Things to remember from Friday 7 July

This is an expansion that worries humanitarian organizations. On Friday, July 7, the United States guaranteed Ukraine the supply of cluster munitions, a decision that Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed despite the danger such bombs pose to civilians. Ahead of the 500th day of the Russian invasion, the Ukrainian president is also actively involved in files on his country’s accession to NATO and the future of the agreement on Ukrainian grain. Here’s what to remember from the day’s news.

US pledges cluster bombs to Ukraine

The United States announced new military aid to Ukraine, including armored vehicles, anti-tank weapons, but above all, for the first time, cluster munitions. Called cluster munitions, these disperse or release small explosive charges. These may range from a few dozen to more than 600. Many countries, including the United States, have banned their use and production under the 2008 Oslo Accords. Russia, or Ukraine are not parties.

There is the White House He assured that the Ukrainians had given guarantees “in writing” They should reduce their use of these weapons “Risks to the Public”Often the main casualty of these explosives is that they explode years after their use. US President Joe Biden said he took one “A very difficult decision” supply of such arms. “It’s a war of ammunition. And they (the Ukrainians) are running out of ammunition, our reserves are running out.”, he reasoned. His Ukrainian representative immediately expressed his opinion “Happiness to the American People” and its chairman.

Ukraine asked to wait again at NATO’s door

Just days before the NATO summit in Vilnius on July 11 and 12, Washington dampened the hopes of Volodymyr Zelensky, who had hoped to win Western support for his country’s entry into the alliance. Kiev “There are many more steps before you can become a member”, the White House warned. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg acknowledged that the leaders of NATO’s member states will eventually reaffirm their intention to integrate Ukraine into the alliance, but the exact wording of this commitment is subject to intense negotiations.

During a visit to Slovakia, before going to Turkey, Volodymyr Zelenskiy criticized the lack of unity within NATO on the question of the accession of Sweden and Ukraine. “I think there is not enough unity in this area. And it is a threat to the strength of the alliance (…) which is very important for the security of the whole world”, he declared. Russia relies on “Weakness and Disunity of Coalition”He is the hammer.

Zelensky in Türkiye to save the grain deal

For the first time last summer, and his first visit to Turkey since the war with Russia began in February 2022, Volodymyr Zelensky met at length with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who maintains close ties to both Kiev and Moscow. The two leaders should focus on a Ukrainian grain export deal across the Black Sea.

A grain deal reached in July 2022 under the auspices of the United Nations and Turkey expires on July 17 and Russia has said there is no reason to extend it. The Kremlin said it would follow suit “closer to” Discussions in Istanbul, promising to maintain “Constructive partnership with Ankara” And hello “Role of Mediator” of the Turkish President. Following a meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky, Recep Tayyip Erdogan ruled that Russia and Ukraine. “Peace must return to negotiations”.