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.

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' *

Ukraine has brought back 42 children and teenagers from Russian-occupied territories to areas under its control in recent weeks, Save Ukraine, a Ukrainian humanitarian NGO, said in statements on June 23 and June 15. "However, thousands of children remain trapped under occupation, where they are forced to forget their roots and are openly being prepared for war. But we will not stop," a June 23 statement on social media read. Among the 15 children rescued over the past week was 13-year-old Sofi

BRUSSELS, Belgium — June 23 marks four years since the EU formally agreed to grant Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia candidate status for future membership, a path that President Volodymyr Zelensky thought the country would be able to progress down rapidly, but which has turned out to be fraught with obstacles. In early 2026, Zelensky was repeating 2027 as a target date for Ukrainian entry to the EU, whereas new Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar said on June 3 he thinks 10-15 years is the times

Investigators believe the operation was coordinated under the supervision of Russian handlers.

The deaths, which occurred shortly after mobilization and training, have prompted allegations from relatives and former servicemen of inadequate medical care and, in some cases, physical abuse within the unit. Regiment commanders have rejected accusations of systemic wrongdoing.

A Russian-linked disinformation operation seeks to fan Polish-Ukrainian tensions amid the latest rift over historical grievances, a monitoring group told the Kyiv Independent on June 23.

"We are ready to resume (peace talks) at any time, picking up where they left off," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed.

In July 2024, serving as Ukraine's Ambassador to Poland, I was honored to be decorated by President Andrzej Duda with the Commander's Cross with the Star of the Order of Merit. For the trust, the fellowship, and the years of honest partnership — I remain profoundly grateful to my Polish friends. And it is in that same spirit of honesty that I ask them to understand what conscience now requires of me. My devotion to the interests of the Ukrainian state, my duty to honor the dignity of Ukraine's

Amid a wave of positive headlines about Russian refineries in flames and logistics crippled, the battle for the legendary "fortress belt" of Ukraine's Donbas region has begun in earnest, with Russian forces breaking into the city of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk Oblast and steadily overrunning the urban area. As the summer campaign opens up, Russian forces are bucking the trend of offensive stagnation across the rest of the front line and making real headway into the heart of Ukrainian-controlled D

A railway bridge across the North Crimean Canal, fuel facilities, and military infrastructure across occupied Crimea were struck in a large-scale overnight Ukrainian operation, Ukrainian military officials said on June 23.

President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Alexander Lukashenko that Belarus would have one week to remove the equipment facilitating Russia's attacks, or Kyiv would take action, remarks that the Kremlin said Lukashenko and his Russian counterpart would discuss "in the foreseeable future."

Kryvyi Rih, one of the main industrial centers in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, came under a Russian ballistic missile attack at around 11 a.m. local time.

Twelve vessels transported wheat through the Russian-occupied port of Mariupol over the past five months, according to the statement.

"Our team has a clear task — to achieve concrete agreements that will enhance Ukraine’s defense capability and resilience, and expand economic cooperation with our partners," Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko said on June 23.

The ministry said it opposes any forced transfer of North Korean POWs to Russia or North Korea and has communicated this position to Ukrainian authorities.

Russia launched 135 Shahed-type attack drones overnight on June 23, Ukraine's Air Force said.

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

The Turkish-owned, Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier Victress was the worst hit, with Russian drones sparking a large fire on the bridge and killing a 58-year-old Egyptian cook on board.

As war reshapes Ukraine’s economy, small businesses are turning to foreign markets to survive, grow, and build long-term resilience.

The number includes 1,390 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.

Six Polish and Ukrainian media outlets issued a rare joint appeal on June 23, warning that escalating tensions between the two countries risk playing into Russia's hands.

"The 57-year-old man was alone in the vehicle. After the explosion, he suffered serious injuries... Doctors carried out resuscitation measures and are now fighting for his life," Sumy Oblast Governor Oleh Hryhorov said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko plan to meet in the near future to discuss an ultimatum that President Volodymyr Zelensky recently issued to Minsk.

The newly acquired IRIS-T SLM system will allow Estonia to engage aerial threats at greater distances and higher altitudes than its existing short-range air defense systems, according to the Estonian Defense Forces.

Key developments on June 22: * Smoke rises above Voronezh as Ukraine strikes key Russian missile parts factory * Russia attacks foreign cargo ships in Black Sea, killing Egyptian sailor * Russian attack damages production facility of Ukrainian FPV giant * Drone carrying explosives found in Estonia after Ukrainian strike on Russia * Belarusian opposition warns Ukraine of plans for Minsk to enter war * Children's camps in Crimea suspended amid Ukrainian strikes on Russian logistics * 10 ki

Polish President Karol Nawrocki is "not going to the event, to which he wasn't invited by Prime Minister Donald Tusk," a senior Polish presidential aide said.

Children's camps across occupied Crimea have stopped accepting new arrivals as Ukrainian strikes increasingly target Russian supply routes and infrastructure.

Later this week, the Ukraine Recovery Conference, convening in Gdansk, Poland, is expected to host more than 5,000 attendees, including European heads of state, Ukrainian government leaders, ministerial representatives, non-governmental organizations, industry leaders, and subject matter experts. They will collectively commit to supporting the rebuilding and recovery of Ukraine after a brutal war initiated by Russia's indefensible invasion in February 2022. While the complexities of reconstruc

Michal Kaminski linked his decision to "the actions and statements of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, which were supported by all former presidents of Ukraine and the vast majority of the Ukrainian political class."

In Russia, where elections offer little real uncertainty, the Kremlin still stages the ritual of competition — a carefully managed exercise designed not to choose leaders but to reinforce President Vladimir Putin's claim to legitimacy. With the upcoming parliamentary elections set for Sept. 20, the first since the start of the all-out war against Ukraine, the Kremlin's political wing is tasked with a risky endeavour — mustering up high numbers for Putin's United Russia party in a country stuck

The document, created by the United Transition Cabinet of Belarus, outlines clear policy areas pointing to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko's domestic shift towards a wartime posture.