NUNZIUM

This week marked a significant turning point in the Russia-Ukraine war, with diplomatic and military developments leading to a stronger international support for Ukraine. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak visited the White House to unveil a new economic partnership with President Joe Biden, focusing on investment links, supply chain resilience, and AI development. Sunak's visit improved coordination on Ukraine and resolved the Northern Ireland trade dispute.

French President Emmanuel Macron hosted German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Polish President Andrzej Duda to discuss military support for Kyiv's counteroffensive and humanitarian aid following the Kakhovka dam breach. France has intensified the delivery of ammunition, weapons, and armored vehicles to Ukraine, while Poland and other former Soviet states have been brought closer to the EU and NATO through the Weimar Triangle meetings.

Ukraine reported its first gains in the counteroffensive, reclaiming territory from Russia using Western weapons. Despite contradictory reports from Kyiv and Moscow, analysts believe Ukraine has made recent advances near Velyka Novosilka. In response, Russia claimed to have repelled Ukrainian attacks around several villages in southeast Ukraine.

The US announced a $325 million military aid package for Ukraine, and the EU pledged an additional €100 million in loans for war damage repair. The Kakhovka dam disaster death toll rose to 10, with 41 people still missing, and the UN's nuclear chief's visit to the Russian-held Zaporizhzia nuclear power plant was delayed for safety reasons.

In conclusion, this week witnessed a turning point in the Russia-Ukraine war, with allies uniting and Ukraine striking back. The international community's support for Ukraine has never been stronger, and the situation remains fluid as diplomatic efforts and military aid from the US, UK, France, Germany, and Poland continue to bolster Ukraine's counteroffensive.