Politics

Exclusive: Ukraine believes it secured Trump's backing to act 'more boldly' toward Russia

by Tim ZadorozhnyyJune 23, 2026

Ukraine now believes it has secured White House backing for a campaign aimed at forcing Russia into meaningful negotiations, the Kyiv Independent has learned. U.S. President Donald Trump privately told President Volodymyr Zelensky to act "more boldly," a senior Ukrainian official told the Kyiv Independent. The message comes as Kyiv intensifies efforts to secure a meeting between Zelensky and Putin — an idea Trump has endorsed but one the Kremlin continues to avoid. "Trump says he doesn't real

Zelensky to skip recovery conference in Poland, Ukraine's PM to lead delegation

by Kate TsurkanJune 23, 2026

In joint appeal, Ukrainian and Polish media sound alarm over crisis in relations

by Martin FornusekJune 23, 2026

U.S. President Donald Trump walks down a flight of airstairs

Trump plans to ask US arms firms to produce air defense missiles under license in Ukraine, Zelensky says

by Volodymyr IvanyshynJune 22, 2026

Putin comments on Ukrainian strikes for first time since attacks on Moscow

by Abbey FenbertJune 24, 2026

Starmer 'always a welcome guest in Ukraine' Zelensky says, after British PM announces resignation

by Martin FornusekJune 22, 2026

Thousands gather for Kyiv's largest Pride march since start of full-scale war

by Kateryna DenisovaJune 21, 2026

Zelensky mails revoked Polish medal back to Warsaw

by Dominic CulverwellJune 20, 2026

NewsLetters

News Feed

Wednesday, June 24

12:55 AM

Putin comments on Ukrainian strikes for first time since attacks on Moscow

"I would like to say a few words about matters that are not directly related to today's specific agenda items," the Russian leader said during a video conference with members of the government.

Tuesday, June 23

11:24 PM

Half of Crimea without electricity after Ukrainian strikes, Russian proxy claims

"We are seeing almost daily attacks on Crimea's energy infrastructure," occupation authority spokesperson Oleg Kryuchkov said.

10:28 PM

Ukraine eliminates Russian unmanned boats powered by Starlink, official says

Russia attempted to attack Ukraine's southwestern coast the morning of June 23, launching multiple unmanned surface vessels in the Black Sea, Defense Ministry Advisor Serhii "Flash" Beskrestnov reported.

09:24 PM

Russia working to stop Ukraine's EU accession, report finds

Russia "seek(s) to exploit fears related to corruption, security, identity, and economic costs" through online disinformation campaigns, according to a report published by Ukraine and the EU.

09:17 PM

Ukraine war latest: Ukraine destroys key railway bridge in occupied Crimea; Russian strike on Kryvyi Rih kills 3, injures 25

Key developments on June 23: * Ukraine destroys key logistics bridge in Crimea, hits over 60 Russian military targets overnight * Russian ballistic missile strike on Kryvyi Rih kills 3, injures 25 * Ukraine detains suspected intermediary in alleged Russian-backed plot to assassinate military intelligence official * South Korea to accept all North Korean POWs from Ukraine at their request, ministry says * Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov claims readiness for new peace talks at 'any time' *

09:12 PM

Ukraine brings back more than 40 children from Russian-occupied territory in two weeks

Among the 15 children rescued over the past week was 13-year-old Sofia, who had to hide at home every day so the Russian occupation authorities would not discover that she was refusing to attend a school under Russian rule.

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War

Ukraine war latest: Ukraine strikes both sides of Crimean Bridge, Zelensky warns of 'new massive strike' by Russia

Key developments on June 20-21: * Ukraine strikes both sides of the occupied-Crimean Bridge in overnight drone attack, Zelensky says * Russia preparing 'new massive strike,' Zelensky warns * Zelensky mails revoked Polish medal back to Warsaw * Russian oil, gas sites in Crimea and Siberia hit by Ukrainian drones * At least 5 dead, 12 injured in Russian bombing in Zaporizhzhia Ukraine's army struck energy and military targets on both sides of the Crimean Bridge, Ukrainian President Volodymy

War

Editors' Picks

Tomas Fiala, CEO and founder of Dragon Capital, at the company's office in Kyiv, Ukraine on June 15, 2026.

Politics

Exclusive: Ukraine believes it secured Trump's backing to act 'more boldly' toward Russia

Zelensky to skip recovery conference in Poland, Ukraine's PM to lead delegation

In joint appeal, Ukrainian and Polish media sound alarm over crisis in relations

Trump plans to ask US arms firms to produce air defense missiles under license in Ukraine, Zelensky says

Putin comments on Ukrainian strikes for first time since attacks on Moscow

Starmer 'always a welcome guest in Ukraine' Zelensky says, after British PM announces resignation

Thousands gather for Kyiv's largest Pride march since start of full-scale war

Zelensky mails revoked Polish medal back to Warsaw

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NewsLetters

News Feed

Putin comments on Ukrainian strikes for first time since attacks on Moscow

Half of Crimea without electricity after Ukrainian strikes, Russian proxy claims

Ukraine eliminates Russian unmanned boats powered by Starlink, official says

Russia working to stop Ukraine's EU accession, report finds

Ukraine war latest: Ukraine destroys key railway bridge in occupied Crimea; Russian strike on Kryvyi Rih kills 3, injures 25

Ukraine brings back more than 40 children from Russian-occupied territory in two weeks

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Ukraine war latest: Ukraine strikes both sides of Crimean Bridge, Zelensky warns of 'new massive strike' by Russia

'They attack with everything at once' — How Russia exploits Ukraine's vulnerability to ballistic missiles

Ukraine strikes both sides of the occupied-Crimean Bridge in overnight drone attack, Zelensky says

Ukrainian drones bombard occupied territories, Russia in overnight strikes

Russian-occupied Crimea completely suspends gas sales to civilians as Ukrainian drone strikes squeeze peninsula

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