Ukraine Invasion: Part 57

[MagicFox]

Welcome to 57. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

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Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev: “The Istanbul talks are not about peace but about victory and the destruction of Ukraine’s leadership.”

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Ukraine, Russia end second round (kyivindependent.com/istanbul-talks-june-2/) of peace talks, no ceasefire achieved.
During the talks in Istanbul, the Ukrainian delegation offered Moscow a complete ceasefire, the exchange of prisoners of war in an all-for-all format, bringing back the children abducted by Russia, and the release of all civilians from Russian captivity

⚡️ Zelensky's chief of staff (kyivindependent.com/zelenskys-chief-of-staff-flying-to-us-after-russia-peace-talks-source-says/) heads to US after Russia peace talks, source says.

⚡️US House Speaker Johnson backs (kyivindependent.com/speaker-johnson-backs-senate-bill-to-toughen-sanctions-on-russia/) Senate bill to toughen sanctions on Russia.
"There's many members of Congress that want us to sanction Russia as strongly as we can," U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said. "And I'm an advocate of that.

⚡️ Ukraine invited to NATO summit, Zelensky says. (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-invited-to-nato-summit-zelensky-say/)

⚡️ Russia lost 12 aircraft (kyivindependent.com/russia-lost-12-aircraft-ukraines-military-claims-after-drone-strike-on-russian-bombers/), Ukraine's military claims days after drone strike on Russian bombers.

⚡️Ukraine ready to make concessions (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-ready-to-make-concessions-on-partial-lifting-of-sanctions-against-russia-amid-ongoing-peace-talks/) on sanctions against Russia amid ongoing peace talks, demands ceasefire first.
Some of the sanctions against Russia could be lifted following a potential full ceasefire, according to Ukraine's official proposal, seen by the Kyiv Independent on June 2. Yet, the condition proposed by Ukraine is that sanctions are automatically renewed if the ceasefire agreement is broken.

⚡️Russian state media publishes (kyivindependent.com/russia-passes-peace-memorandum-to-ukraine-demanding-withdrawal-of-troops-from-4-ukrainian-regions-media-says/) Moscow's official peace demands — 5 Ukrainian regions, ban on NATO, limits on Kyiv's army.
Among Russia's key demands is the official recognition of Russia's annexation of Crimea, as well as the annexation of Ukraine's Kherson, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Luhansk oblasts, none of which Moscow controls in full.

⚡️Russia admits to taking Ukrainian children (kyivindependent.com/russia-admitted-to-taking-ukrainian-children-during-latest-peace-talks-zelensky-says/) during latest peace talks, Zelensky says.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said that during the June 2 negotiations in Istanbul, Russian representatives dismissed Ukraine's efforts to raise the issue of abducted Ukrainian children as a "show for childless European old ladies."

⚡️Russia proposes 2-3-day ceasefire (kyivindependent.com/russia-offers-ukraine-to-cease-fire-for-2-3-days-in-some-areas-of-front-line-to-collect-soldiers-bodies-medinsky-says/) in some areas of front to retrieve bodies of the fallen, Medinsky says.
According to a source in the President's Office, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Russia declined a ceasefire proposed by Ukraine.

⚡️Ukraine, Russia preparing for new prisoner exange (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-russia-preparing-for-new-prisoner-swap-with-turkeys-mediation-following-2nd-round-of-peace-talks/) following 2nd round of peace talks, Zelensky says.

⚡️Ukraine seeks to bring back (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-seeks-to-bring-back-up-to-1-200-people-in-next-prisoner-swap-with-russia-zelensky-says/) up to 1,200 people in next prisoner swap with Russia, Zelensky says.
The next prisoner exchange will reportedly include young people between the ages of 18 and 25, as well as people with serious injuries.

‘Closer to victory’ – Operation Spiderweb gives much-needed morale boost to Ukrainians after 3 years of full-scale war (https://kyivindependent.com/closer-to-victory-ukrainians-celebrate-operation-spiderweb-targeting-russias-heavy-bombers/)

⚡️ Russian central bank head under pressure (kyivindependent.com/russian-central-bank-head-under-pressure-to-slash-key-interest-rate-bloomberg-reports/) to slash key interest rate, Bloomberg reports.
The reason is the growing toll on the federal budget and civilian industries, three officials told Bloomberg, with some calling for the decision to be made at the bank's meeting on June 6.

⚡️DTEK to build one of Europe's largest energy storage facilities (kyivindependent.com/dtek-one-of-europes-largest-energy-storage-facilities-to-be-built-in-ukraine/), company announces.
Ukraine's largest private energy company DTEK secured a $72-million loan to build one of the largest battery energy storage complexes in Eastern Europe, the company said on June 3.

⚡️Norway to help Ukraine cover 1 billion euro gas shortfall, (kyivindependent.com/norway-to-help-ukraine-cover-1-billion-euro-gas-shortfall-zelensky-says/) Zelensky says.

⚡️Ukrainian military responds (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-military-responds-to-commanders-claim-of-no-state-supplied-fpv-drones-media-reports/) to commander’s claim of no state-supplied FPV drones for 3rd Brigade.
In a written response to a request from Babel, the Armed Forces of Ukraine said the brigade had received a total of 7,992 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of various types between Jan. 1 and May 27, 2025

⚡️ Russian double-tap attack injures 12 (kyivindependent.com/russian-attack-injures-12-emergency-workers-in-ukraines-zaporizhzhia-oblast/) emergency workers in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
Russian drone attacks against a State Emergency Service building in Zaporizhzhia Oblast's front-line areas on June 2 injured 12 emergency workers, Governor Ivan Fedorov reported.
Russian forces attacked again during an evacuation of the injured, the State Emergency Service said.

⚡️Ukrainian attack causes blackouts (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drone-attack-led-to-widespread-blackout-in-occupied-art-of-zaporizhzhia-kherson-oblasts-russian-proxies-claim/) in Russian-occupied territories, Moscow's proxies claim.
Yevhen Balytskyi, the Kremlin-appointed head of the occupied part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, claimed that 457 settlements in the region were left without power, affecting more than 600,000 homes.

⚡️UK government 'fully prepared' to sue (https://kyivindependent.com/uk-government-fully-prepared-to-sue-russian-oligarch-abramovich-over-chelsea-fc-sale/) Russian oligarch Abramovich over Chelsea FC sale.

⚡️Portnov family bought (kyivindependent.com/portnov-family-bought-dubai-properties-worth-over-2-million-investigation/) Dubai properties worth over $2 million, media investigation says.

⚡️Update: At least 2 killed, around 20 injured in Russian attack (kyivindependent.com/russia-attacks-sumy/) on downtown Sumy.

⚡️Russian attacks (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-against-ukraine-8/) against Ukraine kill 7, injure 42 over past day.
Ukrainian forces downed 60 out of the 112 drones, including Shahed-type attack drones, launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported.
Fifteen drones were intercepted by electronic warfare or disappeared from radars without causing any damage, according to the statement.

‪Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 1h
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — JUN 3, 2025
■ Casualties remain high, below-average engagements
■ Equipment losses stay well above average
■ At least 12 planes hit in "Operation Spiderweb" — the most since the early days of 2022
■ Single-digit strike ratio

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

🇩🇪 Annalena Baerbock, former German Foreign Minister, has been elected President of the UN General Assembly and will assume the post in New York.

The delegations of Ukraine and Russia went to lunch following their meeting, Russian media report, citing a representative of the Turkish Foreign Ministry.
According to the official, the negotiations ended “not negatively.”

[...] the Ukrainian delegation proposed holding a leadership-level meeting between June 20 and 30.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told reporters that he discussed a weapons supply agreement with US President Donald Trump.

❗️President Zelenskyy called Russia’s proposal for a two- or three-day ceasefire “a rhetorical game,” noting that battlefield commanders are already exchanging the bodies of fallen soldiers.

🇺🇦 President Zelenskyy said he supports President Erdogan’s proposal for a four-party meeting in Türkiye with the participation of Erdogan, Trump, Putin, and himself — but noted he doubts it will lead to a ceasefire.

🇬🇧 UK Shifts to War-Ready Posture — Starmer Unveils New Defence Strategy
Key elements of the new strategy:
▪️ Gradual increase of defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with a long-term target of 3%
▪️ Construction of 12 new submarines
▪️ £15 billion investment in nuclear weapons
▪️ Creation of six new munitions factories
▪️ Stockpiling of 7,000 long-range missiles
▪️ Formation of specialised cyber troops
The prime minister also called on citizens to prepare for the realities of modern warfare, citing the experience of Ukraine as a warning.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy invited Andrzej Duda to visit Ukraine, and the Polish president confirmed he will come before the end of his term.

Satellite images confirm that at least one A-50 airborne early warning and control (AWACS) aircraft was destroyed at the Ivanovo airbase, according to Geoint analysts.
The Ivanovo airfield was among those targeted in the Security Service of Ukraine’s special operation "Pavutyna" ("Web"). [There was a huge discussion about these when one was destroyed early in the war - it's a big deal]

Russian aircraft damaged or destroyed in the Security Service of Ukraine's special operation "Pavutyna" ("Web") were responsible for launching over 2,000 missiles at Ukraine since the start of the full-scale invasion, Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ignat told Ukrainska Pravda.
Specifically, 2,437 Kh-101, Kh-555, and Kh-55 cruise missiles were launched from these aircraft. Ukrainian air defenses successfully shot down 1,916 of them.
"This is the result of truly effective work by the air defense and all Defense Forces, specifically in countering cruise missiles. At the same time, a considerable number — about 500 — reached their targets or were not shot down," Ignat said.
He added that in addition to these, Russia has also fired over 400 Kh-22 and Kh-32 missiles at Ukraine.

The first satellite images of the Belaya airbase in the Irkutsk region—where Russian aircraft were destroyed and damaged during a special operation by the Security Service of Ukraine—have appeared online. The photos were published by GEOINT consultant Chris Biggers.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Russia is demanding the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, Luhansk, and Kherson regions as a condition for a ceasefire, according to Russian media, which published the text of a proposed “settlement memorandum.”

Ukraine plans to produce 2.5 million drones in 2025 — 2.5 times more than in 2024, when around 1 million UAVs were built — Bloomberg

Ukraine’s massive weekend drone strike exposes Russia’s military weakness – Behind operation “Spider Web”
www.kyivpost.com/videos/53816

Top Democrats in the US Senate sharply criticized (www.kyivpost.com/post/53827) Trump for failing to act as Putin refuses to engage in serious peace talks, Kyiv Post’s Washington correspondent reports from Capitol Hill.

“Ukraine has always strived to be free”: Bohdan Nahaylo, Editor-in-Chief of the Kyiv Post, on the country’s rich history.
www.kyivpost.com/videos/53863

Russian media published a photo of the suspected organizer of the airfield drone attacks, claiming he’s Ukrainian. 37-year-old Artem Tymofieiev allegedly owned the trucks used to launch the drones.
Russian Telegram channels report that a nationwide alert has been issued for him by the Interior Ministry.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Ukraine–Russia Talks: Key Takeaways from the Press Conference in Istanbul
🔴Ukraine focused on three main priorities during the negotiations: an unconditional ceasefire, a prisoner exchange, and a leaders’ summit.
🔴Ukraine submitted its ceasefire proposal several days ago, but has yet to receive a response. Russia handed over its memorandum only today. Both sides will have a week to review each other’s documents before coordinating next steps.
🔴The delegations agreed to prioritize the exchange of specific categories of prisoners on an “all-for-all” basis — including the severely wounded and young soldiers aged 18 to 25. They also agreed to exchange 6,000 bodies of fallen soldiers from each side.
🔴Ukraine provided Russia with a list of several hundred Ukrainian children who were deported to Russia.
🔴Ukraine proposed holding a leaders’ summit between June 20 and 30, potentially involving other world leaders — including U.S. President Donald Trump.

Recognition of the annexation of Crimea and four regions, and renunciation of reparations: full text of Russia’s “ceasefire memorandum” revealed
According to the document, Russia is putting forward the following demands:
🔴International recognition of Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia regions as part of the Russian Federation, and the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from those territories;
🔴Ukrainian neutrality and a ban on the deployment of foreign troops, military bases, or infrastructure on Ukrainian territory;
🔴Limits on the size of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations;
🔴Official status for the Russian language in Ukraine;
🔴A ban on the “glorification and propaganda of Nazism and neo-Nazism”;
🔴Lifting all sanctions and a prohibition on any future economic restrictions between Russia and Ukraine;
🔴Renunciation of demands for compensation for damages caused by military actions;
🔴Lifting of restrictions on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate).

🇵🇱Former Polish President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lech Wałęsa responds to Karol Nawrocki’s presidential victory
“Democracy in Poland collapsed on June 1, 2025. For the first time in history, half of Polish society has elected a president who is a pimp, a fraud, a loan shark, a liar, and a drug addict — with strong backing from the Catholic Church, which supposedly preaches Gospel values. This is not my president and never will be. […]
Poland is my homeland, but it is no longer my country. For now, I’m going into internal exile — into the world of nature, music, and books. What comes next, I don’t know. For the sake of my mental health, I will stop reading about what is happening in Poland. I will no longer comment on current events. I need to take care of myself. Farewell, Poland.”

Financial Times correspondent Christopher Miller has shared a document prepared by Ukraine for negotiations with Russia.

Very good news about Anna Baerbock!

Also @notimagain you mentoined 40 might be optomistic. They're now talking about 12 aircraft destroyed not 40, though presumably they'll be working hard to work out what's what in the next few days and more might be confirmed.

TWZ has an excellent AAR (After Action Report) on the attack on Russian aviation:

https://www.twz.com/air/what-ukraines-unprecedented-drone-attack-means-for-russian-bomber-force

They're now talking about 12 aircraft destroyed not 40, though presumably they'll be working hard to work out what's what in the next few days and more might be confirmed.

There are strict criteria for classifying an aircraft as destroyed from a satellite photo. Many or most of those now classified as damaged are for all practical purposes, going to be unrepairable or become hanger queens (used only for spare parts). Except for the Tu-160 Blackjack, none of those aircraft are still in production, so spare parts and refurbishment capabilities will be minimal.

According to the TWZ article, there was a fifth target airfield, but the truck carrying the drones never made it to the target for some reason.

The WSJ is reporting on the attack as well, with more of a focus on the long-term and strategic implications.

https://www.wsj.com/world/ukraines-stunning-assault-upends-russias-global-military-strategy-094f8c1c?st=iXRR42&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

The whole article is well worth a read, but I would point your attention to this bit:

Zelensky said Sunday that the attacks on four bases had been prepared and launched inside Russia. The intelligence feat will sow fear within the country and likely prompt Moscow to tighten internal controls and repression.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is seen by many Western intelligence analysts as deeply paranoid, is likely to grow more concerned about internal enemies and take harsh measures in response to the public humiliation. Close-to-home intelligence failures around the world generally prompt purges and upheaval in security services. Russia has already undertaken many since its initial large-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 failed.

In the long run, the purges and turmoil that will result within the security services and the military may cause as much damage to the Russians as the raid itself. That's a cheery thought, innit? 😀

Here's a bit more reassurance on Hegseth's remarks. It's from a daily email newsletter I receive from The Economist, so the link may not get you past the paywall.

So here is a small correction: good stuff is happening, too. For example, I take Pete Hegseth’s warning that China might try to seize Taiwan as, on balance, welcome news. The idea of a looming China threat isn’t at all new. It is, however, striking that this administration’s defence secretary talked forcefully about standing up for an ally in Asia and, in passing, praised European allies, too. I’m pleased by any evidence that Donald Trump’s team is learning to work with fellow democracies, not against them. (I’ve also been cheered by the sight, last week, of American courts trying to check some of Mr Trump’s foolish and probably illegal tariff policies.)

Ukraine on a roll? 💗
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/03/ukraine-hits-bridge-linking-crimea-to-russia-with-underwater-explosives

They played down Spider Web from the Russian people. This isn't going to be so easy. Bridge closed, right at the start of the season. Putin will be enraged! Well done again Ukraine.

Daily Express got it first, hours ago. I took no notice as it does tend to exaggeration." War next week, ten foot snow drifts". Then it appeared on Sky.

People here don't join for the pay either, but for many, it's a viable path out of poverty to the middle class or better, especially for those on a non-com or commissioned officer track.

It has to been seen as a viable career path or you won't be able to recruit people who have the aptitude to train up for demanding specialties, like IT, intelligence, medical corps, etc.

The UK needs something like this:

https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/

The defenestrations have begun:

https://x.com/OlenaRohoza/status/1929609908464369970

Putin should outsource this work to the North Koreans; they're so much more creative about it.

Oh my god. Literally a defenestration.

I know we joke about Russians needing to stay away from high windows, but somehow I was expecting you'd meant this one figuratively...

Is there a reputable source for this? Would love it to be true, but we are dealing with Twitter and Russia.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-june-3-2025

Key Takeaways:

• Kremlin officials publicly acknowledged that Russia seeks the “complete destruction” of Ukraine, indicating Moscow’s disinterest in good faith peace negotiations and a near-term resolution to the war.
• Ukraine struck the Kerch Strait Bridge on June 3 for the third time since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
• Western officials and open-source analysts continue to clarify the battlefield damage following the Ukrainian long-range drone strike series (Operation Spider Web) on June 1.
• Russia continues to produce and stockpile missiles and drones to strike Ukraine, demonstrating Russia's continued commitment to winning the war through military means.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced a series of Ukrainian military command changes on June 3.
• Ukrainian forces recently advanced in Kursk Oblast. Russian forces recently advanced near Kurakhove.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ For the first time, Pentagon chief to reportedly (kyivindependent.com/for-the-first-time-pentagon-chief-to-skip-ramstein-format-meeting-of-ukraines-allies/) skip Ramstein-format meeting of Ukraine's allies.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will not arrive in Brussels until the conference is over and will not participate in the event online either, the AP reported.

⚡️ Kremlin confirms explosion (kyivindependent.com/kremlin-confirms-explosion-at-crimean-bridge-after-sbu-bombing-claims-no-damage/) at Russia's Crimean Bridge after Ukraine's sabotage, claims 'no damage.'
"There indeed was an explosion. There was no damage, the bridge continues to function," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed.

⚡️Ukraine confirms (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-general-staff-confirms-striking-41-russian-bombers-other-aircraft-in-june-1-mass-drone-attack/) 41 Russian aircraft including bombers hit during Operation Spiderweb.
Kyiv earlier claimed it disabled 34% of Russia's strategic bomber fleet in what is seen as one of the most daring operations during the full-scale war.

⚡️Rare Russian spy planes (kyivindependent.com/rare-russian-spy-planes-damaged-in-ukraines-operation-spiderweb-telegraph-reports/) damaged in Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb, Telegraph reports.
Footage reportedly shows Ukrainian drones hitting two A-50s, rare Russian spy planes that Moscow relies on to detect air defense systems and coordinate targets for fighter jets. Russia has less than 10 A-50s in its arsenal.

⚡️Ukrainian strike (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drone-strike-alarms-kremlin-over-nuclear-capable-airbase-vulnerability/) on Russian bombers alarmed Kremlin over nuclear carriers vulnerability, Bloomberg reports.
A recent Ukrainian drone strike deep inside Russian territory has sparked anger and concern among Kremlin officials over the exposed vulnerability of a nuclear-capable air force far from the front lines, Bloomberg reported on June 2, citing undisclosed sources close to senior Moscow officials.

⚡️ 'Risk level goes up' — Ukraine's strike on Russian bombers could escalate (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-strike-on-russian-bombers-could-escalate-war-kellogg-says/) war, US envoy Kellogg says.
"I'm telling you the risk levels are going way up," U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg said.

⚡️NATO urging Europe to ramp up air defenses fivefold (kyivindependent.com/nato-urging-europe-to-ramp-up-air-defenses-fivefold-in-face-of-russian-threat-bloomberg-reports/) in face of Russian threat, Bloomberg reports.

⚡️Latvia (kyivindependent.com/latvia-joins-un-security-council-for-first-time/) joins UN Security Council for first time.

⚡️ Trump raises (kyivindependent.com/trump-raises-steel-aluminum-tariffs-to-50-hitting-key-ukrainian-export/) steel, aluminum tariffs to 50%, hitting key Ukrainian export.
Steel production is one of Ukraine's core industrial sectors and its second-largest source of foreign currency after agriculture.

⚡️Putin, Trump, Zelensky trilateral meeting 'unlikely' to happen (kyivindependent.com/putin-trump-zelensky-trilateral-meeting-is-unlikely-to-happen-soon-kremlin-says/) soon, Kremlin says.

⚡️UK to provide Ukraine with 100,000 drones (kyivindependent.com/uk-to-provide-ukraine-with-100-000-drones-by-april-2026/) by April 2026.
The UK pledged on June 4 to supply Ukraine with 100,000 drones by the end of April 2026, marking a tenfold increase from the previous year.

⚡️Ukraine to deploy (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-to-deploy-new-units-to-counter-russian-drone-attacks-air-force-says/) new units to counter Russian drone attacks, Air Force says.
According to Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihant, Russia employed tactics involving the launch of a large number of weapons at a single target from high altitude.

⚡️ France, Belgium wary (kyivindependent.com/france-belgium-eu-plan-to-halt-russian-lng-imports/) of EU's plan to halt Russian LNG imports by 2027.
The two nations, the largest EU importers of Russian LNG, argue they need stronger legal and economic guarantees before committing to the plan. Russia's energy exports remain a major source of revenue for the Kremlin's military campaign against Ukraine.

⚡️ Drapatyi made Commander of Joint Forces (https://kyivindependent.com/drapatyi-made-commander-of-joint-forces/) after submitting resignation over Russian strike on Ukrainian training camp.
"I am staying in the ranks, on the front line. Where I have to be, where I can do the most," he said.

⚡️Commander of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces (kyivindependent.com/commander-of-ukraines-unmanned-systems-forces-replaced/) replaced.
Vadym Sukharevskyi has been dismissed as commander of the USF and will be replaced by Robert "Magyar" Brovdi, commander of the elite drone unit "Birds of Magyar."
Sukharevskyi will now serve as deputy commander of Ukraine's Eastern Operational Command, where he is expected to implement reforms.

⚡️ Ukraine's parliament backs bill on military ombudsman (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-parliament-backs-bill-establishing-military-ombudsman-in-1st-reading/) in 1st reading.
The Ukrainian parliament supported a bill on establishing the institution of a military ombudsman in the first reading on June 3, lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak said.
Ukraine first unveiled plans to establish the office in April 2024 to ensure soldiers had a mechanism to report violations of their rights.

⚡️Trump official who shut down counter-disinformation agency has Kremlin (https://kyivindependent.com/trump-official-who-shut-down-counter-disinformation-bureau-has-links-to-russia-telegraph-reports/) ties, Telegraph reports.
A Trump State Department official who shut down a U.S. counter-disinformation office has Kremlin ties, the Telegraph reported on June 3. The official, Darren Beattie, is married to the niece of a former Russian official linked to Putin and has echoed pro-Kremlin narratives.

⚡️ 'There is nothing secret left' — Ukraine hacks (kyivindependent.com/there-is-nothing-secret-left-ukraine-hacks-russias-tupolev-aircraft-manufacturer-source-claims/) Russia's Tupolev aircraft manufacturer, source claims.
HUR's cyber corps accessed over 4.4 gigabytes (GB) of internal data, including official correspondence, personnel files, home addresses, resumes, purchase records, and closed meeting minutes, a source claimed.

⚡️Record number of Russians support (https://kyivindependent.com/record-number-of-russians-support-peace-talks-end-war-in-ukraine-since-february-2022-poll-shows/) peace talks, end of war in Ukraine, poll shows.
Some 64% of the respondents favored peace talks, representing a 6% increase since March.

⚡️ In second fire (kyivindependent.com/fire-erupts-at-russian-military-engine-plant-hit-by-us-sanctions/) at Russian engine plant in 2 days, fire engulfs US-sanctioned Yaroslavl facility.
The U.S. Treasury Department cited the facility's role in supplying engines for military equipment used in Russia's war against Ukraine.

⚡️Orban vows to 'do everything' to prevent Ukraine (kyivindependent.com/orban-vows-to-do-everything-to-prevent-ukraine-from-joining-eu/) from joining EU.

⚡️ 'Rare moment of honesty' — US Senator Graham says Medvedev's comments (kyivindependent.com/rare-moment-of-honesty-graham-on-medvedev-saying-russia-seeks-victory-not-compromise-in-ukraine-peace-talks/) show Russia not 'interested in peace.'
Russian ex-President Dmitry Medvedev's statement that Russia seeks only a "swift victory" and the "complete destruction" of the Ukrainian government at the Istanbul peace talks is a "rare moment of honesty," U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said on June 3.

⚡️Russia may have recruited (kyivindependent.com/russia-may-have-recruited-starmer-arson-suspect-via-telegram-schemes-reports/) suspect behind Starmer arson via Telegram app, media reports.
Ukrainian citizen Roman Lavrynovych, suspected of setting fire to property linked to U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, may have been recruited by Russia via the Telegram messaging app, RFE/RL's Schemes Investigative project reported on June 3.

⚡️ Ukraine's Operation Spiderweb ranks with 'raid on Bin Laden,' US Senator Blumenthal (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-operation-spiderweb-ranks-with-raid-on-bin-laden-us-senator-blumenthal-says/) says.

⚡️Update: Russian strike on downtown Sumy kills (kyivindependent.com/russia-attacks-sumy/) at least 4, injures 28, authorities say.
The death toll rose to four after a 43-year-old man who was in a serious condition died in the hospital. His seven-year-old daughter was also severely injured in the Russian attack.

⚡️ 7 killed, 52 injured in Russian attacks (kyivindependent.com/attacks-155/) on Ukraine over past day.
Ukrainian air defenses shot down 36 out of the 95 Shahed-type attack drones and decoys launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force said.
Twenty-five drones disappeared from radars or were neutralized by electronic warfare systems, according to the statement.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦
‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE & RUSSIA — JUN 4, 2025
■ Combat engagements slightly above average, 1k+ casualties
■ Heavy artillery & drone losses reported
■ "Operation Spiderweb": 41 planes now confirmed hit — updated tally
■ Strike ratio remains in the single digits

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

The Crimean Bridge has been hit for the third time — this time underwater.
According to reports, the operation took several months. SBU agents managed to mine the supports of the illegally constructed bridge. At 4:44 a.m. today, the first explosive device was activated — without any civilian casualties.
https://t.me/United24media/32171

Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a new round of talks, expected to take place in Türkiye, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said in a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Anadolu Agency reports.
Commenting on the recent talks in Istanbul, Fidan noted:
“There were no overly heated discussions, no insults or accusations. Each side already understands the position it wants to promote in this war. These were good talks.”

North Korean 60-mm mortars have been spotted in Russian service for the first time.

In Germany, a network of cybercriminals from Russia has been exposed, — reports Deutsche Welle.
At the end of May, law enforcement agencies from Germany, the Netherlands, France, Denmark, the UK, Canada, and the US, together with Europol, carried out Operation Endgame. On June 3, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt and the head of the Federal Criminal Police Office, Holger Münch, presented the results.
According to Münch, Germany is increasingly targeted by hacker groups he described as “pro-Russian.” Dobrindt linked their activity to Berlin’s support for Kyiv in the war with Moscow.
During the operation, 300 servers were shut down — 50 of them in Germany. Authorities confiscated €3.5 million worth of cryptocurrency. The identities of 37 criminals were established, and international arrest warrants were issued for 20 of them. However, all are located in Russia and cannot be detained.
The operation eliminated the infrastructure of botnets and malware such as DanaBot, Bumblebee, Latrodectus, Qakbot, HijackLoader, Warmcookie, and Trickbot.

US officials are "disappointed but not surprised" by the ultimatums Russia issued to Ukraine during the Istanbul talks on Monday, ABC News reports, citing sources.
According to them, the demands included conditions that are unacceptable to both Kyiv and Washington. Officials described them as Moscow’s attempt to delay real negotiations.

❗️Andriy Yermak met in the United States with US Special Representative for the Middle East Steve Witkoff to discuss the negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Istanbul. He described the Russian position as unconstructive.

Met with IAEA Director Rafael Grossi — his 12th visit to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale war, — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“We discussed the key issue — the safety of all nuclear facilities in Ukraine.
Russia’s attempts to restart the Zaporizhzhia NPP without Ukraine are absurd and dangerous. That’s why the IAEA must remain at the station, without artificial barriers to its work or personnel rotation. I thank the experts working there who show the world the real situation.
We also discussed the development of Ukraine’s energy sector: completion of the Khmelnytskyi NPP, expansion of uranium mining, and restoration of the damaged Chornobyl sarcophagus.
I thank Rafael Grossi for his support and willingness to assist.”

Gazprom has quietly abandoned its gas hub project in Türkiye, deeming it economically unviable — Bloomberg reports.
The project faced major obstacles, including Türkiye’s limited export capacity to Southern Europe and Ankara’s unwillingness to let Gazprom sell gas jointly, which would have reduced Russia’s influence over the hub.
Despite Putin’s backing and Türkiye’s interest in becoming a regional gas trading center, the project never took off.
The idea was seen as a potential route for Russia to regain access to European markets, especially after the Nord Stream shutdown and the end of gas transit through Ukraine.
The project's collapse closes off another channel for Gazprom to resume gas exports to Europe — a market that once generated around $8 billion per month for Russia — amid ongoing EU sanctions and an import ban until 2027.

Polish President-elect Karol Nawrocki to President Zelenskyy:
“Poland has been and remains one of the most consistent supporters of Ukraine in countering Russian aggression. No other country understands this threat more deeply than we do.
I look forward to continuing our cooperation to address unresolved historical issues and to build a secure future together.”

Last night, 12 drones attacked a bioethanol plant near Sumy, — reported the Regional Military Administration.
Several tanks were damaged, molasses spilled, and the plant premises sustained destruction. In addition, about 10 private houses were also damaged in the attack.

These children were killed by Russia and its war. Boys and girls whose lives were cut short by Russian strikes, shelling, and hostilities — a war Ukraine never wanted for even a moment, but has been forced to defend against for years, — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated. https://t.me/United24media/32194

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

As Ukraine-Russia peace talks stall, Ukrainian and US officials discuss military aid and sanctions on Moscow. (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/53903)

Duda plans to speak with newly elected Polish President Karol Nawrocki about his opposition to Ukraine’s accession to NATO and the EU — LRT

This is how Ukraine’s Operation “Spiderweb” to strike Russia’s strategic aviation (www.kyivpost.com/post/53749) began.
Kyiv Post sources in the SBU provided exclusive footage showing the early stages of the special operation — in the video, a truck loaded with modular cabins sets off on its mission. https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/29961 https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/29962

Russian authorities have launched a manhunt for the Ukrainian thought to have recruited the drivers to deliver the June 1 Spiderweb drones (www.kyivpost.com/post/53935) – but it’s likely the “bird has flown”.

Ukrainian forces have uncovered and eliminated Russian drone launching points (www.kyivpost.com/post/53879) hidden in the roofs of civilian buildings – what Kyiv calls a “new trick” to try to evade detection.

Chinese satellite images reveal damaged Russian aircraft (www.kyivpost.com/post/53895) following Ukraine’s “Spiderweb” operation carried out by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU).

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Military losses in the war in Ukraine have reached 1.4 million people, according to estimates by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
CSIS reports that nearly one million Russian troops have been killed or wounded in the war against Ukraine. Ukrainian military losses are estimated at approximately 400,000. However, these figures are extremely difficult to verify due to the lack of up-to-date official data, so the CSIS report relies on estimates from the U.S. and U.K. governments and other sources.
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, the Russian army has lost nearly 250,000 soldiers killed in action. At the same time, CSIS estimates the number of Ukrainian soldiers killed to be between 60,000 and 100,000.
Roughly 250,000 Ukrainian soldiers are currently facing over 400,000 Russian troops along the front line, according to CSIS. Analysts suggest that for Russia to win in the near term, the U.S. would have to cut off support to Ukraine. For now, both sides may be heading into years of grinding attritional warfare.

NATO is urging member states to increase their ground-based air defense systems fivefold due to the growing threat from Russia, Bloomberg reports.
This is a collective goal for European NATO members and is considered a critical need. However, the specific targets for each country will vary, and timelines for implementation are yet to be defined.
The issue is expected to be discussed during the meeting of NATO defense ministers on June 5 in Brussels.

🇨🇭 Switzerland has joined the EU’s 17th package of sanctions against Russia.
The measures target 17 individuals and 58 entities linked to Russia, mirroring the latest EU sanctions. Additionally, 189 vessels tied to Russia’s shadow fleet have been blacklisted.
▪️On May 20, the European Union adopted its 17th sanctions package against Russia, aiming to cut off access to military technologies, reduce revenues from energy exports, and target the shadow fleet of oil tankers.

🇺🇸 Trump was not informed about Operation “Spiderweb,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Yesterday's figures again. Just because the aircraft section looks good, even if not all are fully destroyed.

The WSJ has a fascinating look "behind the scenes" on how Ukraine organized and conducted operation spider web.

Inside the Ukrainian Drone Operation That Devastated Russia’s Bomber Fleet - WSJ analysis reveals how Ukraine used homegrown tech and old-school spycraft in the attack

They hired Russian truck drivers to deliver the drones without telling them about the cargo, which is operational genius.

Thanks for the article..

Wish we could see the "big reveal" that one assumes the FPV operators got very shortly before the event..

I"d like to image it was something.like the briefing room scenes in the Dam Busters or Twelve O'Clock high..."ladies and gentlemen your target for today is......." ..breathless hush as the curtains hiding the charts are pulled back..

Sadly though these days I suppose it's just as possible it was all done over heavily encryoted zoom or similar..

I"d like to image it was something.like the briefing room scenes in the Dam Busters or Twelve O'Clock high...

I'm sure Netflix or someone will commission a docudrama about it in the next year or two. It'll be a corker, I'm sure.

Those fine warrior journalists at TWZ have purchased SAR (synthetic appature radar) satellite images of the Belaya Russian airbase and published them, along with some additional damage assessment information. SAR sees through cloud cover but doesn't provide quite the same resolution as standard images.

Latest On Russian Aircraft Loss Assessments From Ukrainian Drone Strikes - The full extent of Russia's losses of bombers and other prized aircraft to Ukraine's unprecedented covert drone operation is still emerging.

https://bsky.app/profile/atrupar.com/post/3lqsas6tgb22t

Trump says he just spoke with Putin and describes Ukraine's recent drone attack in a way that makes it sound like Russia is a victim

Twat 🍊🤡💩