Putin, Trump hold phone call, discuss Ukraine, Middle East conflict
U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call on June 14 in which the two leaders discussed Ukraine and the conflict between Israel and Iran.
United States
US opposes lowering G7 cap on Russian oil, Bloomberg reports
The United States is opposing a push by other G7 members to lower the price cap on Russian oil from $60 to $45 per barrel, ahead of the group’s summit in Canada.
Europe must prepare for US scaling down support for Ukraine, Pistorius says
"Yes, that's right. That would be so and we have to deal with that," German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told journalists in response to a question about a potential U.S. pullback.
US ready to defend itself, Israel if Iran responds to Israeli air strikes, Trump says
U.S. President Donald Trump said on June 13 that he was aware of Israel's plans to conduct strikes on Iran in advance and that Washington is watching for any signs of retaliation by Tehran, Fox News reported.
G7 ready to lower Russian oil price cap without US support, Reuters reports
Most G7 members are prepared to lower the Russian oil price cap from $60 to $45 per barrel even without U.S. support, Reuters reported on June 12.
Ukraine war latest: Ukrainian forces 'gradually pushing back' Russian troops from Sumy Oblast, Zelensky says
Key developments on June 12: * Ukrainian forces 'gradually pushing back' Russian troops from Sumy Oblast, Zelensky says * Germany to supply new Iris-T air defense systems to Ukraine, rules out Taurus missiles * Ukraine, Russia carry out another exchange of POWs under Istanbul deal * 'Juicy target' — Ukraine says it struck Russian electronics
Why can't the West match Russia's ammunition production?
Editor's Note: This article has been updated to reflect new details of BAE Systems' new chemical process that the company confirmed to the Kyiv Independent after initial publication. The West is failing to catch up to Russia's production of the most basic unit of war for the past half-millennium — gunpowder.
US Ambassador to Russia Tracy leaving post, embassy says
The U.S. Embassy said that Ambassador Lynne Tracy is "concluding her mission at the U.S. Embassy in Russia," without providing further details.
NATO expands satellite surveillance to monitor Ukraine, eastern flank
The initiative, named Smart Indication and Warning Broad Area Detection (SINBAD), will allow NATO to scan vast territories with unprecedented frequency, using AI-powered analysis to detect changes and alert allies to potential threats.
Russia 'lying to Trump,' using peace talks to stall US sanctions, Zelensky says
"It's important for them to show (U.S. President Donald) Trump that there is a diplomatic bridge between Ukraine and Russia," President Volodymyr Zelensky told Bild.
With only 2 weeks of funding left, US group tracking Russian abduction of Ukrainian children prepares to shut down
"Right now, we are running on fumes," Nathaniel Raymond, the lab's executive director, told CNN. "As of July 1, we lay off all of our staff across Ukraine and other teams, and our work tracking the kids officially ends."
For first time since invasion of Ukraine, US congratulates Russia on National Day
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated the Russian people on June 12, Russia's National Day, and expressed a desire for "constructive engagement" to bring peace to Ukraine.
Hegseth admits Russia is ‘aggressor,’ but doesn’t say who he wants to win in Ukraine
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on June 11 stood by the administration’s approach, portraying a U.S.-brokered peace deal as a sign of strength and admitting that any agreement would inevitably leave “plenty of people on both sides” dissatisfied.
Ukraine bracing for 'painful' reduction in US military aid after Hegseth announces cuts
Editor's note: For security reasons, the real names of the soldiers mentioned in this story have not been used. A reduction in U.S. military aid to Ukraine would be "painful" and could have potentially "dire consequences" for the global order, Ukrainian lawmakers and soldiers have told the Kyiv Independent.
NATO summit statement omits Ukraine's entry bid, $40 billion pledge, Bloomberg reports
The unusually brief document recognizes Russia as a threat to NATO but not as an aggressor in Ukraine.
Kyiv, not Kiev — Kyiv Independent community helps rename street in Oregon
Photos shared with the Kyiv Independent show the newly installed blue-and-yellow street sign, reflecting both the correct Ukrainian transliteration and the national colors of Ukraine.
Ukrainians among foreign nationals in US targeted for transfer to Guantanamo, WP reports
The detainees reportedly include individuals from countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Ukraine. The move is part of a broader plan to free up capacity at overcrowded domestic facilities.
US-Russia talks to be held in Moscow 'very soon,' Russian ambassador claims
"I can confirm that the next round of negotiations between the delegations will take place very soon in Moscow," Russian Ambassador to the United States Alexander Darchiev said.
US to cut military aid to Ukraine, Hegseth says
The U.S. will reduce funding allocated for military assistance to Ukraine in its upcoming defense budget, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a congressional hearing on June 10.
Israeli Foreign Ministry denies sending Patriot systems to Ukraine amid conflicting claims
The denial contrasts with statements made by Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine Michael Brodsky, who said in a recent interview that Israel had agreed to transfer retired Patriot missile systems — originally supplied by the U.S. in the 1990s — to Ukraine.
US accuses Russian of laundering millions, helping Moscow obtain sensitive technology
U.S. prosecutors have charged cryptocurrency entrepreneur Iurii Gugnin with laundering over $500 million and helping sanctioned Russian entities bypass export controls.
Ukraine war latest: US expects Russia's retaliation for Operation Spiderweb to continue; Ukraine denies Russian troop presence in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast
Key developments on June 7-8: * US expects Russia's retaliation for Operation Spiderweb to continue soon * Ukraine denies Russian troop presence in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast amid offensive, describes situation as 'tense' * Trump administration redirects 20,000 anti-drone missiles meant for Ukraine, Zelensky confirms * Ukraine downs fighter jet in Russia's Kursk Oblast, Air
Trump administration redirects 20,000 anti-drone missiles meant for Ukraine, Zelensky confirms
"We counted on this project — 20,000 missiles. Anti-Shahed missiles. It was not expensive, but it's a special technology," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
US expects Russia's retaliation for Operation Spiderweb to continue soon
One official told Reuters that while the timing remains unclear, a retaliatory strike could be expected in the coming days and is likely to be "asymmetrical."
Finnish PM criticizes reported attempts by Trump to weaken Russia sanctions bill
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo on June 7 criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for reportedly pressuring the Senate to weaken a Russian sanctions bill.
Trump quietly pressuring Senate to weaken Russia sanctions, WSJ reports
The White House reportedly asked Sen. Graham to insert waivers into the bill allowing Trump to choose which entities get sanctioned and changing the word "shall" to "may."
Trump offers Germany US gas deals, but no promises on Ukraine aid or Russia sanctions
When asked whether Trump would impose additional sanctions on Russia, the president dodged the question by boasting that he "ended Nord Stream 2" and hinting at future energy deals with Germany in a press conference with Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Moscow ready to grant Musk asylum if necessary amid rift with Trump, Russian official says
"I think Musk is playing a completely different game," Dmitry Novikov, deputy chair of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, said.
'Loud night in Kyiv, Dad' — US envoy's daughter appeals to Kellogg during Russian attack
"It might be the explosions and gunfire in the dead of night, but I get the strange feeling the Russians don't want peace," Meaghan Mobbs, daughter of U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg, wrote on X.
In show of unity, US nominates next chief of NATO's European command
U.S. President Donald Trump nominated Air Force Lieutenant General Alexus Grynkewich as the next Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) on June 5, reaffirming a key American role in NATO's military structure.
'Deadline is in my brain' — Trump dismisses timeline to impose Russian sanctions
U.S. President Donald Trump sidestepped questions on June 5 as to when he can be expected to impose additional sanctions on Russia, as the Kremlin continues to reject a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Trump privately praises Ukraine's drone strike on Russian bombers as 'badass,' Axios reports
While Trump has remained silent in public about the attack, he reportedly expressed enthusiasm behind closed doors.
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