Intense fighting continues in Ukraine, marked by extensive drone attacks, reported Ukrainian strikes on Russian territory, and a temporary loss of external power at the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, according to reports from July 5. Diplomatic discussions regarding military aid also remain active.
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Key Developments
Recent events highlight persistent military engagements across multiple fronts, infrastructure vulnerabilities, and ongoing international efforts to support Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Military Activity and Infrastructure
Ukrainian forces reported striking the Borisoglebsk airbase in Russia’s Voronezh region. Kyiv described the base as hosting various Russian fighter jets, including Su-34, Su-35S, and Su-30SM aircraft.
Overnight, Ukraine’s air force stated that Russia launched 322 drones and decoys towards Ukrainian territory. The western Khmelnytskyi region was identified as a primary target. Ukrainian air defenses reportedly shot down 157 of these projectiles, while 135 were lost.
Meanwhile, Russian officials reported downing dozens of Ukrainian drones over various parts of Russia. This included two drones reportedly intercepted near Saint Petersburg, Russia’s second-largest city.
A significant incident involved the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which is under Russian occupation. The UN nuclear watchdog, the IAEA, reported that all external power lines supplying electricity to the plant were disconnected for several hours before being restored. Ukrainian authorities attributed the power cut to Russian shelling and stated that technicians worked to re-establish the connection.
View of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, a key site during the ongoing conflict, seen from the bank of the Kakhovka Reservoir.
Concerns were also raised regarding the use of prohibited chemical weapons in the conflict. Dutch and German intelligence agencies indicated that Russia is expanding its use of such agents in Ukraine, specifically mentioning chloropicrin, a poison gas used in World War I. Moscow has denied these allegations. Read more about claims of Russia expanding chemical weapons use in Ukraine here.
Weapons and Aid
Discussions about providing military aid to Ukraine continued among international leaders. US President Donald Trump stated he discussed sending Patriot interceptor missiles to Ukraine during calls with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
A German government spokesman confirmed that Germany is exploring the possibility of purchasing additional Patriot air defense systems from the United States specifically for transfer to Ukraine.
Politics and Diplomacy
Diplomatic engagement occurred between the US and Russia. President Trump indicated he discussed sanctions with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a call, noting that Putin expressed concern about potential future sanctions. Trump also reiterated dissatisfaction with Putin’s actions in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported a “very important and fruitful conversation” by phone with President Trump. Zelenskyy stated they agreed to work together to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses. Kyiv has expressed concerns regarding the speed and volume of US military aid deliveries. Learn more about Zelenskyy’s conversation with Trump on air defenses here.
Further diplomatic engagement is planned, with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius scheduled to travel to Washington later in the month for discussions with his US counterpart focusing on air defense systems and defense production capacities.
Conclusion
The conflict in Ukraine continues with significant fighting on the ground and in the air. The temporary power loss at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant underscored ongoing safety risks to critical infrastructure. International discussions persist regarding military support for Ukraine and diplomatic engagement across involved parties. Explore more related stories on the Ukraine conflict to understand the evolving situation.
