The Ukraine Dispatch
U.S. Halts Critical Weapons Deliveries — Kremlin Celebrates
In a development with serious implications for Ukraine's defense, the United States has paused shipments of key air defense and precision-guided weapons to Ukraine. The White House reportedly made the decision due to concerns over diminishing U.S. munitions stockpiles. Systems affected include Patriot PAC-3 missiles, 155mm shells, GMLRS, Hellfires, AIM-7s, and Stingers — all essential components of Ukraine's defense network.
The Kremlin quickly seized the narrative. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the decision brings Russia closer to the end of what it still calls its “special military operation.” Meanwhile, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko reiterated demands that Ukraine surrender all Western-supplied arms as part of any ceasefire deal, comparing their presence to leftover Cold War weapons on the global black market.
In Kyiv, the reaction was sobering. A deputy air defense commander warned that cutting off missiles for Ukraine’s Patriot systems would lead to a weaker air shield — and, tragically, more civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.
Ukraine Strikes Russian Ammo Depot in Donetsk
Even amid dwindling resources, Ukraine continues to hit back. On July 2, Ukrainian forces reportedly targeted and struck a Russian ammunition depot in Khartsyzk, an occupied town in Donetsk Oblast. Videos circulating online show massive explosions lighting up the night sky near the area.
Though Ukraine’s military has not officially commented, this strike comes just days after a successful attack on a Russian 8th Combined Arms Army command post. These efforts aim to weaken Moscow’s ability to maintain momentum on the frontlines — particularly in Donetsk, where Russia has intensified operations around Pokrovsk and continues pushing toward Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
No Breakthrough in Dnipropetrovsk
Despite Russian claims, Ukrainian officials confirmed that Russian forces have not succeeded in entering Dnipropetrovsk Oblast in force. A small reconnaissance group briefly entered the village of Dachne, took propaganda photos with a flag, and was promptly eliminated. Two Russian soldiers were captured during a follow-up attack and are now in Ukrainian custody.
The General Staff labeled Russia’s push as “meat wave assaults” — repeated low-value infantry attacks that continue to yield little strategic gain.
Ceasefire Talks? Kellogg Pushes Back
Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko made headlines this week by claiming U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg had agreed to “work on” halting Ukraine’s drone attacks on Russian territory — supposedly a condition for peace talks.
Kellogg swiftly denied the claim, saying his comments were taken out of context and that he only discussed a full and unconditional ceasefire. His visit marked the highest-level U.S. meeting with Belarus since 2020 and occurred shortly before Belarus released imprisoned opposition leader Siarhei Tsikhanouski.
North Korea Escalates Support for Russia
According to CNN, North Korea is preparing to send an additional 25,000 to 30,000 troops to join Russian forces in Ukraine — nearly triple the 11,000 reportedly deployed in 2024. These soldiers are expected to engage in large-scale combat operations, particularly in occupied Ukrainian territories.
Ukraine’s intelligence suggests that Russian aircraft are being modified to ferry troops from North Korea across Siberia. This deepening partnership follows a June visit by Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu and a defense pact signed by Putin and Kim Jong Un that binds both nations to mutual military assistance.
North Korea has already supplied artillery shells, ballistic missiles, and military engineers to Russian forces — a sign of how the war is increasingly becoming a global conflict.