Russia Ukraine News Live: US intelligence chief warns of unprecedented nuclear annihilation risk

US intelligence chief warns of unprecedented nuclear annihilation risk

The US Director of National Intelligence has issued a stark warning, stating in a social media video that the world is "closer to the brink of nuclear annihilation than ever before," Politico says in a report. This assessment from the head of the US intelligence community underscores heightened global tensions, particularly in light of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which has seen increased nuclear rhetoric and the suspension of key arms control treaties.

Report: Belarusian hospitals secretly treated Russian soldiers wounded in Ukraine, including commander linked to Bucha

Hundreds of Russian soldiers wounded during Moscow's full-scale war in Ukraine have received undisclosed medical treatment in Belarusian hospitals, with some admissions occurring during Russia’s failed 2022 attempt to seize Kyiv, Meduza said in a report. Documents obtained by the Belarusian Investigative Center (BIC) reveal that these “secret patients” included members of elite Russian units and soldiers involved in the occupation of Bucha; investigators published their names, diagnoses, and hospitalization dates.

Israel's Interior Ministry denies sending Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, contradicting ambassador's earlier statement

The Israeli Interior Ministry announced on Tuesday that Israel has not dispatched Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems to Ukraine, directly refuting a prior statement made by an Israeli ambassador on the matter, Meduza said in a report. The ministry conveyed this clarification to the Israeli news site Ynet, addressing questions regarding potential military support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.

Russian regions begin fining residents for posting drone strike footage

Local authorities in some Russian regions have begun imposing fines on residents for posting footage of Ukrainian drone attacks, Meduza said in a report. Currently, 12 regions have classified this as a misdemeanor offense, with two of these regions actively issuing penalties. This regional action follows a period in 2023 when federal lawmakers considered, but did not enact, a nationwide ban on publishing such footage, reportedly after the Kremlin opted to maintain a "balance between information security and freedom." Despite the earlier federal hesitation, the number of regions adopting these bans is reportedly increasing.

Kyiv confirms authenticity of photo showing Ukrainian POW with words carved into stomach

The Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) announced on Tuesday that a recently surfaced photograph depicting a Ukrainian prisoner of war with the words "Glory to Russia" carved into his stomach is authentic, Meduza said in a report. This confirmation addresses the veracity of the image, which indicates severe mistreatment of a captive during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War.

Elderly man killed, five injured in Ukrainian missile strike on Kursk recreational center

An elderly man was killed and five other people sustained injuries following a Ukrainian missile strike on a recreational center in Russia's Kursk region, local authorities reported, The Moscow Times said in a report. Among those injured were the recreational center’s head of maintenance and two security guards. The incident highlights ongoing cross-border hostilities in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Suspect arrested in apparent assassination of former Mariupol siege air commander in southern Russia

A suspect has been arrested in southern Russia following the death of Major Zaur Gurtsiyev, a former Russian air commander involved in the siege of Mariupol, who was killed in an apparent assassination by a bomb blast in Stavropol on May 28, according to a report in The Moscow Times. Gurtsiyev died along with an acquaintance, Nikita Penkov, in the explosion, which occurred away from the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine war; the arrest marks a new development in the case.

Russian opposition politician Lev Shlosberg arrested, charged with 'discrediting' army over Ukraine war opposition

Russian politician Lev Shlosberg, a senior member of the Yabloko party, has been arrested and charged with repeatedly ‘discrediting’ the Russian army, as per a report in The Moscow Times. Shlosberg is noted for having remained in Russia and maintaining his open opposition to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a stance that has now led to these charges under laws penalizing criticism of the military's actions.

Latvia launches criminal proceedings against lawmaker for alleged support of Russia

Latvia has initiated criminal proceedings against lawmaker Aleksejs Rosļikovs, a member of the 'Stability!' party, for alleged support of Russia, The Moscow Times said in a report. This action follows Rosļikovs's ejection from a parliamentary debate last week where he shouted in Russian: “We are the majority!” and “Russian is our language.” The development occurs as Latvia maintains a strong stance against Russian influence and has increased scrutiny of pro-Russian sentiment since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Russia may end moratorium on intermediate-range missiles, deputy foreign minister says

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister has indicated that Moscow may terminate its unilateral moratorium on deploying intermediate-range missiles, The Moscow Times said in a report. This self-imposed restriction was put in place by Russia following the United States' withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 2019, under which Moscow pledged not to deploy such missiles unless the US deployed them first in relevant areas. The potential reversal of this policy is being discussed in the context of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and significantly strained relations between Russia and Western nations.

Ukrainian drones strike electronics factory in Russia's Chuvashia region

Two Ukrainian drones crashed on the grounds of the VNIIR plant, described as one of Russia’s largest producers of electronic components, in the Chuvashia region, according to a report in The Moscow Times. Regional officials confirmed the incident at the facility, which is located deep within Russia, hundreds of kilometers from the Ukrainian border. This strike is part of a broader pattern of Ukrainian drone attacks targeting infrastructure inside Russian territory.

Woman killed in Ukrainian drone strike on Belgorod gas station

A woman was killed in Belgorod, Russia, after a Ukrainian drone struck a gas station in the city, according to a report in The Moscow Times. The city is located approximately 30 kilometers north of Ukraine's Kharkiv region, and rescuers recovered the woman’s body from the rubble of a collapsed building at the site of the strike.

Russia's 2024 budget deficit increases fivefold, finance ministry reports

Russia's budget deficit has increased fivefold in 2024, meaning the deficit recorded so far this year is five times larger than during the same period in 2023 or five times the planned deficit for the full year, according to a report from the country's Finance Ministry, The Moscow Times says in a report. This significant rise is primarily attributed to increased military spending for the war in Ukraine, volatile energy revenues due to Western sanctions, and greater reliance on the National Wealth Fund, prompting warnings from some analysts about an increasingly critical budget situation.

Russia continues drone and missile attacks on Ukraine

Russia has launched further drone and missile attacks across Ukraine, with the impact captured in a series of photographs, AP says in a report. These attacks typically involve a combination of weapons, including Iranian-made Shahed drones designed to overwhelm air defenses, alongside various cruise and ballistic missiles intended for significant impact. While Russia often claims its targets are military installations or energy infrastructure, the photographic evidence frequently documents damage to civilian areas and infrastructure, highlighting the ongoing human cost of the war.

EU proposes lowering Russian oil price cap to $45 and sanctioning Nord Stream investors

The European Union is proposing to lower the price cap on Russian oil from $60 to $45 per barrel and aims to impose sanctions on Nord Stream pipeline investors, as part of new measures intended to pressure Moscow and reduce its revenues for the war in Ukraine, AP said in a report. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas stated the bloc is "proposing to lower the from $60 to $45, which is lower than the market price, and lowering the oil price cap will hit Russia’s revenues hard," and also wants to impose sanctions on entities involved with the Nord Stream pipelines. These actions are designed to deprive the Kremlin of extra profits used to fund its ongoing war.

European Commission to unveil new Russia sanctions targeting energy and banks

The European Commission is preparing to unveil a new package of sanctions against Russia, targeting its energy sector, with specific mention of the Nord Stream pipelines, and its banking institutions, Politico says in a report. These measures are reportedly designed to further constrict the Kremlin's financial capacity to fund its ongoing war in Ukraine. It is relevant to note that both Nord Stream pipelines were damaged in September 2022 and are not currently operational for significant gas transport, meaning new sanctions may focus on associated entities, remaining infrastructure, or future potential use rather than current gas flows.

Ukraine war: Key developments expected this week include aid talks, front-line shifts, and diplomacy

The Russia-Ukraine war this week is expected to feature continued debate and negotiation among Western allies regarding military assistance to Ukraine, which directly impacts Ukraine's capabilities and strategic planning, alongside close observation of the tactical situation on the front lines, setting the immediate context for military actions or defensive preparations, Kyiv Independent says in a report. Additionally, scheduled or potential international diplomatic meetings concerning the conflict or sanctions regime are anticipated, influencing the political backdrop against which the week's events unfold.

Zelenskyy urges allied action as Russian attacks mount, tells President Trump Moscow not seeking ceasefire

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is appealing to allies for more decisive "action" as Russian military assaults intensify, and is specifically working to impress upon current US President Donald Trump that Moscow shows no genuine interest in a ceasefire under the present circumstances, Al Jazeera says in a report. This plea comes as Russia continues its offensive operations, notably in eastern and southern Ukraine and with a new front in the Kharkiv region, underpinning Zelenskyy's assertion that Russia is focused on battlefield gains rather than good-faith negotiations for a ceasefire acceptable to Ukraine.

Ukraine and Russia conduct major POW exchange; Moscow reportedly plans 'buffer zone' in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast

Ukraine and Russia have commenced a significant new exchange of prisoners of war, marking continued, albeit limited, humanitarian interaction amidst the ongoing conflict, Kyiv Independent said in a report. Concurrently, Moscow has reportedly stated its aim to create what it terms a 'buffer zone' within Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. This development is notable as Dnipropetrovsk Oblast is a central Ukrainian region not currently on the direct front lines, suggesting a potential Russian objective to expand its strategic positioning or defensive perimeter deeper into Ukrainian territory.

Ukraine's General Staff reports Russian troop casualties at 998,080 since invasion start

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has reported that Russian troop casualties have reached a total of 998,080 since the commencement of the full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, Kyiv Independent says in a report. This figure includes an estimated 960 Russian casualties incurred over the past day alone. These numbers, provided by Ukrainian military authorities, represent their official estimate of losses inflicted on Russian forces during the ongoing conflict.

Russia doubts NATO's Article 5, could use 'little green men' to test it, German intelligence chief warns

German intelligence chief Bruno Kahl has warned that Russia may doubt the solidarity of NATO's Article 5 and could seek to test the alliance's resolve by deploying "little green men" rather than conventional forces, Kyiv Independent said in a report. Kahl suggested such a scenario could involve sending these unmarked operatives to a country like Estonia, ostensibly to defend an "allegedly oppressed Russian minority," thereby probing NATO's response to a hybrid threat.

Atesh partisans claim destruction of Russian military vehicle in occupied Melitopol

Pro-Ukrainian partisans from the Atesh group claimed responsibility for destroying a car utilized by drone operators of the Russian 64th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade in occupied Melitopol, southern Ukraine, overnight on June 10, according to a report in Kyiv Independent. Melitopol, located in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, has been under Russian occupation since early 2022.

Russian attacks kill 7, injure 34 in Ukraine; Kyiv reports downing missiles and numerous drones

Russian attacks across Ukraine in the last 24 hours have killed seven people and injured 34, Kyiv Independent said in a report. Ukrainian air defense forces reportedly intercepted significant aerial threats, shooting down seven Russian missiles and 213 attack drones. According to Ukraine's Air Force, an additional 64 drones either disappeared from radar systems or were successfully intercepted by electronic warfare measures.

Ukraine's spy chief claims Russia to help North Korea produce Shahed-type drones

Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) chief, Kyrylo Budanov, has claimed that Russia plans to help North Korea manufacture Shahed-type drones, Kyiv Independent says in a report. This alleged cooperation could significantly enhance North Korea's capability to strike targets throughout South Korea, potentially overwhelming its air defense systems, and would also provide further military assistance to Russia for its war efforts in Ukraine. This development follows existing reports of North Korea supplying Russia with artillery shells and ballistic missiles, indicating a deepening military partnership between the two nations.

Teenager dies from injuries sustained in June 3 Russian attack on Sumy, death toll reaches 6

A 17-year-old boy, whose name was not disclosed, died several days after a Russian attack on Sumy on June 3, 2025, due to his injuries, the Kyiv Independent said in a report. This recent fatality has raised the death toll from the specific June 3 strike to six people. Sumy Oblast, located in northeastern Ukraine bordering Russia, has been subjected to shelling and cross-border attacks throughout the full-scale invasion.

Zelenskyy: Russian strikes 'drown out' world's peace efforts, calls for 'concrete action'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserted that a recent night of constant Russian attacks, constituting one of the biggest aerial assaults of the war, is actively undermining international efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine, The Guardian says in a report. Zelenskyy highlighted the critical importance of 'concrete action' from the global community in response to these ongoing aggressions.

Ukraine to make first $171 million payment on IMF wartime loan

Ukraine is set to make its first payment, amounting to $171 million, under an International Monetary Fund (IMF) wartime credit facility, Kyiv Post said in a report. This payment is part of a broader four-year, $15.6 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Ukraine, which was approved in March 2023, and follows the IMF's decision to modify its lending regulations to accommodate a country engaged in a defensive war.

Judge lifts pause on 'United for Ukraine' applications; advocates urge President Trump to address refugees' uncertain future

A federal judge lifted an administrative pause last week on applications for the “United for Ukraine” (U4U) program, a humanitarian initiative from the former Biden administration designed to help Ukrainians fleeing the war, Kyiv Post said in a report. Despite this development, Ukrainian refugees in the US continue to face an uncertain future regarding their status, leading advocates to urge current President Donald Trump to ensure the program's stability or take action to secure their stay.

NATO learns from Ukraine as drones cause over 70% of battlefield casualties

Drones are reportedly causing over 70% of frontline combat casualties in Ukraine, significantly altering battlefield dynamics and offering key lessons for NATO as it observes Ukraine's innovative warfare tactics, Kyiv Post said in a report. Ukraine's 'creativity,' characterized by rapid improvisation and the adaptation of readily available drone technology, is influencing Western military aid, which increasingly includes unmanned aerial systems and counter-drone capabilities. NATO, in turn, is accelerating its own defense innovation initiatives focusing on emerging technologies, while Russia is also adapting by enhancing its drone production and electronic warfare systems.

Intercepted call details drone strikes, disrupted life in Russian border regions

Daily life in Russia’s border regions has been severely impacted by constant drone strikes, with an intercepted phone call revealing that essential services like clinics are closed, mail delivery is disrupted, and few residents remain in these areas, Kyiv Post says in a report. The call, as described in the article, highlights a breakdown in normal life and growing insecurity for those still living near the border due to the effects of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Ukrainian intelligence: New Russian AI drone relies on foreign tech, Chinese parts

Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) has examined Russia’s new V2U strike drone, revealing its use of artificial intelligence for autonomous targeting and a significant dependence on Chinese and other foreign-made components for its construction, Kyiv Post said in a report. The analysis of the drone underscores Russia's continued sourcing of international technology for its military hardware used in the war.

Russian strikes hit Kyiv and Odesa, damaging maternity hospital

Russian military strikes have impacted the Ukrainian cities of Kyiv and Odesa, Kyiv Post said in a report. In the capital city of Kyiv, multiple fires reportedly led to thick smoke. The southern city of Odesa saw a maternity hospital hit, alongside severe damage to residential areas and other medical facilities as a result of the attacks.

Russia expands military presence in Africa, delivers weaponry while skirting Western sanctions

Russia is actively expanding its military presence in sub-Saharan Africa, delivering sophisticated weaponry such as tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery to conflict zones by using cargo ships to circumvent Western sanctions imposed following its actions in Ukraine, AP says in a report. This expansion includes the increasing activity of a Kremlin-controlled armed force, identified in context as the 'Africa Corps' (a successor to the Wagner Group's operations), with weapons reportedly being trucked from ports to countries including Mali.

Eastern Ukraine sees continued fighting as international aid talks persist on day 1,202 of war

On day 1,202 of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, fighting remained intense in eastern regions, with both sides reporting ongoing engagements, while international discussions continued regarding long-term military and financial support for Kyiv, Al Jazeera said in a report. Ukrainian officials highlighted the persistent need for advanced weaponry and ammunition to counter Russian advances. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts focused on sustaining international aid commitments amidst evolving political landscapes in key partner nations, and humanitarian organizations continued to address the needs of civilians affected by the prolonged conflict.

Ukraine reports Russian attacks near Dnipropetrovsk, claims more fighter jets damaged

Ukraine's military has reported further Russian attacks in the direction of Dnipropetrovsk as of Monday, with its general staff providing an update on the situation, The Independent said in a report. Kyiv also claims to have damaged additional Russian fighter jets amid the ongoing conflict.

Russia's military 'going backwards' in equipment, deploying older tanks, Western officials say

Russia's military is reportedly 'going backwards' in its equipment, now deploying post-WWII era tanks such as T-54s and T-55s, due to significant losses of modern armor and challenges in its defense industry, Western officials have stated, CNN said in a report. This shift indicates a decline in the average technological sophistication of Russian forces on the battlefield. In other developments related to the conflict and Russia, a Moscow court denied a detention appeal for jailed Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, and Russian President Vladimir Putin visited troops at a military headquarters in the Kherson region.