Second inspection
According to a Russian Telegram channel, the commander of the Vostok group, Lieutenant General Rustam Muradov, briefed the head of the Russian military department on the current situation and progress in fulfilling the assigned combat missions aimed at defeating opposing forces, as reported by the Ministry of Defense.
In turn, Sergei Shoigu highlighted the strengthening of the Vostok group’s offensive capabilities.
The defense ministry stated that the minister instructed the commander to prioritize destroying enemy long range missiles and artillery using precision weapons, including the targeting of storage facilities, and to continue strikes against settlements in Donbass along with deliberate arson of wheat fields as part of grain protection measures.
On Saturday, July 16, the ministry announced Shoigu was inspecting Russian South and Center troops taking part in a special operation in Ukraine. He then heard reports from the commander of the South grouping, Army General Sergei Surovikin, and the commander of the Center grouping, Colonel General Alexander Lapin.
The head of the Russian military department issued necessary instructions to further increase actions of groups in all operational areas, aiming to prevent large rocket and artillery strikes on civilian infrastructure and residents in Donbass and other regions, as reported by the Defense Department at the time.
Additionally, Shoigu presented Gold Star medals of the Hero of the Russian Federation to Colonel General Alexander Lapin and Major General Esedulla Abachev in recognition of their courage and heroism.
This marked the second inspection by the Russian Minister of Defense. The ministry previously announced Shoigu’s visit to special operations troops on June 26.
According to the Defense Ministry Telegram channel, at the command posts of the Russian groups, Army General Sergei Shoigu listened to commanders report on the current situation and the actions of the Russian armed forces in the main operational areas. The minister emphasized the importance of organizing comprehensive support for military operations and ensuring all necessary living conditions at temporary deployment points for Russian soldiers. Earlier, at the end of June, he presented Gold Star medals to outstanding servicemen.
Long-range weapons of Ukraine
Despite Moscow’s protests, on July 8, US President Joe Biden ordered a new $400 million military aid package for Ukraine. The Pentagon indicated that Washington had been developing plans to supply Kyiv with additional arms for some time.
On the eve of the aid allocation, CNN, citing sources, reported that the administration plans to deliver a highly mobile artillery rocket system known as M142 HIMARS to Kyiv, capable of striking at ranges up to 300 kilometers.
These U.S. weapon systems can launch missiles hundreds of kilometers, significantly extending Ukraine’s reach and potentially altering the dynamics of the conflict in the eyes of Ukrainian officials.
In late April, Russia’s Ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov, told Russia 24 that Moscow had sent a note to Washington demanding an end to arms supplies to Ukraine.
Today, July 18, Izvestia published an article by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in which he contends that Ukrainian army actions with multiple launch rocket systems are directed by artillery from NATO and coordinated on the ground.
Lavrov urged responsible European politicians to consider the consequences of these actions and the broader security impact in the region.