Ukraine Showing Signs of Budding Counteroffensives, Kremlin Downplays Use of Nukes

LOCAL NEWS

• US Defence Officials say Ukrainian forces are now able and willing to take back territory from Russia following reports yesterday the Ukraine had made counteroffensive gains.
  • Notably, Unconfirmed reports emerged of Russian troops being surrounded in Bucha, Irpin & Hostomel with supply lines cut off, which would represent the first major victory for Ukraine and hamper Russia’s ability to take Kyiv.
  • Ukrainian officials also said that Russian forces have only three days of ammunition stockpiled and are suffering fuel shortages, making progress towards Kyiv difficult – Sky, RTRS
• US Defence Officials also say that Russia’s combat power has fallen below 90% of its pre-invasion levels, which could suggest it is suffering heavy losses of weaponry and growing casualties. - Sky
• Zelenksy is set to take part virtually in the NATO Summit later this week, while Putin is still expected to join the G20 but pressure is emerging within the EU to dismiss Russia from the G20 format.
  • Biden is expected to visit Europe today to announce new sanctions on Russia against 300 Duma members and discuss energy security. Meanwhile the German Chancellor dismissed calls to boycott Russian energy supplies, saying the impact of sanctions was affecting the German economy – bbg, IFX
• Kremlin Spox Peskov says Russia will only use nuclear weapons if its existence is threatened and that the aim of Russia’s military operation is not to occupy Ukraine. Also said nobody presumed it would only take a few days to take Kyiv and that the operation was still going to plan – Tass, IFX