Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 57

1000 replies

MagicFox · 20/05/2025 10:49

Welcome to 57. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

Agreed thread guidance:

A. The agreed purpose of the thread is for the sharing of information and commentary on current events
B. If you post a link please tell us where it leads/give a precis of the content
C. Discussion and debate is welcome, but please keep it respectful

OP posts:
Thread gallery
404
MissConductUS · 23/06/2025 15:29

I was on that thread on and off over the weekend, and gave up also. But, as an American, I'm an imperialist warmonger, so that' s to be expected. 😂

DesdamonasHandkerchief · 23/06/2025 16:05

United 24 Media:

🔹 Report from the Head of the HUR, Kyrylo Budanov, contains key details about the situation inside Russia and its defense industry, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

“We clearly see the main pressure points of the aggressor state and will deliver appropriate strikes to defend our country and people, and to significantly weaken Russia’s capacity for aggression.

We are also observing the continued intellectual decline of the Russian leadership and have evidence they are preparing new military operations on European territory.

At the same time, we’re seeing the real damage sanctions are inflicting on Russia’s economy—proving that our strategy of increased pressure to end the war is the right one.

We will share these findings with our partners and are preparing joint defense measures, particularly with the UK and the EU. Thank you to everyone around the world who helps us protect lives,” Zelenskyy stated.

❗️Poland is preparing for a potential invasion by developing a plan to evacuate works of art in case of an attack by the Russian Federation, Financial Times reports.

🇳🇴 Norway is providing Ukraine with a new $400 million aid package to support the production of Ukrainian drones, President Zelenskyy announced.

Additionally, an office of Norway’s largest defense company, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, has officially opened in Kyiv.

🇨🇦 Canada is assisting Ukraine in modernizing helicopters to intercept Shahed drones.

This includes the installation of Canadian-made detection and targeting systems.

🔹 The Ukrainian Air Force has received its first light-engine two-seater SHARK aircraft, equipped with an electronic warfare system designed to counter drones.

The aircraft features a radar and onboard EW complex that deflects enemy drones from their targets. At an altitude of 1,800 meters, it can suppress enemy systems within a 4.5 km radius. Its flight time reaches up to 12 hours.

🔸 Following the strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, there was loud condemnation from Moscow—Russia’s leadership publicly denounced the “missile-bomb” actions. Yet today, after Russia launched an openly cynical attack on civilian infrastructure in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities using Russian-Iranian Shahed drones and missiles, Moscow remains silent, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

“In Kyiv alone, five apartment buildings were damaged—ordinary residential buildings. As of now, six people have been killed. Another person was killed in Bila Tserkva in the Kyiv region, where a Shahed struck a hospital. My condolences to all the families and friends of the victims.

Rescuers are working at the scene, clearing rubble and assisting where needed. In total, facilities in four regions were hit. That night, 352 drones were launched, including 159 Shaheds, along with 16 missiles. Preliminary data also points to ballistic missiles from North Korea. A significant number were intercepted by our air defenders—but not all.

Everyone living in countries near Russia, Iran, and North Korea should ask themselves: can they truly feel safe if this coalition of killers continues spreading terror?

Today, during my visit to the UK, I will speak with our partners about defense—our defense, which must become the foundation of a much stronger, shared security. We will also agree on new and decisive measures to increase pressure on Russia and stop these attacks,” the president said in his address.

🔹 New Zealand will provide Ukraine with a new aid package worth NZ$16 million (over US$9.4 million), Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced.

The package includes both military and humanitarian assistance.

“Ukraine’s defense has significant implications not only for the security of the Euro-Atlantic region, but also for the Indo-Pacific. We must continue to work with other members of the international community to uphold a rules-based order that serves all of our interests,” Peters said.

🔸 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in the United Kingdom, presidential press secretary Serhiy Nikiforov reported.

In London, the president will meet with King Charles III, Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and the speakers of both houses of parliament—Lindsay Hoyle and Lord John McFall.

Zelenskyy is also scheduled to meet with Ukrainian military personnel undergoing training in the UK and with representatives of British think tanks.

🔹 In Kyiv, the number of victims from the Russian attack has risen to 33, according to Head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, Serhiy Tkachenko.

He noted that residents of the capital continue to seek medical assistance.

🔸 Brent crude oil prices rose by 5.7% to $81.40 per barrel today amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Bloomberg reported.

This is the third consecutive week of gains. The last time Brent prices exceeded $80 was in late January. According to analysts cited by the agency, oil prices could continue to rise, potentially reaching $100 per barrel.

DesdamonasHandkerchief · 23/06/2025 16:21

Kyiv Post:

🔹 The US warns of possible terror attacks and cyber threats at home following its strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites as Americans abroad urged to stay vigilant as tensions with Tehran escalate.

🔸Ukraine’s intelligence evacuated 176 people from Israel, including 133 Ukrainians plus other Eastern European nations and US citizens.

🔹 Serial production of the “Oreshnik” missiles is ramping up — Putin

🔹 Putin’s forces just struck Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi in the Odesa region with ballistic missiles, destroying an educational institution.

Rescue teams are rushing to the site.

🔸 Two Ukrainian security colonels tasked with protecting Zelensky were secretly working for Russia’s FSB and plotting his assassination.

🔹 “They brought 7 kg of explosives to our doorstep” – Ukraine’s SBU chief says Russia ordered mass sabotage. A young woman tried to bomb SBU HQ in Kyiv. She was stopped just in time.

DuncinToffee · 23/06/2025 18:19

From Sky News

PM announces industrial mililtary deal with Ukraine

Keir Starmer has hosted Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Downing Street this afternoon, making clear Britain's continued support for Ukraine.

And there was an announcement to be made, too.

The prime minister said the two allies would embark on an "industrial military co-operation agreement", boosting both of their capabilities and allowing the UK to take a "massive step forward" in how it supports Kyiv's war effort against Russia.

Britain already helps train Ukrainian soldiers for frontline fighting.

notimagain · 23/06/2025 18:46

Sorry for being pot half empty again but I wince when I hear of yet another "co-operation agreement".......

6 months and 3 pathfinder meetings later.....

Wouldn't it be nice to hear the PM announce "today, right now, we have started operating a factory that will produce a squillion artillery shells/drones/bullets a day

blueshoes · 24/06/2025 01:46

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-june-23-2025

Key Takeaways:

  • The Kremlin continues to only diplomatically support Iran, showcasing the limitations in the Russian-Iranian strategic relationship.
  • Russian officials are attempting to influence conversations about increasing NATO defense spending by misrepresenting Russia's ongoing efforts to restructure and expand Russia's military capabilities as a defensive reaction to NATO.
  • Putin also acknowledged his ongoing efforts to empower Russia's internal security services in order to safeguard regime stability and internal security.
  • Russian forces conducted a large-scale combined drone and missile strike against Ukraine on the night of June 22 to 23 that largely targeted Kyiv City and killed at least seven people and injured 28.
  • Ukraine's Western partners continue to allocate military aid to Ukraine and collaborate with the Ukrainian defense industrial base (DIB).
  • Ukrainian forces advanced in northern Sumy Oblast. Russian forces advanced near Kupyansk, Borova, Pokrovsk, and Novopavlivka and in Sumy Oblast.
Mb76 · 24/06/2025 09:04

I’ve got to admit it felt really heart warming to see photos and videos of Zelenskyy and the King in Windsor Castle yesterday, I was tempted to run out on my lunch break and see if I could catch a glimpse but of course he didn’t linger.

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 24/06/2025 09:12

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Ceasefire between Iran and Israel now in effect, (kyivindependent.com/ceasefire-between-iran-and-israel-now-in-effect-trump-says/) Trump says.

⚡️Iran reportedly launches missiles at Israel (kyivindependent.com/iran-reportedly-launches-missiles-at-israel-hours-after-trump-brokered-ceasefire/)hours after Trump announced ceasefire.
"A short while ago, sirens sounded in northern Israel following the identification of missiles launched from Iran toward the State of Israel," the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement.

⚡️Russia remains 'the most significant, direct threat' to NATO (kyivindependent.com/russia-remains-the-most-significant-direct-threat-to-nato-rutte-says/), Rutte says.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said during a press briefing on June 23 that Russia remains the main threat to the alliance, citing Moscow's cooperation with China, North Korea, Iran, and Belarus.

⚡️Trump downplays Iran's missile strikes on US bases in Iraq and Qatar, calls response 'very weak (https://kyivindependent.com/iran-fires-missiles-at-us-bases-in-qatar-iraq-amid-growing-conflict-axios-reports/).’
U.S. President Donald Trump downplayed Iran's response to the recent U.S. strike on its nuclear facilities, describing Tehran’s retaliation as limited and largely ineffective.
"There have been 14 missiles fired — 13 were knocked down, and 1 was 'set free,' because it was headed in a nonthreatening direction," Trump said in a statement on Truth Social.

Zelensky, Starmer hail 'massive step forward (https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-starmer-hail-massive-step-forward-in-military-cooperation/)' in military cooperation.

⚡️ Amid Iran-Israel tensions, Trump calls (https://kyivindependent.com/trump-urges-oil-price-control-ramps-up-pressure-amid-iran-conflict/) for action to keep oil prices down.

⚡️ Russia ordered 2 assassination attempts (https://kyivindependent.com/russia-ordered-2-assassination-attempts-on-ukrainian-journalist-gordon-sbu-says-06-2025/) on popular journalist Dmytro Gordon, Ukraine security service says.
Dmytro Gordon, a prominent Ukrainian journalist and YouTube host with 4.5 million subscribers, is known for his sharp criticism of Russian aggression.

⚡️ Ukraine strikes (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-strikes-atlas-oil-depot-in-russias-rostov-oblast-general-staff-says/) Atlas oil depot in Russia's Rostov Oblast, General Staff says.
The facility supplies fuel and lubricants to Russian military units.

⚡️Ukrainian deputy prime minister suspected of corruption (https://kyivindependent.com/deputy-pm-chernyshov-becomes-highest-serving-minister-served-suspicion-notice/) in high-profile case.
Ukrainian minister and deputy Prime Minister Oleksii Chernyshov has been formally named a suspect in a high-profile illegal land grab case, becoming the highest-ranking official in Ukrainian history to face such charges while in office.

⚡️Exclusive: Ukrainian deputy prime minister suspected of corruption says he won't step down (https://kyivindependent.com/deputy-pm-chernyshov-becomes-highest-serving-minister-served-suspicion-notice/).

⚡️Aerospace giant Airbus to train Ukrainian specialists (https://kyivindependent.com/airbus-to-train-ukrainian-specialists-in-aircraft-maintenance/) in aircraft maintenance.
As part of the deal, Airbus will send representatives to Ukraine to train local specialists, who will then become certified instructors for aircraft maintenance.

⚡️ Ukrainian energy giant to build $115 million solar program (https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-energy-giant-to-build-115-million-solar-program-with-british-partner-06-2025/) with British partner.
Ukraine's largest private energy company DTEK and British clean energy group Octopus Energy have launched a program to install rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems at Ukrainian businesses and public institutions, DTEK announced.

⚡️ Ukraine state grid operator appoints (https://kyivindependent.com/ukrenergo-appoints-ceo-after-10-month-vacancy-ukrainian-media-report/) CEO after 10-month vacancy, Ukrainian media report.
The appointment comes after ten months of interim leadership following the controversial dismissal of former CEO Volodymyr Kudrytskyi in September 2024.

⚡️Ukraine returns (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-returns-to-russia-3-bodies-of-russian-soldiers-repatriated-as-remains-of-ukrainians-interior-ministry-says-06-2025/) bodies of 3 Russian soldiers repatriated as remains of Ukrainians, Interior Ministry says.

⚡️Lion attacks (https://kyivindependent.com/lion-attacks-collaborator-in-safari-park-in-russian-occupied-crimea/) collaborator at safari park in Russian-occupied Crimea.

⚡️Update: Death toll of Russia's June 23 strike on Kyiv rises (https://kyivindependent.com/russia-launches-drones-at-kyiv-injuring-2/) to 8.
⚡️ 2 killed, 12 injured in Russian missile strike (https://kyivindependent.com/2-killed-12-injured-in-russian-missile-strike-on-odesa-oblast-city/) on Odesa Oblast.

⚡️Russian attacks on Sumy Oblast (https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-on-sumy-oblast-kill-3-people-including-8-year-old-boy/) kill 3 people, including 8-year-old boy.
⚡️Russian strikes kill 4, injure 5 in Kherson (kyivindependent.com/russian-strikes-kill-4-injure-5-in-kherson-oblast/) Oblast.

Ukraine - The Kyiv Independent

News, analyses, investigations, opinions, podcasts and more. On-the-ground reporting from Ukraine

https://kyivindependent.com/tag/ukraine/

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 24/06/2025 09:15

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 30m
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — JUN 24, 2025
■ Engagements up; highest casualties in over a week
■ Equipment losses remain well above average, significant drone interceptions
■ Visually confirmed: 20 🇷🇺 : 5 🇺🇦 (1.4× over the past 30 days)
■ Strike ratio improves

Ukraine Invasion: Part 57
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 24/06/2025 09:20

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

The decision of the NATO summit in The Hague will include a provision concerning Ukraine, particularly regarding funding for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said.
“In the decision, you will see important statements about Ukraine, including those that link defense spending through 2035 to Ukraine and the need for it to continue defending itself,” he noted.
Rutte also confirmed that the principle of Ukraine’s irreversible path to NATO membership will remain in place.

Hungary and Slovakia have decided not to support the European Union’s proposed 18th package of sanctions against Russia, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said, as quoted by Reuters.
“We did this because the European Union… wants to prohibit member states, including Hungary and Slovakia, from buying cheap Russian natural gas and cheap Russian oil, as they did before,” Szijjarto stated.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas stated that there are already concrete commitments to deliver 80% of the 2 million rounds of ammunition the EU plans to provide to Ukraine by 2025.
She added, “Now another 20% needs to be done.”

Brent crude oil prices rose by 5.7% to $81.40 per barrel today amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Bloomberg reported.
This is the third consecutive week of gains. The last time Brent prices exceeded $80 was in late January. According to analysts cited by the agency, oil prices could continue to rise, potentially reaching $100 per barrel.

🇳🇴 The Norwegian government will finance the development and production of naval drones and anti-aircraft missiles for Ukraine’s NASAMS air defense system, the country’s Defense Ministry announced.
Back in January, Norway and Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense jointly announced plans to develop a universal naval drone tailored to Ukraine’s needs.

Several assassination attempts were made on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, including one on the territory of Poland, according to SBU head Vasyl Malyuk.
Speaking to journalists, Malyuk revealed that last year a colonel from Ukraine’s State Security Department was detained after planning an attack on Zelenskyy near the Presidential Office. The plan was developed by an agent group infiltrated by the SBU.
“It was a very complex operation. We worked on it for nearly two years, starting from the beginning of the full-scale war. We managed to penetrate this group using intelligence and technical means. In addition to targeting the president, they were also gathering and passing on information—planning attacks on my colleague Kyrylo Budanov and on me personally,” Malyuk said.
One of the assassination attempts was planned in Poland. According to Malyuk, a Polish military pensioner—recruited by Russia decades ago and ideologically aligned with Soviet beliefs—was assigned to eliminate Zelenskyy at the Rzeszów airport.
“Several scenarios were being considered, including the use of an FPV drone and a sniper system. The plan was fully developed, but we detained him. Our Polish partners acted professionally—it was a joint operation,” Malyuk added.

New Zealand will provide Ukraine with a new aid package worth NZ$16 million (over US$9.4 million), Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced.
The package includes both military and humanitarian assistance.

💪 Ukrainian short-range ballistic missile “Sapsan” could surprise the occupiers — Andriy Yermak
According to The Times, the “Sapsan” missile, equipped with a 480 kg warhead, has more than twice the payload of the U.S.-made ATACMS and can travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5.
Its official range remains classified, but it is believed the missile may be capable of striking targets up to 500 km away.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Speakers of the House of Commons and the House of Lords of the British Parliament — Lindsay Hoyle and John McFall.

🇺🇦🇬🇧 President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with King Charles III at Windsor Castle.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 57
Ukraine Invasion: Part 57
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 24/06/2025 09:24

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

NATO commits $40B in security aid for Ukraine (www.kyivpost.com/post/55043) at summit kick-off.

The US warns of possible terror attacks and cyber threats (www.kyivpost.com/post/54990) at home following its strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites as Americans abroad urged to stay vigilant as tensions with Tehran escalate.

117 drones were used in a secret 18-month operation to destroy Russian bombers, (www.kyivpost.com/post/55032) followed by a 2,200 kg blast on the Kerch Bridge from Russia to Crimea — Ukraine’s SBU chief Malyuk [has anyone heard any information on the impact of that blast?]

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 24/06/2025 09:28

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

❗️Russian forces struck Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi in the Odesa region with ballistic missiles, destroying an educational institution.
Rescue teams are working at the site, as people may be trapped under the rubble.
UPD: Fortunately, no children were present at the time of the strike, as they are currently on summer break, the regional administration reported.

❗️The death toll from the strike on the Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi lyceum has risen to three.
The victims were the deputy principal, the facilities manager, and a cafeteria worker.
Eight injured individuals remain hospitalized, including two boys born in 2009. Other wounded victims are continuing their recovery on an outpatient basis. [3rd pic]

Emergency response operations have concluded in Kramatorsk at the site of a Russian strike
Rescuers recovered the bodies of five people from the rubble of a partially destroyed apartment building. Four others were injured in the attack.
In total, emergency crews cleared 240 tons of debris from the site. [first pic]

Road signs in Vilnius, Lithuania

Ukraine Invasion: Part 57
Ukraine Invasion: Part 57
Ukraine Invasion: Part 57
notimagain · 24/06/2025 15:11

I've tried to back check/fact check the following story as best I can. Some sources might not be the most objective , so treat with caution and the only English language source is rather right wing..so the gist of what follows in this French language link is that some pro-Palestinian protester broke into a arms suppliers storage facility in Belgium and managed to damage quite a lot kit destined for Ukraine..

I think we're heading for troubling times (if we are not there already) in Europe if certain types of protesting continue to be accepted.

Link.follows, hopefully Google translate is up to the job if needed:

https://www.7sur7.be/belgique/des-activistes-causent-pour-un-million-deuros-de-degats-ces-sympathisants-du-hamas-ont-saccage-des-vehicules-pour-lukraine~a9183083/?referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

DdraigGoch · 24/06/2025 15:36

No surprises there

MissConductUS · 24/06/2025 16:54

Thanks to the ceasefire in the ME, the price of oil is down sharply. So Russia's little windfall didn't last long.

And when Iran came to Russia for help as they were getting their arse kicked suffered from a firepower asymetry in their conflict with Israel, Russia offered them...nothing. That won't be good for Russia's reputation in the ME.

@notimagain, that article mentioned that 30 arrests were made. Do you have any hope that charges will be filed, or will it be a slap on the wrist?

notimagain · 24/06/2025 17:29

@MissConductUS @notimagain, that article mentioned that 30 arrests were made. Do you have any hope that charges will be filed, or will it be a slap on the wrist.I honestly have no idea, I'll try and keep eye out for any further reports..

notimagain · 24/06/2025 17:42

Too late to add to ^^ as an edit, but below there is a link to an article about the company from the uk press from over two years ago.

So no secret about what was going on at the location and that there was probably kit in the building that was headed for Ukraine, yet it got trashed anyway

. A mistake by the pro-Palestine supporters or a case of them being useful idiots?

www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/31/ukraine-europe-tanks-belgian-buyer-oip

blueshoes · 25/06/2025 01:19

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-june-24-2025

Key Takeaways:

  • NATO General Secretary Mark Rutte assessed that Russia is the largest existential threat to NATO members today and that Russia is preparing for a protracted war with NATO.
  • The Kremlin continues efforts to augment Russian combat power by setting conditions to subsume forces from Russia's Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) allies under a Russian military command.
  • Russian forces are expanding their use of motorcycles along the frontline in Ukraine — a tactic that the Russian military may leverage in future wars beyond Ukraine, possibly including operations against NATO states.
  • NATO General Secretary Mark Rutte highlighted NATO's plans to invest more in its own defense capabilities, including by investing in the Ukrainian defense industrial base (DIB) — in line with US President Donald Trump's initiative for Europe to shoulder more of the burden of collective security.
  • Ukraine's European partners allocated military aid to Ukraine and financial support for drone production during the NATO summit on June 24.
  • Russian forces conducted a series of drone strikes against Ukraine on the night of June 23 to 24 that resulted in over 100 civilian casualties.
  • Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Toretsk and Kherson City, and Russian forces recently advanced in northern Sumy Oblast and near Chasiv Yar, Pokrovsk, and Novopavlivka.
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 25/06/2025 11:57

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Trump to meet (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-plans-to-meet-trump-at-nato-summit06-2025/) Zelensky during NATO summit, White House confirms.

Strikes didn’t destroy Iran’s nuclear sites (kyivindependent.com/strikes-didnt-destroy-irans-nuclear-sites-us-intel-finds-contradicting-trump-cnn-reports/), US intel finds, contradicting Trump, CNN reports.
U.S. intelligence assessment, based on a battle damage report from Central Command, contradicts public statements by President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who claimed the operation had "obliterated" Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

⚡️'Treasonous' — Trump, Witkoff slam (kyivindependent.com/treasonous-trump-envoy-slams-leak-of-intel-undermining-iran-strike-claims/) intel leak undermining US strikes on Iran, insist nuclear targets 'obliterated.'

⚡️ Zelensky arrives (https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-arrives-at-the-hague-for-nato-summit-as-netherlands-announces-new-aid-package/) at NATO summit in The Hague as Netherlands pledges new aid.
Welcoming Zelensky at the Catshuis official residence, Schoof presented a new military aid package for Ukraine, including front-line vehicles for evacuating the wounded, and 80 million euros (over $90 million) for the drone initiative.

⚡️Russia has launched over 28,000 Shahed drones (kyivindependent.com/russia-has-launched-over-28-000-shahed-drones-at-ukraine-since-2022-with-nearly-10-fired-in-june-alone-zelensky-says/) at Ukraine since 2022, with nearly 10% fired in June alone, Zelensky says.
Speaking on June 24, Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that Russia would never have been able to carry out such drone attacks without support from Iran, and Ukraine, in turn, could not have intercepted most of the drones without the help of its international partners.

⚡️ Europeans oppose following Trump (kyivindependent.com/europeans-oppose-following-trump-if-he-pushes-ukraine-to-cede-territory-lift-russia-sanctions-poll-finds/) if he pushes Ukraine to cede territory, lift Russia sanctions, poll finds.
The wide-ranging survey also asked about attitudes to increasing defense spending and compulsory military service.

⚡️Zelensky plans to meet Trump at NATO summit (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-plans-to-meet-trump-at-nato-summit06-2025/)in The Hague.
Upon arrival in The Hague on June 24, Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine's presidential office, said he held a "substantive" discussion with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the upcoming Zelensky-Trump meeting.

⚡️Trump casts doubt on NATO defense pledge (kyivindependent.com/trump-wavers-on-natos-core-defense-pledge-ahead-of-summit/) as alliance confronts Russian threat.
Although Article 5 is central to NATO’s security framework, U.S. President Donald Trump has previously expressed skepticism about honoring it, often criticizing member states for not contributing enough to shared defense efforts.

⚡️'Dead and wounded everywhere' — Russia strikes Dnipro with ballistic missiles (kyivindependent.com/russia-strikes-dnipro-with-ballistic-missiles-hits-civilian-train06-2025/), hits civilian train.
Russia launched a deadly missile attack on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro on June 24, striking civilian infrastructure and a passenger train, local officials reported.
Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Serhii Lysak said the morning strike ignited a large fire and damaged a dormitory, a gymnasium, and an administrative building in the city.
...According to Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Serhii Lysak, at least 17 people were killed and 84 injured in Dnipro.
62 of the injured have been hospitalized, including seven in serious condition.

⚡️Ukraine can produce 8 million drones annually but needs funding (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-can-produce-8-million-drones-annually-needs-investments-zelensky-says06-2025/), Zelensky says at NATO summit.

⚡️UK to fund (kyivindependent.com/uk-to-fund-joint-drone-production-with-ukraine/) joint drone production with Ukraine.

⚡️Italy commits $1.6 million (kyivindependent.com/italy-commits-1-6-million-to-boost-ukraines-battle-against-landmines/) to boost Ukraine’s battle against landmines.

⚡️Kyiv, Copenhagen aim to launch Ukrainian defense production (kyivindependent.com/kyiv-copenhagen-to-launch-ukrainian-defense-production-in-denmark-06-2025/) in Denmark.
Denmark has already allocated $47 million for the project, and Ukraine's partners will provide further funding for production.

⚡️Council of Europe, Ukraine to sign accord (kyivindependent.com/council-of-europe-ukraine-to-sign-agreement-on-establishing-tribunal-for-russian-aggression-on-june-25-06-2025/) on June 25 to set up Russian aggression tribunal.
The move marks a milestone in international efforts to hold Russian President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials accountable for launching the full-scale war against Ukraine.

With Trump disengaged and the EU complacent, Ukrainian reforms lose momentum (kyivindependent.com/with-trump-disengaged-and-eu-complacent-ukrainian-reforms-lose-momentum/)
Russia's all-out war has accelerated Ukraine's push to join the European Union and NATO, as well as its dependency on Western loans and aid.
Before, these things would have been heavily preconditioned on Ukraine implementing crucial reforms.
However, the war has also eased the pressure on Kyiv to carry out reforms — stalling the country's progress in advancing anti-corruption programs and reforming law enforcement.
Read more here. (kyivindependent.com/with-trump-disengaged-and-eu-complacent-ukrainian-reforms-lose-momentum/)

⚡️Lithuania signs memorandum (kyivindependent.com/lithuania-signs-memorandum-with-northrop-grumman-nammo-amid-russian-threat-to-regional-security/) with Northrop Grumman, Nammo amid Russian threat to regional security.

⚡️'Something unknown' hits (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drone-hits-key-russian-drone-facility-in-taganrog-official-says/) key Russian drone facility in Taganrog, Ukrainian official says.
"Something unknown flew into the Atlant-Aero plant in Taganrog," Andrii Kovalenko, head of the counter-disinformation center, said. "This is an important node in the Russian military-industrial complex, specializing in components for combat drones and control systems."

⚡️Iran strikes show peace can be achieved through strength (kyivindependent.com/iran-strikes-show-peace-can-be-achieved-through-strength-us-ambassador-to-nato-says06-2025/), US Ambassador to NATO says.
[fuck me, how about supporting Ukraine then?]

⚡️Trump says Putin called (kyivindependent.com/putin-calls-to-offer-help-with-iran-israel-conflict-settlement-trump-says/) him to offer help with Iran.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on June 24 that his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin had called him and offered to help resolve the conflict between Iran and Israel, Fox News reported.

⚡️Ukraine evacuates (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-evacuates-31-citizens-including-14-children-from-iran-amid-rising-tensions-with-israel-06-25/) 31 citizens, including 14 children, from Iran.
The evacuation was carried out in transit through Azerbaijan and Moldova to Kyiv, the statement read.

⚡️US citizen wanted (kyivindependent.com/us-citizen-wanted-for-child-sex-crimes-arrested-in-ukraine-after-30-years-on-the-run/) for child sex crimes arrested in Ukraine after 30 years on the run.
According to U.S. law enforcement, the suspect worked as the director of a preschool in Pima County, Arizona, and committed a series of sexual offenses against four children aged 4 to 9 between 1984 and 1991.

⚡️At least 23 killed, (kyivindependent.com/at-least-23-killed-nearly-300-injured-in-russian-drone-and-missile-attacks-across-ukraine-over-past-day/) more than 300 injured in Russian drone and missile attacks across Ukraine over past day.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 2h
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — JUN 25, 2025
■ Fewer combat engagements & casualties dip below 1,000
■ Equipment losses remain above average; good artillery losses
■ 🇷🇺 strikes above average, 🇺🇦 ones below it

Ukraine Invasion: Part 57
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 25/06/2025 12:01

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Germany will provide Ukraine with €8.3 billion in military aid this year, according to German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil.
“The threat to our world posed by Russian aggression remains real, even three years after the start of the war. We stand firmly on Ukraine’s side, and this draft budget of €8.3 billion in support of Ukraine is proof of that support,” Klingbeil said.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the 18th package of EU sanctions will be tough and painful for the Russian Federation.
She emphasized that Ukraine can count on the full support of its partners.

❗️Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan advocates for the continuation of the Istanbul process between Ukraine and Russia.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Chris Coons to discuss continued support for Ukraine, the peace process, and President Trump’s ceasefire initiative, which he noted could become a step toward a dignified peace.

🇩🇪 Russia is not ready for peace — it’s time to strike Putin’s “shadow fleet,” says German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
“Russia does not demonstrate any desire for peace — quite the opposite,” Merz emphasized.

🤔 NATO: Russia can sustain war against Ukraine at current pace until at least 2027 — BBC
NATO estimates that Russia has reached the peak of its military production and lacks the resources to expand it further, according to a senior alliance official cited by the BBC during the summit in The Hague.
Despite this, the official believes Russia can continue waging war at its current intensity for at least three more years.
The official added that Russian President Vladimir Putin remains focused on short-term deals that benefit Moscow, which is why U.S. diplomatic initiatives have yet to bring peace closer.
Putin, the source said, is convinced he will win the war — a belief based at least in part on flawed intelligence reaching the Kremlin.
At the same time, NATO acknowledged that Ukraine continues to face challenges staffing its combat units — a vulnerability that Putin regularly highlights in his public statements.

🇺🇸🇪🇺 Europe considers alternative paths to arm Ukraine if Trump blocks U.S. weapons — The Washington Post
European officials are working on backup plans to purchase American weapons for Ukraine in case President Donald Trump’s administration decides not to authorize new arms deliveries, The Washington Post reports, citing three sources.
According to them, allies hope to persuade Washington to approve sales to Kyiv either for cash or on credit. However, the decision will ultimately rest with Trump, whose advisers remain wary of actions that could hinder efforts to restore relations with Russia.
Even if the U.S. blocks new weapon deliveries, it is expected to continue providing intelligence and logistics support, including transportation of heavy arms.
European countries could theoretically compensate for much of the lost U.S. aid — but doing so, officials admit, would require major financial and logistical effort.
“We need to simultaneously increase our own stocks and ensure supplies to Ukraine,” one European official said.

The teaching of Ukrainian in schools across the occupied regions of Ukraine will be discontinued, The Moscow Times reports.
Russia’s Ministry of Education has removed the Ukrainian language from the school curriculum in areas where it was previously mandatory as a native language—specifically in the occupied parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. According to Kommersant, the ministry cited the “changed geopolitical situation in the world” as the reason.
Previously, Ukrainian was also taught in annexed Crimea, the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics, and in Bashkortostan. In these areas, parents had to submit written applications for their children to receive instruction in Ukrainian.
The new order affects all levels of general education—primary, basic, and secondary—effectively canceling the subject entirely. Until now, Ukrainian as a native language was taught for a total of 736 hours across all school years: 260 hours in grades 1–4, 340 hours in grades 5–9, and 136 hours in grades 10–11. The order also removes the study of Ukrainian literature from grades 1 through 9, which had previously included 282 hours. The subject will now only be available in grades 10–11.
Political analyst Abbas Gallyamov criticized the decision, calling it “infantilism.”

🪖🌏 Sabotage on the railway, fleet deployment: Bloomberg predicts possible Russian invasion scenario in the Baltics
Russia could start aggression against the Baltic states with a staged incident — such as sabotage on the Moscow–Kaliningrad railway through Lithuania — Bloomberg reports.
Such a provocation could be used as a pretext to send in Russian troops to “protect Russian citizens.”
The Baltic states would likely invoke NATO’s Article 5, which ensures collective defense.
Bloomberg’s forecast also outlines potential hybrid attacks, strikes on critical infrastructure, and severe economic consequences. The Kremlin might threaten nuclear escalation. The position of the United States, Bloomberg adds, remains unpredictable.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 57
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 25/06/2025 12:06

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

While Russia says it seeks rapprochement with the US it continues to quietly expand its military cooperation with China (www.kyivpost.com/post/55085) and will train 600 Chinese troops on lessons learnt in countering Western weapons during its so-called special military operation.

Zelensky and Macron discussed boosting deliveries of Mirage fighter jets and launching joint production of interceptor drones — to better shield Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure from Russia’s mass attacks.

The UK to supply Ukraine with 350 ASRAAM air defence missiles, funded by frozen Russian assets.
The missiles will be deployed via British Raven launchers, with five additional units en route — bringing the total to 13.

Russia struck a Ukrainian Ground Forces training center (www.kyivpost.com/post/55098) with Shahed drones on June 24, wounding one soldier. Quick safety measures helped prevent further casualtie.

On Tuesday Zelensky, in the Hague for the NATO leaders’ meeting addressed the Dutch parliament, (www.kyivpost.com/post/55141) met King Willem-Alexander and attended a state dinner hosted by the Dutch royals.

For the first time since the full-scale Russian war against Ukraine began, Zelensky was spotted in a suit as he arrived in The Hague for the NATO summit.

Blast from Russian ballistic missile hits Odesa-Zaporizhzhia train. (www.kyivpost.com/post/55076) Casualties reported.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 57
Ukraine Invasion: Part 57
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 25/06/2025 12:12

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇭🇺 In Hungary, a letter of support for Ukraine condemning Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s policies has garnered over 30,000 signatures — prompting a response from Orbán.
Published in both Hungarian and Ukrainian, the letter denounces Russia’s aggression and its violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
“Faced with the increasingly shameful anti-Ukrainian propaganda of Orbán’s government, we express our solidarity with the Ukrainian people and honor the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine who are heroically defending their homeland,” the activists wrote.
In response, Viktor Orbán accused the signatories of “disregarding Hungary’s interests” and claimed that Ukraine’s membership in the EU and NATO poses a constant threat of war.
“For Hungary, not being in the same integration bloc as Ukraine is a fundamental security interest,” the prime minister stated.

Russia has launched 28,743 Shahed drones at Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Just this month alone, Russian forces have already launched 2,736 drones.

MagicFox · 25/06/2025 14:51

4.1% by 2027 according to Starmer…

OP posts:
DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 25/06/2025 15:15

Could someone take over Friday please? Emergency visit to the north of England for a few hours. Getting flights from Schipol was ... .interesting ... with the NATO conference going on atm!

DesdamonasHandkerchief · 25/06/2025 19:05

I’ll do it Ducks

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

This thread is not accepting new messages.