**Russia Steps Up Summer Offensive, Ukraine Reports 99 Clashes**
Russia has intensified its military operations across several front-line areas in Ukraine, according to Victor Tregubov, a spokesperson for the Khortytsia group of forces. The offensive, which began on June 16, has seen Russian troops launching attacks in multiple directions, resulting in 99 recorded clashes.
The most significant developments have been reported in the Novopavlivka and Kharkiv sectors, where Ukrainian soldiers have repelled 17 attacks alone. This surge in activity suggests that Russia is attempting to push into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, which neighbors the embattled Donetsk Oblast.
“This signals that we have the expected summer increase in activity,” Tregubov said in an interview with national television. However, he added that Russian forces have failed to succeed in their objectives.
The situation on Ukraine’s northeastern border has been particularly concerning, with heavy fighting ongoing along the border. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed last week that small Russian reconnaissance groups had briefly crossed into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast – likely for propaganda purposes.
**Russian Forces Concentrate Near Sumy Sector**
Meanwhile, Russian forces have concentrated around 53,000 troops in the Sumy sector, pushing into multiple settlements. The president’s confirmation of Russian incursions into Dnipropetrovsk Oblast has raised concerns about the intentions of Moscow’s military actions.
Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko pointed out that the surge in activity near Novopavlivka could be a deliberate tactic to create a propaganda opportunity for Russia, or simply a reflection of their negligent attitude towards their own people.
**Ukraine’s Trust in Zelensky Takes a Hit**
A recent survey found that 65% of Ukrainians currently trust President Volodymyr Zelensky, while 30% do not. This represents the lowest recorded trust balance since March. The findings reflect the country’s growing concerns about Russia’s military actions and the government’s response to them.
**Ukraine Returns Bodies from Russian Exchange Deal**
The repatriation of Ukrainian bodies from a prisoner exchange deal between Ukraine and Russia has reached its final stage, with 6,057 bodies returned under the agreement so far. The latest repatriation marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict.
In other news, Russian forces have launched 138 drones overnight, including Iranian-designed Shahed-type suicide drones. This is just one of many incidents highlighting Russia’s aggressive military actions and disregard for international norms.
**Ukraine Seeks International Support**
As Ukraine seeks to address these challenges, President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasized the importance of securing a real ceasefire, bringing Russia to the negotiating table, and ending this war. The European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, echoed this sentiment, saying that sanctions are critical to achieving peaceful strength.
The future of U.S. support for Ukraine is set to be discussed at an upcoming meeting scheduled for June 17, which will focus on sanctions, peace talks, weapons purchases, and economic relations.
**Russian Aggression Continues Unabated**
Russia’s relentless aggression continues to put Ukrainian civilians in harm’s way, with a recent drone attack on Kyiv Oblast targeting both the capital city and regional settlements. A 60-year-old man has been injured in the incident.
In another disturbing development, North Korea has lost over 6,000 troops in Russia’s Kursk Oblast – more than half of its deployed force, according to a recent UK defense intelligence report.
**International Community Condemns Russian Actions**
The international community is increasingly condemning Russia’s actions as cynical and malicious. The Iranian missile incident, where Israeli interceptor missiles targeted each other due to guidance from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, has highlighted the need for stronger sanctions against Russia.
In light of these developments, it remains clear that Ukraine and its allies will continue to work tirelessly towards securing a peaceful resolution to this conflict.
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