Russians hit bus stop and local authority building in Myrnohrad, Donetsk Oblast

The city has been hit twice : near the local authority building and a public transport stop. The Russians also targeted the city of Kostiantynivka. They struck the premises of a local facility.

The Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor’s Office has informed regarding Russian attacks on July 12, 2024, detailing casualties and fatalities.

Russian forces struck the settlements of Toretsk, Novomykolaivka in Cherkaske hromada, and the town of Chasiv Yar, injuring three men aged 37, 47, and 60.

In Kostiantynivka, two employees aged 26 and 34 died under the rubble of a destroyed building at a private facility, and three civilians were hospitalized with varying injuries.

In Lyman, seven civilians aged 24 to 75 were injured.

A missile attack on Myrnohrad struck a public transport stop, killing three people and injuring ten others, including a 16-year-old. One of the injured later died in hospital.

The type of weapon used and the number of injured are still being verified.

Ukraine hopes to receive six F-16 fighter jets this summer and 20 by year's end

Ukraine is set to receive six F-16 fighter jets from its Western partners this summer, with up to 20 aircraft expected by the end of 2024.

The process of sending military aircraft to Ukraine is hindered by spare parts shortages and language barriers between Ukrainian pilots and their instructors. Additionally, there are concerns about the availability and vulnerability of Ukraine’s runways to Russian strikes.

Ukraine will likely be able to deploy a squadron of 15 to 24 F-16s, with six expected this summer and up to 20 by year-end.

The challenges surrounding the F-16s raise concerns about the feasibility of their deployment and whether this support is merely symbolic. A senior NATO officer identified three major concerns:

1. Mission Reconfiguration: Aircraft must be adapted for specific missions like reconnaissance or combat.
2. Runway and Shelter Availability: Ukraine has few long, high-quality runways and shelters to protect the F-16s from strikes.
3. Complex Support Logistics: The aircraft’s support logistics involve spare parts, maintenance, and finding engineers.

A NATO representative noted that Ukraine is trying to achieve in months what usually takes years.

Lockheed Martin, the F-16 manufacturer, stated their ongoing support for the US government’s response to the conflict but did not detail the service or components management for the jets.

Jake Sullivan, Biden's top national security adviser, confirmed that aircraft transfers have begun.

On 10 July, leaders of the US, Denmark, and the Netherlands announced that Ukraine will receive its first F-16s this summer.

Russia threatens to blow up dams in Kyiv and Kaniv

Russia's disinformation campaign continues, with claims from Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova suggesting Ukraine plans to destroy dams at the Kyiv hydroelectric power plant and Kaniv water storage, allegedly to blame Russia. Ukrainian authorities dismiss these claims, emphasizing the impossibility of such destruction through missile strikes or sabotage due to heavy security. This disinformation aims to sow panic and pressure Ukraine into concessions, mirroring past denials of involvement in incidents like the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant explosion in 2023, which caused environmental damage.

UK still thinking whether to allow Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles  to strike targets in Russia

David Lammy, UK’s Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, stated that the UK is assessing Ukraine’s request to deploy British-supplied Storm Shadow cruise missiles for strikes on Russian military targets. In an interview with European Pravda, Lammy emphasized UK support for Ukraine's right to self-defense, particularly in light of recent attacks. He indicated ongoing discussions with President Zelenskyy about operational decisions concerning missile deployment, while affirming solidarity with Ukraine's allies against Russian aggression, noting the broader implications for European security if Putin's actions go unchecked.