New developments in Zaporizhzhia, French newspaper reports Kiev's losses

Russian forces have seized an AMX-10RC wheeled tank in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, along with ammunition and an instruction manual.

(06.20) Nga bắt giữ thêm xe tăng bánh lốp AMX-10RC của Pháp tại Ukraine. (Nguồn: Sputnik)

Russia seizes another French-made AMX-10RC wheeled tank in Ukraine. (Source: Sputnik)

On June 19, in an interview with the press, Chairman of the “We are with Russia ” movement Vladimir Rogov said that a series of soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (VSU) had surrendered in the direction of Zaporizhzhia.

“The number of VSU soldiers surrendering has increased significantly. Entire enemy groups lay down their arms every day. Dozens of people refuse to take up arms,” he said.

Stressing that the VSU has not yet been able to achieve significant successes, Mr. Rogov informed that Kiev continues its offensive efforts in Makarovka, Levadnoye, Novodarovka and Priyutnoye.

On the contrary, on the same day, June 19, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky affirmed: “In some areas, our forces are advancing. In other places, they are defending their positions or fighting off increasing attacks. We have not lost any positions and are constantly gaining control of new ones, while they are only suffering losses.”

Meanwhile, Le Monde (France) quoted a senior French officer as saying that about 40% of Ukrainian soldiers trained in one of the Baltic countries were killed in the fighting.

According to the officer, France has trained VSU soldiers in several European countries, including Poland and Romania. The training lasts about two months, focusing on urban combat tactics, first aid and reconnaissance. Classes are held on French AMX-10RC wheeled tanks and Caesar self-propelled artillery vehicles.

In another development, Russian armed forces seized an AMX-10RC wheeled tank in Zaporizhzhia along with a full complement of ammunition and, most notably, an instruction manual. The tank showed no signs of serious damage.

* In related news, on June 19, YLE (Finland) quoted the country's new Foreign Minister Ville Tavio as stating: "Countries that support the Russian army in confronting Ukraine could have their aid revoked... Some African countries have expressed support for Moscow. We will monitor them."

The 2nd Russia-Africa Summit is scheduled to be held in St. Petersburg from July 26-29. Russian President Vladimir Putin hopes that the event will identify new prospects for cooperation.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that the list of confirmed participants in the conference is “very impressive.”

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