📰 Ukrainska Pravda · 90

Politico: German Defense Ministry interested in missiles of two Ukrainian manufacturers
Germany is reportedly exploring potential purchases of affordable long-range cruise missiles from Ukrainian manufacturers Fire Point and Israeli firm Covenant, according to documents from Germany's Ministry of Defense. This initiative has gained urgency following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision not to send a military unit equipped with American Tomahawk missiles to Germany. German officials are seeking missiles that are cost-effective for large-scale procurement, fast for operational use, and capable of posing a threat to Russian military targets. Ukraine is noted as one of the key low-

Deputy commander of the "Azov": Give the soldier after the SZC the right to choose the unit
A representative of the commander of the 'Azov' unit argues that soldiers who have left their units voluntarily (SZCH) should be allowed to choose which branch of the Armed Forces they return to, rather than being forced back into the same unit they left. The article criticizes the current policy as unfair and ineffective, suggesting it fails to address the real reasons why soldiers leave, such as poor command, lack of trust in the system, and specific issues within their units.

Italy's foreign minister cancels visit to the U.S. after Trump insults Meloni
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy, Antonio Tajani, canceled his planned visit to the United States following comments made by Donald Trump regarding Giorgia Meloni, the Italian Prime Minister. Tajani stated that Trump's serious and offensive remarks targeting Meloni were an insult to Italy and led him to cancel the visit scheduled for June 21–22. Meloni had previously criticized Trump's claim that she 'begged' for a joint photo at the G7 summit, calling it a fabrication. This incident marks another escalation in tensions between the leaders of Italy and the U.S., following earlier feuds

Head of DPSU checked the border with Belarus
The acting head of Ukraine's State Border Service, General-Major Valeriy Vavrinuk, conducted an inspection of border units responsible for protecting the section of Ukraine's state border with Belarus. During the visit, he reviewed the organization of border guard services, readiness of units to respond to potential threats, and the strengthening of defensive capabilities. He also examined engineering infrastructure, fortification systems, command-and-control observation points, and the provision of necessary equipment and weapons to defenders. The inspection included difficult-to-reach areas,

In the Russian Federation, officials were trained in how to conduct mass mobilization
In Volgograd Oblast, Russia, training sessions on mass mobilization were conducted, attended by officials from neighboring regions including Astra罕, Rostov, Kalmykia, annexed Crimea, and occupied Donetsk and Luhansk. The Russian authorities stated that such trainings are held annually.

Ukrainian sentenced to seven years in prison for torching Starmer-related property
A Ukrainian citizen, Roman Lavrinovich, was sentenced to seven years in prison by a British court for setting fires targeting property linked to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in May of last year. His accomplice, Stanislav Karpyuk, a Romanian national of Ukrainian descent, received two years in prison for conspiracy. Another Ukrainian, Petr Pochinko, was acquitted. The attacks included a car once owned by Starmer and two homes associated with him. Lavrinovich claimed he did not know who Starmer was during police questioning. Prosecutors did not identify who organized the attacks, though BBC's

Lavrov "has a feeling" that the US may change its approach to the war in Ukraine
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed the feeling that the United States might change its approach to ending the war in Ukraine, referencing previous agreements reached during the Anchorage summit. Lavrov stated Russia supports the paths to resolution proposed by the U.S. side at that summit. The article references statements made by Lavrov through Russian state agenciesRIA Novosti and Interfax. It also includes details about President Trump's recent comments on being ready to rejoin efforts to resolve the Ukrainian crisis.

Police uncovered online drug trafficking: 146 suspects and seizure of 70 million UAH
Ukrainian police and the Office of the General Prosecutor announced the results of the second stage of the 'Rubicon' special operation against online drug distribution networks. Over 400 individuals were identified as involved, with 146 receiving suspicions. Authorities seized nearly 70 million UAH worth of narcotics and psychotropic substances, including almost 90 kilograms of drugs such as alpha-PVP, cannabis, amphetamine, and methedrone, along with over 570 liters of precursors. The operation also led to the dismantling of laboratories producing alpha-PVP and amphetamine.

What's wrong with returning after WWII, or how the army loses those it's already trained to defend the country?
The article discusses the issue of soldiers who have left their units voluntarily (self-withdrawal, or 'SZZH') and criticizes the current policy of the Ukrainian government and Ministry of Defense regarding their return to service. It argues that the current approach is unfair and fails to address the real reasons why soldiers leave, such as problems within their units, poor leadership, and systemic distrust. The article suggests that the government needs to think more strategically and state-focused rather than merely bureaucratic when addressing this issue.

In the Penza region of the Russian Federation, reports of mass roundups of men to be sent to war
In Penza and Penzenskaya Oblast, Russia, police and military conscription officials have organized raids targeting men to force them into signing contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defense for deployment in the war against Ukraine. Reports indicate these operations are taking place in cities such as Penza, Kamenka, and Kuznetsk. Local residents claim that men are being stopped in public transport, taken by force, and transported to sign up for military service. These reports come from various sources including Radio Svoboda, which analyzed information from Russian media, human rights NGOs,

Politico: Macron and Merz criticized the head of the European Council's attempts to dialogue with Russia
According to Politico, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized European Council President Antonio Costa during a closed EU summit meeting for his attempts to engage in dialogue with Russia. The leaders reportedly viewed Costa's informal contacts with Moscow as inappropriate at this time. The discussion highlighted growing tensions within the EU regarding the approach to negotiations with Russia. Several EU leaders, particularly those most opposed to Russia, supported Macron and Merz's stance. The debate took place without aides or mobile phones due to敏感

In occupied Sevastopol, they also claimed to be bouncing off drones.
The mayor of occupied Sevastopol, Mikhail Radvoyev, stated that Ukrainian drones are attacking the city. He reported that military forces are repelling attacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces (ZSU), with anti-aircraft defenses and mobile fire groups engaging. Two drones were reportedly shot down near the Northern Side area. A state of air alert was declared at 13:30. Earlier, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin claimed Russian air defense systems had shot down 25 drones heading toward Moscow. The Russian occupation authorities in Crimea have banned motorcycle travel on the peninsula during evening and夜

Zelensky at the Eurogroup listed Ukraine's critical needs to survive the coming winter
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy outlined Ukraine's critical needs during his speech at the European Council meeting, emphasizing the necessity of a 'winter package' of support if the war with Russia continues beyond this winter. He requested energy resources such as gas, diesel, and gasoline, as well as 300 anti-ballistic missiles to prepare for potential Russian attacks. Zelenskyy also urged the acceleration of funds from the 'peace fund' and called on the 'coalition of resolute nations' to assist in financing the Ukrainian military. This follows a recent agreement between Ukraine and

Lukashenko said that the bus in the Bryansk region was hit by an allegedly Ukrainian drone
Alexander Lukashenko, the self-proclaimed president of Belarus, commented on an attack by what he claims was a Ukrainian drone on a bus carrying a children's football team in Bryansk Oblast, Russia. He stated that Belarus is not rushing to draw conclusions but is certain the drone was Ukrainian. Lukashenko also denied reports from the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces that no attacks had occurred in Bryansk at that time, citing the bus driver's account of seeing multiple drones. He warned that anyone attempting to involve Belarus in the war would face consequences.

The high cost of continuing the war: the main target of the attack on "Moscow"
The article describes two contrasting attacks during the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. On June 14–15, Russian forces attacked Kyiv, damaging cultural landmarks like the Uspensky Cathedral of Kyivo-Pechersk Lavra, the Museum Arsenal, and Dovzhenko Film Studio, while also targeting civilian areas, causing casualties and infrastructure damage. In contrast, Ukrainian drones struck the Moscow refinery in Kapotnya, specifically targeting the primary oil processing unit of Gazprom Neft, which supplies fuel to Moscow and the military. The article highlights the strategic difference: the

Forecaster Didenko told how much it will warm up Ukraine in the coming weekends
Meteorologist Natalia Didenko reported that the upcoming weekend in Ukraine will be very warm, with temperatures reaching up to +29°C in most areas and +32°C in western and southern parts of the country. She noted that while Western Europe is expected to experience extreme heat, Ukraine's climate will prevent temperatures from reaching the same levels. Light rain and thunderstorms are forecasted on June 20 across central regions, but dry and sunny conditions will dominate on June 21, except for light evening rains in western areas. In Kyiv, temperatures are expected to reach +26°C with no rain

Macron: Trump thought Ukraine would lose, but changed his mind after G7 summit
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that U.S. President Donald Trump initially believed Ukraine would lose the war against Russia but changed his mind after the G7 summit. According to Macron, Trump realized that Russia was not fulfilling its commitments. The G7 leaders issued a joint statement expressing willingness to consider granting Ukraine licenses to produce missile interceptors directly on Ukrainian territory. Trump also mentioned having 'very good talks' with Putin and Zelenskyy, stating both wanted to end the war but did not know how. Trump suggested the possibility of reimposing

A day later, the Kremlin commented on the drone attack, saying that the missile defense system in Moscow worked well.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, commented on drone attacks targeting Moscow, stating that Russia's air defense systems performed well despite the incidents. He emphasized that appropriate measures were being taken to address the consequences of the attacks. According to open-source intelligence analysts, one of the explosions at the Moscow refinery during the drone attack may have been caused by a Russian anti-aircraft missile hitting a fuel tank. A video showing this incident was shared online, likely first published in the Chinese segment of TikTok. This is

In Dnipropetrovsk, one person was killed and three injured by Russian attacks.
On June 12, Russian forces attacked Dnipropetrovsk Oblast using drones and artillery over 50 times. One person died and three were injured. The attacks affected several communities including Nikopol, Pokrovsk, Mariyanske, and Chervonohryhorivske. Infrastructure was damaged, with shops, administrative buildings, private homes, and vehicles affected. Two civilians were injured, including a 53-year-old woman and a 14-year-old boy, who received outpatient treatment. Additional damage occurred in Zelenny Dol and Grushivske on Kryvyi Rih, where one man died and another was hospitalized in serious 63

Self-Welfare or State Sovereignty: The poll found that Ukrainians chose
A survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KMIIS) found that most Ukrainians prioritize state sovereignty and independence over personal well-being. The results showed 59% chose sovereignty and independence, while 40% prioritized citizens' welfare. These findings are based on two separate questions comparing different aspects of national priorities. Similar results were noted in surveys conducted in 2020 and 2023.

The sixth rescue worker wounded in the June 15 mass shooting has died
A sixth rescuer has died from injuries sustained during a Russian attack on Kharkiv on June 15. The rescuer, Mykola Derkach, was a major in the State Emergency Service and the head of the guard at the 6th State Fire and Rescue Unit. He was 48 years old and leaves behind a daughter and mother. According to the State Emergency Service, doctors fought for his life for several days. This brings the total number of rescuers killed in the attack to six, including Dmitri Boyko, Danil Tischenko, Sergiy Makoveychuk, Vadym Zinchenko, and Oleksiy Dorozhkin, the chief specialist of the Department of Emerg

A "wiretap" was found in the apartment of the head of the NABU unit: the Bureau claims the involvement of the SBU
During an inspection of the residence of a head of a unit at the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), technical devices were discovered that could have been used for covert information collection. NA BU has initiated a pre-trial investigation under Article 182 of Ukraine's Criminal Code to determine the circumstances of the incident and identify those responsible for installing the equipment. A resident above the apartment reported being approached by individuals who claimed to be law enforcement officers and warned him that a Russian spy lived below him. One of these men was identified asa

Killers of activist Ganul given life
A military serviceman from Kyiv Oblast, Sergei Shalaev, was found guilty by the Primorsky District Court in Odesa of murdering activist Demian Ganul and was sentenced to life imprisonment. According to National Police sources and law enforcement contacts with Ukrainska Pravda, Shalaev received an order to kill Ganul, took annual leave, rented two apartments in Odessa, illegally purchased firearms, ammunition, and hand grenades, which he stored temporarily. He was detained and charged under three articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine: intentional murder on commission and for profit, illegal携

How the EU involves communities in the distribution of funds and why Ukraine needs this expertise
Ukraine is receiving significant funds for recovery efforts, but the article emphasizes the importance of involving local communities in project selection and implementation. The EU uses a partnership principle that includes local authorities, businesses, unions, NGOs, and vulnerable groups in planning and monitoring programs. Ukraine aims to adopt similar mechanisms through its National Program for aligning legislation with EU law. However, details on future Ukrainian monitoring mechanisms remain unclear. The article references Poland's experience with influencing selection rules.

The EU summit did not agree to open all clusters: there was no consensus
The European Council did not reach consensus on opening all clusters of Ukraine's accession negotiations during its summit. While the conclusions mention the need to open additional clusters, they do not specify a timeline or explicitly state the intention to open all remaining clusters. The article notes that President Zelenskyy and several other leaders raised the issue, but there was no agreement.

Sibiga: Putin has made a historic mistake
Andriy Sybiha, head of Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Ukraine is conducting long-range attacks against Russia using domestically produced weapons and urged President Putin to end the war. He claimed that Putin made a historic mistake by invading Ukraine and emphasized that with each month he refuses to admit defeat and stop the war, the situation for him and his regime will only worsen. Sybiha noted that all long-range strikes on Moscow and other Russian regions are being carried out with Ukrainian-made weapons, which will be difficult for Russian propaganda to explain.

Zelensky discussed with EU leaders the next steps for Ukraine's accession
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed further steps regarding Ukraine's accession to the European Union with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of opening the remaining five negotiation clusters for Ukraine soon and expressed hope for receiving the first tranche of financial support from the EU. The leaders also discussed security cooperation, work on the Drone Deal agreement, and defensive support for Ukraine, particularly protection against Russian ballistic missiles. The European Council has

Russian drones attack two ships in the Black Sea: crew member killed, others wounded
Russian drones attacked two ships in the Black Sea, resulting in one death and several injuries among crew members. Vice Prime Minister for Recovery of Ukraine, Oleksiy Kuleba, confirmed the attack and condemned Russia's actions as a war against freedom of navigation, international trade, and global food security. The ships involved were flying under the flags of Panama and Saint Kitts and Nevis. Officials reported that the vessels have resumed movement and port infrastructure is operating with safety considerations.

Estonian Prime Minister criticizes attempts of the President of the European Council to establish contact with Russia
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal criticized President of the European Council Antonio Costa's attempts to establish diplomatic contact with Russia, calling them inappropriate. Michal argued that such efforts could undermine Ukraine's support from the EU and emphasized that any diplomatic activity must be led by Kyiv. He stated that the EU cannot act as a mediator in these negotiations and warned against alternative channels or backchannel diplomatic talks.

EU-Kremlin contacts became the main "Ukrainian" issue at the Brussels summit EP
The article discusses the main topic of discussion at the EU summit regarding Ukraine—contacts between the European Union and Russia. The conversation began while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was present and continued after his departure, as many leaders wanted to express their views. The European Council's president, Antonio Costa, initiated contact with Putin's team, which became a point of contention among some EU leaders who were reportedly dissatisfied with the lack of consultation with the European Council. According to reports, no formal decisions were made during the meeting

Zelensky in Brussels meets with the King of Belgium
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with King Philippe of Belgium during his visit to Brussels on June 18. They discussed the situation on the front lines, the impact of Russian shelling on civilian infrastructure including Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, the need to strengthen sanctions against Russia, diplomatic efforts with partners, and the importance of increasing Europe's role in negotiations. The meeting also covered Ukraine's European integration and bilateral defense cooperation. Additionally, Zelenskyy discussed the schedule for delivering promised F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine with Belgian Prime

Media: Meloni and Sanchez got into an argument over immigrants
During an EU summit, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni clashed with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez over migration policies. Meloni expressed dissatisfaction with Spain's approval of a mass legalization program expected to grant legal status to around 500,000 migrants. She argued that Spain's actions affect its neighbors. The discussion began when Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen praised Roberta Metsola and the European Parliament for passing legislation allowing the creation of deportation centers outside Europe. Meloni supported Frederiksen’s call for more attention to the EU

Negotiations on EU accession may be suspended: Hungary warned Ukraine
Hungary's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Anita Orbán warned Ukraine that negotiations regarding Ukraine's potential accession to the European Union could be suspended if Kyiv does not fulfill an agreement related to the rights of the Hungarian minority in Zakarpattia. The warning was made ahead of a meeting of the EU Council on foreign affairs in Luxembourg. Hungary has included this bilateral agreement into the process of Ukraine's EU accession. The first cluster of negotiations between Ukraine and the EU is set to open in Luxembourg on Monday.

NABU and human capital: how are anti-corruption officials selected and is there room for transparency?
The article discusses the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU)'s efforts in exposing high-profile corruption cases in 2025, including investigations into former Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov and businessman Timur Mindich. It also mentions the 2026 investigation into Yulia Tymoshenko, leader of the 'Fatherland' faction, regarding alleged systematic bribery of MPs. The article highlights the challenges faced by anti-corruption agencies in conducting such complex legal and organizational investigations but emphasizes their ability to dismantle systemic schemes despite high

Air defense destroyed 79 of 90 UAVs used by Russia to attack Ukraine
Russian forces launched 90 attack drones against Ukraine on June 18, with Ukrainian air defense systems successfully neutralizing 79 of them. However, nine drones managed to hit eight locations, and eight more crashed on other sites. The attacks originated from Russian cities such as Bryansk, Orel, Primorsko-Akhtarsk, and Gvardiysk in occupied Crimea. Ukrainian aviation, anti-aircraft missile units, electronic warfare divisions, drone systems, and mobile fire groups of the Ukrainian Defense Forces were involved in repelling the aerial assault. As of early morning on June 19, Russian drones are

CNN: U.S. and Iran are developing secret proposals to implement the deal
The article reports that the United States and Iran are working on secret proposals related to implementing a recently signed 14-point agreement, including details on the future of Iran's nuclear program. The information comes from unnamed American officials cited by CNN. The sources note that these documents are not final, and Iran has not signed any additional agreements beyond the memorandum of understanding. There are concerns that the U.S. administration might have overreached in the commitments extracted from Iran, highlighting the fragility of political efforts toward a final deal. TheU

The Russians attacked the route in Kherson with a drone in the morning: 4 people were injured
In the early morning of Friday, Russian occupiers attacked a minibus in Kherson with a drone, resulting in at least four people being injured. According to the Kherson Regional Administration, the attack occurred around 07:30 in the Korabelnyi district of Kherson. Four individuals— including a 46-year-old woman and three men aged 67, 46, and 59—were taken to the hospital with blast injuries and shrapnel wounds. Their condition is described as moderate in severity, and they are receiving necessary medical care.

Ambassador: The Hungarian government has unblocked access to the websites of "UP" and "European Truth"
The new Hungarian government has lifted restrictions on access to the websites of 'Ukrainian Pravda' and 'European Pravda', which were imposed during the tenure of previous Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Ukrainian Ambassador Fedir Shandor stated that since June 17, the Hungarian government has removed restrictions on access to several Ukrainian online media outlets, including 'European Pravda'. He also mentioned that the government is working on lifting all political decisions regarding the 'persona non grata' status, which was used to ban Ukrainians from entering Hungary under the previous政府.

Why the military criticizes the "Fedorov contracts" Detailed examination of the UP
Ukrainian defense ministry announced details of an anticipated military reform, including new contracts, extended service terms, and increased pay. While some soldiers praised the reforms for addressing long-standing issues, most expressed criticism. The article presents reactions from 30 soldiers across different ranks and positions, highlighting their concerns and clarifying key aspects of the reform.

The Russians attacked Pavlograd in the morning killed a child and wounded 2 people
A Russian attack on Pavlograd in Dnipropetrovsk region early on June 19 resulted in the death of an 8-year-old girl and injuries to another person. The attack involved a drone strike targeting a residential building, causing two private homes to catch fire and one house to be destroyed. Local officials confirmed the incident through their Telegram channels.

Switzerland moves to lift ban on new nuclear power plants
The lower house of the Swiss parliament has approved an initiative to lift the ban on building new nuclear power plants, paving the way for the government's plan. The National Council's approval followed support from the upper house, the Federal Council, and business associations. The Greens have announced a referendum to oppose this move. Currently, there are no plans to build new nuclear plants in Switzerland. The government had previously rejected a similar initiative requiring constitutional changes but proposed lifting the existing ban instead. Switzerland imposed the ban in 2017 after福岛核

On the front 248 battles: more than 80 attacks of the enemy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were repulsed on Pokrovsky and 2 other directions
The article reports on military activity along multiple fronts in Ukraine over the past day, noting 248 combat engagements with the most intense fighting occurring on the Pokrovsk, Kostyantynivske, and Hulyapil'sk directions, where the enemy launched more than 80 attacks. The information is sourced from the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (ZSU). Details include specific numbers of attacks and shelling across various regions such as Northern Slobodiansky, Kharkiv, Southern Slobodiansky, Kupiansk, Limansky, Sloviansk, and Kramatorsk directions.

European intelligence estimates that Russia's economy is in critical condition
European intelligence assessments suggest Russia's economy is in a 'critical' state due to the shift to wartime measures. The report highlights risks in the banking sector, including artificially inflated bank balances, increased risk thresholds to attract investors, rising property prices leading to potential bubbles, and additional burdens from state-private partnerships and subsidized mortgages. Banks are also reportedly covering losses from unprofitable projects and regional debt issues, along with hidden debts from preferential loans provided to defense industries under pressure from the

The Russians damaged a business, a post office and a school in the Dnipropetrovsk region
Russian occupiers attacked three areas of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast with artillery and drones, resulting in damage to residential buildings, a business, a sports school, and a post office. The head of the regional administration, Oleksandr Hanzha, reported the attacks via Telegram, specifying affected communities and locations. In Synelnykivskyi District, the attackers targeted Dubovkivska and Vasilykivska communities, damaging a sports school and an unused building. In Pavlograd, private homes were set on fire due to the attack.

Reuters: Ukrainian attack on Moscow refinery damaged refining facilities
A second Ukrainian attack on the Moscow refinery of Gazpromneft occurred overnight on June 18, damaging processing units and causing multiple fires. According to Reuters citing informed sources, the combined oil refining unit 'Euro+' was damaged, which accounts for 47% of the refinery's capacity. Additional equipment, storage tanks, pipelines, and secondary units were also damaged. On June 16, an attack had already damaged the primary processing unit AVT-6, which accounted for 53% of the refinery's capacity. The refinery planned to restart the Euro+ block mid-week and process oil at half-capac

Madyar announced the "reset" of the relations of the Visegrad Four and named the date of the summit
Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Orban announced a 'reboot' of the Visegrad Group, a regional cooperation format including Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. He invited the leaders of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia to a summit in Budapest on June 23, 2026. Relations among the group's members have deteriorated in recent years due to differing positions on issues such as the Russia-Ukraine war.

General Staff: Last day, there were 251 battles on the front lines, the enemy fired 100 airstrikes
The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported 251 combat engagements with Russian occupiers along the front line over the course of June 10. According to updated information, the enemy carried out 100 aviation strikes, dropping 292 guided bombs. Additionally, 9,293 kamikaze drones were used, and 3,248 attacks were launched against populated areas and Ukrainian military positions, including 38 from rocket artillery systems. The aggressor conducted aviation strikes in areas such as Tovstodubove, Bachivsk, and Chervonyi Pahar in Sumy Oblast. In turn, Ukrainian air forces damaged two ar

The U.S. expects to begin technical talks with Iran this weekend.
The United States expects to begin technical negotiations with Iran this weekend to solidify a ceasefire agreement. Vice President Kamala Harris stated that the 60-day period outlined in the memorandum of understanding with Iran began upon its signing. The initial deadline for finalizing the terms of the peace agreement falls on August 17, but the document allows for an extension if both parties agree. The U.S. has also announced it will lift the maritime blockade on Iranian ports.

Moscow is burning, Konstantinovka is under attack, why do the "Circons" whistle the main thing about the war in a week
The provided text appears to be the legal disclaimer and metadata section of Ukrainska Pravda's website, rather than an actual news article. It outlines copyright information, advertising policies, editorial responsibilities, and contact details. No substantive news content is present.

Hungary has doubts about the possibility of urgent opening of the rest of the clusters for Ukraine
Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini expressed doubts about the possibility of urgently opening additional negotiation chapters with Ukraine following the recent opening of the first cluster. He noted that this idea is controversial among other EU member states and warned that rapid progress could send a negative signal to Western Balkan countries seeking EU membership. Pellegrini did not specify whether Hungary would oppose such a move if it came to a vote and did not raise any specific objections to Ukraine.

"Miracles with shovels on motorcycles": the Russians made an unsuccessful attempt to storm Zaporizhia
Russian forces attempted an unsuccessful attack on the village of Mala Tokmachka in Zaporizhzhia Oblast using a combined motorcycle unit. The Ukrainian 118th Separate Mechanized Brigade reported that despite changes in tactics and the use of technical innovations, Russian troops were defeated and did not reach the settlement. The attack occurred at 18:00 under full visibility, which is unusual compared to typical early morning or evening attacks. Some Russian motorcycles were equipped with special shovels for clearing minefields and mobile RB devices. The Ukrainian forces responded by intensly

Zelensky and Tusk held talks on the sidelines of the EU summit
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Brussels ahead of an EU summit. The meeting took place in a narrow format, with participation from Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba and Poland's Ambassador to the EU Agnieszka Bartol. No details were provided about the outcomes of the talks. The meeting is seen as significant amid tensions between the two countries and the upcoming Conference on Ukraine's Recovery (URC) in Gdansk, where Zelenskyy was initially expected to attend despite controversy over 'UPA heroes.' Polish sources said Zê

U.S. lifts blockade of Iranian ports
The United States has officially lifted the maritime blockade of Iranian ports, as announced by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The move follows a peace agreement signed between the two countries on June 17, which aimed to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. American military forces have ceased obstructing the entry and exit of ships at Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman but remain in the region to ensure compliance with the terms of the agreement. A high-ranking administration official read out the text of the agreement during a press briefing after days

Pistorius announced the delivery to Ukraine of air-to-air missiles from the Bundeswehr reserves
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced during a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group that Germany will supply Ukraine with a three-digit quantity of air-to-air missiles from its reserves and will jointly produce ground robotic systems with Ukrainian companies. He also mentioned the delivery of additional IRIS-T missile systems and the allocation of $200 million for the procurement of PAC-3 missiles under the 'Jumpstart' program.

Billions of dollars and 700 cruise missiles: new aid has been announced at the Ramstein, - Fedorov
The article reports on a significant announcement made during a NATO Contact Group meeting in Ramstein regarding new military support for Ukraine. The Ukrainian Minister of Defense, Mykhailo Fedorov, stated that approximately $4 billion in aid was announced, including $1 billion through the PURL initiative and support for long-range artillery and cruise missiles. The Netherlands pledged assistance for around 700 cruise missiles.

EU may agree to extend sanctions against Russia once a year, veto no more Journalist
The European Union is likely to extend sectoral sanctions against Russia for an entire year, rather than the usual six months, as no member states now oppose this decision. This follows reports from journalist Rikard Jozwiak citing his sources, indicating that EU leaders will agree to the extension at their upcoming meeting. Previously, Hungary and Slovakia had frequently blocked such decisions under Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s leadership, but they now appear to have no objections. Bulgaria, however, has become a new obstacle due to its stance on including Patriarch Kirill in sanction lists.

The Alliance in the "Acceptance" Stage: How Europe and the US are converging on the future of NATO
The article discusses the evolving relationship between the United States and NATO following Donald Trump's presidential victory. It notes initial tensions and public disputes during ministerial meetings since February 2025, with U.S. representatives seeking to highlight European issues in the dialogue. Over time, Europe's reaction has shifted from frustration to calmness. The article outlines stages of adjustment within NATO, noting that most countries have moved past depression and negotiation phases, with many increasing defense spending faster than promised to Trump. Spain remains an例外 in仍

Von der Leyen hopes that the EU will open more clusters in the negotiations with Ukraine in the summer
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, expressed hope that the EU will open more negotiation clusters with Ukraine during the summer. She praised Kyiv's progress in Euro-integration reforms and emphasized the importance of both parties fulfilling their commitments. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hopes the remaining five clusters will be opened in the coming weeks. However, reports suggest that Ukraine's plan to open all clusters by July 2026 might not be feasible due to time constraints for negotiations and coordination.

"Seek shelter": US advises its citizens in Russia in the wake of drone attacks on Moscow
The US Embassy in Russia has issued recommendations to American citizens in Russia following recent drone attacks on Russian territory, including Moscow. The advisory urges Americans to seek shelter if an attack occurs and warns against photographing drones or their debris due to potential criminal liability under Russian law. The article references Ukrainian drone strikes on a refinery in Kapotnya, which caused significant fires and was described by Russian media as the largest such attack in two years.

Boguslawets: Cases against the Central Committee and Kudritskiy. How the special department works under the Prosecutor General
The article discusses the activities of a special unit under the Office of the General Prosecutor (OGP), led by Aiden Khudiyev, which has been accused of using criminal cases against political opponents and business figures. The piece highlights concerns over potential misuse of prosecutorial powers, focusing on cases involving CPK, Mykola Kudrytskyi, and other businessmen. It also touches upon Khudiyev's background, including his military prosecutor past and unreported luxury assets.

Zelensky announced a "milestone" for the joint anti-ballistic missile system with the Europeans
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced an important event related to the development of a joint anti-ballistic system with European partners during his visit to Brussels. He met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Germany's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius ahead of the Ramstein format meeting at the NATO defense ministers' summit. Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine's initiative in this direction and highlighted the need for collaborative work with European partners, including their companies, national security advisors, and leaders.

The occupants have been ordered to increase the drone terror Zaporizhia від Intelligence
According to Ukrainian intelligence, Russian occupation forces from the 58th Army have received orders to intensify attacks using FPV drones against civilian targets in Zaporizhzhia. The report states that Russian military command demands increased terrorist activities in Zaporizhzhia, targeting any civilian objects in the regional center. The intelligence claims this order reflects the frustration of Russian leadership due to rising casualties and lack of battlefield success, particularly along the Zaporizhzhia axis. Earlier, on June 16, Russian forces attacked Zaporizhzhia with five strikes,

Rutte explained why Hegseth left Brussels in a hurry and did not meet with Zelensky
The article reports that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attended a NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels on June 18 for nearly two hours but had to leave early due to prior commitments. The information comes from 'European Pravda,' citing NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who explained that Hegseth informed them in advance that his visit would be shortened. Rutte emphasized that Hegseth participated in discussions and gave a speech during his time at the meeting.

"Winning" not Trump's plan: What the US war with Iran has really shown
The article discusses the outcome of the US-Iran conflict, noting that despite initial expectations of Iranian unconditional surrender, the war ended with a mutual agreement to cease hostilities, resume shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and restart negotiations. The article highlights Iran's demonstration of strategic deterrence through economic damage rather than military victory.

The Netherlands will buy for Ukraine drones and air defense equipment for 500 million euros
The Netherlands has committed to purchasing drones and air defense systems worth 500 million euros for Ukraine, with half of the funds coming through the PURL initiative. The country will buy drones domestically and allocate the remaining amount for American-made weapons under PURL. This increases the Netherlands' total contribution to the initiative to 1 billion euros. Ukraine also signed a letter of intent with the Netherlands regarding defense innovation cooperation. Latvia announced an additional 7 million euro contribution to PURL. Previously, Ukraine’s defense minister stated that over 9

U.S. troops take several days to cross the kill zone. - Business Insider
Ukrainian soldiers are facing increasing challenges due to a 'kill zone' along the front line, heavily saturated with reconnaissance and attack drones. This area has become a critical part of combat operations, requiring troops to spend several days navigating it safely. The kill zone, which stretches up to 20 kilometers wide in many areas, is expanding rapidly. To reduce casualties, Ukraine is increasingly relying on drones and ground robots for logistics near the front. According to military officials, the size of this zone could double by the end of the year. The war is becoming more robot-

While in captivity in Russia, he tortured Ukrainian soldiers: the SBU and the DBR suspect a national guard member
Ukrainian military counterintelligence, the State Bureau of Investigations, and the Office of the Prosecutor General have gathered evidence against a senior National Guard soldier who was held captive by Russia and allegedly tortured other Ukrainian prisoners of war. According to the investigation, the soldier collaborated with Russian forces after being captured in June 2022 and was assigned to a position where he subjected fellow captives to psychological pressure, threats of violence, and forced physical labor. It is reported that one prisoner died due to his torture, and many others were受伤

A man opened fire from a machine gun near a shopping mall in Khmelnytskyi
Law enforcement officials have detained a man suspected of opening fire with an automatic weapon near the Territorial Center for Mobilization and Social Support in Letichiv, Khmelnytskyi region. According to preliminary information, the 31-year-old man was intoxicated when he arrived at the facility with an automatic rifle he had previously declared in accordance with legal procedures. During a conflict with military personnel, he fired several shots toward the administrative building's fence before leaving the scene. Authorities located and arrested him, and they have confiscated the rifle, 2

The story of Lieutenant Leshan: While we're alive nothing is final
The article recounts the story of Lieutenant Yevgen Leshan, a journalist who worked at the same publication as the author during the early 2000s. Leshan was perceived as an intellectual with a leftist leaning, but he later joined the military voluntarily in 2014 during the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO). He wrote satirical essays under the pseudonym 'Shvets' while serving on the front lines in Donbas. The article mentions that artist David Chichkan captured Leshan in a painting depicting Ukrainian anti-authoritarian forces, though Chichkan died in combat in 2025. Leshan has since returned to战争

NATO says it's drastically reducing its response time to the Baltic Sea incident.
NATO has announced a significant reduction in response time for suspicious incidents in the Baltic Sea, decreasing it from 17 hours to just 1 hour. This was stated by Lieutenant Commander Tim Pietrak during a press briefing in Brussels. He also noted that there were no major cases of deliberate sabotage against critical underwater infrastructure in the region between January 2025 and January 2026. Additionally, an anonymous NATO official mentioned that the ratio of NATO and allied ships deployed in the MARCOM operational zone to Russian ships is 3 to 1.

In some districts of Moscow, after the attacks on the refinery, an "oil rain" fell
Residents of several areas in Moscow reported experiencing a 'oil rain' following drone strikes on the Moscow Refinery in Kapotnya. The refinery, located in the southeast of the city, is a key fuel supply facility for Moscow and the surrounding region. Local social media posts show images and videos of black stains after the rain, with residents complaining they received no official warnings about the drone attack. This marks the second successful strike on a strategic Russian facility in three days.

Ukraine has returned 522 bodies that Russia claims belong to Ukrainian military personnel
Ukraine has repatriated the bodies of 522 individuals, according to Russian claims, who are said to be Ukrainian military personnel. The Coordination Center for Issues Related to POWs stated that the return was made possible through joint efforts with various security and defense structures, including the SBU, Armed Forces of Ukraine, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Office of the Ombudsman, and others. Authorities plan to conduct forensic examinations and identification of the repatriated remains. The International Committee of the Red Cross is also acknowledged for assisting in the repatriation

"Pregnancy on order": detained military hospital doctor for fraudulent evasion of duty
A doctor from the military medical commission is suspected of forging a pregnancy to help a servicewoman avoid her duty. According to the investigation, the doctor initially asked for $3,000 but later reduced it to $2,500. On May 27, the doctor sent the servicewoman to a private clinic where an ultrasound protocol was issued without an actual examination, indicating a six-to-seven-week pregnancy. The woman was then directed to a public healthcare facility in Kharkiv to register as pregnant. On June 9, the doctor received $2,500 in illegal benefits.

Estonian Foreign Minister publishes "photo of the day" with burning Moscow refinery
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, Margus Tsahkna, shared a viral photo from Moscow showing the aftermath of an attack on the Moskva Refinery on June 18, following Ukrainian strikes. The image depicts the moment when the lid of one of the storage tanks was lifted by a powerful explosion. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on recent Ukrainian attacks on Moscow, stating that pressure on Russia to end the war must come not only from Ukrainians but also Americans, Europeans, and Russians themselves. On the night of June 18, Ukrainian drones penetrated Russia's layered air defense and

The Supreme Court denied ex-judge Wolf his renewal.
The Supreme Court denied former head of the dissolved Kyiv Administrative Court Pavel Vovk's appeal against the decision by the High Council of Justice to dismiss him from his judicial position. Vovk had attempted to reinstate himself based on recordings made during a wiretap in his office, arguing they should be deemed inadmissible evidence. The court upheld the High Council's decision, marking the end of a case that lasted over a year.

A man has died in a Russian airstrike by a Kaaba near Sumy.
A 64-year-old man died after Russian forces attacked the outskirts of Sumy with two guided aerial bombs early on June 18. The attack occurred around 4 AM, according to Oleg Hryhorov, head of the Sumy Regional Administration. The victim was fishing by the river when he disappeared following the strike. His family reported him missing, and police later found his body at the scene. Hryhorov expressed condolences and urged residents to follow curfew rules and stay in safe places during threats.

The Last Post: Politico reveals how the Lavra attack has affected the US position on Ukraine
The article discusses how an attack on Kyiv's Lavra monastery influenced US President Donald Trump's stance during the G7 summit regarding Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy showed images of the burning Uspensky Cathedral and damaged Lavra to Trump, which reportedly moved him to support Ukraine more strongly in the joint declaration. The article notes that prior expectations were that the G7 meeting would end in diplomatic failure but that French President Emmanuel Macron helped secure Trump's commitment to provide more military support to Ukraine.

Lukashenko said that a drone "of Ukrainian origin" was shot at a bus with children in the Bryansk region
Self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated that a bus carrying a children's football team from Belarus was attacked by a drone of Ukrainian origin in Bryansk Oblast, Russia. The claim was reported by the Belarusian news agency Belta, citing Lukashenko. Lukashenko described the attack as a violation of agreements and rules of war by certain countries but said he would not rush to draw conclusions. He emphasized that the drone was of Ukrainian origin and noted that Ukraine had provided explanations regarding such accusations. The governor of Bryansk Oblast, Yegor Kovalchuk,

The gazette celebrated the successes of PURL and the achievements of Ukrainians on the front
The US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd J. Austin III (referred to as 'Гегсет' in the text), highlighted the progress made through the PURL initiative, which enables European allies to purchase weapons from the United States for Ukraine. He emphasized that this initiative demonstrates progress toward peace and allows Ukrainian forces to maintain their defense despite prolonged Russian attacks. The article also mentions NATO meetings and Germany's continued participation in the PURL mechanism.

Sweden allocates $108 million to purchase weapons for Ukraine from the United States
Sweden has allocated $108 million to support the PURL initiative, through which Ukrainian partners purchase weapons from the United States for Ukraine. The funds are part of previously announced aid packages for Ukraine. Sweden's Minister of Defense, Peter Hultqvist, emphasized that this support enables Ukraine to quickly access American defense equipment, including modern air defense systems and ammunition. This is the fourth time Sweden has contributed to PURL, bringing the total support to $543 million. The announcement came on the day of a NATO ministers' meeting, where Germany pledged an

Trump thanks Russian and Chinese leaders for "neutrality" during his war with Iran
President Donald Trump publicly thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping for their 'neutrality' during the US campaign against Iran. He stated this during a press briefing following the G7 summit on June 17. Trump expressed gratitude to China for not selling Iran weapons, particularly anti-aircraft systems, which could have complicated US military operations. He also mentioned that Russia did not provide intelligence data to Iran, according to his special envoy Steve Witkoff. However, the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff acknowledged that Russia provides some軍

The Russian Federation struck the Dnieper with a ballistic missile and attacked the Nikopol region: 2 killed, 13 injured
On June 18, Russian forces launched a rocket attack on a private enterprise in Dnipro and attacked the Nikopol region with FPV drones. The attacks resulted in two deaths and 13 injuries. According to Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Alexander Ganzha and the regional prosecution, a private business was damaged during the attack. Initially, four people were reported injured, but later updates indicated one death and nine injuries in Dnipro. In the Nikopol area, one person died and four others were injured, with damage to private homes and vehicles. Prosecutors are documenting the consequences of袭击

Not Russian drones, but training: the Navy commented on the evening explosions in the sea near Odessa
Ukrainian Naval Forces (VMSZ) stated that explosions heard near Odessa on June 17 were not caused by Russian drone attacks but were part of planned training exercises. The VMSZ emphasized that these drills aimed to prepare for potential enemy attacks using sea drones. They also noted that the threat from the enemy remains and that the VMSZ continue to work on ensuring security and readiness to respond to any challenges.

MP "forgot" to declare hotel and restaurant complex and property worth 78 million
A current member of the Uzhhorod City Council, Arsen Melkumyan, who manages the hotel-and-restaurant complex 'Kilikia,' is suspected of falsely declaring his assets worth approximately 78 million hryvnias. According to the Zakarpatska Oblast Prosecutor's Office, Melkumyan failed to disclose information about his use of a hotel-and-restaurant complex near Uzhhorod that has been operating for nearly 20 years. The property includes a hotel covering over 1,074 square meters, a spa, a food block with a pool, a cafe-bar, and other facilities, valued at almost 50 million hryvnias. Additionally, Melkú

Keeping Ukraine's defence together: What the EU should do and why it's good for Kiev
The article discusses the close connection between European security architecture and Ukraine, emphasizing the current geopolitical challenges such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, potential Russian aggression against EU and NATO countries, and issues related to arms supply. It highlights recent statements by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who praised Ukraine's military strength, suggesting that integrating Ukrainian defense capabilities with European defense would serve Europe's vital interests.

Sibyga responded to Muscovites who asked "what's going on?"
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha responded to Moscow residents asking 'what is happening?' by stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin could end the attacks on Moscow and other Russian cities by stopping the war against Ukraine. The response was made public through Sybiha's social media account. The article also provides background information on recent attacks, including the June 18 drone strike on a Moscow oil refinery and the June 15 attack on Kyiv's St. Cyril and Methodius Monastery.

Published the text of the memorandum between the US and Iran, Axios
A U.S. publication has released the text of a proposed memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, which could serve as a basis for resolving tensions in the Middle East. The document outlines steps such as an immediate cessation of all military operations, including those in Lebanon, and mutual restraint from using force against each other. The agreement also includes provisions for lifting the U.S. maritime blockade of Iran within 30 days after the memorandum takes effect, provided Iran restores navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The final agreement is expected tobe

The Russians attacked Kiev and Poltava with ballistic missiles
In the early hours of June 18, air alerts were issued in several regions due to the threat of Russian ballistic missile attacks. Explosions were reported in Kyiv and Poltava. The military announced the lifting of the rocket threat at 00:58, but then reissued an alert at 01:22, followed by reports of multiple ballistic missiles heading toward Kyiv and Poltava. A series of loud explosions were heard in Kyiv at 01:24, with similar reports coming from Poltava.

In the Zaporizhia region, a man was injured by a Russian FPV drone strike.
A man was injured in Zaporizhzhia Oblast due to an attack by a Russian FPV drone.

After being accused of attacking a bus with children, Lubinets urgently contacted the Belarusians
Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubyntsev urgently contacted Belarus after reports emerged of an alleged attack on a bus carrying Belarusian children in Bryansk Oblast, Russia. Lubyntsev stated Ukraine has no connection to the incident and emphasized that Ukrainian forces only target military objectives, unlike Russia, which attacks civilian areas. He suggested the event could be a provocation or information operation benefiting Russia.