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NATO allies set new 5% defense spending target, reaffirm support for Ukraine, but fail to condemn Russia

3:33 PM

(Updated: June 25, 2025 4:28 pm)

NATO allies set new 5% defense spending target, reaffirm support for Ukraine, but fail to condemn Russia.

The leaders also reaffirmed support for Ukraine, stating that direct contributions to Ukraine's defense and industrial capacity will be counted toward the 5% total.

4:08 PM

Donetsk Oblast city ‘on brink of humanitarian catastrophe,’ governor says as drones cripple infrastructure.

"The Russians are trying to fully control all movement in the city using their drones," a military spokesperson told the Kyiv Independent.

3:03 PM

Ukrainian ‘traitor’ behind Russian missile guidance system charged with treason, SBU says.

Oleg Borsuk, a 61-year-old Ukrainian national, allegedly oversaw the development and modernization of satellite guidance systems (GPS/GLONASS) used in Russian missiles.

2:03 PM

UK to buy Ukraine weapons with frozen Russian asset proceeds.

The move represents the U.K.'s first direct use of Russia-linked funds to buy weaponry for Kyiv.

1:52 PM

Trump says Zelensky is a 'nice guy,' will discuss 'his difficulties' during meeting at NATO summit.

"Obviously we'll be discussing his difficulties, he's got a little difficulty," U.S. President Donald Trump said.

12:27 PM

Reforms

With Trump disengaged and EU complacent, Ukrainian reforms lose momentum

Russia's all-out war has accelerated Ukraine's push to join the European Union and NATO, as well as its dependence on Western loans and aid. Before, these things would have been heavily preconditioned on Ukraine implementing crucial reforms. However, the war has also eased the pressure on Kyiv to carry out

12:17 PM

'Crushing' Russia with sanctions would jeopardize Ukraine peace talks, Rubio says.

"If we did what everybody here wants us to do, and that is come in and crush them with more sanctions, we probably lose our ability to talk to them about the ceasefire and then who's talking to them?" U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.

11:38 AM

US citizen wanted for child sex crimes arrested in Ukraine after 30 years on the run.

According to U.S. law enforcement, the suspect worked as the director of a preschool in Pima County, Arizona, and committed a series of sexual offenses against four children aged 4 to 9 between 1984 and 1991.

10:54 AM

At least 23 killed, more than 300 injured in Russian drone and missile attacks across Ukraine over past day.

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russian forces launched 71 Shahed-type attack drones and decoys from multiple directions, including Bryansk, Millerovo, Kursk, and occupied Crimea. Ukraine's air defenses destroyed 52 of them.

10:04 AM

'Something unknown' hits key Russian drone facility in Taganrog, Ukrainian official says.

"Something unknown flew into the Atlant-Aero plant in Taganrog," Andrii Kovalenko, head of the counter-disinformation center, said. "This is an important node in the Russian military-industrial complex, specializing in components for combat drones and control systems."

9:01 AM

'Treasonous' — Trump, Witkoff slam intel leak undermining US strikes on Iran, insist nuclear targets 'obliterated'.

"It goes without saying that leaking that type of information, whatever the information, whatever side it comes out on, is outrageous. It's treasonous," U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said during an appearance on Fox News.

7:05 AM

'You can count on us' — EU reiterates support for Ukraine at NATO summit.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the EU's ongoing support for Ukraine at a NATO summit in The Hague.

4:25 AM

Lithuania signs memorandum with Northrop Grumman, Nammo amid Russian threat to regional security.

Lithuania has signed a memorandum with American defense firm Northrop Grumman and Norwegian Nammo to secure the production of ammunition amid Russia's war against Ukraine, the Lithuanian Defense Ministry announced.

3:22 AM

Italy commits $1.6 million to boost Ukraine’s battle against landmines.

Ukraine has reduced its mined territory by over 20% since late 2022, but around 137,000 square kilometers (52,900 square miles) — much of it farmland — remain hazardous, according to the State Emergency Service.

2:57 AM

Russia has launched over 28,000 Shahed drones at Ukraine since 2022, with nearly 10% fired in June alone, Zelensky says.

Speaking on June 24, Volodymyr Zelensky stressed that Russia would never have been able to carry out such drone attacks without support from Iran, and Ukraine, in turn, could not have intercepted most of the drones without the help of its international partners.

1:15 AM

Strikes didn’t destroy Iran’s nuclear sites, US intel finds, contradicting Trump, CNN reports.

The U.S. intelligence assessment, based on a battle damage report from Central Command, contradicts public statements by President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who claimed the operation had "obliterated" Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

12:09 AM

Trump casts doubt on NATO defense pledge as alliance confronts Russian threat.

Although Article 5 is central to NATO’s security framework, U.S. President Donald Trump has previously expressed skepticism about honoring it, often criticizing member states for not contributing enough to shared defense efforts.

10:33 PM

Kyiv, Copenhagen aim to launch Ukrainian defense production in Denmark.

Denmark has already allocated $47 million for the project, and Ukraine's partners will provide further funding for production.

Ukraine war latest: Russian attack on Dnipro kills at least 17, injures almost 280

10:08 PM

War update

Ukraine war latest: One of Russia's deadliest attacks against Dnipro kills at least 17, injures almost 280

Key developments on June 24: * 'Dead and wounded everywhere' — Russian attack on Dnipro kills at least 17, injures almost 280 * Council of Europe, Ukraine to sign accord on June 25 to set up Russian aggression tribunal * Ukraine can produce 8 million drones annually but needs funding, Zelensky says at NATO

9:44 PM

Ukraine evacuates 31 citizens, including 14 children, from Iran.

The evacuation was carried out in transit through Azerbaijan and Moldova to Kyiv, the statement read.

‘Like any technology, it’s a race’ — UK’s largest ammo maker rebooting chemistry to break NATO’s dependence on explosive imports

9:13 PM

War

‘Like any technology, it’s a race’ — UK’s largest ammo maker rebooting chemistry to break NATO’s dependence on explosive imports

Russia’s war in Ukraine has drained Western ammunition stocks. Despite years of claimed weapons ramp-ups, NATO’s arms manufacturing is still not refilling those stocks apace, let alone making it to Ukraine in needed mass. The West has come to recognize that these shortages are due to the offshoring

8:37 PM

Council of Europe, Ukraine to sign accord on June 25 to set up Russian aggression tribunal.

The move marks a milestone in international efforts to hold Russian President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials accountable for launching the full-scale war against Ukraine.

8:16 PM

Business

Amid relentless Russian strikes, Ukraine’s businesses rebuild alone

It took firefighters two days to extinguish the flames at Oleksiy Tarnopolskiy's warehouse in Kyiv after a Russian attack on June 10. Nothing inside could be saved from his tea and coffee business. Tarnopolskiy arrived on site to an "apocalyptic" scene at 5 a.m., one hour after a Russian

More empty threats from Washington, more deadly bombs from Russia

6:52 PM

Opinion

More empty threats from Washington, more deadly bombs from Russia

The ongoing and escalating slaughter of Ukrainian civilians depends on two preconditions: Moscow’s determination to erase Ukraine, and the tacit permission it receives from America and Europe. On Monday, a Russian missile tore through a residential building in Kyiv, leaving at least six civilians dead and over a dozen

Trump to meet Zelensky during NATO summit, White House confirms

1:15 PM

(Updated: June 24, 2025 6:20 pm)

Trump to meet Zelensky during NATO summit, White House confirms.

Upon arrival in The Hague on June 24, Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine's presidential office, said he held a "substantive" discussion with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the upcoming Zelensky-Trump meeting.

6:09 PM

UK to fund joint drone production with Ukraine.

Britain will finance the procurement of Ukrainian-designed drones manufactured in the UK.

Investigation: How Russia prepares its strategic missile plant for ‘eternal war’

5:45 PM

Investigations

Investigation: How Russia prepares its strategic missile plant for ‘eternal war’

Key findings: * Despite international sanctions, Russia's strategic missile plant was able to import complex machinery to dramatically increase missile production. * The Kyiv Independent has identified the equipment supplied to the plant, as well as the supply chains, mostly from China. * We located the plant's new premises, built to house the

5:06 PM

Trump says Putin called him to offer help with Iran.

"He (Vladimir Putin) said, can I help you with Iran? I said, 'no, I don't need help with Iran. I need help with you,'" Donald Trump said.

4:09 PM

Ukraine can produce 8 million drones annually but needs funding, Zelensky says at NATO summit.

President Volodymyr Zelensky urged allies to scale up investments in joint weapons production, including drone technologies, artillery, and interceptors. He argued that Ukraine's defense capabilities are not only key to defending its own territory, but essential to strengthening NATO's long-term security.

3:11 PM

Israel reportedly strikes Iran despite Trump's call for calm after announced ceasefire.

The attack comes less than an hour after Trump told reporters that "Israel needs to calm down" as he criticized both countries for undermining the ceasefire he says he brokered.

2:41 PM

Iran strikes show peace can be achieved through strength, US Ambassador to NATO says.

U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities demonstrated how precision military action can achieve rapid peace, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said.

Israel accuses Iran of violating ceasefire hours after Trump announcement

11:05 AM

(Updated: June 24, 2025 2:41 pm)

Israel accuses Iran of violating ceasefire hours after Trump announcement.

"A short while ago, sirens sounded in northern Israel following the identification of missiles launched from Iran toward the State of Israel," the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement.

News Feed

6:24 AM

UN analysis finds Russia responsible for 2022 Olenivka prison explosion killing Ukrainian POWs, ombudsman says.

"(A)n internal analysis of the UN showed that it was the Russian Federation that planned and carried out the attack," Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said.

5:08 AM

Russian logistics hub burning in occupied Luhansk Oblast amid reported drone attack, explosions.

A Russian logistics hub in occupied Luhansk Oblast is on fire amid a reported drone attack overnight on July 1.

1:28 AM

EU seals new trade deal with Ukraine, key details still pending.

The new deal replaces the autonomous trade measures that allowed Ukrainian agri-food exports to enter the EU tariff-free since 2022.

12:47 AM

'Russia cannot continue to stall for time' while bombing Ukrainian civilians, Kellogg says.

"Peskov’s recent comments on the state of negotiations are Orwellian. Russian claims that it is the US and Ukraine stalling peace talks are unfounded," Special Envoy Keith Kellogg said on June 30.

11:50 PM

Oil tanker damaged by blast weeks after visiting Russian ports, Bloomberg reports.

The blast caused flooding in the Vilamoura’s engine room, though the cause of the explosion remains unclear, according to a company spokesperson.

10:45 PM

Minerals

Loss of Ukraine lithium deposit to Russia won’t impact minerals deal, says investor

10:40 PM

Ukraine gets $1.7 billion loan from Canada backed by Russian assets.

Since the beginning of the year, Ukraine has received about $17.6 billion from Russia's frozen assets.

10:23 PM

Norway to deploy F-35 fighter jets to Poland to protect Ukrainian aid hub.

"We are helping ensure that support to Ukraine reaches its destination, and that Ukraine can continue its fight for freedom," Norwegian Defense Minister Tore Sandvik said.

10:03 PM

War update

Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian forces push Russian army away from Sumy

8:57 PM

Ukrainian forces push Russian army away from Sumy, General Staff says.

Ukrainian troops advanced near the village of Oleksiivka and liberated the village of Andriivka, the statement read.

8:50 PM

Middle East

Russia-Iran alliance wavers as Tehran suffers major blows

8:34 PM

Drones

Smashing previous monthly record, Russia launches 5,337 kamikaze drones against Ukraine during June

1:35 AM

(Updated: June 30, 2025 8:22 pm)

'A brutal strike' — Massive Russian missile and drone attack hits Kyiv, killing 30, injuring 172.

30 people have been killed and 172 others injured after a mass Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv overnight on June 17.

3:11 PM

(Updated: June 30, 2025 7:39 pm)

US lifts Russian sanctions that hindered expansion of Hungarian nuclear power plant.

"Construction of the major pieces of equipment for the Paks nuclear plant is proceeding in Russia and France," Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said, as cited by Bloomberg.

6:54 PM

Ukrainian military again denies reports on Russian troops entering Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

Since June 29, the Ukrainian battlefield monitoring group DeepState has marked a "gray" zone in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, identifying potential fighting in this section of the front line.

10:08 AM

(Updated: June 30, 2025 6:45 pm)

Russia reportedly closes Crimean Bridge amid explosions in Kerch.

Witnesses reported hearing multiple blasts and observing Russian air defense systems in action.

5:26 PM

(Updated: June 30, 2025 6:37 pm)

Azerbaijan detains alleged Russian spies as relations with Moscow nosedive.

The move comes amid a major deterioration in Russian-Azerbaijani relations that followed the detention of over 50 people of Azerbaijani origin as part of a murder investigation in Yekaterinburg on June 27.

5:16 PM

China

China unveils its new 'graphite bomb' — here's how they work.

3:58 PM

The Kyiv Independent launches 'How to help Ukraine' newsletter.

The first edition sent on June 12 raised $16,500 in just four days for the Leleka Foundation, a U.S.-Ukrainian charity that procures medical supplies for those on the front lines.

1:30 PM

Amid Russian economy warnings, Lavrov says NATO's increased defense spending will lead to 'collapse' of alliance.

Two high-ranking Moscow officials recently issued separate warnings about the state of Russia's economy.

11:45 AM

Germany vows to pursue 'every path' to boost Ukraine's air defenses, FM Wadephul says in Kyiv.

Speaking at a press conference during his visit to Kyiv, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Germany is working with its defense industry, European allies, and the United States to urgently secure more systems for Ukraine's air shield.

11:30 AM

At least 6 killed, 26 injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over past day.

According to Ukraine's Air Force, Ukrainian air defense hit 74 out of 107 drones launched overnight by Russia.

11:02 AM

'Russia will hit your other cheek as well' — Ukraine rebukes Slovak FM's call to 'perhaps forgive' Moscow.

"Russia's sense of impunity is the root cause of its crimes," Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote in a post on X. "It's naive to expect a criminal to stop if their crime is forgiven instead of punished. Russia will hit your other cheek as well. And those who have lost no one in this war have no right to make such statements."

9:51 AM

After months of stalling, Russia blames Ukraine, US for slow pace of peace talks.

The Kremlin said the pace of negotiations hinges on Ukraine's position, the effectiveness of U.S. mediation, and battlefield developments.

8:07 AM

General Staff: Russia has lost 1,020,010 troops in Ukraine since Feb 24, 2022.

The number includes 1,070 casualties that Russian forces suffered just over the past day.

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