Rutte to be next NATO chief after Iohannis withdraws from race
Romania was the last of the 32 NATO allies to support Rutte's candidacy, after Hungary and Slovakia endorsed Rutte on June 18.
The Kyiv Independent news desk
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Russian attack on civilian car kills 1 in Kherson Oblast
Over the previous 24 hours, Russian attacks against Ukraine killed 4 people and injured 14, regional authorities said on June 20.
EU passes 14th sanctions package in first major move against Russian gas
"This package provides new targeted measures and maximizes the impact of existing sanctions by closing loopholes," the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council said on social media.
Moscow, Hanoi sign over 10 documents during Putin's Vietnam visit
Moscow and Hanoi adopted a statement on deepening their strategic partnership and signed over 10 documents, including a memorandum on the schedule for establishing a nuclear technology center in Vietnam, Kremlin-controlled state news agencies claimed.
Fire at oil depots in 2 Russian regions after overnight drone attacks
According to Russia's Defense Ministry, Russian air defense shot down overnight on June 20 six drones over the Republic of Adygea, three over Bryansk Oblast, three over Krasnodar Krai, one over Rostov Oblast, one over Belgorod Oblast, and one over Oryol Oblast.
General Staff: Russia has lost 530,920 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022
This number includes 1,170 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day.
Ukraine war latest: Russia intensifies attacks near Toretsk, Donetsk Oblast
Key developments on June 19: * Russia, North Korea sign strategic partnership agreement * Russia has moved almost all ground forces from Finland's vicinity to Ukraine, media report * After a 'long lull,' Ukraine reports intensified Russian attacks near Toretsk in Donetsk Oblast * Denmark announces new aid package for Ukraine focused on
Source: Investigators preparing to charge anti-corruption activist Shabunin
Shabunin, who joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine as a volunteer at the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022 and has served since then, denied the accusations and said the cases were fabricated. He believes the cases to be a political vendetta against him by the President's Office, including President Volodymyr Zelensky's deputy chief of staff Oleh Tatarov.
Reporters Without Borders signal 'shrinking' press freedom in Ukraine
At least five journalists have been under surveillance or threatened because of publications on corruption since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, the statement read.
Russian attack on Kharkiv children's facility injures 1
Moscow has recently intensified attacks against Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, as well as Kharkiv Oblast, with the use of missiles, glide bombs, and drones, destroying energy infrastructure and killing civilians.
EU, Ukraine finalize text of security deal
The EU is expected to join 16 countries, including the U.S., Japan, U.K., Germany, and France, that have signed similar bilateral treaties to help Kyiv repel Russia's aggression.
Investigators uncover alleged scheme to launder $22.5 million bribe for ex-top tax official
An associate of Nasirov and an advisor to the ex-official have been charged in the money laundering case, the NABU reported.
Russian soldiers who executed Ukrainian POWs near Robotyne identified, military intelligence says
A video taken in the second half of May captured Russian troops executing four surrendering Ukrainian soldiers near Robotyne, a front-line village in the southern Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
POW allegedly beheaded by Russian troops identified, Ukraine says
Russia is accused of committing numerous war crimes during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, including the execution of captive Ukrainian soldiers.
French far-right leader Bardella says he backs Ukraine, but rules out sending troops or long-range weapons
"My position has not changed, and that is to support Ukraine by providing defense equipment, ammunition, operational logistical support, and defensive weaponry to enable Ukraine to protect itself to hold the front," National Rally leader Jordan Bardella told reporters at the Eurosatory arms show outside of Paris.
Patriot missiles intended for Switzerland to go to Ukraine, Swiss outlet reports
According to Blick, Bern has an order totalling $340 million with Washington for the PAC-3 variant of the missile.
Russia, North Korea sign strategic partnership agreement
Under the treaty, the two countries pledge to provide aid to one another in case of armed aggression, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
Kyiv-born former US soldier, Trump-whistleblower wins Democratic primary for Congress
Eugene Vindman, who has no previous political experience, delivered a commanding victory over his six Democratic rivals, securing 49.3% of the vote.
Putin, Kim meet for talks in North Korea
Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended a lavish welcome ceremony, replete with a motorcade, horses, and cheering crowds
General Staff: Russia has lost 529,750 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022
This number includes 1,130 casualties Russian forces suffered over the past day.
European human rights court rules against Russian 'undesirable organizations' law
A seven-judge panel ruled unanimously that the law violates the convention's articles regarding freedom of assembly and association and freedom of expression.
Russian occupation of Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant costs Ukraine over $5 billion
Ukraine's nuclear energy agency Energoatom has lost over Hr 210 billion ($5.2 billion) due to Russia's occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Energoatom's acting head Petro Kotin said on June 18.
Media: More than 10,000 Russian soldiers prosecuted for refusing to fight in Ukraine
Using online data from military courts, Mediazona documented 10,025 such cases since September 2022 when the Kremlin announced a first wave of mobilization.
Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian brigade warns of Russian attempt to capture Borova in Kharkiv Oblast
Key developments on June 18: * Ukraine's 3rd Assault Brigade warns of Russian attempt to capture Borova in Kharkiv Oblast * Russian troops beheaded Ukrainian soldier in Donetsk Oblast, Kyiv claims * Putin arrives in North Korea to sign strategic partnership agreement * Media: Italy may send Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine, sources say
Stoltenberg names Rutte a 'very strong candidate' for next NATO Secretary General
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg endorsed Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as his successor for the first time on June 18, describing him as a "very strong candidate."
Putin arrives in North Korea to sign strategic partnership agreement
Russia and North Korea are expected to sign a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, according to Kremlin-controlled news agency TASS.
Russia turns to blackmail, big money in effort to recruit German spies, Berlin officials say
Russia is "working hard" to counter the expulsion of diplomats from Germany by turning to blackmail and the lure of big payouts to recruit spies, Berlin officials said on June 18.
Russian troops beheaded Ukrainian soldier in Donetsk Oblast, Kyiv claims
In a post on social media, Ukraine's Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin said his office has received information that Russian commanders had given orders "not to capture Ukrainian servicemen, but instead to kill them with inhuman cruelty - by beheading."
Rutte endorsed by Orban as next NATO Secretary General after agreeing to Hungary's opt-out of Ukraine support
Hungarian Prime Minister endorsed Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte's bid to be the next Secretary General of NATO, after Rutte said he supported Budapest opting out of NATO initiatives to support Ukraine, Orban announced on June 18.
'Deliberate delays' to F-16 training will mean more jets than pilots, Ukrainian MP says
The U.S. is "deliberately delaying" F-16 training for Ukrainian pilots, resulting in a situation where there will be "fewer trained pilots than fighter jets," Ukrainian MP Oleksandra Ustinova said to the Times in an article published on June 17.
Estonian court finds ex-professor guilty of espionage
Viacheslav Morozov was arrested in January 2024 on suspicion of spying for Russia.
Media: Italy may send Storm Shadow missiles to Ukraine, sources say
"A batch of" Storm Shadow missiles and another SAMP/T air defense system will reportedly be included in the ninth aid package for Ukraine, which Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto will present by the end of June, Italian newspaper Il Fatto Quotidiano reported on June 18, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter.
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