Ukraine Update: July 13, 2025
A Rare Quiet Night
A Night’s Rest:
Last night, Ukrainians enjoyed a rare reprieve in Russia’s brutal air campaign. NEXTA reported that, “For the first time in weeks, there were no reports of drone attacks on Ukrainian territory.” LiveUAMap agreed writing, “For the first time since 8-9th May, no Shahed-type drones against Ukrainian cities overnight.” Several of the Ukrainians I follow posted sentiments akin to, “I forgot what it’s like to sleep through the night.”
Russian forces broke their silence during the day with bombing attacks in the nation’s northeast. Kate from Kharkiv wrote, “This afternoon, Russian aircraft launched another insidious attack, this time targeting a wheat field near the village of Shevchenkove in the Kupyansk district. A guided aerial bomb hit the field, setting 60 hectares of wheat ablaze.”
Ground War:
At the front, the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) continue to slow Russia’s grinding advance in the Donbas. Visioner reported that, “Ukrainian forces have made tactical gains in the Pokrovsk sector of Donetsk region, according to ISW. The AFU advanced south of Udachne, while Russian troops persist in their offensive operations toward Rodynske, Volodymyrivka, Krasny Lyman, Razin, and Myrne.” Julian Ropcke reported, “Russian invasion forces captured Myrne in Western Donetsk oblast. Eight villages remain under Ukrainian control in this part of the region.” And, Rob Lee shared, “Updated maps over the past few days of Russian advances on the Kostiantynivka, Pokrovsk, and Novopavlivka fronts. Russian forces have also advanced on the Lyman and Kupyansk fronts.”
While the fight in Donetsk has been a constant threat, Russia’s other significant efforts this summer have failed to materialize. Maks 25 wrote, “Zelensky: The Russian army has significantly lagged behind the expectations of its command for this summer. Our units will continue to destroy the occupier.” The AFU is steadily erasing earlier Russian advances in the border areas of Sumy Oblast. Visioner wrote, “On the Sumy front, in the Khotin direction, Ukrainian forces have continued their advance, regaining additional positions in the village of Kindrativka.” At the same time, the summer is far from over. MilitaryNewsUA reported, “The war will continue: Russia plans an offensive in Ukraine in the second half of the summer, — BILD with reference to sources.”
US Policy:
Ukrainians are hoping that a new, closer relationship with the Trump administration will at last open doors to vital aid needed to turn the tide of the war. In the past week, President Trump has voiced frustration with Putin and suggested he is at last ready to approve new US aid for Ukraine and increase sanctions on Russia. Kyiv is waiting to see if the President is at last prepared to make good on his promises.
There are some promising signs. The President sent his special envoy for a weeklong visit to Kyiv. The Ukrainian Review reported, “Keith Kellogg will receive full information about Russia's potential and our prospects. I have instructed Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Gnatov to present the information we have, — Zelensky.”
President Trump is also set to welcome NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to the White House. The Ukrainian Review reported, “NATO Chief Mark Rutte is heading to Washington to meet with Trump, - Reuters. During the two-day visit, talks with Rubio and Hegseth are also planned. Trump has planned a "major statement" for Monday, July 14, after he announced his readiness to supply weapons to Ukraine.” War Monitor also reported that, “Trump will make a major statement on Ukraine and Russia tomorrow.”
The most vocal herald of a new US policy towards Russia has been US Sen. Lindsey Graham. Sen. Graham has been steadily amassing support for a new sanctions bill that he plans to put before the legislature in the coming days. He recently told reporters he expects a remarkable increase in US support for Ukraine. The Ukrainian Review quoted, “Putin's biggest mistake is toying with Trump. Vladimir made a big mistake: we are much stronger than him, he will feel it very soon, — US Senator Lindsey Graham.”
Visioner also cited the senator saying, “In the coming days, you will see a huge, record-breaking flow of weapons and ammunition to help Ukraine defend itself. America will begin purchasing a massive amount of weapons for Europe, which will be transferred to Ukraine. Keep an eye on the news about frozen Russian assets—Putin hoped that we and Europe would get tired, and that is exactly where he made a fatal mistake." While Sen. Lindsey Graham represents South Carolina, Ukrainian responses to this tough talk have sounded like the motto of the State of Missouri.
Ukrainian Strikes:
One of Ukraine’s strategies for ending the war involves an air campaign of their own. However, unlike the Russians, the AFU hopes to expand strikes on military and industrial facilities not civilians. Already, Ukrainian drones have a long reach. Visioner reported last night that, “Ukrainian forces have struck the oil refinery in Kstovo. As a result, parts of nearby residential areas have experienced power outages.”
Now, Visioner quotes Ukraine’s president as saying, “We are preparing for long-distance strikes. We will do everything possible to bring the war onto Russian territory." Russian milbloggers are already expressing fears about an upcoming Ukrainian attack. War Monitor wrote, “Russian sources are reporting with various degrees of panic that Ukraine is about to launch a massive air missile and drone attack on the country.” other Russian sources suggest that Ukraine will unveil new long range weapons in August and September. If nothing else, Ukraine’s leaders are achieving a propaganda victory. With our support, they can achieve so much more.
