Zelenskyy says Russia controls 20% of Ukraine
On the eve of the 100th day of the war in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday in an address to the Luxembourg parliament that Russia now controls about 20% of his country.
The startling statement came at a time when Russia is making slow but steady gains in the eastern Donbas region, including taking over most of the key city of Sievierodonetsk.
Zelenskyy’s estimate appeared to include not only the Russian conquests during the invasion it launched Feb. 24 but also its 2014 annexation of Crimea and partial command of disputed territory in Luhansk and Donetsk in the east, which he referenced in his speech.
Whatever the precise accounting of how much Ukrainian territory Russia has seized, Zelenskyy’s message of the need for European unity in standing up to Russian President Vladimir Putin was unmistakable:
“When we win this war, all Europeans will be able to continue to enjoy their freedom,” he said. “But if the person who wants to destroy any freedom in Ukraine and Europe prevails, there will be a dark time for everyone on the continent.”
Major developments:
►President Joe Biden plans to travel to Saudi Arabia later this month as he seeks a decrease in gas prices that have skyrocketed since the war in Ukraine started, the New York Times reported.
►Amid growing concerns of a global food crisis caused in part by a Russian blockade preventing Ukraine from shipping millions of tons of grain, U.N. and Turkish officials are trying to broker a safe passage to allow the agricultural products to be exported.
►European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says it’s in the European Union’s strategic interest but also “our moral duty” to make it possible for Ukraine to join the 27-nation bloc.
►A memorial was held in the Russian region of Karachay-Cherkessia for retired Russian Gen. Kanamat Botashov, 63, a legendary pilot shot down in Ukraine. Local authorities said he “died heroically while performing his military duty.”
►Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod said Thursday that he expects Denmark to join the European Union’s common defense on July 1. In a referendum on Wednesday, two-thirds of voters opted to abandon a 30-year-old waiver that kept the NATO member from full participation.
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Russia pummels Donbas, but more allies step up to help Ukraine
As Russia continues its intense assault aimed at taking over the eastern Donbas region, Ukrainian forces are attempting to fend them off while awaiting new weapons that “really can save the lives of our people and defend our land,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday.
In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy reported some progress in the efforts to defend the city of Sievierodonetsk, which is mostly under Russian control, and said fierce battles are also being waged in Lysychansk, Bakhmut and others.
“The longer the war goes on, the more vile, shameful and cynical things Russia is forever inscribing in its history,” he said.
Help for the Ukrainians in on the way. Britain said it will send them sophisticated medium-range rocket systems, a day after the U.S….
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