On July 3, 2024, the Ukrainian city of Dnipro suffered a devastating Russian attack, resulting in at least five civilian deaths and over 50 injuries, including at least one minor. The assault, described as ‘massive’ by local authorities, targeted various locations including a shopping center and a gas station.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly condemned the attack, calling it an act of terror and urging international allies to provide more advanced air defense systems and long-range weapons to counter such threats. ‘There is only one way to stop this terror: delivering air defense systems to Ukraine and allowing for attacks of greater range against Russian terrorist bases, particularly air bases,’ Zelensky stated.As Ukraine prepares for the upcoming NATO summit in Washington on July 9-11, Zelensky expressed hope for ‘something similar to an invitation’ for NATO membership. While acknowledging that full membership is not currently possible, he emphasized that such a gesture would signal that ‘no one is afraid of Putin and that all are confident in US leadership’.The Ukrainian president also plans to lobby for the provision of more Patriot air defense systems and security agreements during the summit. This comes as NATO has reportedly agreed to provide Ukraine with military aid worth 40 billion euros for the next year.Meanwhile, the conflict continues to escalate on multiple fronts. Russia claims to have taken control of the Novii district in the city of Chasiv Yar, a strategic location that could allow Russian troops to reach the city of Kramatorsk, a major Ukrainian stronghold for the eastern front. However, these claims have not been independently verified.As both sides report ammunition shortages and seek international support, the humanitarian toll of the conflict continues to mount. The attack on Dnipro marks another tragic episode in a war that shows no signs of abating, underscoring the urgent need for diplomatic efforts and international intervention to bring about a peaceful resolution.
Key points
- Russian attack on Dnipro killed at least 5 and injured over 50 civilians.
- Ukraine is preparing for NATO summit, hoping for invitation-like gesture and more air defense systems.
- Russia claims strategic advances in eastern Ukraine, particularly in Chasiv Yar.
- NATO reportedly agreed to provide Ukraine with 40 billion euros in military aid for next year.
Contradictions👾There are slight discrepancies in the reported number of casualties in Dnipro, with some sources reporting 5 dead and over 50 injured, while others report 4 dead and 27 injured.
