Sun 16 July 2023:
Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While Independent Press takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.
President Vladimir Putin says Russia has a “sufficient stockpile” of cluster bombs and that it reserves the right to use them if such munitions are used against Russian forces in Ukraine.
Ukraine has received cluster bombs from the United States, munitions banned in more than 100 countries. Kyiv has pledged to use them only to dislodge concentrations of enemy soldiers.
“Of course, if they are used against us, we reserve the right to take reciprocal action,” Putin said in a state TV interview, excerpts of which were published on Sunday.
Moscow and Kyiv have used the munitions during the war, and Ukrainian regional officials have accused Russian forces of using them to target civilians.
Putin: Ukrainian counter-offensive is “not succeeding”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the Ukrainian counteroffensive aimed at recapturing territory is “not succeeding” and that attempts to break through Russian defences have failed.
Putin made the remarks in an interview with state television, excerpts of which were released on Sunday.
“All attempts by the enemy to break through our defence … have not been successful throughout the entire offensive,” Putin said.
Ukraine strategy is to stretch Russian forces before striking, analysts say
Ukraine’s main strategy in its counteroffensive is to starve Russian troops of ammunition and other supplies before striking, analysts say. It’s also trying to stretch Moscow’s forces thin by hitting a number of spots at the same time.
The first phase of Ukraine’s counteroffensive to recapture Russian-occupied territory after more than 16 months of war began weeks ago. Kyiv has claimed that its troops are edging forward. But otherwise it has not offered much detail on how the counteroffensive is going.
Western analysts say the counteroffensive, even if it prospers, won’t end the war. But it could prove to be a decisive episode and strengthen Kyiv’s hand in any negotiations. Ukraine is also keen to show the West that sending aid was worthwhile.
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES
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