Zelensky: ‘No Russian advances, it’s propaganda.’ EU strengthens support for Kyiv

Ukrainian president denies Russian successes on the ground. Raids continue in eastern regions. New EU tariffs and visit by German Minister Pistoriu

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected Russian claims of significant advances on the battlefield, calling them part of a “Russian narrative” and a disinformation strategy. In an interview with the Bild newspaper published today, 12 June, he said that Moscow’s troops had not achieved any concrete successes and that the Ukrainian army had resisted the new offensive for almost three weeks.

The statements come as Russia intensifies military operations in eastern and northern Ukraine, claiming gains in the Dnipropetrovsk and Sumy oblasts. Kiev, however, denies any territorial losses.

Meanwhile, Russian bombing with drones and other weapons continues. In Donetsk, two civilians were killed and six wounded. One victim was also reported in the Kherson region, while in Kharkiv several people were wounded, including four children, according to Governor Oleh Syniehubov. Mayor Ihor Terekhov denounced attacks on homes, schools and kindergartens, reiterating that “Kharkiv is resisting”.

On the diplomatic and economic front, the Council of the European Union has approved new tariffs on fertilisers and agricultural products from Russia and Belarus, which will come into force on 1 July. At the same time, equivalence has been granted for seeds produced in Ukraine and Moldova, including beet, sunflower, rapeseed and soybeans. This will allow them to be marketed in the EU, guaranteeing quality and safety standards equivalent to those of the EU.

Finally, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Kyiv to meet with Ukrainian leaders and discuss further military aid. ‘We are doing everything we can to help Ukraine defend itself and force Russia into serious negotiations,’ he said.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)