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Ukraine Invasion: Part 61

1000 replies

MagicFox · 28/04/2026 15:57

Welcome to thread 61 with many thanks to all So many thanks to all contributors and a special salute to those providing daily updates. For the 61st time, Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

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blueshoes · 25/06/2026 22:03

minsmum · 25/06/2026 20:37

I am still following the threads with gratitude. When I meet with my friends, in the pub every week, Ukraine is still discussed and reading these makes me sound like I am reasonably intelligent

@minsmum you have great friends!

blueshoes · 25/06/2026 22:08

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-june-24-2026/

Key Takeaways

  1. Belarusian signal repeaters along the Belarusian-Ukrainian border reportedly ceased operations as of June 22 following Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelensky’s warning that Belarus must disable the repeaters no later than June 26.
  2. The Kremlin is intensifying pressure on Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to expand Belarusian involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine. Lukashenko continues trying to resist the Kremlin’s demands while maintaining Russia’s approval.
  3. High-ranking Kremlin officials continue to reiterate Russia’s unwillingness to negotiate directly with Ukraine and assert Russia’s commitment to its original maximalist war aims.
  4. Russian authorities are implementing measures to combat intensifying gasoline shortages in Moscow City amid growing domestic gasoline and aviation fuel shortages in Russia.
  5. Russian forces recently marginally advanced in the Oleksandrivka direction.
  6. Ukrainian forces struck Russian gas processing infrastructure in Orenburg Oblast overnight on June 23 to 24. Russian forces launched 101 drones against Ukraine overnight.
blueshoes · 26/06/2026 04:10

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-june-25-2026/

Key Takeaways

  1. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Russia and the United States did not reach any agreement to end Russia’s war in Ukraine during the August 2025 Alaska Summit.
  2. The Russian cognitive warfare narrative aimed at painting the Ukrainian frontlines as collapsing appears to have so far failed to persuade Ukraine’s partners to capitulate to Russia’s demands.
  3. Ukraine’s ongoing strike campaign against Russian refineries is exacerbating broader Russian inflationary pressures and complicating the Kremlin’s efforts to conduct expansionary monetary policy.
  4. The Russian military command likely continues to generate new formations on paper, but it remains unclear how or if Russia will be able to staff these formations to doctrinal endstrength.
  5. French authorities seized a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker on June 25.
  6. Ukrainian forces continued their long-range strike campaign against Russian oil infrastructure within Russia.
  7. Russian forces launched one Iskander-M ballistic missile and 90 drones against Ukraine overnight.
notimagain · 26/06/2026 05:55
  1. The Russian military command likely continues to generate new formations on paper, but it remains unclear how or if Russia will be able to staff these formations to doctrinal endstrength.

Ah, Army Group Steiner wants a word...

PerkingFaintly · 26/06/2026 08:25

notimagain · 26/06/2026 05:55

  1. The Russian military command likely continues to generate new formations on paper, but it remains unclear how or if Russia will be able to staff these formations to doctrinal endstrength.

Ah, Army Group Steiner wants a word...

I had to look that up (as so often).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Army_Detachment_Steiner

Army Detachment Steiner - Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Army_Detachment_Steiner

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 26/06/2026 13:14

Reading up on the WSJ article that @MissConductUS linked, it must be incredibly difficult to defend against such a multitudinous attack of drones in the rear. The sheer amount of air defence needed against that must be incredible.

MissConductUS · 26/06/2026 14:00

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 26/06/2026 13:14

Reading up on the WSJ article that @MissConductUS linked, it must be incredibly difficult to defend against such a multitudinous attack of drones in the rear. The sheer amount of air defence needed against that must be incredible.

It is difficult for them to defend against. Russia's vastness allows it to deal with a land invasion using a strategy called Defense in , but that same vastness makes it hard for it to defend against high-tempo/high-intensity air attacks.

notimagain · 26/06/2026 14:30

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 26/06/2026 13:14

Reading up on the WSJ article that @MissConductUS linked, it must be incredibly difficult to defend against such a multitudinous attack of drones in the rear. The sheer amount of air defence needed against that must be incredible.

The size of the airspace that needs defending is one of the reasons the Soviets/Russians, certainly in the Cold War, tended to like very long range/low agility interceptors for AD such as the Tu-28 Fiddler and then more recently the MiG-31 Foxhound.

It's much easier to shift fighters around quickly to plug gaps/meet mass raids than it is to do the same with land based AD systems such as SAMs.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tupolev_Tu-28

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 26/06/2026 14:43

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

Ukraine turns to strangling Russian logistics in Crimea — and it's working https://kyivindependent.com/how-ukraines-drone-blockade-of-crimea-is-pressuring-russias-hold-on-the-peninsula/

⚡️Former SBU counter-terrorism chief sentenced to life in prison for passing state secrets (https://kyivindependent.com/former-sbu-counter-terrorism-chief-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-for-passing-state-secrets-to-russia/) to Russia.
Colonel Dmytro Koziura was convicted of treason for passing confidential information to Russia's FederalSecurity Service (FSB), including details about critical infrastructure and the consequences of Russian missile strikes on Kyiv.

⚡️ EU to restrict (https://kyivindependent.com/eu-restricts-protections-for-ukrainian-men-on-kyivs-request/) protections for Ukrainian men, says it's at Kyiv's request.
The tightening of eligibility for so-called “temporary protection” is a rising trend across Europe, with Denmark having made the same adjustment the day before, and countries such as Czechia drafting laws on what Ukrainians under temporary protection can do.

⚡️Russia launches fresh ballistic missile attack (https://kyivindependent.com/russia-launches-fresh-ballistic-missile-attack-against-kyiv/) against Kyiv.

⚡️Ukraine's SBU to wage 40-day pressure campaign (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-sbu-to-wage-40-day-pressure-campaign-against-russia-zelensky-says/) against Russia, Zelensky says.
The president said he gave his approval for the SBU to launch "a 40-day influence operation ... against the aggressor state aimed at compelling it to end the war."

⚡️Russia's 4th-largest oil refinery shuts down (https://kyivindependent.com/russias-4th-largest-oil-refinery-shuts-down-after-ukrainian-drone-strike-reuters-reports/) after Ukrainian drone strike.
The Lukoil-Nizhegorodorgsintez refinery in Kstovo, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, is Russia's fourth-largest oil refinery and second-largest producer of gasoline. The facility went offline on June 24 after a drone strike, two industry sources told Reuters.

⚡️Ukraine reportedly launches (https://kyivindependent.com/moscow-june-26/) dozens of drones towards Moscow, local officials claim.
⚡️Chemical plant, energy infrastructure reportedly struck (https://kyivindependent.com/chemical-plant-energy-infrastructure-reportedly-struck-by-ukrainian-drones-in-russias-tula-oblast/) by Ukrainian drones in Russia's Tula Oblast.
⚡️160 Ukrainian POWs released from Russian captivity (https://kyivindependent.com/160-ukrainian-pows-released-from-russian-captivity-in-latest-exchange-zelensky-says/) in latest major exchange.
"We remember everyone who is in captivity," Zelensky said, adding that all those released in the current exchange had been held by Russia since 2022.

⚡️Belarus 'nearing completion (https://kyivindependent.com/belarus-nearing-completion-in-constructing-military-infrastructure-along-ukraines-border-zelensky-says/)' in constructing military infrastructure along Ukraine's border, Zelensky says.
President Volodymyr Zelensky once again warned of Minsk's "potential expansion of aggression" against Ukraine on June 25, reporting that the construction of various military infrastructure along the Belarus-Ukraine border is "nearing completion."

The problem at the top of Ukraine's judiciary (https://kyivindependent.com/explainer-why-is-ukraines-supreme-court-so-controversial-and-can-it-be-reformed/)
Following the 2014 EuroMaidan Revolution, Ukraine's highest court was expected to become a flagship of the country's Western-backed reform agenda. Instead, the Supreme Court has become mired in controversy.
Tainted vetting procedures allowed judges with questionable records to remain on the bench. Corruption scandals have repeatedly engulfed the institution, while the court has consistently blocked efforts to reform the judiciary.

Skelia assault regiment commander suspended from duty amid (https://kyivindependent.com/skelia-assault-regiment-commander-suspended-from-duty-amid-investigation-into-alleged-abuse/) investigation into alleged abuse.
The commander of Ukraine's 425th Separate Assault Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Yurii Harkavyi, has been suspended from duty amid an investigation into alleged violations of soldiers' rights, the unit's press officer told the Kyiv Independent on June 25.

Update: Skelia spox confirms (https://kyivindependent.com/skelia-assault-regiment-commander-suspended-from-duty-amid-investigation-into-alleged-abuse/) noncombat deaths of 25 servicemembers amid investigation.

Ukraine's wartime action thriller 'Killhouse' reaches global audience on Netflix (https://kyivindependent.com/killhouse-takes-wartime-cinema-to-new-level/)
Few scenes hit as hard in "Killhouse" as when Ukrainian soldiers decide to launch a high-risk mission to rescue a near-death civilian from the gray zone, a territory sandwiched between Ukrainian and Russian lines.

⚡️ Russian attacks kill 4, injure 38 (https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-kill-4-injure-38-across-ukraine-over-past-day-as-romania-scrambles-helicopter-amid-attack-near-border/) across Ukraine over past day, Romania scrambles helicopter amid attack near border.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 4h
⚡️ RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE — JUN 26, 2026
■ Engagements and casualties above the 7-day average; 🇷🇺 gains of 54 km²
■ 10th highest losses of unarmored vehicles (including fuel trucks); drone losses below average
■ 🇷🇺 overnight attacks: drone attacks above average with a decent interception rate; 3 of 7 Iskander-M missiles shot down
■ 🇷🇺 strikes and drone launches above average; 14 🇺🇦 strikes reported and 300 drones launched into 🇷🇺 (as of 11 PM last night); 30-day strike ratio remains in the single digits

Ukraine Invasion: Part 61
ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 26/06/2026 14:49

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

❗️In May, the Defense Forces liberated twice as much territory as Russian forces managed to occupy, Deputy Defense Minister Serhii Boiev said.
Boiev noted that a “window of opportunity” has emerged on the front line that could help accelerate the end of the war, provided Ukraine receives adequate support from its Western partners.

❗️ Along Ukraine’s state border with Belarus, the construction of road infrastructure and ammunition and fuel storage facilities is being completed, which have no purpose other than military use, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, citing data from the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine.
“These are the border areas of Kobryn–Kovel, Ivanovo–Manevychi, Lunynets–Sarny, Rechytsa–Korosten and Gomel–Chernihiv.
We know that in Russian documents this is described precisely in the context of the tasks of the so-called ‘SVO’.
Belarus has received the necessary signals from Ukraine regarding such activities, as well as all other forms of its collaboration with Russia in the interests of prolonging and expanding the war.

🔥 Britain wants to sell seized Russian oil and send the proceeds to Ukraine, according to The Telegraph.
The publication reports that London is considering selling 100,000 tons of Russian oil from the shadow fleet tanker Smyrtos, which British Marines detained in the English Channel on June 14.
The cargo is valued at approximately £35 million. The funds could be transferred directly to Ukraine or used to purchase equipment for the front.

On June 25, the Council of the European Union extended the EU restrictive measures in connection with the ongoing actions of the Russian Federation aimed at destabilizing the situation in Ukraine for another 12 months — until July 31, 2027.

❗️The Kremlin is discussing a new mobilization due to a shortage of contract soldiers, according to Russian media outlets Meduza, Verstka, and Vazhnye Istorii, citing sources close to the Putin administration.
According to one source, preparations for what “will never be called a mobilization” have been underway for several months, although no final decision has yet been made.
According to estimates by the German Foundation for Science and Politics, the number of new contracts signed with the Russian army fell to approximately 800 per day in the first quarter of 2026 — the lowest level in three years.
Meduza reports that military enlistment offices are increasingly involving the police and offering suspects and convicted individuals contracts in exchange for release from punishment.
In some cities, including Penza, military enlistment offices and security forces are conducting raids.
At the same time, the Kremlin fears a repeat of the situation in the fall of 2022, when the so-called partial mobilization of 300,000 people led to a significant increase in public discontent.

The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine has obtained materials indicating the virtually daily deepening of the crisis with fuel, military logistics, and management in Crimea. The Russian occupation administration recognizes the impossibility of solving the problems created by sanctions against the occupier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
“We also received internal Russian documentation on assessing the mood of the citizens of the aggressor state.
Currently, the level of anxiety of Russians is already higher than during our Kursk operation, namely more than 50%. Already 66% of Russians consider their financial situation difficult.
More than 80% of Russians consider a large-scale economic crisis in Russia inevitable.

Lithuania to provide €4 million to strengthen the energy independence of Ukrainian schools and hospitals, Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal says.

❗️In 2027, the Conference on the Restoration of Ukraine will be hosted by Tallinn, the Prime Minister of Estonia said.

The conservation work on the Assumption Cathedral, which was most damaged by Russian drones, has already been completed. The roof of the cathedral is covered so that the building’s condition does not deteriorate due to weather conditions. Preparations are underway to restore the cathedral, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said after a meeting with Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko.

❤️ The 76th prisoner exchange took place today.
Among those released are 115 defenders of Mariupol. 58 officers managed to return home. The youngest released defender is 26 years old, the oldest is 66.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 61
Ukraine Invasion: Part 61
Ukraine Invasion: Part 61
ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 26/06/2026 14:54

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said allies will announce tens of billions in defense contracts at the July 7–8 Ankara summit, alongside renewed support for Ukraine.

French President Macron said the US has, for the first time, backed language declaring it is no longer a neutral mediator in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Macron said Washington now supports Ukraine’s territorial integrity, continued military and energy assistance, and sanctions against Russia. https://www.kyivpost.com/post/78992

Russia came under one of the largest drone attacks of the war overnight, with strikes targeting Moscow, occupied Crimea, and key military-industrial sites.
Explosions were reported near the Azot chemical plant in the Tula region, as Russian officials claimed air defenses intercepted 660 Ukrainian drones.

Ukraine struck Russia’s Azot chemical plant in Novomoskovsk overnight, one of the country’s largest chemical facilities.

The European Commission is considering giving EU candidate countries early access to funding and parts of the single market before full membership.
Ukraine has welcomed faster integration but warned that “membership-lite” must not become a substitute for full EU accession.

Three more senior Polish politicians have announced they will return their Ukrainian state awards.
Former Sejm Speaker Marek Kuchciński, ex-Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak, and former Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau said the move honors the victims of the Volhynia tragedy, supports President Karol Nawrocki, and protests the actions of Ukraine’s political leadership.

[this morning] Right now, drones are reportedly attacking the Kerch Bridge, while a record 2,800 vehicles are stuck in traffic waiting to cross.

The number of people injured in Russia’s ballistic missile strike on Zaporizhzhia has risen to 14, including one child, local authorities said.

NATO 3.0 Takes Shape With Ukraine on Agenda

Rutte says NATO will announce billions in defense contracts in Ankara, where allies are expected to pledge support for Ukraine and define a tougher new era.

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/78998

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 26/06/2026 14:56

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

There were no agreements between Russia and the US in Alaska, said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
He emphasized that during the meeting between Putin and US President Donald Trump, the sides presented proposals but reached no agreements — "otherwise the war would have ended by now."

❗️A state of emergency has been declared in occupied Crimea.
The head of the occupation administration of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov, stated that the decision was made "to streamline economic issues" and ensure "the stable functioning of all life-support systems for the population."

The Czech Republic has delivered 10 new ALTO NG training aircraft to Ukraine.
Ukrainian military personnel will use them to practice basic and advanced piloting, navigation, and takeoff and landing procedures according to NATO standards.
Five aircraft were provided by the Czech government, while the other five were funded by volunteers of the charitable foundation Dárek pro Putina ("Gift for Putin").

Overnight, the Russians launched 7 ballistic missiles and 189 drones at Ukraine.
Air defense neutralized three Iskander-M missiles targeting the Kyiv and Poltava regions, as well as 174 UAVs. The rest struck 12 locations.
🔴Late yesterday evening, warehouse facilities caught fire following a strike in Kyiv's Darnytskyi district; two people were injured.
🔴In the Poltava region, industrial facilities were hit, and the Kremenchuk district was temporarily left without power.
🔴Several settlements in the Odesa region were also left without electricity. The enemy struck energy infrastructure and residential buildings — one person was injured.
🔴Overnight, the Russians also struck Zaporizhzhia — three people were wounded — and the Dnipropetrovsk region, where one casualty is reported.
🔴In Sumy, Russian drones hit a 9-story building and a parking lot. No casualties were reported.

DesdamonasHandkerchief · 26/06/2026 15:12

Apologies if it came across as though I was criticising anyone for not posting that wasn’t my intention. I’m just heartened that lots of people lurk on the threads and stay up to date with what’s happening in Ukraine, particularly as the media turn to other subjects.
@minsmum I’m delighted people in the pub near you still talk about Ukraine, I feel like people I know have lost interest in the war, I think they think I’m a bit odd for staying up to date with the details!

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 26/06/2026 15:13

What a betrayal by the head of the counterterrorism department.

StrawPerson58 · 26/06/2026 17:20

Hi
I am long term Lurker. I read this update every date, I find it the most excellent source of information. My profound thanks to all who contribute to it.
Slava Ukraini

persister · 26/06/2026 18:08

I've also been lurking since the very first thread and read every update, every day.
I'm profoundly grateful to all who post insights and news on these threads and the only reason I don't post is because I don't have insights to offer. But I share information from these threads with people around me to remind them that Ukraine is still fighting and still needs our support, so thank you all.

PerkingFaintly · 26/06/2026 18:21

Brew to everyone on these threads: stalwart rounders-up, people with specialist knowledge, regulars, lurkers, and occasional dippers in.

Or make it something cooler today, it you prefer!

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 26/06/2026 22:21

Thank you so much for posting, lurkers. It does take time out of the day and sometimes it's a bit of of an effort, so it's really lovely to know that as well as the regulars who post others are reading it.

MissConductUS · 26/06/2026 23:09

Lurkers, I 🫡 you.

It’s good to know that people who don’t post regularly find the thread useful and important.

Llttledrummergirl · 26/06/2026 23:45

@ReleaseTheDucksOfWar , when I do the round ups for you, I usually put an hour aside. For you, @blueshoes, @DesdamonasHandkerchief and anyone else who updates, I really appreciate the dedication and commitment.

My contributions are mainly swearing and the occasional update, so I am eternally grateful to the intelligent, educated posters who can provide information and keep me updated.

A massive thank you from me as always.Flowers

Positivethought · 27/06/2026 00:33

I echo all the above which shows that all regular contributors are not ‘speaking’ to an empty room. Your informed comments are really valued and shared well beyond this forum and have educated us lurkers, our families and friends. Thanks to you all 💐🍻

Mb76 · 27/06/2026 10:04

Big thank you to all the posters and lurkers from me too! 💙💛

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 27/06/2026 10:36

My contributions are mainly swearing and the occasional update A perfect contribution! :D

Anyone seen this article about Westerners moving to Russia? https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn075j04pnyo

Anyone who moves to a country will discover the downsides as well as the up after a while, mind you.

Person in the foreground wearing a grey beanie hat, glasses, a dark coat and a backpack, with snow on clothing and shoulders. Snow-covered cobbled square surrounds the scene. In the background, St Basil’s Cathedral with colourful onion domes stands to...

The people leaving the West behind in search of the Russian dream

The BBC asks Westerners who moved to Russia if life there lives up to expectations.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn075j04pnyo

Sandunesandseashells · 27/06/2026 10:39

Another lurker who hardly posts because regulars reliably get the information on here first - thank you all. I still read everyday, hoping for positive news and I’m still holding out for that coffee/cocktail meet up someday🍹🍸☕when it’s time for celebration.
When I read facts such as Russia has now been in this war longer than they were in the 2nd world war it’s astonishing and I’m equally perplexed as to how Putin is still alive. A single long range drone straight onto his coastal summer residence would be satisfying, whether or not he was there at the time.

BellaPommefritio · 27/06/2026 14:00

Echoing thanks from other lurkers, have been here since day one, trying to make sense of strategic stuff and casualty figures etc- so grateful for all the round-ups, and the insight of posters from military backgrounds.

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