Zelensky fires governor of Donetsk Oblast

11:40 AM

Taking lessons from Ukraine war, Trump's US defense budget prioritizes drones, missiles.

The budget includes increased investment in small drones, a response to their proven battlefield value in Ukraine.

11:19 AM

Ukraine to receive 20 new Rheinmetall Ermine vehicles — here's what they can do.

Rheinmetall said the deliveries are expected to begin in 2026.

3:54 AM  (Updated:  June 26, 2025 10:50 am)

'Alarms went off everywhere' — Explosions reported in Moscow, Russia claims 50 Ukrainian drones downed across country.

Explosions were reported in Moscow overnight on June 26, prompting airport closures, as Mayor Sergey Sobyanin claimed that two drones were shot down.

9:22 AM

Meloni tells Trump US must show 'same determination' on Ukraine as with Iran.

"I said the same determination is needed to achieve two other important ceasefires," Meloni said.

8:25 AM

General Staff: Russia has lost 1,015,750 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022.

The number includes 1,100 casualties that Russian forces suffered just over the past day.

7:03 AM  (Updated:  June 26, 2025 7:28 am)

Russian court convicts 184 Ukrainian POWs captured in Kursk Oblast of terrorism, Mediazona reports.

A Russian military court has convicted 184 Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) captured in Kursk Oblast of acts of terrorism, Mediazona reported on June 25.

6:17 PM  (Updated:  June 26, 2025 6:22 am)

Russian Economy

Why Russian economy warnings might be the only thing out of Moscow you can actually believe

1:37 AM

NATO allies surprised by Rubio's inconsistency on Russia sanctions, Politico reports.

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio surprised NATO allies with conflicting messages on Russia sanctions, delivering a tougher stance in private than in his public remarks, POLITICO reported on June 25.

11:47 PM

Ukraine, Council of Europe sign historic agreement to establish tribunal on Russian aggression.

Ukraine and the Council of Europe signed a landmark agreement to establish a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression, aimed at prosecuting Russian leadership for the full-scale invasion. The signing follows more than three years of diplomatic efforts and deliberation.

10:56 PM

Culture

Ukrainian author killed by Russia awarded UK’s prestigious Orwell Prize in political writing

10:20 PM

Belarus

Diplomacy or deal-making? Unpacking the U.S.-Belarus prisoner deal

10:07 PM

War update

Ukraine war latest: US signals more Patriot missiles for Kyiv after Zelensky-Trump talks at NATO summit

9:41 PM

Culture

As Ukraine bleeds, Western opera welcomes back pro-Putin Russian singer Anna Netrebko

8:40 PM

Putin to skip BRICS summit in Brazil due to ICC arrest warrant.

Brazil is a member of the ICC and a signatory to the Rome Statute, meaning it is obliged to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin if he enters the country.

7:42 PM

Trump signals support for sending more Patriot missiles to Ukraine.

"They (Ukraine) do want to have the anti missiles. As they call them, the Patriots, and we're going to see if we can make some available," U.S. President Donald Trump said.

6:29 PM

'It's possible' — Trump on Putin's territorial ambitions beyond Ukraine.

"I consider him (Russian President Vladimir Putin) a person I think is misguided," U.S. President Donald Trump said speaking at a NATO press conference in The Hague on June 25.

5:44 PM

Video

For Putin, war is existential — Estonian foreign minister at NATO summit.

The Kyiv Independent’s Martin Fornusek sits down with Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna on the sidelines of the NATO summit to discuss U.S. President Donald Trump's commitment to the Alliance, how the Israel-Iran escalation affects NATO's focus on Ukraine, and why Europe must take more responsibility for its own defense.

4:49 PM

Zelensky, Trump hold talks on NATO summit sidelines.

"We covered all the truly important issues," President Volodymyr Zelensky said. "We discussed how to achieve a ceasefire and a real peace. We spoke about how to protect our people. We appreciate the attention and the readiness to help bring peace closer."

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.

12:44 PM  (Updated:  June 25, 2025 3:02 pm)

‘Dead and wounded everywhere’ — Russian attack on Dnipro kills at least 19, injures more than 300.

Russia launched a deadly missile attack on the Ukrainian city of Dnipro on June 24, striking civilian infrastructure and a passenger train, local officials reported.

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