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Day 860: Zelenskyi, Rutte speak of future of Ukraine-NATO relations

Ukraine’s Air Force says it has struck a Russian ammunition depot in Crimea. Zelenskyi and Rutte spoke of the future of Ukraine-NATO relations. Russian attacks on Nikopol kill two.

Ukraine’s Air Force says it struck Russian ammo depot in Crimea

Ukraine’s Air Force said on Tuesday it had carried out a “destructive strike” on a Russian ammunition depot in Crimea on Monday.

“Once again, Ukrainian aircraft, ‘destroyed’ by enemy propaganda, continue to successfully carry out combat missions, launch missile and bomb attacks on Russian positions and take out important military sites deep in the enemy’s rear. On July 1, 2024, Ukrainian pilots delivered a crushing blow to an ammunition depot in Crimea,” Ukrainian Air Force Commander, Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk said, likely referring to reports that a number of Ukrainian fighter jets were allegedly destroyed by a Russian missile strike on an airfield in Myrhorod, in Poltava region on Monday.

Oleshchuk did not give details of the Crimea strike, but posted a video from social media showing a huge plume of smoke.

The Russian Telegram channel Spy Dossier said Ukrainian missile struck a “facility” of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet near Cape Fiolent, in Crimea’s Sevastopol. The strike allegedly destroyed around 90 Shahed-136 drones, it said. 

“The attack was carried out using cruise missiles of an unknown type. The target of the attack was a warehouse with the Shahed-136/Geran-2 drones. There is no information on losses among the personnel,” the channel said, adding images of the aftermath of the strike.

Zelenskyi, Rutte speak of future of Ukraine-NATO relations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi had a phone call with outgoing Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte who will take over the post of NATO secretary general on October 1, Zelenskyi said on social media on Tuesday. They spoke, among other things, of the future of Ukraine-NATO relations, he added. 

“I sincerely thanked him for everything he, his government, and the people of the Netherlands have done for Ukraine — all the timely and extensive defense, humanitarian, and political support,” Zelenskyi said.

“We will continue to stay in touch as he assumes his new role as NATO Secretary General. I congratulated Mark on his appointment, and we discussed Ukraine’s future cooperation with the Alliance,” he added.

NATO on June 26, 2024 appointed Mark Rutte as its next secretary general. The outgoing Dutch premier will take over from the current secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, on October 1. Stoltenberg spent more than a decade at the helm.

Rutte has been consistent in its support for Ukraine as it fights Russia. He was decorated with the Ukrainian Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise in 2023.

Russian attacks on Nikopol kill two

Russian attacks on the city of Nikopol, in Dnipropetrovska region killed two people on Tuesday and wounded nine others, head of the regional military administration, Serhiy Lysak said.

“Two women ages 61 and 86 were killed in Russian attacks on Nikopol. According to preliminary data, nine people were injured, including boys ages nine and 17. They receive all necessary treatment,” Lysak said. 

The city has sustained extensive damage, he added. “The attacks damaged residential housing, educational facilities and a clinic. Shops, a beauty salon and cars were also affected,” Lysak said. 

Taiwan’s Humanitarian Aid: Medical Beds, Vehicles, and Volunteer Initiatives. Ukraine in Flames #632

It is perhaps no surprise that the plight of Ukrainians suffering from Russian invasion of its territory has strongly resonated with the Taiwanese public. The popular slogan “Ukraine today, Taiwan tomorrow” was repeated in media reports on a near-daily basis during the early months after the war broke out. Taiwan has been showing support for the people of Ukraine and so far has donated 27 tons of medical supplies and more than 700 tons of humanitarian aid for a total amount of more than $41 million. Watch Ukraine in Flames #632 to find out about Taiwan’s humanitarian efforts, which include volunteer initiatives and government assistance, as well as the participation of Taiwanese volunteers in Ukraine’s fight for freedom and independence.

Guests:

  • Bohdan Kusch, Co-founder and Volunteer of the “Taiwan Team” organization
  • Anna Kompan, Co-founder and Volunteer of the “Taiwan Team” organization