Ukraine Invasion: Part 57

[MagicFox]

Welcome to 57. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

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A. The agreed purpose of the thread is for the sharing of information and commentary on current events
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The Iran-Israel conflict is up a level from what has gone before and will run for a while longer. Israel likes to kill key players in its various actions - degrading capability and humiliating through removing leaders as well as destroying [physical] capabilities. It is on a roll with this now. Assume tit for tat and then some. We are not seeing much of the destruction in Iran as it is a less open society. Conversely we are seeing what is happening in Israel and the death and destruction from incoming strikes is greater than it has been in the past, by Iran or its allies. I know diaspora Iranians who have some complex and at times unexpected views.

However, this [thread] is Ukraine-focused and we can reasonably ask how it will affect Ukraine and Russia. Most obviously there will be increased demand for replacement munitions on the global market, which might impact flows to the battlefield. However, this is also a test bed for techniques as well as equipment and will no doubt be added to the knowledge base.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Putin, Trump hold phone call (kyivindependent.com/putin-trump-hold-phone-call-russias-ushakov-claims/), Russia's Ushakov claims.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call, Putin’s foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov said on June 14.

High stakes, low resolve: What Ukraine can expect from the upcoming G7 Leaders' Summit (kyivindependent.com/g7-summit-what-ukraine-can-expect/)
As world leaders prepare to gather in the remote community of Kananaskis in Alberta, Canada for the Group of Seven (G7) Leaders' Summit on June 15-17, Russia's war in Ukraine once again holds center stage — but views on how to address the three-year conflict diverge sharply.

⚡️Ukraine aims (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-aims-to-boost-drone-intercept-capabilities-after-record-russian-attacks/) to boost drone intercept capabilities after record Russian attacks.
Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said he held a meeting focused on strengthening defenses against Russian strike drones, particularly Iranian-designed Shahed drones used by Russian forces to target Ukrainian cities.

⚡️Israel asks US to join strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites (kyivindependent.com/israel-asks-us-to-join-strikes-on-irans-nuclear-sites-officials-told-axios/), officials told Axios.
The request comes as Israel continues its assault on Iranian targets and warns that it lacks the capability to destroy Fordow uranium enrichment site alone.

⚡️Ukrainian drones destroy (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-destroy-russian-air-defense-systems-in-occupied-zaporizhzhia-oblast-military-intelligence-says/) Russian air defense systems in occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast, military intelligence says.
Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) destroyed three Russian air defense systems using drones in the occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast on June 14, HUR says.

⚡️Ukrainian drones destroy (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-destroy-russian-air-defense-systems-in-occupied-zaporizhzhia-oblast-military-intelligence-says/) Russian air defense systems in occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast, military intelligence says.

Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) destroyed three Russian air defense systems using drones in the occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast on June 14, HUR says.

⚡️Israel strike reportedly hits Iran’s gas sector, (kyivindependent.com/israel-strike-hits-irans-gas-sector-halting-production-at-worlds-largest-field-media-reports/) halting production at world’s largest field.
Iran has partially suspended production at the South Pars gas field — the world’s largest — after an Israeli airstrike triggered a fire at the site, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on June 14.
If confirmed, it would mark the first Israeli strike targeting Iran’s vital oil and gas infrastructure.

⚡️Ukraine, Russia conduct (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-russia-conduct-fourth-prisoner-exchange/) fourth prisoner exchange this week.
"Today, among those returning to Ukraine, many have been in captivity since 2022," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

⚡️Berlin wants more defense (https://kyivindependent.com/berlin-wants-more-defense-no-budget-hike-in-eu-plan-ft-reports/), no budget hike in EU plan, FT reports. 

⚡️Power cut off in Russia's Kaliningrad (https://kyivindependent.com/hur-agents-ignite-substation-in-russias-kaliningrad-in-sabotage-operation/) in sabotage operation, Ukrainian military intelligence says.
Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) ignited an electrical substation during a sabotage operation in the Russian city of Kaliningrad, causing $5 million in damage and cutting electricity to a military production site, a source in HUR told the Kyiv Independent.

⚡️Ukraine arrests two suspects accused (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-arrests-two-suspects-accused-of-extorting-foreign-defense-supplier/) of extorting foreign defense supplier.
The suspects allegedly demanded $200,000 in exchange for facilitating the successful testing and adoption of five radio electronic warfare systems provided to Ukraine at no cost.

⚡️Russia transfers 50 Ukrainian children (kyivindependent.com/russia-moves-50-ukrainian-children-to-kalmykia-camp-for-russification-kyiv-says/) to so-called 'rehab camp' in Kalmykia, Kyiv says.
Russia has transferred 50 children from the occupied Antratsyt district of Luhansk Oblast to a so-called rehabilitation camp in Kalmykia, Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation reported on June 14.

⚡️Nine Ukrainian students hospitalized (kyivindependent.com/nine-ukrainian-students-remain-hospitalized-after-deadly-bus-crash-in-france/) after deadly bus crash in France.
The group, made up of students and teachers from Chernivtsi Oblast, was returning from an academic exchange when their bus veered off the road in the Sarthe department of France on June 13.

⚡️Kyiv Pride march (kyivindependent.com/kyiv-pride-march-takes-place-gathers-international-representatives-faces-counterprotesters/) takes place, gathers international representatives, faces counterprotesters.
Kyiv Pride held a parade with over 1,500 participants in the Ukrainian capital on June 14, which was met with counterprotests.

⚡️Russian shelling (kyivindependent.com/russian-shelling-kills-one-in-kherson-mass-attack-hits-infrastructure-in-poltava-oblast/) kills 1 in Kherson, mass attack hits infrastructure in Poltava Oblast.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦
‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — JUN 15, 2025
■ 200+ combat engagements, casualties remain above the 7-day average
■ Relatively few equipment losses reported
■ Visually confirmed batch: 26 🇷🇺 : 23 🇺🇦 (1.3× over the past 30 days)
■ Fewer strikes on both sides

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

U.S. President Donald Trump discussed the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel with Vladimir Putin, according to TASS.
Putin reportedly told Trump he is ready to resume negotiations with Ukraine after June 22. He also condemned Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and informed Trump about his recent talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Trump described the situation in the Middle East as “very alarming,” according to Putin’s adviser Yuri Ushakov.
Putin again expressed his willingness to assist in negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has previously stated that Trump continues to prioritize diplomacy.
The Russian dictator reiterated Moscow’s readiness to resume talks with Kyiv after June 22. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking at a June 14 briefing, said negotiations with Russia could proceed after the prisoner exchanges “on the 20th or 21st.”

Ukrainian intelligence officers have destroyed several Russian air defense systems in the temporarily occupied territory of the Zaporizhzhia region, the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) reported.
According to the HUR, the active operations unit eliminated the following targets:
▪️ 9K317M “Buk-M3” anti-aircraft missile system
▪️ 9S19 “Imbir” radar station (part of the S-300V system)
▪️ Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft missile and gun system.

LNG terminals in the EU will be banned from serving Russian customers — Reuters.
According to an internal European Commission document cited by the agency, the restriction may come into force on January 1, 2026. The deadline for ending services at LNG terminals under long-term contracts with Russian customers is set for December 31, 2027.
The EU will also require European companies to disclose information about purchases of Russian gas and is preparing measures to completely ban such imports by the end of 2027. Companies will have to provide “documentation on the origin of imported gas,” and new deals with Russian exporters could be banned by the end of this year.

❗️Lukashenko is afraid and will move the exercises further from the Ukrainian border, — President Zelenskyy on the threat of a Russian offensive in the Zhytomyr, Volyn, and Chernihiv regions under the guise of exercises in Belarus.

In the Kremenchuk area, Russian attacks targeted energy and agricultural infrastructure today, the Poltava Regional Military Administration reported.
A private residential building, a car, and a power line were also damaged. Fires broke out as a result of direct hits and falling debris, but were promptly localized by State Emergency Service units.
In the Chutivska community, residential buildings and cars sustained damage from UAV debris.
Fortunately, no casualties were reported in either case.

One of the main maritime routes for oil exports remains open despite rising tensions between Israel and Iran, Reuters reports.
“The Strait of Hormuz remains open, and commercial traffic continues without hindrance,” the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff stated.
The strait links the Persian Gulf with the Indian Ocean, with Iran to the north and the UAE and Oman to the south. Iran has repeatedly threatened to block the passage in response to Western pressure, a move that would significantly raise global oil prices.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom and Greece have advised merchant vessels to avoid the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf and to register all voyages through the Strait of Hormuz.
Ships are urged to maintain the highest security protocols when navigating the area.
Jakob Larsen, head of safety and security at the BIMCO shipping association, warned that if Iran sees the U.S. as directly involved in the conflict, it might respond with missile strikes on ships or by mining the strait.

Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom has been chosen to build Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant.
Other contenders included China National Nuclear Corporation, as well as French and South Korean state-owned firms.
Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency stated that the most optimal and cost-effective proposal was submitted by the Russian company.

❗️The bodies of another 1,200 dead, including military personnel, have been returned to Ukraine — Coordination Headquarters for Prisoners of War.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlight

Russia hit Boeing offices in Kyiv during one of its recent large-scale attacks — Financial Times
The building suffered significant damage. A strike on a major US company — on Ukrainian soil — could provoke anger from President Trump, the publication noted.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇺🇸 The United States has partially relocated counter-drone systems from Ukraine to the Middle East, according to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who spoke on Fox News.
“I was on Capitol Hill all week for hearings. And one of the questions was: ‘Hey, did you move some of your counter-UAV assets from Ukraine to the Middle East?’ To which I replied: ‘Yes, we did,’” he said.
▪️A week ago, President Zelensky stated that the U.S. had sent 20,000 air defense missiles — originally promised to Ukraine — to the Middle East instead.
▪️On June 4, The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. redirected air defense missile components meant for Ukraine to its forces stationed in the Middle East.

Zelensky outlined the risks Ukraine faces due to escalation in the Middle East.
According to the President, one of the negative consequences of Israel’s strikes on Iranian territory was a sharp increase in oil prices. If left unchecked, this could allow Russia to earn more from oil exports.
Zelensky emphasized the need for price caps to set a maximum oil price. While these caps can still be circumvented, they help reduce risks. Ukraine, he said, will work with the U.S. on implementing price restrictions on Russian oil and additional sanctions against Russia’s energy sector.
He also warned that support for Israel might reduce aid to Ukraine — something that has happened before, causing delays.
Zelensky added that Kyiv hopes Israel’s strikes on Iranian defense infrastructure will disrupt the supply of Shahed drones and missiles to Russia, but a detailed assessment of the strikes is still needed.

🇩🇪 In Berlin, an unknown assailant attacked a Ukrainian man with a knife.
Two unidentified individuals approached the 51-year-old Ukrainian while he was walking his dog in a park and giving it commands in Ukrainian.
They asked him about his nationality. After he replied that he was Ukrainian, one of the attackers allegedly stabbed him in the abdomen. The victim is currently in the hospital.

Ukrainian air defense neutralized 167 out of 194 Russian aerial targets. The main direction of the attack was Kremenchuk in the Poltava region.
A total of the following were shot down:
🔴111 out of 183 drones of various types. Another 48 were lost from radar tracking;
🔴2 out of 2 Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missiles;
🔴3 out of 4 Iskander-K cruise missiles;
🔴3 out of 4 Kalibr cruise missiles.
Additionally, Russia launched one more Iskander-M ballistic missile. A strike was recorded in Kremenchuk, and missile debris fell in six other locations.

Maybe a swift regime change in Iran would mean the world can divert once again to Ukraine. I just wonder if the US does involve itself militarily in some small way in the campaign then a military 'win' will embolden Trump to be less isolationist. It would be interesting to see if there was a limited US operation against the deep nuclear sites to finish the job off and remove Iran as a potential nuclear power.

I saw it less to impress Israel, more to impress the US. There is that huge trade deal our PM promised, but hasn't yet been signed.
It would give weight to what I believe, that a weak military doesn't inspire confidence in a country, even trade.

How does that work, the following in behind the world's greatest military. Saw that when they did the same on the Channel 4 RAF series. Do they ask, "please may we join you"?
I cringed when I read that George Bush told Blair that he could join in the Iraq war if he wanted, but didn't have to.

Yes of course the Typhoons and RIVET, saw them both in the same RAF series.
The Russian pilot telling ours "You will be destroyed". Sounding like an overegged Russian accent in a film.
The RIVET, at Mildenhall? The AWAC used to be at Waddington, quite a few lined up. I'd go there to watch or Coningsby to be deafened. There was always an AWACS up, miss it.
Watch Top Guns: Inside the RAF | Stream free on Channel 4

Noticed this on the same site, that I haven't seen.
Watch Ukraine from Above Secrets from the Frontline | Stream free on Channel 4

Three letters: oil

They'll be used to protect ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz (or to protect warships and NATO bases that are there for the same reason). It won't be to protect Israel itself.

Protecting shipping in the Red Sea will be important too. Ships being forced to go the long way around is a significant contributor to inflation.

There are some countries where a regime change can be for the worse. Especially where multi factions cause infighting, the democracy the West would like to impose, just wouldn't work. The people who were so used to rules, now find themselves rudderless.

I wish we'd become more isolationist, as some European countries manage to be. We always seem to be sticking an oar in.
I had a long delve once in to what made the USA such a great power. There are lots of luck factors, but one that never paused their ascendancy, was two world wars didn't damage their infrastructure.
When Europe was in ruins, the US was loaning money to rebuild. That took us a long time to repay.

Perhaps we should sit out the ME fighting, lest it causes another one.

Perhaps we should sit out the ME fighting, lest it causes another one.

To an extent we cannot afford to. We are so dependant upon oil, just as dependence upon Russian gas has hampered actions to support Ukraine.

Allegedly the attached threat came from the Iranians (I haven't checked if it is genuine). As an environmentalist who cycles all local journeys (trains for longer ones), I can see a silver lining if we have a repeat of 1973 - the oil crisis was one of the reasons that Dutch cycling infrastructure is as good as it is today.

Just as long as Russia doesn‘t benefit.

Improved cycling infrastructure would be nice but I don't fancy cycling 50km a day to work and back!

Seven letters, Nuclear.

So whatever happened to the Coalition of the Willing? Zelensky's wondering, aren't we all.
It's like the kettle was coming up to the boil, then someone turned the gas off.
Wonder if it was Starmer, falling into line behind Trump. Sometimes I think he'd do anything to bring home a good trade agreement with the US. If that meant mirroring their actions, so be it.
Can you imagine if we had been invaded and our so called allies went quiet on us. Now Europe has spoken, saying they haven't decided what to do if the US pulls out.

Something that gives a lie to Putin not wanting a NATO country closer to him. He's trying to move closer to NATO countries.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-june-15-2025

Key Takeaways:

• Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to portray Russia as an effective and necessary international partner for the United States amid ongoing Iran-Israel tensions.
• Russia conducted a large drone and missile strike against Ukraine on the night of June 14 to 15, primarily targeting Poltava Oblast.
• Russia repatriated the bodies of over 1,000 Ukrainian citizens on June 15, in accordance with the June 2 Ukrainian–Russian bilateral talks in Istanbul.
• Russian forces advanced in northern Sumy Oblast and near Kupyansk, Siversk, Chasiv Yar, and Toretsk.

Live: Ukraine:

🔹 Slovakia Has No Reason to Suffer Because of Ukraine, Says Robert Fico

This is why he intends to request a postponement of the vote on the new EU sanctions package against Russia until the issue of Russian gas imports is resolved.

❗️According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, five Ukrainian citizens, including three minors, were reportedly killed in Israel as a result of a massive Iranian attack.

Ukrainian diplomats are working closely with Israeli police and other authorities to identify the victims and arrange the repatriation of their bodies.

🇵🇱 🇪🇺 🇺🇦A total of 30,000 Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel have completed training under the EUMAM Ukraine mission in Poland.

The training program is continually updated to incorporate the latest lessons learned from frontline combat experience.

▪️EUMAM (European Union Military Assistance Mission) was launched in October 2022 to support the training of Ukrainian troops. Most of the instruction under EUMAM takes place in Poland and Germany.

🇺🇸 U.S. Asked Ukraine Not to Strike Russian Energy Facilities, Says Zelensky

“This [Russia’s June 15 strike on energy infrastructure in Poltava region] is a spit in the face of everything the international community is trying to do to stop this war,” President Zelensky said. “It came right after Putin’s conversation with Trump. Right after the Americans asked us not to hit Russian energy facilities. And at the same time, Putin tries to play mediator in the Middle East and somehow help his allies in Tehran.”

He added that Russia is planning further attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, according to intelligence from Ukraine’s partners.

⚡️ Trump and Zelensky to Meet at G7 Summit, Axios Reports

According to Axios, citing a White House official, Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky are set to meet during the upcoming G7 summit in Canada.

Trump is also scheduled to hold separate meetings with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

The summit’s agenda will focus on the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, U.S. trade tariffs, and the war in Ukraine.

▪️This will be the first formal meeting between Presidents Zelensky and Trump since their brief 15-minute conversation at Pope Francis’s funeral in the Vatican in April 2025.

🔸 Ukrainian air defense forces successfully intercepted 125 Russian drones out of 138 launched during the latest attack.

Of these, 84 drones were shot down, while 41 were either lost from radar or jammed by electronic warfare systems. Strikes were recorded in 10 locations, with drone debris falling in 8 additional areas.

🔹 Russia is intensifying its attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure while global attention is focused on the Middle East, said Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha.

He made the remarks in response to yesterday’s massive missile and drone strike on the energy facilities in Kremenchuk.

“This is especially cynical given Putin’s repeated attempts to portray himself as open to U.S.-led peace efforts. In reality, he is showing utter contempt for them by escalating terror against Ukraine,” Sybiha stated.

He urged international partners to impose “devastating sanctions” on Russia’s energy sector — including cutting the oil price cap to $30 per barrel and clamping down on the shadow fleet transporting Russian crude.

United 24 Media:

🔹 Slovak President Peter Pellegrini is back in Ukraine — TASR news agency.

“I just met with President Zelenskyy at the Vilnius Summit (…) and have already expressed my position that we will start preparing the visit, and I asked the Ukrainian side to provide some content so that it is not just a courtesy visit,” he said.

Pellegrini called for looking to the future after the war, when Ukraine will begin to rebuild and develop. This, he noted, will open up huge opportunities for Slovakia in the long term.

🔸 Russia has started launching “Shaheds” higher than Ukrainian machine guns can reach. Ukraine needs interceptor drones — CNN.

Russian “Shaheds” are now attacking Ukraine from altitudes of up to 5 km — beyond the reach of small arms — and Kyiv has a limited supply of anti-missiles, Ukrainian military personnel told the channel.

“We see them all. Radars can track them. But it has become impossible to shoot them down with machine guns,” explained the commander of one of the air defense units.

According to the military, Russia may soon be able to launch up to 500 UAVs at the city every two to three days. Due to the high altitudes, most of them will be difficult to intercept. The only effective defense is interceptor drones, which Ukraine urgently needs.

❗️Russia strikes Boeing offices in Kyiv — Financial Times

The building housing Boeing was severely damaged during a recent large-scale Russian attack on Kyiv.

The strike on the American aerospace company, which collaborates with Ukrainian aircraft manufacturer Antonov, appears to have been deliberate.

🔹 Zelenskyy and Trump to hold talks at G7 summit in Canada — Axios

According to Axios, citing a White House spokesman, the leaders of Ukraine and the United States will hold a bilateral meeting during the G7 summit. Trump also plans to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Carney and Mexican President Sheinbaum.

The summit’s main topics include the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran, U.S. trade policy, and the situation in Ukraine. It will run until Tuesday.

Zelenskyy and Trump last met in April 2025 at Pope Francis’ funeral, where they spoke for about 15 minutes.

❗️Russia is illegally transshipping oil between tankers in the open sea off the coast of Greece and Cyprus — HUR.

Since July 2024, Russia has been using an Aframax-type vessel, IMO 9247443, without insurance for this purpose.

Such operations pose an environmental threat, allow Moscow to conceal the origin of the oil, evade international oversight, and ensure supplies to third countries in circumvention of sanctions, the intelligence service reported.

Kyiv Independent:

⚡️Ukraine catches Russian agent secretly filming airfield, Ukrainian Security Service says.

Ukraine’s Security Service caught a Russian agent as he was filming a military airfield in Rivne Oblast in preparation for a Russian strike, the agency reported on June 15.

⚡️Russia reports Ukrainian drone attack on drone factory in Tatarstan.

Ukraine allegedly launched drones at Russia’s Tatarstan region, killing one and injuring 13, regional governor Rustam Minnikhanov reported on June 15.

The Ukrainian drones were reportedly shot down, but the debris fell on a plant in the town of Yelabuga, where Russian Shahed-type attack drones are manufactured, causing a fire.

⚡️Trump says he's 'open to' Putin mediating between Israel, Iran.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on June 15 that he is considering his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin as a potential mediator between Israel and Iran.

"Yeah, I would be open to it," Trump said, as cited by ABC reporter Rachel Scott on X. "He is ready. He called me about it. We had a long talk about it. We talked about this more than his situation. This is something I believe is going to get resolved."

🔹 With no new US aid packages on the horizon, can Ukraine continue to fight Russia?

The U.S. has not announced any military aid packages for Ukraine in almost five months, pushing Kyiv to seek new alternatives. But time is running out quickly as Russian troops slowly advance on the eastern front line and gear up for a new summer offensive.

"While Ukraine's dependence on the U.S. has lessened, U.S. aid remains pivotal for maintaining battlefield effectiveness," Emil Kastehelmi, a Finnish military analyst and member of the Black Bird Group open-source intelligence collective, told the Kyiv Independent.

⚡️'Spit in face' — Zelensky condemns Russia's mass attack, dismisses Putin as peacemaker.

"This is Russia's spit in the face of everything the international community is trying to do to stop this war ... At the same time as Putin tries to portray himself as a mediator for the Middle East. The level of cynicism is staggering," Zelensky said on June 15, after Russia launched missiles and drones at energy facilities in Poltava Oblast.

The president also warned that Russia is likely planning additional strikes against Ukraine's energy sector, including nuclear power infrastructure.

⚡️Trump arrives at G7 summit ahead of high-stakes meeting with Zelensky.

The anticipated third meeting, scheduled for June 17, will focus on sanctions, peace talks, weapons purchases, and economic relations — and may shed light on the future of U.S. support for Ukraine.

⚡️EU leaders call for tougher sanctions on Russia at G7 summit.

"To achieve peaceful strength we must put more pressure on Russia to secure a real ceasefire, to bring Russia to the negotiating table, and to end this war. Sanctions are critical to that end," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

⚡️ 'Russians lie about everything' — Ukraine hits out at Kremlin claims after yet another drone strike on Kyiv.

"This is a deliberate tactic of terror," Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, said.

⚡️ Satellite images show expansion at 5 Russian nuclear sites near Europe.

One of the most notable developments is in Kaliningrad, where the suspected nuclear weapons storage site has undergone significant reconstruction.

⚡️ Zelensky proposes Ruslan Kravchenko as new Prosecutor General.

The nomination ends a six-month vacancy at the top of Ukraine's prosecution service, following the resignation of Andriy Kostin in October 2024.

🔸 These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of June 16, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Many thanks to @DucklingSwimmingInstructress for covering the last two Mondays, let me know when I can return the favour.

Kyiv Post:

🔹 Ukrainian theater and film actor Yurii Felipenko died defending his country from Russia’s war.

A celebrated performer at the Kyiv Academic Drama Theater, he was known nationwide for his powerful dramatic roles.

In April 2024, he joined the army. He gave his life for Ukraine. Eternal glory to the hero.

🔸 A defender of Mariupol — before and after three years in Russian captivity.

Russian captivity is not just imprisonment. It’s a slow execution.

yvw @DesdamonasHandkerchief !

Ill be away in late July, if you (maybe with help?) could cover that week, I'd be grateful.

No problem Ducks, July very free 👍

Thanks :)

‪Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 58m
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — JUN 16, 2025
■ Casualties increased despite fewer combat engagements
■ Equipment losses below average (land-based & drones)
■ Officer deaths: +81 (includes archival records)
■ 🇷🇺 strikes well below average, 🇺🇦 strikes above average

Now this is interesting. There's been a deployment of 28 USAF in flight refueling tanker aircraft to the Eastern US and likely on to Europe or the Middle East.

Armada Of USAF Tankers Just Deployed East Over Atlantic Spurring Speculation - The mysterious migration could signal a major contingency being put in place or even a change in U.S. policy on the Iran-Israel war.

The article explores several possible explanations, all of which involve the current conflict between Iran and Israel. I hope that we're getting ready to hit Iran's enrichment sites, which Israel doesn't have the means to attack effectively, but there are other possibilities, including just rattling the Iranians.

Couple of quick.points..

1. I'd be asking are those genuine tracks...? We will only know when the spotters reports seeing the metal this side of the pond.

1. The IAF have their own tanker force..(707/sort of KC-135)...they don't need USAF AAR but it might be a.nice to have.

The TWZ article seems to think that, operating at extended range, the IAF's loiter time over Iran could be extended significantly with more AAR. I agree on wanting to see actual sightings.

It could just be a reminder to the Iranians that we could go kinetic if they do something stupid, like trying to close the Straight of Hormuz.

Has anyone seen an American response yet to the Boeing offices being hit in Ukraine? Seems strangely silent….