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12:54 AM

Russia targets Odesa, Mykolaiv regions with 4 cruise missiles.

Ukraine's Operational Command "South" reports that a Russian submarine launched four missiles from the Black Sea, all of them were intercepted by Ukraine's forces. One was shot down over the sea in Odesa Oblast, while other three were downed in Mykolaiv region.

12:49 AM

Switzerland rejects requests to ship ammo, armored vehicles to Ukraine.

The Swiss government said it had rejected a request by Denmark to supply 22 Piranha III infantry fighting vehicles and a request by Germany to supply 12,400 rounds of ammunition for Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft guns, as well as for Piranha III vehicles. At the same time, Switzerland has allowed Germany to freely dispose of Leopard 2 tanks previously sold back to defense group Rheinmetall. Ukraine has previously urged Germany to supply Leopard tanks. Switzerland has usually banned the export of Swiss-made weapons to conflict zones due to its neutral status.

12:26 AM

Governor: Russian shelling injures three civilians in Donetsk Oblast.

Pavlo Kyrylenko clarified that two civilians were wounded in the city of Soledar on June 3, while another one was injured in the village of Vasylivka.

11:54 PM

Putin proposes exporting Ukrainian grain through Russian-occupied Mariupol and Berdiansk.

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin also said that "the easiest way" to export the grain would be through Belarus, but added that Western sanctions against Belarus should be lifted in order to do that. Meanwhile, evidence has been piling up that Russia is stealing Ukrainian grain from occupied territories.

11:33 PM

Governor: Russians control 50% of Sievierodonetsk after Ukrainian counteroffensive.

Luhansk Oblast Governor Serhiy Haidai said that previously Russian troops had controlled 70% of the city but the Ukrainian army had counterattacked and pushed some of them out. He added that Russian troops are suffering heavy casualties.

11:19 PM

Official: Ukraine may resume talks with Russia after strengthening negotiating position.

David Arakhamia, an MP and the chief Ukrainian negotiator, said that Ukraine will be able to strengthen its position as soon as more weapons promised by Western nations arrive in the country.

11:05 PM

Ukrainian official urges Scholz to deliver heavy weapons quickly.

Ruslan Stefanchuk, the speaker of the Ukrainian parliament, met German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin and urged Germany to supply Marder infantry fighting vehicles and Leopard main battle tanks. Stefanchuk also met German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht and discussed the possible supplies of German submarines to Ukraine. Scholz has been repeatedly criticized for blocking and delaying weapons supplies to Ukraine.

10:27 PM

100 days of Russia’s war: What our staff learned about their country, the world, and themselves.

Editor’s Note: As June 3 marks 100 days of Russia’s all-out war, the Kyiv Independent publishes its staff’s takes on what they have learned or understood over this time. Olga Rudenko, editor-in-chief 100 days. When Russia started its invasion in February, it was impossible to imagine this

9:47 PM

Two Reuters journalists injured, driver killed near Sievierodonetsk.

Reuters reported that photographer Alexander Ermochenko and cameraman Pavel Klimov had sustained minor injuries after the vehicle they were in came under fire while en route to Sievierodonetsk in Luhansk Oblast in a car provided by Russian proxies on a Russian-controlled road. The news agency said it couldn't establish the identity of the driver who had been assigned by the Russian proxies for the reporting trip.

8:56 PM

Ministry: French citizen killed during fighting in Ukraine.

France's Foreign Ministry did not specify any details on why the man was in Ukraine or when and where he was killed.

8:00 PM

General Staff: Russia concentrates up to 20 battalion tactical groups for offensive towards Sloviansk.

Ukraine's General Staff said that Russian troops' recent offensive towards Barvinkove and Lozova in Kharkiv Oblast had been unsuccessful. However, they have had some gains in the city of Sievierodonetsk in Luhansk Oblast, the General Staff added.

6:42 PM

EU approves new sanctions against Russia.

The sanctions target politicians, propagandists, businessmen, and family members of those who had previously been sanctioned, including employees of RIA Novosti and the head of Roskomnadzor. Former gymnast Alina Kabaeva is also included in the list as a person closely associated with Russian President Vladimir Putin. A total of 1,158 people and 98 companies are currently under EU sanctions.

6:10 PM

EU imposes new sanctions on Belarus.

The sanctions target 12 individuals and eight legal entities, including Belaruskali, one of the largest producers of potash fertilizers in the world, the state-owned Belteleradio broadcaster, the Naftan oil refinery, and Belarus's largest tobacco producer.

5:22 PM

Polish PM: 'Ukraine must win this war'.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala and Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki met on June 3 to discuss how to bolster help and support for Ukraine in the face of Russia’s invasion.

5:22 PM

Belarus Weekly: Lukashenko continues to threaten to invade Ukraine, creates southern military command, conducts drills near border.

Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko continues to threaten to invade Ukraine, has created a separate southern military command, is conducting military exercises on the border with Ukraine, and plans to establish a new defensive “people’s militia.” Amendments to Belarus’ criminal code making attempted acts of terrorism punishable by death have

4:56 PM

CIT: General Dvornikov dismissed from leading Russian troops in Ukraine.

According to the Conflict Intelligence Team, Russian General Alexander Dvornikov was replaced by General Gennady Zhidko, former commander of the Eastern Military District and Russia's deputy defense minister for military and political affairs. Ruslan Leviev, a member of the investigative team, said he did not know the reason behind the rotation and could not say if Dvornikov's removal was the result of shortcomings.

4:14 PM

Police: Civilian death toll rises to 1,314 in Kyiv Oblast.

Kyiv Oblast Police Chief Andriy Nebytov said most civilians were killed by small arms.

3:54 PM

National Police fires officers remaining in Russian-occupied territories.

National Police Head Ihor Klymenko said that police officers left in Russian-occupied territories were given time to move to Ukraine-controlled regions of the country. Those who failed to do so are now fired. He added that the police have opened more than 60 cases on police officers suspected of collaborating with Russia.

3:04 PM

Von der Leyen: Ukraine's admission to the EU is the bloc's 'moral duty'.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that Ukraine must meet all the necessary standards and conditions for accession, but called on the EU to help Ukraine achieve its goals. “Supporting Ukraine on its way to the European Union is not a burden, it is our historical responsibility,” she said.

2:48 PM

Kyiv Independent journalist comes second in European Press Prize investigative reporting category.

Anna Myroniuk, Kyiv Independent’s head of investigations, became the runner-up of the European Press Prize Investigative Reporting Award on June 2. Her investigation, in partnership with the OCCRP, into the world’s largest tobacco company, China National Tobacco Corporation, revealed that the company’s European branch had exported at least half a billion cigarettes to Ukraine even though none of its brands are legally sold there.

1:49 PM

Russia has killed 95 civilians in Kyiv, including 4 children, since Feb 24.

According to the Kyiv military administration, Russia has launched tens of missiles at Kyiv, 28 of which have hit the capital. Russia has also damaged 233 residential buildings, 36 private houses, 46 schools, and 29 kindergartens in Kyiv, the authorities reported on June 3.

1:38 PM

Russia fires mortars, artillery at border territory in Chernihiv Oblast.

According to the Ukrainian military, more than 40 explosions were recorded on June 3 near the Kamianska Sloboda village in Chernihiv Oblast. No casualties have been reported.

1:25 PM

Russia has destroyed 24,000 kilometers of roads in Ukraine since Feb 24.

According to Ukraine’s state-owned road construction agency Ukravtodor, Russia has also destroyed 300 bridges in Ukraine since the beginning of its all-out war. Russia has destroyed $100 billion worth of infrastructure in Ukraine as of April 19, according to Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov.

1:14 PM

Reuters: Ukraine’s ambassador accuses Turkey of buying Ukrainian grain stolen by Russia.

According to Reuters, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Turkey Vasyl Bodnar also said on June 3 that he had “sought help from Turkish authorities and Interpol investigating who is involved in the shipments of grains transiting Turkish waters.” Earlier on May 31, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia had stolen half a million tons of Ukrainian grain and was trying to sell it.

12:58 PM

EU imposes partial ban on Russian oil.

The EU's sixth package of sanctions adopted on June 3 includes a partial ban on Russian oil imports with exceptions made for EU countries that “due to their geographic situation, suffer from a specific dependence on Russian supplies.” The sanctions also disconnect three Russian banks and one Belarusian bank from the SWIFT system, ban three Russian state-owned media outlets, introduce new export restrictions, and target more Russian individuals and entities supporting the war in Ukraine.

11:46 AM

SBU exposes 5 supporters of Russian invasion in Odesa Oblast.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported on June 3 that it exposed five people who had been “publicly justifying” Russia's invasion of Ukraine, supporting and glorifying Russian troops on social media, as well as encouraging Ukrainians to cooperate with Russia.

11:14 AM

Bloomberg: Russian default won’t win the war, West should target Russia’s oil and gas.

In its recent editorial, Bloomberg wrote that keeping financial pressure on Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s regime is “justified – but it’s no game-changer.” The U.S. and its allies should keep their focus on Russia’s exports of oil and gas, the country's main economic vulnerability, Bloomberg says. "Embarrassing Putin with a formal debt default would be well and good. But stopping the war demands a renewed commitment to economic isolation."

10:40 AM

General Staff: Russia has lost 30,950 troops in Ukraine since Feb 24.

Ukraine’s General Staff reported on June 3 that Russia had also lost 1,367 tanks, 3,366 armored vehicles, 2,329 vehicles and fuel tanks, 661 artillery pieces, 207 multiple launch rocket systems, 95 air defense systems, 175 helicopters, 210 airplanes, 535 drones, and 13 boats.

10:24 AM

Russian media: Russia begins military drills in the Pacific Ocean.

Russia’s Pacific Fleet has begun military exercises in the Pacific Ocean involving more than 40 of its warships and support vessels, as well as 20 aircraft and helicopters, Russian state-controlled news agency TASS reported on June 3.

10:08 AM

Russia attacks Luhansk Oblast with artillery and air strikes, destroys civilian infrastructure.

Russia’s recent attacks destroyed dozens of buildings in towns across Luhansk Oblast, including the infrastructure and four cars of a fire station in the city of Lysychansk, Luhansk Oblast Governor Serhiy Haidai reported on June 3. According to Oleksandr Zaika, the head of the Lysychansk military administration, 60% of all infrastructure and residential buildings in the city are destroyed.

9:32 AM

UK Defense Ministry: Russia controls 90% of Luhansk Oblast.

According to the recent U.K. intelligence update, Russian forces are achieving tactical success in the Donbas and appear to hold the initiative over the Ukrainian opposition. Russia is likely to reach complete control of Luhansk Oblast in the next two weeks, the ministry said.

5:07 AM

Institute for the Study of War: Russian forces struggle to establish ‘permanent societal control’ in temporarily occupied territories.

The U.S. think tank said on June 2 that Russian forces are “incapable of controlling local populations, enforcing the use of the Russian ruble, or conducting bureaucratic processes.” Russian forced mobilization is also “highly unlikely to generate meaningful combat power,” serving only to aggravate low morale and poor discipline among Russian troops and proxies. The ISW also said that, should Russia capture Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, it is unlikely to have the forces required to capture more of Donetsk Oblast.

News Feed

11:37 AM

F-16 pilot killed during Russia's overnight massive air attack, Air Force says.

Maksym Ustymenko, born in 1993, was killed after shooting down seven aerial targets, the Air Force said in a statement. The Air Force added that his aircraft was damaged while he was trying to shoot down the last one, losing altitude and crashing.

10:14 AM

General Staff: Russia has lost 1,018,940 troops in Ukraine since Feb 24, 2022.

The number includes 1,220 casualties that Russian forces suffered just over the past day.

7:58 AM

Ukraine approves new 'Murakha' ground robot for combat use.

The Murakha ("Ant") is a tracked robotic platform designed to support front-line units working under challenging conditions, the Defense Ministry said.

5:06 AM

(Updated: June 29, 2025 7:20 am)

Russian mass missile attack targets Ukrainian regions far from front lines.

"Despite the complexity of this overnight combined attack, no one was injured and no civilian buildings were damaged in Lviv," Mayor Andrii Sadovyi reported the morning after the strike.

6:09 AM

Russia reviving efforts to expand LNG exports after US sanctions, Bloomberg reports.

An LNG ice-class tanker has reportedly docked at Russia's Arctic LNG 2 facility for the first time since October, according to ship-tracking data and satellite images.

4:15 AM

Serbian police crack down on protestors at mass anti-government rally in Belgrade.

The 100,000-person rally marks the latest mass action in a protest movement that started last fall, with activists calling for an end to corruption and the 12-year rule of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.

3:06 AM

McDonald's to open 10 new restaurants in Ukraine this year, NYT reports.

The 10 new locations will bring the total number close to 120 — more than were operating in Ukraine before the war.

1:29 AM

Pope Leo says Ukraine 'martyred' in Russia's 'senseless war.'

Pope Leo XIV welcomed Ukrainian Greek Catholic pilgrims to the Vatican on June 28 and offered his blessing to mothers of soldiers killed on the front lines.

10:59 PM

Former Kharkiv deputy mayor charged with embezzling funds allocated for defense fortifications.

A former deputy mayor for Kharkiv is facing multiple charges related to creating and leading a scheme that allegedly embezzled 5.4 million hryvnias ($130,000) of budget funds allocated for fortifications, law enforcement agencies announced on June 28.

8:02 PM

(Updated: June 28, 2025 9:46 pm)

Ukrainian drones strike missile, drone arsenal in Russia's Bryansk Oblast.

Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) struck on June 28 the 1060th Material-Technical Support Center in the city of Bryansk, Ukraine's General Staff said. The facilities store a Russian missile and drone arsenal, Ukrainska Pravda reported, citing a source in HUR.

9:28 PM

Ukraine's parliament working on bill to organize post-war elections, speaker says.

The reason for separate legislation on a post-war election, Stefanchuk said, was due to the fact that Ukraine's Constitution does not not provide clarity on the details of holding elections following the end of a martial law period.

6:59 PM

Slovak PM sees 'no reason' to meet with Zelensky, claims Ukrainian president 'hates' him, after reportedly blocking Russian sanctions.

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said on June 28 that he does not intend to meet directly with President Volodymyr Zelensky, claiming that the Ukrainian president "hates" him, as relations between the two countries continue to sour.

5:45 PM

Germany reportedly scrambles fighter jets to intercept Russian spy plane over Baltic Sea.

The incident adds to a series of aerial provocations reported by NATO allies since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 as Moscow is suspected of using the aircraft to spy on the alliance's positions.

11:06 AM

(Updated: June 28, 2025 4:28 pm)

Poland's Duda arrives in Kyiv to meet with Zelensky.

"Andrzej has been with Ukraine since the first days of the war, always side by side, a reliable ally and a true friend. This is undoubtedly the level of relations we want to preserve and strengthen with Poland," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

3:37 PM

Ukrainian drone strike on Crimea air base destroys 3 Russian helicopters, SBU claims.

The attack destroyed Mi-8, Mi-26 and Mi-28 attack helicopters, and a Pantsyr-S1 self-propelled anti-aircraft missile and gun system, the Security Service of Ukraine told the Kyiv Independent.

3:06 PM

Russia revives obsolete T-62 tanks amid equipment shortages, Ukraine's intel claims.

"The key factors limiting the ability to produce modern armored vehicles in Russia are a lack of industrial capacity and a shortage of imported high-tech components," Ukraine's military intelligence said.

2:29 PM

Ukraine downs new Russian Grom-1 bomb missile near Dnipro city, official says.

To date, neither Russian guided aerial bombs nor the Grom-1 bomb missile had previously reached the city of Dnipro.

12:53 PM

Pro-Ukraine partisans disrupt Russian military logistics in occupied Donetsk Oblast, group claims.

The Atesh partisan group set fire to a signal cabinet that helps control traffic on a railway line near the Russian-occupied city of Yasynuvata in Donetsk Oblast, a route used for Russia's military logistics, the group claimed on Telegram on June 28.

11:08 AM

Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 10, injure at least 50 over past day.

Ukrainian forces downed 21 out of the 23 drones, including Shahed-type attack drones and decoys, launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported.

7:58 AM

(Updated: June 28, 2025 9:54 am)

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