President Volodymyr Zelensky on June 20 condemned Russia's makes an attempt to advance in Sumy Oblast, as Moscow intensifies its rhetoric of maximalist calls for towards Ukraine.
"The Russians had numerous plans and intentions there — completely insane, as traditional. We’re holding them again and eliminating these killers, defending our Sumy Oblast," Zelensky stated in his night deal with.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, earlier on June 20, claimed that "all of Ukraine" belonged to Russia, citing the Kremlin's propaganda speaking factors. Moscow often claims that Russians and Ukrainians are "one folks."
Putin singled out Sumy, saying that "the town of Sumy is subsequent, the regional heart. We don't have a activity to take Sumy, however I don't rule it out."
Ukraine's northeastern Sumy Oblast borders Russia and often faces Russian shelling in addition to drone and missile assaults.
"There was a gathering of the Workers — a really detailed report on the frontline. Specific consideration was paid to the Sumy Oblast, to operations within the border areas. I’m grateful to our items for his or her resilience," Zelensky stated.
Ukraine continues efforts to work with its allies to extend funding in protection manufacturing, he stated.
"The amount of assist this yr is the most important for the reason that begin of the full-scale warfare," Zelensky famous.
Ukraine and Russia held direct peace talks in Turkey on Could 16 and June 2. The efforts have been largely inconclusive, with Moscow reiterating maximalist calls for in the direction of Ukraine.
The 2 sides have been in a position to agree on large-scale prisoner exchanges. Regardless of the efforts, Russia has intensified drone and missile assaults on Ukraine.
On June 17, a Russian drone and missile assault on Kyiv killed 30 folks and injured one other 172. The practically nine-hour-long strike noticed Moscow's forces launch massive numbers of drones and missiles at Ukraine's capital.
The Kyiv IndependentThe Kyiv Independent news desk