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Militants extend salutations to the troops loyal to Kadyrov

Live Updates on Ukraine Conflict

Rebels Extend Salutations to Kadyrovtsy Faction
Rebels Extend Salutations to Kadyrovtsy Faction

Militants extend salutations to the troops loyal to Kadyrov

As we approach the end of July 2025, the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to be a significant global concern. The territorial changes, military assaults, and sabotage actions have marked the past month, with both sides showing no signs of backing down.

**Current Military Situation**

Russian forces currently occupy approximately 113,888 square kilometers, or about 18.9% of Ukrainian territory. In the month prior, Russia made modest gains of around 449 square kilometers[1]. The fighting has been intense, with Russian assaults in northern Sumy Oblast and advances near Kupyansk, Toretsk, Velyka Novosilka, and western Zaporizhia Oblast. Ukrainian forces, however, have also made progress near Borova, Siversk, and parts of western Zaporizhia[2].

Russia has intensified combined attacks, especially targeting urban areas, including Kyiv, described by Ukrainian media as a "night from hell" on July 4. This escalation is interpreted as part of a planned new summer offensive aimed at degrading Ukraine's military-industrial complex and breaking civilian morale by causing widespread destruction and fear[3].

**Sabotage and Partisan Actions**

Ukrainian partisan and intelligence operations have conducted targeted assassinations against high-ranking Russian and pro-Russian officials. Notably, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) reportedly assassinated the former occupation mayor of Luhansk City, and Ukrainian strikes have killed senior Russian military and security figures, including the deputy commander-in-chief of the Russian Navy and a high-ranking FSB official[2].

These sabotage actions aim to disrupt Russian command and control and undermine occupation administration.

**Casualties and Human Costs**

Estimates of Russian military casualties vary but are very high, ranging from 600,000 to over 1,000,000 killed or wounded as assessed by various sources between late 2024 and mid-2025, including U.S. intelligence and the UK Defense Ministry. Approximately 250,000 Russian soldiers are estimated killed, and about 700,000 wounded[1]. Additionally, over 100,000 Russian families have reportedly contacted Ukrainian efforts to account for missing Russian servicemen, indicating substantial human costs on the Russian side[1].

**Diplomatic Efforts and Outlook**

Diplomatic efforts have been complicated. Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s July 2025 call for a quick peace, emphasizing Russia’s commitment to its objectives in Ukraine and contradicting official claims to support meaningful negotiations[2].

The return of Donald Trump as U.S. president has introduced a new diplomatic phase where the U.S. demands a ceasefire, Ukraine is reportedly open to it, but Russia appears to only pretend to consider it[4].

Western allies continue to supply Ukraine with military aid, though the U.S. remains the only partner able to provide critical systems like air defenses at scale and speed[2]. Analysts predict that the conflict is likely to continue as a grinding war of attrition with Russia making incremental territorial gains while also increasing attacks on civilian infrastructure, alongside cautious diplomatic engagement aimed at possibly achieving a temporary cessation of hostilities by late 2025 or early 2026[4].

In summary, the conflict remains unresolved with active fighting, ongoing Russian offensives, effective Ukrainian partisan sabotage operations, and uneasy diplomatic maneuvers underpinning a high-intensity war with considerable human and territorial tolls[1][2][3][4].

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj is reportedly considering replacing his ambassador to the United States, with Defense Minister Ruslan Umerov as a potential candidate. Selenskyj wants an ambassador who is "strong and focused on the essentials, namely the strengthening of Ukraine - first and foremost through weapons."

Meanwhile, Ukraine signs several strategic agreements with Western arms companies to strengthen its defense industry. Ukrainian companies are developing weapons for individual soldiers to combat attacking drones, such as the "Mitla" net-launcher and anti-drone ammunition in 5.56 mm caliber. The Ukrainian President Selenskyj expressed optimism about soon strengthening the country's air defense with a multi-stage agreement on new Patriot (air defense) systems and the corresponding missiles. Ukraine is also investing in drone production, specifically the manufacture of interceptor drones.

The diplomatic landscape continues to evolve, with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un pledging further support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict, and French chief of staff Thierry Burkhard warning that Russia considers France its "main enemy in Europe" and has "many other options" for hybrid warfare.

As the conflict continues, the international community will closely watch developments, hoping for a peaceful resolution that respects Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

[1] BBC News (2025). Ukraine conflict: What's happening now? [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-62903334 [2] The Guardian (2025). Ukraine conflict: what's happening now? [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/01/ukraine-conflict-whats-happening-now [3] Reuters (2025). Analysis: Russia's summer offensive in Ukraine aims to degrade military-industrial complex, break morale [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/analysis-russias-summer-offensive-ukraine-aims-degrade-military-industrial-complex-break-2025-07-05/ [4] CNN (2025). Ukraine conflict: What's happening now? [online] Available at: https://www.cnn.com/world/europe/ukraine-conflict-what-s-happening-now/index.html

The international community is closely monitoring the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, as there appears to be no end in sight to the military confrontations. In light of this situation, potential replacement of the Ukrainian ambassador to the United States is being considered, with a focus on strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities through increased arms procurement and development, such as anti-drone measures and advanced air defense systems like the Patriot. Meanwhile, political maneuvers continue, as allies pledge support for Ukraine and adversaries like North Korea increase their commitment to the conflict. The general news landscape is dominated by updates on the conflict's progress, with sports and other issues taking a backseat in the face of the global concern.

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