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Day 496: Zelenskyi calls on Biden to invite Ukraine into NATO

A Russian Iskander missile strikes Pervomayskyi in Kharkiv region, injuring 43, including 12 children. On the Berdyansk axis, Ukrainian troops make deep advance into Russian defense lines. Zelenskyi calls on Biden to invite Ukraine into NATO, he tells CNN.

Zelenskyi calls on Biden to invite Ukraine into NATO, he tells CNN

President Volodymyr Zelenskyi called on U.S. President Joe Biden to invite Ukraine into NATO “now” – even if membership does not come until after the war.

Speaking in English to CNN, Zelenskyi said that Biden was “the decision maker” about whether Ukraine would be in NATO or not.

“He supports our future in NATO,” but an invitation now would be a huge motivator for Ukrainian soldiers, Zelenskyi said in an exclusive interview with CNN’s Erin Burnett.

Zelenskyi added that he understood that Ukraine would “never be in NATO before war finishes.” “We understand everything,” Zelenskyi said. “But this signal is really very important. And depends on Biden’s decision.”

The NATO summit will be held in Vilnius on July 11-12. Ukraine expects to receive a clear signal to join the Alliance at the summit. Zelenskyi repeatedly said that he will not attend the Vilnius summit if Ukraine doesn’t get a concrete political gesture putting it on the membership path.

Russian Iskander missile strikes Pervomayskyi in Kharkiv region, injuring 43, including 12 children

Head of the National Police in Kharkiv region, Volodymyr Tymoshko, said there were only apartment buildings in the area near where the missile hit.

“That’s a civilian neighborhood that has no military facilities or military vehicles. At least 43 people, including 12 children, were wounded. The youngest hurt in the attack were children of three and nine months,” he said.

Head of the Kharkiv regional military administration Oleh Synehubov said on Telegram that a 10-month-old boy who was sent to emergency department was stabilized. Other children wounded in the attack had light shrapnel wounds, bruises and scratches. Nine apartment buildings were damaged.

On Berdyansk axis, Ukrainian troops make deep advance into Russian defense lines

Ukrainian troops have advanced by up to two kilometers on the Berdyansk axis, the joint press center of Ukraine’s defense forces in the Tavria direction said on Facebook.

Ukrainian troops strengthen positions along the lines of advance, conduct air reconnaissance, and strike hostile targets with artillery, the press center said.

Despite fierce Russian resistance, Ukrainian troops continue to put pressure on certain areas along the front line.

On the Zaporizhzhia axis, Russian forces make all efforts to hold back the advance of Ukrainian troops and conduct artillery strikes against two dozen towns and villages, including Hulyaypilske, Bilohirya and Mala Tokmachka in Zaporizhzhia region, and Marhanets and Nikopol in Dnipropetrovska region.

Possible Russian blowing-up of Zaporizhzhia NPP. Ukraine in Flames #476

Ukrainian intelligence recently obtained information indicating that russia is contemplating a potential terrorist attack on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. This act of terrorism aims to release hazardous radiation into the environment. russian operatives have reportedly made thorough preparations for such an attack. In response to this grave threat, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated the fact that radiation respects no boundaries. Consequently, the potential victims of this new russian terrorist act are determined solely by the wind’s direction. Watch Ukraine in flames #476 to find out about a possible explosion with the release of radioactive particles and military consequences of this terrorist act for both russia and Ukraine. 

Guests:

  • Olha Kosharna, Expert on Nuclear Energy and Nuclear Safety
  • Mykhailo Samus, Director of the New Geopolitics Research Network, Expert at the Center for Army, Conversion and Disarmament Studies
  • Ivan Kyrychevskyi, Expert of Defence Express