Lviv, Jutomir, Luhansk and many other cities fight for Mariupol, Kupiansk and Izium. All of us together defend Kiev. And we all together defend Kharkiv. And all of us together are liberating Kherson," the Ukrainian leader said.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson paid a visit to Kyiv where he also met with the President of Ukraine. At the same time, the USA announced that it will send several thousand elite soldiers and a general to Romania.
