Key facts
- Ukraine nearly doubled successful strikes more than 50 kilometers behind Russian lines in June.
- President Zelensky dismissed Russian claims of controlling Kostiantynivka as a lie.
- Ukraine's forces struck military targets including an airfield and ammunition depots overnight.
- Kyiv reported hitting 16 power stations in Crimea, causing blackouts.
- Zelensky emphasized the need for U.S.-developed Patriot missiles to intercept Russian attacks.
Ukraine has nearly doubled its successful strikes behind Russian lines in June, hitting targets over 50 kilometers from the contact line, according to Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. This increase in mid- and long-range strikes is part of Kyiv's strategy to disrupt Russian logistics.
President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed claims by Russian President Vladimir Putin and General Valery Gerasimov that the city of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast had fallen under Russian control. Zelensky described the claims as disinformation, suggesting Putin would have no issue meeting him there if the city were indeed under Russian control. The General Staff of Ukraine stated that while the situation in Kostiantynivka is difficult with some Russian infantry entering the city, it remains under Ukrainian Armed Forces control.
In a message marking American Independence Day, Zelensky thanked the U.S. for its support, drawing parallels between Ukraine's fight for freedom and the American Revolution. He specifically highlighted the importance of U.S.-developed Patriot missiles, which Ukraine needs to counter Russian ballistic missile attacks. Zelensky also criticized Putin for lying about battlefield gains around Kostiantynivka on the eve of America's Independence Day, reiterating the urgent need for Patriot systems.
Overnight on July 5, Ukrainian forces reportedly struck an airfield, ammunition depots, and bridges across occupied Ukraine. Separately, Robert Brovdi, commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces, stated that 16 power stations across Crimea were hit in the preceding 48 hours, causing widespread blackouts on the peninsula. Ukraine's General Staff identified the Hvardiiske airfield in Crimea as a key military airfield used for basing and maintaining aircraft. Previous reports indicate that on July 3, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) struck two Russian military air bases in Crimea, damaging or destroying at least seven military aircraft.