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6:27 PM

MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak: Developments in Ukraine’s parliament on economic reforms, international obligations — Issue 61

Editor’s note: This is issue 61 of Ukrainian lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak’s weekly “Ukrainian Economy in Brief” newsletter, covering events from June 17–June 23, 2024. The digest highlights steps taken in the Ukrainian parliament related to business, economics, and international financial programs. The Kyiv Independent is republishing with

6:22 PM

Cabinet approves dismissal of Vinnytsia Oblast governor.

Melnychuk did not provide a reason for the dismissal. According to Borzov, he had to resign due to health reasons.

Breaking: International Criminal Court issues arrest warrants for Russia's Shoigu, Gerasimov

2:05 PM

(Updated: June 25, 2024 5:27 pm)

Breaking: International Criminal Court issues arrest warrants for Russia's Shoigu, Gerasimov.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) announced on June 25 that it has issued arrest warrants for ex Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, now secretary of Russia's Security Council, and Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian army, for war crimes against Ukraine. The charges relate to Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, the ICC said.

5:09 PM

Czech PM confirms Ukraine received first batch of shells under Prague-led initiative.

"The first shipment of ammunition from our initiative arrived in Ukraine some time ago. We are doing what it takes," Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on 25 June.

3:51 PM

Russia has blocked more than 80 European media outlets, Foreign Ministry says.

The announcement was in response to a decision by the Council of the EU the previous day that banned access within the bloc to four key Russian state-run or controlled media outlets, Rossiyskaya Gazeta, Voice of Europe, RIA Novosti, and Izvestiya.

3:07 PM

European Court of Human Rights finds Russia guilty of violating human rights in occupied Crimea.

The decision stems from several complaints Ukraine brought to the court in the years following Russia's occupation of Crimea.

2:50 PM

How Ukrainian town scaled up vegetable production, creating jobs for IDPs and locals amid war

Editor’s note: This story was sponsored by U-LEAD (Ukraine – Local Empowerment, Accountability and Development Programme), a partnership of the Ukrainian government and the European Union and its member states Germany, Poland, Denmark, and Slovenia to support the establishment of a multi-level governance that is transparent, accountable and responsive to

1:06 PM

Ukraine's military intelligence says it set fire to ammunition depot in Russia's Voronezh Oblast.

Operatives reportedly set fire to a depot in the oblast's Olkhovatsky district, located some 70 kilometers (43 miles) from the border with Ukraine's Luhansk Oblast. The fire resulted in an explosion, the agency said.

11:50 AM

Controversial lawmaker Tyshchenko charged with illegally detaining ex-soldier.

The charges follow a widely circulated video earlier in June that showed Mykola Tyshchenko and his bodyguards arguing and then fighting with a former soldier, later identified as Dmytro Pavlov, who was walking in the city center of Dnipro with his child.

10:34 AM

Ukraine, Moldova begin EU accession talks in Luxembourg.

"We have surpassed the barrier of promise to delivery," Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna told the Financial Times (FT) ahead of the opening of the negotiations.

9:57 AM

Top Trump advisors prepare plan for US to halt military aid to Ukraine unless it agrees to peace talks.

Retired General Keith Kellogg and Fred Fleitz, who previously served on the National Security Council in the Trump administration, said the proposed ceasefire would freeze the frontlines in their current position.

8:25 AM

General Staff: Russia has lost 536,840 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022.

This number includes 1,180 casualties Russian forces suffered over the past day.

8:15 AM

Denmark to stop training Ukrainian F-16 pilots beyond 2024.

Denmark will stop training Ukrainian F-16 pilots by the end of this year as the country transitions to operating F-35 fighter jets, Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said on June 24.

'Massive' drone attack on Belgorod Oblast damages buildings, gas line, Russian governor claims

7:11 AM

(Updated: June 25, 2024 7:35 am)

'Massive' drone attack on Belgorod Oblast damages buildings, gas line, Russian governor claims.

Drone attacks against the Russian city of Belgorod and settlements in Belgorod Oblast on June 24 damaged multiple buildings, vehicles, and a gas supply line, while injuring three people, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov claimed.

4:27 AM

US will finance printing of 3 million textbooks for Ukrainian students.

The United States, through USAID, will finance the printing of over 3 million textbooks for primary school students in Ukraine, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan announced.

2:28 AM

Zelensky: Ukrainian drones have struck over 30 Russian oil targets.

Ukrainian special operations forces have targeted over 30 Russian oil refineries, terminals, and depots, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated during a military meeting.

1:30 AM

Dagestan official removed after sons suspected of Makhachkala and Derbent Attacks.

Sergei Melikov, head of the Dagestan Republic, announced the dismissal of the Sergokalinsky district's head, Magomed Omarov, after his sons were suspected of participating in yesterday’s terrorist attack in Makhachkala and Derbent.

12:41 AM

Education Ministry changes postgraduate enrolment conditions to fight draft evasion.

The number of state-sponsored (free) spots will be increased from 3,200 to 7,000 for those who are "really motivated to study," Education Minister Oksen Lisovyi said. A postgraduate program on a contract basis (paid) will only be available part-time and will not provide a deferral from military service, the minister added.

Exclusive: Nepali POW questioned by Ukrainian authorities

12:28 AM

Video

Exclusive: Nepali POW questioned by Ukrainian authorities

The Kyiv Independent has obtained footage of Ukrainian authorities questioning a Nepali prisoner of war captured when he was fighting for Russia in Ukraine. The footage was obtained from intelligence sources. The Kyiv Independent edited it for brevity.

12:05 AM

Multi-story building catches fire in Moscow Oblast, at least 8 people dead.

Moscow Oblast Governor Andrey Vorobyov said that the administrative building of the Platan Research Institute, where electronic devices are manufactured, was on fire at around 3:30 p.m. local time.

Ukraine war latest: Russia increases use of chemical weapons on battlefield, Kyiv says

11:54 PM

War update

Ukraine war latest: Russia increases use of chemical weapons on battlefield

Key developments on June 24: * Ukraine reports increase in Russian chemical weapons attacks on battlefield * Zelensky dismisses Lieutenant General accused by soldiers of heavy losses * Russian saboteurs likely behind arson attack on German factory, security officials tell WSJ * EU Council announces 14th round of sanctions against Russia * At least 5

11:17 PM

Ukraine returned only 800 out of about 20,000 children abducted by Russia, minister says.

"We do not know the exact number of children who were taken away. We have managed to establish that it is about 20,000 children, of whom 800 have already been returned," Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said.

10:46 PM

Photos

Ivana Kupala: Ukrainians celebrate midsummer amidst war (Photos)

In stark contrast to the grim reality of air raid sirens and blackouts amid Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukrainians gathered to celebrate one of the most magical and ancient rituals of their ancestors that dates back to pagan times. Ivana Kupala falls on June 24, during the summer solstice, on the

10:32 PM

Zelensky to sign EU-Ukraine security agreement in Brussels this week.

President Volodymyr Zelensky will attend the European Union summit in Brussels on June 27 and sign a security agreement with the EU, Polish media RMF reported, citing an unnamed senior EU diplomat.

Ivana Kupala, Ukraine’s midsummer festival

9:49 PM

Explaining Ukraine

Ivana Kupala, Ukraine’s midsummer festival

As the day begins in late June, people collect flowers and herbs from meadows and riverbanks, fashioning them into wreaths. They craft effigies out of willow and straw of the ancient deities Kupalo and Mara, setting the stage for a nighttime ritual that honors the elemental forces of fire and

8:51 PM

Zelensky dismisses Lieutenant General accused by soldiers of heavy losses.

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on June 24 that he had replaced the Commander of the Joint Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Yurii Sodol, with Brigadier General Andrii Hnatov.

8:08 PM

Work on 15th sanctions package against Russia to 'start immediately,' Finnish FM says.

The EU Council adopted the 14th round of sanctions against Russia on June 24, aimed at tackling the circumvention of existing measures and to further restrict profits from Russia's energy industry.

7:11 PM

Germany supplies Ukraine with over 40 trucks for border guards on front line.

"Germany stands with Ukraine. Forty-one Mercedes Arocs trucks will help State Border Guard Service units provide logistics at the front," German Ambassador to Ukraine Martin Jaeger said.

At least 5 dead, 41 wounded after Russian missile attack on Pokrovsk

2:59 PM

(Updated: June 24, 2024 6:49 pm)

At least 5 dead, 41 wounded after Russian missile attack on Pokrovsk.

At least five people have been killed and 41 wounded after a Russian ballistic missile attack on the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, local authorities said on June 24.

5:05 PM

Ukraine to receive profits from Russia's frozen assets in 2 tranches starting next week, Borrell says.

"We have a process in order to make this work quickly. The first tranche of money will come next week, in July. The second will come some months later," Josep Borrell said during the press briefing in Luxembourg.

3:52 PM

Kyrgyz man sentenced to 5 years in prison for fighting for Russia in Ukraine.

Under Kyrgyz law, participating in conflicts on foreign territory is forbidden.

3:31 PM

Russian guided bomb attack on Kurakhovo in Donetsk Oblast kills man.

A 62-year-old man was killed and another person injured after a Russian guided bomb attack on the town of Kurakhove in Donetsk Oblast, Governor Vadym Filashkin said on June 24.

News Feed

2:25 PM

(Updated: April 27, 2025 4:32 pm)

Ukraine, Europe's ceasefire proposal includes US security guarantees, no recognition of Crimea, Reuters reports.

The document, reprinted in full by the news outlet, contains numerous points that show the diverging viewpoints of the U.S. on one side, and Ukraine and its European allies on the other as they seek to end Russia's full-scale invasion.

4:05 PM

Russian airstrikes on Kostiantynivka kill 3 civilians, injure 4.

Russian forces dropped FAB-250 bombs on a residential area, damaging 21 homes.

3:29 PM

Video

Recognition of Crimea’s annexation and Kursk situation | Ukraine This Week.

In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, the Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur breaks down the late Pope Francis’ complex legacy in Ukraine, marked by a refusal to condemn Russia’s invasion outright amid statements of support for Ukraine’s struggle. Meanwhile, the deadliest attack on Kyiv in months leaves a dozen civilians dead and many more injured, as U.S. leadership reportedly considers recognizing Russia’s illegal occupation of Ukraine’s Crimea.

3:26 PM

'Probably broke all records' — NASAMS downs 11 Russian cruise missiles in less than 2 minutes, Ukraine's Air Force claims.

NASAMS have been in service with Ukrainian forces since November 2022.

2:00 PM

Russian assault groups continue attempts to enter Sumy Oblast, Ukraine's border guard says.

The situation in the Sumy Oblast remains "challenging," State Border Guard spokesperson Andrii Demchenko said.

1:46 PM

Trump has chance to become 'greatest president in US history,’ Ukrainian lawmaker says.

12:40 PM

Trump & Ukraine

Ukraine, Europe's hopes rise for 'just peace' after Trump meets Zelensky at Vatican.

10:09 AM

Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 6, injure at least 29 over past day.

Ukrainian forces downed 57 out of 149 Shahed-type drones and other drones, launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported.

9:43 AM

Religion

From Ukraine envoy to Orban's ally: Who will sit on papal throne

8:44 PM

(Updated: April 27, 2025 9:39 am)

'Ukrainian agent' detained in car bombing of Russian general in Moscow, FSB claims.

Ignat Kuzin was detained for allegedly planting a bomb that killed a senior Russian general, Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) said on April 26, alleging that Kuzin is a Ukrainian agent.

9:10 AM

General Staff: Russia has lost 948,640 troops in Ukraine since Feb 24, 2022.

The number includes 1,030 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.

6:53 AM

Ukrainian partisans sabotage railway in occupied Luhansk Oblast, group claims.

The sabotage operation disrupted Russian supply lines and led to delays in the delivery of equipment and spare parts, the partisan group Atesh claimed on April 27.

5:47 AM

Russia training to integrate motorcycles into summer offensive in Ukraine, ISW says.

Training footage indicates that Russia may be developing "a tactical doctrine for systematic offensive motorcycle usage," the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said on April 26.

3:56 AM

Ukraine still operating in Kursk Oblast, monitoring group says.

Ukrainian troops face a difficult situation in Kursk, but the Kremlin's announcement was "a fake," the monitoring service DeepState reported on April 26.

3:00 AM

Republican senator calls for secondary tariffs on Russian energy buyers.

"As to additional sanctions on Putin's Russia, I have bipartisan legislation with almost 60 cosponsors that would put secondary tariffs on any country that purchases Russian oil, gas, uranium, or other products," U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham said on April 26.

1:57 AM

McDonald's applies to register trademark in Russia.

The company does not plan to re-enter the Russian market, but wants to "prevent third-party businesses" from taking advantage of the brand, McDonald's said in a statement.

1:01 AM

Trump won't abandon Ukraine peace process, Estonian president says.

In a conversation following Pope Francis's funeral, Trump promised to "do everything" to maintain peace negotiations, Estonian President Alar Karis said.

11:39 PM

Zelensky meets Vatican state secretary on sidelines of Pope Francis's funeral.

President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Vatican State Secretary Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Cardinal Matteo Zuppi on the sidelines of Pope Francis's funeral on April 26.

10:25 PM

Zelensky meets von der Leyen following funeral of Pope Francis.

"You can count on our support at the negotiating table to achieve a just and lasting peace," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

3:31 PM

(Updated: April 26, 2025 7:29 pm)

Zelensky meets France's Macron, UK's Starmer, Italy's Meloni on sidelines of Pope Francis's funeral.

The diplomatic meetings come after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met privately with U.S. President Donald Trump at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican earlier on April 26.

9:44 PM

(Updated: April 26, 2025 6:00 pm)

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