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

Russia says Crimea bridge was bombarded, Ukraine is concerned about Zaporizhzhia, US Coast Guard ship passes through Taiwan Strait... are some notable international news in the past 24 hours.

A breach in the Chonhar Bridge connecting the Crimean peninsula with the Russian-controlled Kherson region of Ukraine. (Source: Zuma Press)

The World & Vietnam Newspaper highlights some of the day's international news highlights.

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

* Russia : Ukraine lost more than 900 armored vehicles in 2 weeks : On June 21, President Vladimir Putin said that the Armed Forces of Ukraine (VSU) are suffering significant losses in terms of human resources and technical equipment. According to him, Russia has destroyed 245 tanks and 678 armored personnel carriers of Ukraine since Kiev began its counterattack.

The leader said that the VSU is currently focused on restoring its combat capabilities, but the Ukrainian forces are afraid of new losses, as this could lead to a general deterioration in combat readiness. He also noted that there were a lot of foreign-made weapons in the destroyed Ukrainian equipment. However, the Russian President stressed that despite significant losses, the VSU's offensive capabilities have not been exhausted, and Ukraine still has reserves.

Earlier, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that the West would supply Ukraine with 250 tanks, including 120 Leopards and 31 Abrams, and 95 T-72 tanks that they “collected from around the world.” The Russian defense official also added that the country’s forces would complete the formation of a reserve force by the end of June and an army 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 received information that Russia is considering a scenario of attacking the Zaporizhzhia plant - an action aimed at causing a radioactive leak. They are preparing for that plan."

However, Russia has denied the accusation. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had just visited the plant and appreciated everything.

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

* WB provides additional aid of 1.75 billion USD to Ukraine : On June 21, the World Bank (WB) published a statement stating: "The World Bank today announced additional support of 1.75 billion USD to Ukraine. The amount includes a loan of 500 million USD guaranteed by the United Kingdom, a non-refundable aid of 1.25 billion USD from the United States and 15 million USD funded by the Government of Finland."

The new assistance package is part of the Public Administration Resilience Project in Ukraine (PEACE), which will help Kiev maintain its capacity to deliver critical services and core government functions at multiple levels, including health care, education, pension payments, social assistance programs, and workers’ wages, the World Bank said. The total World Bank assistance to Ukraine now amounts to nearly $35 billion.

Commenting on this information, World Bank CEO Anna Bjerde said: “This steady international support is essential to help Ukraine meet its 2023 financing needs... Together with our partners, we will continue to stand by the people of Ukraine, supporting them with all our financial and advisory instruments.” (Sputnik)

Russia-US

* Russian court rejects US reporter's appeal : On June 22, a Russian court rejected the appeal of American reporter Evan Gershkovich against his pre-trial detention on espionage charges. He had previously appealed the Russian court's decision to extend his pre-trial detention by three months.

In March, Evan Gershkovich, 31, was arrested by Russia's FSB security service on charges of collecting military secrets in the city of Ekaterinburg. Washington said Gershkovich was being held illegally and demanded his release. 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 ASEAN military exercise location : On June 22, Indonesian military spokesman Julius Widjojono said the exercise from September 18 to September 25 will be moved to and around Batam Island at the mouth of the Strait of Malacca, South Natuna Sea, Indonesia.

“This exercise is not focused on combat, so it will be suitable for an area with direct contact with the people,” he said.

Jakarta, which holds the rotating chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year, said the decision to move the venue was made independently and “without interference” from other countries. Indonesia also said Cambodia and Myanmar did not respond to an invitation to attend a preparatory meeting for the exercise held on June 19 among ASEAN countries.

Previously, on June 7, at the 20th ASEAN Defense Chiefs Meeting (ACDFM-20) in Bali, Indonesia, defense chiefs of ASEAN countries agreed to hold joint exercises in September near the Natuna Islands, in the southern part of the East Sea. (Reuters)

South Pacific

* New Zealand Prime Minister 's views on China : Speaking on June 22 about US President Joe Biden's recent criticism of Chinese President Xi Jinping, ahead of his official visit to Beijing later this month, New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said: "I don't agree with that. The story of China's political system is a matter for the people of this country."

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

South Asia

* China calls for dialogue with Afghanistan's interim government : Speaking at a meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on June 22, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jun said that engaging the Afghan interim government with a realistic attitude is the fundamental way to enhance mutual understanding and trust and address relevant concerns.

The international community should reach a consensus on building a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan, and hopes to engage in dialogue and engagement to help the Afghan Interim Government build political inclusiveness, moderate governance and build an open and inclusive political structure, the Chinese diplomat said.

“We hope that the Afghan interim government will make active 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,” the Chinese ambassador said.

Zhang Jun also noted that to promote dialogue and engagement, the UNSC Sanctions Committee should come up with a package of exemption agreements for international travel of relevant personnel of the Afghan Interim Government. (Xinhua)

Northeast Asia

* US Coast Guard ship passes through Taiwan Strait : On June 22, the US Navy's 7th Fleet said that a heavy multi-mission patrol ship USCGC Stratton conducted a "routine" transit through the Taiwan Strait, "passing through waters where freedom of the seas and overflight is maintained in accordance with international law", after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded a visit to China.

“The Stratton’s transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. We will fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows,” the 7th Fleet said in a statement. (Reuters)

Europe

* Russian Navy to add 44 ships in 2023 : On June 21, Russian Navy Commander Nikolai Evmenov said that this year, the Russian Navy will be reinforced with about 44 warships and support vessels. Mr. Evmenov has not yet specified which ships and warships will be built. However, putting into service nearly 50 ships and warships will allow Russia to significantly increase the capabilities of the Navy.

Commander Evmenov said that the new situation forces Russia to quickly build new ships and military vessels, and any delay could lead to negative consequences. He said that the Russian Navy will also soon put the heavy aircraft-carrying cruiser Admiral Kuznetsov back into service, but did not specify a specific time. (Sputnik)

* Germany highlights Ukraine's obstacles to EU membership : Speaking on the sidelines of the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London on June 22, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said Ukraine must root out systemic corruption to join the European Union (EU). According to Ms. Baerbock, Kiev has made "incredible" progress in reforms, especially in the areas of media freedom and rule of law, and Germany supports this. However, Ukraine needs to make more progress.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also believes that Ukraine’s accession to the EU is beyond doubt. Therefore, private companies’ investments in the reconstruction are more than worthwhile, as they will help strengthen the internal European market. According to her, Ukraine can 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 stressed that the drafting of the country's new Constitution should begin with "goodwill and without prejudice".

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

America

* US: Suspect in leaking classified Pentagon documents denies charges: On June 21, in a trial held on June 21 in Massachusetts (USA), Jack Douglas Teixeira, a 21-year-old American pilot, denied all charges that he leaked top secret US documents via the Discord application.

Mr. Teixeira was arrested in April and charged with six counts, including knowingly possessing and disseminating classified information related to the national defense of the United States. The maximum penalty for each count is 10 years in prison. Mr. Teixeira worked full-time in the US military intelligence system before being stripped of his access to classified government information.

Two officers in Teixeira's unit have been suspended. Teixeira's lawyer had asked the court to release him on bail while he awaits trial, but Judge David Hennessy denied the request. (AFP)

Middle East-Africa

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

But he said that the process would take some time. The Russian official also noted: “The most important thing is that the process is moving forward and is progressing. There can be no more delays, everyone agrees on this.” (Sputnik)

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/tin-the-gioi-226-ukraine-mat-900-xe-boc-thep-new-zealand-neu-quan-diem-ve-trung-quoc-231937.html