Ukraine lost 900 armored vehicles, New Zealand stated its stance on China

Russia says the Crimean bridge was shelled, Ukraine expresses concern over Zaporizhzhia, and a US Coast Guard vessel transits the Taiwan Strait… these are some of the notable international news stories from the past 24 hours.

A hole in the Chonhar bridge connecting the Crimean Peninsula with the Kherson region, currently controlled by Russia, in Ukraine. (Source: Zuma Press)

The World & Vietnam newspaper highlights some of the day's most prominent international news.

* Russia : Ukraine bombards bridge connecting Crimea to Kherson : On June 22, the Russian Investigative Committee said that Ukrainian forces fired four missiles at the Chonhar bridge connecting the Crimean peninsula to Russian-controlled parts of Kherson last night. This bridge is one of the few links between Crimea and mainland Ukraine. Earlier, pro-Russian officials said Ukrainian missiles struck the bridge, disrupting traffic and forcing vehicles to divert. (Reuters)

* Russia : Ukraine lost over 900 armored vehicles in 2 weeks : On June 21, President Vladimir Putin stated that the Ukrainian Armed Forces (VSU) were suffering significant losses in personnel and equipment. According to him, Russia had destroyed 245 tanks and 678 armored personnel carriers belonging to Ukraine since Kyiv began its counteroffensive.

The leader stated that the VSU is currently focused on restoring its combat capabilities, but Ukrainian forces fear further losses, as this could significantly reduce overall combat readiness. He also noted that many foreign-made weapons were among the destroyed Ukrainian equipment. However, the Russian president emphasized that, despite significant losses, the VSU's offensive capabilities are not yet exhausted, and Ukraine still has reserves of resources.

Earlier, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said the West would supply Ukraine with 250 tanks, including 120 Leopard and 31 Abrams tanks, and 95 T-72 tanks that they had “collected from around the world.” The Russian defense official also added that Russian forces would complete the establishment of a reserve force by the end of June and a corps in the near future, with units expected to receive more than 3,700 pieces of equipment. (Sputnik/VNA)

* Ukrainian President: Russia plans to attack Zaporizhzhia plant : On June 22, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said: "Intelligence has received information that Russia is considering a scenario to attack the Zaporizhzhia plant – an action aimed at causing a radioactive leak. They are preparing for that plan."

However, Russia has denied these allegations. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had recently visited the plant and were very pleased with everything.

On the same day, the Ukrainian army announced “successes” in the battle in the east and southeast, where its troops are continuing a counteroffensive. Kyiv’s forces, which began a military counteroffensive against Russian forces this month, are consolidating positions they gained after attacking the southeastern villages of Rivnopil and Staromayorske. (Reuters)

* World Bank provides an additional $1.75 billion in aid to Ukraine : On June 21, the World Bank (WB) published a statement clarifying: “The World Bank today announced an additional $1.75 billion in support for Ukraine. This includes a $500 million loan guaranteed by the United Kingdom, a $1.25 billion grant from the United States, and $15 million from the Government of Finland.”

The World Bank added that the new support package is part of the Public Spending Project to strengthen the resilience of administrative bodies in Ukraine (PEACE), helping Kyiv maintain its capacity to provide essential services and core government functions at multiple levels, including healthcare, education, pension payments, social assistance programs, and wages for workers. Currently, the World Bank's total aid to Ukraine has reached nearly $35 billion.

Commenting on this information, World Bank Managing Director Anna Bjerde said: “This stable international support is essential to help Ukraine meet its financial needs in 2023... Together with our partners, we will continue to stand alongside the Ukrainian people, supporting them with all our financial and advisory tools.” (Sputnik)

Russia-America

* Russian court rejects appeal of American journalist : On June 22, a Russian court rejected the appeal of American journalist Evan Gershkovich regarding his pretrial detention on espionage charges. He had previously appealed the Russian court's decision to extend his pretrial detention by three months.

In March, journalist Evan Gershkovich, 31, was arrested by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) on charges of collecting military secrets in the city of Ekaterinburg. Washington claims Gershkovich was illegally detained and demands his release from Moscow. Gershkovich is the first American journalist to be arrested and detained in Russia on espionage charges since the Cold War. (Reuters)

Southeast Asia

* Indonesia moves location for ASEAN military exercise : On June 22, Indonesian military spokesman Julius Widjojono announced that the exercise, scheduled for September 18-25, will be moved to and around Batam Island at the mouth of the Malacca Strait, in the South Natuna Sea of ​​Indonesia.

He stated: "This exercise is not focused on combat, so it will be suitable for areas with direct contact with civilians."

According to Jakarta, the current rotating chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the relocation was an independent decision and "without interference" from other countries. Indonesia also stated that Cambodia and Myanmar did not respond to invitations to attend the preparatory meeting for the military exercise held on June 19th among ASEAN countries.

Earlier, on June 7th at the 20th ASEAN Chiefs of Defence Forces Meeting (ACDFM-20) in Bali, Indonesia, the defence chiefs of ASEAN countries agreed to conduct joint exercises in September near the Natuna Islands in the South China Sea. (Reuters)

South Pacific

* New Zealand Prime Minister expresses his view on China : On June 22, speaking about recent criticism by US President Joe Biden of Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of his official visit to Beijing later this month, New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said: “I disagree with that. The story of the Chinese political system is a matter for the people of that country.”

Mr. Hipkins is expected to visit China from June 25-30, leading a trade delegation that includes some of New Zealand's largest companies. He will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (Parliament) Zhao Leji. (Reuters)

South Asia

* China calls for dialogue with Afghanistan's interim government : On June 22, speaking at a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting, Ambassador Zhang Jun stated that engaging Afghanistan's interim government with a pragmatic attitude is fundamental to enhancing mutual understanding and trust and resolving relevant concerns.

According to the Chinese diplomat, the international community needs to reach a consensus on building a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Afghanistan, and hopes to engage in dialogue and support the Afghan interim government in building political inclusiveness, moderation, and an open and inclusive political structure.

The Chinese ambassador stated: “We hope that the Afghan interim government will make positive efforts for the benefit of the people, meet the expectations of the international community, and implement independent and effective governance, including effectively ensuring women’s rights to education and employment.”

Zhang Jun also noted that to promote dialogue and engagement, the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee needs to propose a package of waivers for international travel of relevant personnel in the Afghan interim government. (Xinhua)

Northeast Asia

* US Coast Guard ship transits Taiwan Strait : On June 22, the US Navy's 7th Fleet announced that a heavy multi-purpose patrol ship, the USCGC Stratton, conducted a "routine" transit through the Taiwan Strait, "passing through waters where freedom of navigation and overflight is exercised in accordance with international law," following the conclusion of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to China.

The Seventh Fleet statement read: “The Stratton’s transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. Our aircraft and ships operate wherever international law permits.” (Reuters)

Europe

* Russian Navy to add 44 ships in 2023 : On June 21, Russian Navy Commander Nikolai Evmenov stated that the Russian Navy will be reinforced with approximately 44 warships and support vessels this year. Evmenov did not specify which ships and warships will be built. However, commissioning nearly 50 ships and warships will allow Russia to significantly enhance its naval capabilities.

Commander Evmenov stated that the new situation forces Russia to quickly build new ships and military vessels, and any delay could lead to negative consequences. He said the Russian Navy will also soon return the heavy aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov to service, but did not specify a timeframe. (Sputnik)

* Germany highlights obstacles to Ukraine's EU accession : On June 22, speaking on the sidelines of the Ukraine Restoration Conference in London, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that Ukraine must eradicate systemic corruption to join the European Union (EU). According to Baerbock, Kyiv has made "astonishing" progress in reforms, particularly in the areas of free media and the rule of law, and Germany supports this. However, Ukraine needs to make further progress.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also stated that Ukraine's accession to the EU is unquestionable. Therefore, private company investments in this reconstruction are all the more valuable, as they will contribute to strengthening the European domestic market. According to her, Ukraine could be a decisive factor in strengthening the European market, "especially the clean energy market." (Die Welt)

* Turkish Parliament Speaker calls for support for new Constitution : On June 22, Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus emphasized that drafting the country's new Constitution should begin with "goodwill and the absence of prejudice."

Earlier, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that the current Constitution, adopted in 1982, is no longer suitable for the challenges of the times, despite some amendments. He emphasized that Ankara needs a new Constitution, considering it key to the country's development. The Turkish President called on all political forces to actively participate in drafting this document. (Sputnik)

America

* US: Suspect accused of leaking classified Pentagon documents denies charges: On June 21, in a court hearing in Massachusetts, Jack Douglas Teixeira, a 21-year-old American pilot, denied all charges that he leaked top-secret US documents via the Discord application.

Previously, Teixeira was arrested last April and charged with six counts, including intentionally possessing and disseminating classified information related to U.S. national defense. The maximum penalty for each of these counts is 10 years in prison. Teixeira had worked full-time in the U.S. military intelligence system before being stripped of his access to and authorization of classified government information.

Two commanding officers in Teixeira's unit have now been suspended. Teixeira's lawyer had previously petitioned the court to release him on bail pending trial, but Judge David Hennessy denied the request. (AFP)

Middle East-Africa

* Syria and Turkey agree on Russia's roadmap for normalizing relations : On June 22, the Russian President's Special Envoy for Syria, Alexander Lavrentyev, said: “All parties (Syria, Turkey, and Iran) have generally agreed on the concept of the (Russian) roadmap for promoting the normalization of relations and have expressed their views and proposals. Now they need to be systematized and coordinated.”

However, he acknowledged that this process would take some time. The Russian official also noted: “The most important thing is that this process is being accelerated and progress is being made. It cannot be delayed any longer; everyone agrees on this.” (Sputnik)

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