Recent events
ua49Ukraine launches 40-day SBU operation, strikes Russian naval vessels and S-400 in Kerch, and hits Azot chemical plant in Tula region
President Zelensky approved a 40-day SBU influence operation to pressure Russia into ending the war. On June 25-26, SBU drones struck the Volga and Vyatka cable-laying ships and the Petropavlovsk ferry at the Zaliv shipyard in occupied Kerch, causing large fires, and hit an S-400 air defense system covering the Kerch Strait. Separately, Ukrainian drones attacked the Azot chemical plant in Novomoskovsk, Tula region, causing damage and a fire at the plant and a nearby power station. Russia claimed to have intercepted 660 drones across multiple regions, including 47 over Moscow. The Kerch Strait crossing was closed, leading to a 15-km queue of vehicles trying to leave Crimea amid a fuel shortage.
Show summaryHide
Ukraine launches 40-day SBU operation, strikes Russian naval vessels and S-400 in Kerch, and hits Azot chemical plant in Tula region
President Zelensky approved a 40-day SBU influence operation to pressure Russia into ending the war. On June 25-26, SBU drones struck the Volga and Vyatka cable-laying ships and the Petropavlovsk ferry at the Zaliv shipyard in occupied Kerch, causing large fires, and hit an S-400 air defense system covering the Kerch Strait. Separately, Ukrainian drones attacked the Azot chemical plant in Novomoskovsk, Tula region, causing damage and a fire at the plant and a nearby power station. Russia claimed to have intercepted 660 drones across multiple regions, including 47 over Moscow. The Kerch Strait crossing was closed, leading to a 15-km queue of vehicles trying to leave Crimea amid a fuel shortage.
President Zelensky approved a 40-day SBU influence operation to pressure Russia into ending the war. On June 25-26, SBU drones struck the Volga and Vyatka cable-laying ships and the Petropavlovsk ferry at the Zaliv shipyard in occupied Kerch, causing large fires, and hit an S-400 air defense system covering the Kerch Strait. Separately, Ukrainian drones attacked the Azot chemical plant in Novomoskovsk, Tula region, causing damage and a fire at the plant and a nearby power station. Russia claimed to have intercepted 660 drones across multiple regions, including 47 over Moscow. The Kerch Strait crossing was closed, leading to a 15-km queue of vehicles trying to leave Crimea amid a fuel shortage.
ua48Ukraine to form new brigades as Russia seeks to expand front by 160 km, Syrsky says
Background: Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi previously warned of a possible Russian operation from Belarus and reported that Ukrainian forces have for the first time surpassed Russian forces in daily offensive operations. Today: Syrsky announced plans to form new brigades to counter a potential Russian offensive aimed at expanding the active front line by approximately 160 kilometers, particularly from Belarus, stating that new units are needed as the front expands in width and depth. Russia maintains an advantage in manpower and weaponry, and Moscow is pressuring Belarus to allow more military activity from its territory. The Institute for the Study of War reported that the Kremlin wants Belarus to allow more Russian military activity, including drone launches against Ukraine, and is using financial pressure to push Minsk toward greater cooperation. Belarus reportedly disabled Russian drone-guidance signal repeaters near the Ukrainian border after President Zelensky warned Kyiv could strike them. Senior Russian officials reiterated Moscow's unwillingness to accept compromise peace terms such as a front line freeze, signaling continued commitment to occupying the entirety of eastern Ukraine's Donbas region.
Show summaryHide
Ukraine to form new brigades as Russia seeks to expand front by 160 km, Syrsky says
Background: Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi previously warned of a possible Russian operation from Belarus and reported that Ukrainian forces have for the first time surpassed Russian forces in daily offensive operations. Today: Syrsky announced plans to form new brigades to counter a potential Russian offensive aimed at expanding the active front line by approximately 160 kilometers, particularly from Belarus, stating that new units are needed as the front expands in width and depth. Russia maintains an advantage in manpower and weaponry, and Moscow is pressuring Belarus to allow more military activity from its territory. The Institute for the Study of War reported that the Kremlin wants Belarus to allow more Russian military activity, including drone launches against Ukraine, and is using financial pressure to push Minsk toward greater cooperation. Belarus reportedly disabled Russian drone-guidance signal repeaters near the Ukrainian border after President Zelensky warned Kyiv could strike them. Senior Russian officials reiterated Moscow's unwillingness to accept compromise peace terms such as a front line freeze, signaling continued commitment to occupying the entirety of eastern Ukraine's Donbas region.
Background: Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi previously warned of a possible Russian operation from Belarus and reported that Ukrainian forces have for the first time surpassed Russian forces in daily offensive operations. Today: Syrsky announced plans to form new brigades to counter a potential Russian offensive aimed at expanding the active front line by approximately 160 kilometers, particularly from Belarus, stating that new units are needed as the front expands in width and depth. Russia maintains an advantage in manpower and weaponry, and Moscow is pressuring Belarus to allow more military activity from its territory. The Institute for the Study of War reported that the Kremlin wants Belarus to allow more Russian military activity, including drone launches against Ukraine, and is using financial pressure to push Minsk toward greater cooperation. Belarus reportedly disabled Russian drone-guidance signal repeaters near the Ukrainian border after President Zelensky warned Kyiv could strike them. Senior Russian officials reiterated Moscow's unwillingness to accept compromise peace terms such as a front line freeze, signaling continued commitment to occupying the entirety of eastern Ukraine's Donbas region.
ua46Russia intensifies bombing of Ukraine's Odesa grain ports, threatening one-third drop in exports
Russia has escalated strikes on Ukraine's Odesa ports, potentially cutting monthly grain exports from 6 million to 4 million tons, a one-third reduction worth nearly $900 million monthly in foreign earnings. The bombing targets Ukraine's largest hard currency source and threatens global food supplies to Africa and the Middle East. Private terminal operators have lost an estimated $1.5 billion since the invasion and cannot fund repairs alone. July is the danger window for heavier attacks as 30% of the new crop moves to the docks.
Show summaryHide
Russia intensifies bombing of Ukraine's Odesa grain ports, threatening one-third drop in exports
Russia has escalated strikes on Ukraine's Odesa ports, potentially cutting monthly grain exports from 6 million to 4 million tons, a one-third reduction worth nearly $900 million monthly in foreign earnings. The bombing targets Ukraine's largest hard currency source and threatens global food supplies to Africa and the Middle East. Private terminal operators have lost an estimated $1.5 billion since the invasion and cannot fund repairs alone. July is the danger window for heavier attacks as 30% of the new crop moves to the docks.
Russia has escalated strikes on Ukraine's Odesa ports, potentially cutting monthly grain exports from 6 million to 4 million tons, a one-third reduction worth nearly $900 million monthly in foreign earnings. The bombing targets Ukraine's largest hard currency source and threatens global food supplies to Africa and the Middle East. Private terminal operators have lost an estimated $1.5 billion since the invasion and cannot fund repairs alone. July is the danger window for heavier attacks as 30% of the new crop moves to the docks.
ua44Ukrainian forces raise flag on Kinburn Spit after Russian withdrawal
Background: Russia had reinforced the Kinburn Spit with special forces amid fears of Ukrainian liberation attempts. Today: Ukrainian forces raised the national flag on the Kinburn Spit after Russian troops withdrew under Ukrainian strikes, strengthening Ukraine's Black Sea position and potentially supporting future operations toward occupied Crimea. The Southern Territorial Defense Forces Command announced the flag-raising on Thursday, stating that surviving Russian personnel evacuated and abandoned defensive positions. Ukrainian strikes forced the retreat, and the military vowed to continue operations, with a statement that 'one day our tanks will reach Dzhankoi' in northern Crimea. The development follows reports of Russian units abandoning positions due to cut-off supplies, and an ongoing Ukrainian drone campaign targeting Russian logistics to Crimea.
Show summaryHide
Ukrainian forces raise flag on Kinburn Spit after Russian withdrawal
Background: Russia had reinforced the Kinburn Spit with special forces amid fears of Ukrainian liberation attempts. Today: Ukrainian forces raised the national flag on the Kinburn Spit after Russian troops withdrew under Ukrainian strikes, strengthening Ukraine's Black Sea position and potentially supporting future operations toward occupied Crimea. The Southern Territorial Defense Forces Command announced the flag-raising on Thursday, stating that surviving Russian personnel evacuated and abandoned defensive positions. Ukrainian strikes forced the retreat, and the military vowed to continue operations, with a statement that 'one day our tanks will reach Dzhankoi' in northern Crimea. The development follows reports of Russian units abandoning positions due to cut-off supplies, and an ongoing Ukrainian drone campaign targeting Russian logistics to Crimea.
Background: Russia had reinforced the Kinburn Spit with special forces amid fears of Ukrainian liberation attempts. Today: Ukrainian forces raised the national flag on the Kinburn Spit after Russian troops withdrew under Ukrainian strikes, strengthening Ukraine's Black Sea position and potentially supporting future operations toward occupied Crimea. The Southern Territorial Defense Forces Command announced the flag-raising on Thursday, stating that surviving Russian personnel evacuated and abandoned defensive positions. Ukrainian strikes forced the retreat, and the military vowed to continue operations, with a statement that 'one day our tanks will reach Dzhankoi' in northern Crimea. The development follows reports of Russian units abandoning positions due to cut-off supplies, and an ongoing Ukrainian drone campaign targeting Russian logistics to Crimea.
ua43Ukrainian drone strikes dismantle Russian layered air defense, enabling glide bomb operations
A Ukrainian drone company commander reports that systematic strikes on Russian radars and launchers are thinning Moscow's layered air defense network, creating blind spots that allow Ukrainian warplanes to fly deeper and deploy glide bombs, including the new domestic Vyrivniuvach bomb, against previously unreachable targets. From June 2025 to early March, Ukraine conducted 492 strikes against air-defense infrastructure and 433 more against anti-access assets. Between March and May, Ukraine's General Staff reported 24 radar systems damaged in Crimea alone. The degradation is pulling Russian systems off occupied territories, with S-300 and S-400 installations being set up in Moscow, reducing coverage over occupied Ukraine and Crimea.
Show summaryHide
Ukrainian drone strikes dismantle Russian layered air defense, enabling glide bomb operations
A Ukrainian drone company commander reports that systematic strikes on Russian radars and launchers are thinning Moscow's layered air defense network, creating blind spots that allow Ukrainian warplanes to fly deeper and deploy glide bombs, including the new domestic Vyrivniuvach bomb, against previously unreachable targets. From June 2025 to early March, Ukraine conducted 492 strikes against air-defense infrastructure and 433 more against anti-access assets. Between March and May, Ukraine's General Staff reported 24 radar systems damaged in Crimea alone. The degradation is pulling Russian systems off occupied territories, with S-300 and S-400 installations being set up in Moscow, reducing coverage over occupied Ukraine and Crimea.
A Ukrainian drone company commander reports that systematic strikes on Russian radars and launchers are thinning Moscow's layered air defense network, creating blind spots that allow Ukrainian warplanes to fly deeper and deploy glide bombs, including the new domestic Vyrivniuvach bomb, against previously unreachable targets. From June 2025 to early March, Ukraine conducted 492 strikes against air-defense infrastructure and 433 more against anti-access assets. Between March and May, Ukraine's General Staff reported 24 radar systems damaged in Crimea alone. The degradation is pulling Russian systems off occupied territories, with S-300 and S-400 installations being set up in Moscow, reducing coverage over occupied Ukraine and Crimea.
ua41Polish Opposition Leader Kaczyński to Return Ukrainian Order, Calls for EU Accession Block
Background: Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's Order of the White Eagle on June 19, 2026, after Ukraine named a military unit after the UPA, which Poland holds responsible for WWII massacres. Zelensky and multiple Ukrainian officials returned their Polish state awards in solidarity. Today: Polish Law and Justice party leader Jarosław Kaczyński announced he will return his Ukrainian Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise (Second Class), citing deteriorating bilateral relations. He called for Poland to block EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, though he stated this was his personal opinion, not the party's position. Kaczyński also criticized Lviv Mayor Andriy Savodvyi's participation in the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk, accusing him of not paying a Polish company for completed work. He demanded Ukraine admit guilt for the 1943 Volhynia massacres, apologize, and allow burial of all victims, and compared honoring UPA figures to glorifying Nazi criminals. The Polish government urged de-escalation, with spokesperson Adam Szłapka stating no outside mediation is needed. Despite Hungary blocking a key procedural step for EU membership talks, Ukraine expects a breakthrough with five clusters set for mid-July.
Show summaryHide
Polish Opposition Leader Kaczyński to Return Ukrainian Order, Calls for EU Accession Block
Background: Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's Order of the White Eagle on June 19, 2026, after Ukraine named a military unit after the UPA, which Poland holds responsible for WWII massacres. Zelensky and multiple Ukrainian officials returned their Polish state awards in solidarity. Today: Polish Law and Justice party leader Jarosław Kaczyński announced he will return his Ukrainian Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise (Second Class), citing deteriorating bilateral relations. He called for Poland to block EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, though he stated this was his personal opinion, not the party's position. Kaczyński also criticized Lviv Mayor Andriy Savodvyi's participation in the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk, accusing him of not paying a Polish company for completed work. He demanded Ukraine admit guilt for the 1943 Volhynia massacres, apologize, and allow burial of all victims, and compared honoring UPA figures to glorifying Nazi criminals. The Polish government urged de-escalation, with spokesperson Adam Szłapka stating no outside mediation is needed. Despite Hungary blocking a key procedural step for EU membership talks, Ukraine expects a breakthrough with five clusters set for mid-July.
Background: Polish President Karol Nawrocki revoked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's Order of the White Eagle on June 19, 2026, after Ukraine named a military unit after the UPA, which Poland holds responsible for WWII massacres. Zelensky and multiple Ukrainian officials returned their Polish state awards in solidarity. Today: Polish Law and Justice party leader Jarosław Kaczyński announced he will return his Ukrainian Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise (Second Class), citing deteriorating bilateral relations. He called for Poland to block EU accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova, though he stated this was his personal opinion, not the party's position. Kaczyński also criticized Lviv Mayor Andriy Savodvyi's participation in the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk, accusing him of not paying a Polish company for completed work. He demanded Ukraine admit guilt for the 1943 Volhynia massacres, apologize, and allow burial of all victims, and compared honoring UPA figures to glorifying Nazi criminals. The Polish government urged de-escalation, with spokesperson Adam Szłapka stating no outside mediation is needed. Despite Hungary blocking a key procedural step for EU membership talks, Ukraine expects a breakthrough with five clusters set for mid-July.
ua40Nearly 60% of Poles Oppose Ukraine Joining EU, Poll Finds
A new IBRiS poll for Radio ZET, conducted June 12-13, 2026 among 1,068 Polish adults via CATI, shows 59.7% oppose Ukraine's EU accession (32.3% 'definitely against', 27.4% 'rather against'), while 35.4% support it (8.4% 'definitely yes', 26.9% 'rather yes'). Support is higher among governing coalition voters (64% in favor) compared to opposition voters (24% in favor).
Show summaryHide
Nearly 60% of Poles Oppose Ukraine Joining EU, Poll Finds
A new IBRiS poll for Radio ZET, conducted June 12-13, 2026 among 1,068 Polish adults via CATI, shows 59.7% oppose Ukraine's EU accession (32.3% 'definitely against', 27.4% 'rather against'), while 35.4% support it (8.4% 'definitely yes', 26.9% 'rather yes'). Support is higher among governing coalition voters (64% in favor) compared to opposition voters (24% in favor).
A new IBRiS poll for Radio ZET, conducted June 12-13, 2026 among 1,068 Polish adults via CATI, shows 59.7% oppose Ukraine's EU accession (32.3% 'definitely against', 27.4% 'rather against'), while 35.4% support it (8.4% 'definitely yes', 26.9% 'rather yes'). Support is higher among governing coalition voters (64% in favor) compared to opposition voters (24% in favor).
ua39Belarusian opposition report details accelerating militarization and integration with Russia's war effort
Background: The United Transition Cabinet of Belarus previously provided Ukraine with a 30-page report detailing how the Lukashenka regime is systematically preparing Belarus to enter Russia's war. A new report presented to the Ukrainian government by the Belarusian democratic opposition documents accelerating militarization including changes to military legislation, expansion of armed forces and reserve systems, militarization of schools, and growing mobilization of civilian institutions. It notes that Belarusian enterprises now manufacture components for Russian missiles, air-defense systems, drones, electronic warfare equipment, and ammunition. Sales of Belarusian-produced gasoline to Russia surged more than fifty-fold in June 2026 compared to the same period last year. While Belarusian troops are unlikely to directly enter Ukraine, Minsk is removing political, legal, industrial, and military barriers limiting its involvement in Russia's war, making participation easier should Putin decide. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy publicly called on Lukashenka to dismantle relay equipment used to guide Russian drone attacks, and the relay stations reportedly went offline within days. The report warns that Western policy must address this structural integration.
Show summaryHide
Belarusian opposition report details accelerating militarization and integration with Russia's war effort
Background: The United Transition Cabinet of Belarus previously provided Ukraine with a 30-page report detailing how the Lukashenka regime is systematically preparing Belarus to enter Russia's war. A new report presented to the Ukrainian government by the Belarusian democratic opposition documents accelerating militarization including changes to military legislation, expansion of armed forces and reserve systems, militarization of schools, and growing mobilization of civilian institutions. It notes that Belarusian enterprises now manufacture components for Russian missiles, air-defense systems, drones, electronic warfare equipment, and ammunition. Sales of Belarusian-produced gasoline to Russia surged more than fifty-fold in June 2026 compared to the same period last year. While Belarusian troops are unlikely to directly enter Ukraine, Minsk is removing political, legal, industrial, and military barriers limiting its involvement in Russia's war, making participation easier should Putin decide. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy publicly called on Lukashenka to dismantle relay equipment used to guide Russian drone attacks, and the relay stations reportedly went offline within days. The report warns that Western policy must address this structural integration.
Background: The United Transition Cabinet of Belarus previously provided Ukraine with a 30-page report detailing how the Lukashenka regime is systematically preparing Belarus to enter Russia's war. A new report presented to the Ukrainian government by the Belarusian democratic opposition documents accelerating militarization including changes to military legislation, expansion of armed forces and reserve systems, militarization of schools, and growing mobilization of civilian institutions. It notes that Belarusian enterprises now manufacture components for Russian missiles, air-defense systems, drones, electronic warfare equipment, and ammunition. Sales of Belarusian-produced gasoline to Russia surged more than fifty-fold in June 2026 compared to the same period last year. While Belarusian troops are unlikely to directly enter Ukraine, Minsk is removing political, legal, industrial, and military barriers limiting its involvement in Russia's war, making participation easier should Putin decide. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy publicly called on Lukashenka to dismantle relay equipment used to guide Russian drone attacks, and the relay stations reportedly went offline within days. The report warns that Western policy must address this structural integration.