Latest Update on Ukraine War: Ukraine reportedly destroys Russian Black Sea minesweeper

This week, all eyes are on northeastern Ukraine as Russia opens a second front in the ongoing conflict. Russian forces have advanced between five and 10km into the Kharkiv region, with the objective of seizing Vovchansk, a key settlement near the border. The Institute of the Study of War reports that this could provide Russian forces with a staging ground for a second phase of the offensive, with Lyptsi identified as a potential target.

Despite Vladimir Putin’s claim that capturing the city of Kharkiv is not part of the plan, a former Ukrainian president has expressed doubts about his trustworthiness. The offensive has already taken a toll on civilians, with 10 people killed in Russian strikes on Sunday, according to local governor Oleh Syniehubov. Additionally, Russian forces have captured 40 civilians from a town in Kharkiv.

In response to the invasion, anti-Putin Russian paramilitary soldiers have joined Ukrainian troops to defend the new frontier. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continue to target the Black Sea and the occupied Crimean peninsula, launching attacks on the Belbek airfield and destroying elements of an air defense missile battery.

As the war enters a critical phase, Ukrainian troops are facing ammunition shortages, with reports of Russia preparing for a major push to break Ukrainian lines in the east. Despite the challenges on the battlefield, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected calls for a truce during the Paris Olympics, while Poland has announced plans to invest £2bn in securing its eastern border. The conflict shows no signs of abating, with Russia’s recent strategic cooperation agreement with China further complicating the situation.