Ukraine

June 13, 2025 5:00pm

Ukraine Russia

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Ben Borges

Military hardware is rarely visible in Chasiv Yar, a city that has been fiercely defended for over a year. According to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the need for electronic warfare systems remains critical in this area.

Oleh Petrasyuk, press officer of the 24th Mechanized Brigade, reported that intense battles are ongoing in the Chasiv Yar direction in the Donetsk region, where Ukrainian forces have maintained their defense for more than a year. During a national news broadcast, he noted that despite the prolonged military operation, Russian forces have increased their activity in this prioritized sector.

The use of FPV drones by Russian troops, including those operating over fiber optics, is rising in this critical zone, utilized by both sides. These drones are harder to detect and destroy, Petrasyuk explained.

"These drones are used to strike military hardware, although such equipment barely makes an appearance in the city nowadays—be it ours or the enemy's. Yet, the demand for electronic warfare solutions remains extreme," stated Petrasyuk, highlighting the importance of mobile systems that can be mounted on vehicles.

Petrasyuk emphasized the dangerous conditions faced when transporting supplies: "Every cargo trip feels like sitting on a powder keg, as a drone attack on the convoy is a constant threat. Effective electronic warfare is essential to counter these risks, ensuring protection and the safe arrival of your convoy."

Deputy Head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, Pavlo Palisa, revealed that Vladimir Putin holds very ambitious goals for the coming years on the frontlines, despite Ukraine’s and the West’s peace efforts. By 2025, Russia plans to completely capture the Donetsk and Luhansk regions and establish a buffer zone along its northern border. By 2026, the aim is to occupy all of Ukraine east of the Dnieper River and cut the nation off from the Black Sea. Western media maintains that this "dirty war" is only beginning.

June 13, 2025 4:48pm

Ukraine Photos

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Ben Borges

The Kyiv Independent is looking to fill a Performance Marketing Manager position within the Marketing team.

The Kyiv Independent is Ukraine’s main English-language news outlet. It was founded in November 2021 by a team of reporters and editors who were fired from the Kyiv Post for defending editorial independence, in partnership with a media consultancy company Jnomics. Today, it’s a team of around 70 people based mostly in Kyiv. Publishing in English, we serve as Ukraine’s voice in the world and the world’s window into Ukraine.

The Role

We are seeking a passionate and data-driven Performance Marketing Manager to join our growing team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a junior to mid-level marketer who is eager to make a significant impact. You will be at the heart of our growth strategy, responsible for driving membership signups and e-commerce sales through paid advertising channels. You will also play a key role in expanding our readership by promoting our newsletters via paid channels.

The ideal candidate will have a keen interest in paid advertising, a knack for analyzing data, and a proactive, testing-oriented mindset. You will work in a collaborative environment alongside our Digital Marketing and Audience Development managers to create integrated and effective paid marketing campaigns.

Key Responsibilities:

Paid Advertising Campaign Management:

• Lead the end-to-end development, planning, and execution of paid advertising campaigns across various platforms, including Meta, Google Ads, LinkedIn, and Reddit.
• Develop and implement strategies to increase membership signups and drive sales on our e-commerce platform.
• Take ownership of all campaign components, including target audience selection, creative and copy development, and performance review.
• Conduct continuous A/B testing on ad copy and creatives to optimize campaign performance and ROI.
• Develop, monitor, and manage paid advertising budgets to ensure efficient allocation and spending.

Reporting and Analysis:

• Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) for all campaigns.
• Prepare and present clear weekly and monthly performance reports for the marketing team, providing actionable insights and recommendations for campaign optimization.
• Utilize analytics tools such as Google Analytics to monitor website traffic and user behavior from paid channels.

Collaboration:

• Work closely with our Digital Marketing Manager to create and promote campaigns aimed at increasing newsletter subscriptions.
• Collaborate with our SEO and Audience Development Manager to ensure a cohesive and integrated approach to our digital marketing efforts.
• Liaise with the editorial and design teams to develop compelling ad creatives and messaging.

Growth and Innovation:

• Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in performance marketing and the digital media landscape.
• Proactively identify and test new channels and strategies to drive growth.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and data-informed decision-making.

Candidate Requirements and Criteria:

Experience:

• 2-5 years of hands-on experience in a performance marketing or paid advertising role.
• Proven track record of managing successful paid advertising campaigns on platforms such as Meta Ads and Google Ads. Experience with LinkedIn Ads and Reddit Ads is a strong plus.
• Experience in the media, news, or e-commerce industry is highly desirable but not essential.

Skills and Knowledge:

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency with Google Ads and Meta Ads Manager.
• Strong understanding of Google Analytics and experience in setting up tracking and analyzing data.
• Familiarity with A/B testing methodologies and tools.
• Solid understanding of key performance marketing metrics.

Analytical Skills:

• A data-driven mindset with the ability to analyze performance data and derive actionable insights.
• Excellent reporting skills and the ability to communicate complex data in a clear and concise manner.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• A proactive and “can-do” attitude with a willingness to experiment and learn.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• A collaborative team player who thrives in a fast-paced environment.
  Personal Attributes:
• A genuine interest in the mission of The Kyiv Independent and independent journalism.
• A curious and analytical nature with a passion for understanding user behavior.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of projects.

What We Offer:

• It’s a full-time position in the Kyiv office or remote (upon agreement).
• A competitive salary and benefits package.
• The opportunity to work with a passionate and dedicated team, making a real impact.
• A dynamic and international work environment.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.

Thanks for taking the time to apply to work with the Kyiv Independent. If you are among the qualified candidates, you will receive an email from a member of our hiring team to schedule an interview.

Please note that while we would like to meet with all applicants, we may not have the opportunity to do so due to the volume of applications we receive.

June 13, 2025 4:48pm

Ukraine Russia Photos

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Ben Borges

Moscow may instigate a crisis in Moldova’s Russian-occupied Transnistria region to destabilize the country ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for September, Moldovan President Maia Sandu said on June 12, according to Moldovan outlet Newsmaker.

“All these years, Russia has been using the residents of Transnistria and can provoke an even greater crisis at any moment if it suits its plans in Moldova,” Sandu said.

“We can expect this crisis to deepen in the coming months, before the elections.”

The president’s comments come after Transnistria declared a 30-day state of emergency on June 11, due to a sharp reduction in natural gas supplies.

The unrecognized region, located along Moldova’s eastern border with Ukraine, has faced mounting energy shortages since January, when Russian gas giant Gazprom halted deliveries.

Sandu, a pro-European leader of the country, warned that Moscow could combine voter bribery and political manipulation with “blackmail” in Transnistria.

“Russia may promise assistance in exchange for votes on the Right Bank. We can expect all sorts of games,” the president said.

In February, Moldova’s government revealed that Transnistria rejected a 60 million euros ($62 million) EU energy aid package under pressure from Moscow.

The Moldovan president assured that the country’s institutions are monitoring the risks and pledged that the elections would be “free and fair,” despite growing instability.

Sandu emphasized that Chisinau is prepared to support the population in Transnistria but must first address “the main problem — the withdrawal of Russian troops."

“This is a key issue that we must resolve peacefully, because otherwise we will not be able to justify our financial support,” she said.

Moscow continues to maintain a military presence in Transnistria, which has been under the control of pro-Russian separatists since the early 1990s. President Volodymyr Zelensky said in February that around 1,000 to 1,500 Russian troops are currently stationed in the region.  

Chisinau has repeatedly called for the peaceful reintegration of Transnistria and the withdrawal of Russian forces, citing it as essential to Moldova’s security and development.

Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean earlier told the Financial Times that Russia plans to send 10,000 troops to Transnistria and establish a pro-Kremlin government in Moldova.

Russia preparing strategic reserves for conflicts beyond Ukraine, Ukraine warns

“According to our intelligence, Russia has started to prepare strategic reserves, which indicates plans for combat operations not only in Ukraine,” Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said

The Kyiv IndependentAnna Fratsyvir

June 13, 2025 4:00pm

Ukraine Russia

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Ben Borges

Ukrainian hackers associated with the country's Intelligence Directorate, GUR, have launched a series of powerful cyberattacks targeting key infrastructure in Russia. These attacks have disrupted operations at "Orion Telecom," a Siberian internet provider, alongside Russia's tax and customs services, as well as Russian Railways.

The hacktivist group BO Team has claimed responsibility for a large-scale attack on "Orion Telecom," one of the largest internet service providers in Siberia. The company revealed that during the night of June 12, their systems faced a massive DDoS attack, which resulted in widespread internet outages for customers. Their official Telegram channel confirmed a system overload caused by an avalanche of requests.

BO Team, however, asserts the damage is far more extensive. In their communication, the group detailed, "'Orion Telecom' supported the so-called 'Special Military Operation,' providing services to Russian defense sector. As a result, 497 core network switches, 28,259 access switches were disabled, and 370 servers completely wiped."

In addition, hackers shared screenshots purportedly showing root access to servers and internal data, claiming they successfully extracted the entire client database.

RBC-Ukraine reported, citing sources within Ukrainian intelligence, the cyberattack even severed communication links in a Russian 'closed city' specializing in uranium extraction.

Between June 10 and 12, GUR specialists also orchestrated a series of attacks on Russia's IT infrastructure. The strikes affected the Federal Tax and Customs services, alongside the website and mobile application of the Russian Railways (RZhD).

Russia's Federal Customs Service acknowledged the incident, indicating: "Information exchange with foreign economic operators is hindered." The systems "Kontur", "Honest Sign," and "GosKey," essential to the nation's digital document flow, were all compromised.

Russian Railways confirmed the impact: due to a DDoS attack, Russians were unable to purchase tickets online for a day, with complaints pouring in from St. Petersburg, Tver, and Sverdlovsk regions. In response, the rail company recommended customers buy tickets in person.

Experts highlight that these Ukrainian cyber force attacks are part of a strategy to weaken the governance and logistic frameworks within Russia. As the conflict unfolds, cyberspace has emerged as a crucial battleground.

June 13, 2025 3:58pm

Ukraine Russia Photos

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Ben Borges

A Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet carried out a precision strike on Russian positions in the Zaporizhzhia direction, targeting a command post for drone operators and a combined ammunition and fuel depot, Ukraine’s Air Force reported on June 13.

The Air Force did not disclose the exact location of the strike but thanked international partners for providing the guided munitions used in the attack.

“We thank our partners for their highly accurate and effective ‘arguments’,” the service wrote.

The MiG-29, a Soviet-designed multirole fighter jet, remains a front-line platform in Ukraine’s air force and has been adapted to carry Western-supplied precision-guided weapons.

Zaporizhzhia Oblast, located in southeastern Ukraine, remains one of the war’s most contested areas. While the city of Zaporizhzhia is under Ukrainian control, southern parts of the region remain occupied by Russian forces.

Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on May 31 that Russia has intensified offensive operations across several key areas, including Zaporizhzhia, as part of a broader summer push.

Ukrainian forces have continued to conduct airstrikes and sabotage missions to degrade Russian supply lines and disrupt offensive preparations.

Russia preparing strategic reserves for conflicts beyond Ukraine, Ukraine warns

“According to our intelligence, Russia has started to prepare strategic reserves, which indicates plans for combat operations not only in Ukraine,” Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said

The Kyiv IndependentAnna Fratsyvir

June 13, 2025 3:24pm

Ukraine Russia

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Ben Borges

Deputy Head of the Sumy Regional Council Volodymyr Bitsak announced that Russian advances have been halted, with Ukrainian forces launching a counter-operation. During a broadcast on "Kyiv 24", he confirmed that Ukrainian forces are now in control of part of the Kondrativka settlement and have also liberated Andriivka.

Meanwhile, Russian forces attempted to cut off a key Ukrainian supply line, the Yunakivska road, but were thwarted by Ukrainian defenders. Bitsak assured that the route remains "under our control" despite enemy FPVs targeting it.

"Thanks to both artillery and aicraft, which are in constant operation, the situation is not as dire as the Russians claim in their publications," Bitsak noted.

He further explained that Ukrainian forces are executing counter-operations to oust Russians from the area. This includes advance operations towards Russia, specifically in the direction of Tetkino. He added that areas like Kostyantynivka, Basivka, and Yunakivka are under Russian counterattack attempts, with 30 such assaults occurring in the past day alone.

Earlier, military journalist Yuriy Butusov reported a few days ago that Russian troops continued their advances in the Sumy region due to the absence of defensive lines. He predicted the Russians would continue to push forward until reaching densely wooded areas located just 15-20 kilometers from Sumy. Additionally, Roman Kostenko, Secretary of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence, stated that many existing fortifications fail to meet modern requirements and do not provide adequate defense against drones. He noted that this front line advance resulted from the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from the Kursk bridgehead, which was unexpected.

June 13, 2025 2:51pm

Ukraine Russia Photos

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Ben Borges

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha warned on June 13 that Russia has begun preparing strategic military reserves, signaling plans for military operations that may extend beyond Ukraine.

“According to our intelligence, Russia has started to prepare strategic reserves, which indicates plans for combat operations not only in Ukraine,” Sybiha said during the Globsec conference in Prague, calling for urgent diplomatic and economic pressure.

“Allies need full diplomatic mobilization to stop this war. This is not just a question for Ukraine. (Russian President Vladimir) Putin only understands strength, and right now it’s crucial to apply sanctions in a timely manner, using them as economic weapons to pressure Russia,” Sybiha said.

The comments come as Russia intensifies its military offensives and missile strikes across Ukraine, despite participating in two recent rounds of peace talks in Istanbul. The first talks were held on May 16, followed by a second meeting on June 2. While both rounds produced agreements on prisoner exchanges, they failed to secure a ceasefire.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a June 12 interview with Germany’s Bild newspaper that Russia is using the talks to delay tougher U.S. sanctions, while continuing to escalate attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Russia also continues to issue nuclear threats to Western countries. Putin claimed on June 11 that Russia possesses the world’s most advanced nuclear systems, with 95% of its strategic nuclear forces reportedly made up of modern equipment.

Putin emphasized the need to significantly strengthen Russia’s ground forces. Russian defense spending has surged to 6.3% of GDP, the highest level since the Cold War, as Moscow continues to ramp up its military investment amid the ongoing war.

What Russia’s 1 million casualties mean for Ukraine

The Kyiv Independent’s Chris York sits down with George Barros, team lead for the Russia and Ukraine portfolio at the Institute for the Study of War, to discuss what Russia’s approaching one million casualties mean for its war effort in Ukraine. They explore how the Kremlin might generate more forces — and what impact this could have on Russia’s economy.

The Kyiv IndependentChris York

June 13, 2025 2:45pm

Ukraine Russia Photos

Ben Borges

Editor’s note: The story is being updated.

Ukraine has brought home the bodies of 1,200 Ukrainian soldiers and citizens as part of an agreement with Russia in Istanbul, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of the Prisoners of War (POWs) announced on June 13.

June 13, 2025 2:41pm

Ukraine Russia Photos USA

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Ben Borges

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Europe must begin preparing for a gradual reduction in U.S. military support for both the continent and Ukraine, Tagesschau reported on June 13.

“Yes, that’s right. That would be so, and we have to deal with that,” Pistorius told journalists in response to a question about the U.S. potentially scaling down its support. He noted that the discussions focus on a reduction in U.S. backing rather than a full halt.

The comments come after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that Washington would reduce the assistance allocated to Ukraine in the next year’s federal budget.

“We now have to look at how much support drops and whether Europeans can compensate for it,” Pistorius added.

While the U.S. has been Ukraine’s leading military backer under former President Joe Biden, the Trump administration has yet to approve any aid packages and has become increasingly disengaged from peace talks.

Pistorius’s comments come amid increasing uncertainty in transatlantic relations. U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker confirmed on May 16 that the United States plans to begin discussions with European allies later this year about reducing its military presence on the continent.

Speaking at a security conference in Estonia, Whitaker said the talks would begin after the NATO summit in The Hague in June.

“Nothing has been determined,” Whitaker said, according to Reuters. “But as soon as we do, we are going to have these conversations in the structure of NATO."

Whitaker emphasized that any drawdown would be closely coordinated to avoid creating security gaps. Still, he reiterated U.S. President Donald Trump’s position that long-standing U.S. efforts to reduce its European military footprint must now be implemented.

“This is going to be orderly, but we are not going to have any more patience for foot-dragging in this situation,” he said.

In February, Hegseth reportedly told NATO allies that “stark strategic realities” prevent the United States from being primarily focused on Europe’s security. Leaks reported by the Atlantic in March revealed that both Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance privately criticized European defense spending, with Hegseth allegedly expressing his “loathing of European free-loading."

Trump called on NATO member states to increase defense spending up to 5% of GDP. Ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague on June 24–25, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that member states will have agreed to a new goal of increasing defense spending.

“We are headed for a summit in six weeks in which virtually every member of NATO will be at or above 2%, but more importantly, many of them will be over 4%, and all will have agreed on a goal of reaching 5% over the next decade,” Rubio told Fox News on May 15.

Such a move would mark a historic shift, with NATO partners collectively accounting for more than half of the alliance’s military capacity, according to Rubio.

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine in 2022, NATO members have significantly increased their defense spending, with countries like Poland and the Baltic nations aiming to reach the 5% target in the coming years.

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.

The Kyiv IndependentKateryna Hodunova

June 13, 2025 2:14pm

Ukraine Russia Photos USA

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Ben Borges

President Volodymyr Zelensky on June 13 appointed Aliona Hetmanchuk as the head of Ukraine’s mission to NATO, replacing Nataliia Halibarenko.

The appointment came “at a critical time for the future of Ukraine, for the future of NATO itself, and, of course, for Ukraine’s future in NATO. I realize the responsibility,” Hetmanchuk said on her Facebook page on June 13.

“As for this moment, we will be fully immersed in preparations for the summit in The Hague,” she added, referring to the upcoming NATO summit that will take place in the Netherlands on June 24 and 25, with Ukraine participating.

Hetmanchuk is a leading Ukrainian foreign policy expert with a background in journalism. She is the founder and director of the New Europe Center and a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center.

Previously, Hetmanchuk co-founded and directed the Institute of World Policy and has advised the Presidential Consultation Committee between Ukraine and Poland since 2016.

Ukraine applied for alliance membership in September 2022, several months after Russia launched its full-scale invasion. While NATO has repeatedly affirmed that Kyiv will eventually join, it has yet to extend a formal invitation.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said on June 9 that the political commitment to Ukraine’s future membership in NATO remains unchanged, even if it is not explicitly mentioned in the final communique of the upcoming summit in The Hague.

“The irreversible path of Ukraine into NATO is there, and it is my assumption that it is still there after the summit,” Rutte said at Chatham House in London.

Rutte’s comments follow reporting that this year’s summit communique, set for release after the June 24–25 meeting, may exclude references to Ukraine. This would mark a notable departure from previous gatherings, where Kyiv’s future in NATO took center stage.

Amid Moscow’s war in Ukraine, Trump wonders why ‘everybody hates’ Russia

“He (Russian President Vladimir Putin) fought with us in World War II… and now everybody hates Russia and loves Germany and Japan. It’s a strange world,” U.S. President Donald Trump said.

The Kyiv IndependentAnna Fratsyvir

June 13, 2025 1:02pm

Ukraine Russia Photos USA

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Ben Borges

Kyiv on June 13 expressed concern over the security situation in the Middle East after Israeli air strikes against Iran, but stressed that Tehran remains a “source of problems” in the region “and beyond."

The statement follows what Israel called a “preemptive” strike against Iran overnight on June 13, targeting the country’s nuclear program and reportedly killing top military officials.

“We would like to remind you that the Iranian regime supports Russia in its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and provides Moscow with weapons to kill Ukrainians,” the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Along with North Korea, Iran has been a key ally to Russia during its full-scale war against Ukraine, providing thousands of Shahed strike drones and short-range ballistic missiles.

Ukraine has called upon the international community “to take joint and decisive action” and deter a “group of aggressive regimes — Russia, Iran, and North Korea."

Kyiv nevertheless also warned that further hostilities could destabilize the region with “negative consequences for international security and global financial stability, especially in oil markets."

Israeli strikes were quickly followed by a surge in oil prices, Russia’s key export commodity, with Brent and Nymex crude prices jumping by more than 10%.

“We are convinced that restoring peace and stability in the Middle East will serve the interests not only of the region but also of the entire international community,” the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said.

Iran has pledged a response to Israeli air strikes and accused the United States of “also being responsible for the dangerous consequences of this reckless escalation.” The Trump administration has acknowledged it knew about the operation in advance but denied any involvement.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Tehran has already launched over 100 drones against Israel in response.

The attacks took place amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and U.S. President Donald Trump’s push to find a diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear aspirations. A round of indirect U.S.-Iranian negotiations in Oman was scheduled for June 15.

Russia has condemned Israel’s attacks as “unprovoked aggression” and a violation of the U.N. Charter.

Israel launches ‘preemptive’ air strikes on Iran’s nuclear program, IRGC chief killed in attack

Israeli forces launched “preemptive strikes” on Iran overnight on June 13, tarting Iran’s nuclear program, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an overnight address.

The Kyiv IndependentLucy Pakhnyuk

June 13, 2025 12:37pm

Ukraine Russia Photos

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Ben Borges

Ukraine has received another 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) in macro-financial assistance from the European Union as part of a G7 loan, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on June 13.

“This is the fifth tranche of macro-financial assistance from the EU under the ERA Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration) initiative,” Shmyhal wrote on social media. “The funds will be directed toward key expenditures of the state budget."

Shmyhal thanked Ukraine’s partners for their “consistent and reliable support,” adding, “Together, we will make (Russia) pay for all the damage caused to Ukraine."

According to Shmyhal, Ukraine has received a total of 7 billion euros ($8 billion) from the European Union under the ERA initiative, which is funded by the windfall profits generated from immobilized Russian sovereign assets.

The ERA mechanism, launched by the G7 and backed by the EU and the United States, is a $50 billion program designed to support Ukraine through loans repaid using future income from frozen Russian assets. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, G7 countries have frozen around $300 billion in Russian sovereign assets.

Ukraine received the previous 1-billion-euro tranche on May 8 as part of the fourth installment of EU aid under ERA.

EU provides Ukraine with $1 billion tranche under G7 loan covered by Russian assets

This is the fourth such tranche from the bloc, which is secured by proceeds from frozen Russian assets.

The Kyiv IndependentKateryna Hodunova

June 13, 2025 12:16pm

Ukraine Russia Photos

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Ben Borges

Russia’s Foreign Ministry expressed “extreme concern” on June 13 over Israel’s recent strike on Iran, calling it a dangerous escalation that violated the United Nations Charter and international law.

Moscow, which currently wages war against Ukraine, the largest conflict on the European continent since World War II, condemned Israel’s attack as an “unprovoked aggression."

Earlier on June 13, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israeli forces had launched “Operation Rising Lion,” a preemptive strike targeting Iran’s nuclear program. In a televised address, Netanyahu claimed Israeli forces struck Iran’s main nuclear enrichment site in Natanz and targeted key nuclear scientists.

In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry denounced Israel’s overnight attacks as “unprovoked military strikes” targeting a sovereign U.N. member’s nuclear facilities. The ministry said the international community “cannot remain indifferent” to such actions that undermine global and regional stability.

The statement called it “cynical” that the strikes occurred during a session of the International Atomic Energy Agency and just before another round of indirect Iran–U.S. talks in Oman, scheduled for June 15.

Moscow said this timing undermined diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing confrontations over Tehran’s nuclear program.

The ministry accused Western countries of fueling “anti-Iranian hysteria” in international forums and warned that military solutions cannot resolve the Iranian nuclear issue. It urged all parties to show restraint to avoid a full-scale regional war.

The condemnation comes as Moscow and Tehran continue to strengthen their ties. Iran’s parliament ratified on May 21 a 20‑year strategic partnership agreement with Russia, deepening military and economic cooperation.

While the pact does not include mutual defense, it outlines joint military exercises, energy cooperation, and interbank links designed to circumvent Western sanctions.

Iran has also supplied Russia with thousands of Shahed drones and ballistic missiles used against Ukraine throughout Moscow’s war.

Previously, Moscow claimed its willingness to remove excess nuclear material from Iran, converting it into reactor fuel in support of U.S.–Iran nuclear talks. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia is prepared to assist if both Iran and the U.S. find its help valuable.

Israel launches ‘preemptive’ air strikes on Iran’s nuclear program, IRGC chief killed in attack

Israeli forces launched “preemptive strikes” on Iran overnight on June 13, tarting Iran’s nuclear program, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an overnight address.

The Kyiv IndependentLucy Pakhnyuk

June 13, 2025 11:46am

Ukraine Russia Photos USA

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Ben Borges

U.S. President Donald Trump on June 12 praised Russia’s role in World War II, saying Russian President Vladimir Putin is “confused” why everyone “hates” Moscow.

Speaking at a White House press conference, Trump recounted a conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron about World War II commemorations.

“I said, ‘You’re celebrating our victory?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ I said, “Your victory?'” Trump said.

“And then I spoke to President Putin at the time. He lost 51 million people. He (sic!) fought with us in World War II. Russia did fight. It’s interesting, isn’t it? It fought with us in World War II, and everyone hates it.

“And now everybody hates Russia and loves Germany and Japan. It’s a strange world."

Trump said Putin had expressed confusion over the West’s treatment of Russia post-war, citing the Soviet Union’s wartime alliance with the U.S. and U.K.

“We were your ally,” Putin allegedly told Trump. “Now everybody hates Russia."

Trump’s remarks align with a Kremlin propaganda narrative that downplays the Soviet Union’s World War II non-Russian casualties. According to Ukraine’s Institute of National Remembrance, Ukraine alone lost more than 10 million people during the war and suffered immense destruction on its territory — a fact often overlooked in Kremlin-led historical revisionism.

Russia has frequently weaponized its version of World War II history to justify present-day aggression. The Kremlin has invoked anti-Nazi rhetoric and Soviet-era heroism to rationalize its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022 — a war that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions.

Trump has positioned himself as the only leader capable of ending the Russia-Ukraine war, but his reluctance to apply real pressure on Moscow has left Kyiv and its allies doubtful. The U.S. president has softened his tone on Russia while repeatedly threatening sanctions over its attacks on Ukraine — yet no new measures have been imposed.

Talking at the press conference about the war and the stalled peace efforts, Trump said he was “disappointed” with both Russia and Ukraine, adding that “deals could have been made."

Trump has previously said that he refrained from imposing additional sanctions in hopes of securing a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow.

“If I think I’m close to getting a deal, I don’t want to screw it up by doing that,” he said on May 28, adding that a decision would come “in about two weeks."

Despite failed peace efforts in Istanbul and Russia’s continued refusal to agree to a ceasefire, Trump reportedly asked Senate Republicans to delay voting on a bipartisan sanctions bill that would impose a 500% tariff on imports from countries buying Russian oil.

The legislation, introduced in April, has broad bipartisan support, including backing from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Meanwhile, Russia continues its offensive in Ukraine and has shown no signs of seeking peace. It continues escalating its attacks on Ukrainian cities, causing numerous civilian casualties.

Who’s countering Russian propaganda now? Expert on US’ declining disinformation defense

The Kyiv Independent’s Natalia Yermak speaks to James Rubin, a former diplomat who led the Global Engagement Center in 2022-2024, about how deeply the Russian propaganda influences U.S. politics and why the center’s closure “disarms” the country in the information war.

The Kyiv IndependentNatalia Yermak

June 13, 2025 11:10am

Ukraine Russia Photos

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Ben Borges

Editor’s note: The story is being updated.

Explosions could be heard across Crimea early on June 13, including in Sevastopol and Simferopol, the Crimean Wind Telegram channel reported amid Russian claims of Ukrainian drone attacks.

The pro-Ukrainian Telegram channel reported a hit in Simferopol, Crimea’s capital, sharing a photo of a plume of smoke rising in the vicinity of a local power station and of the village of Perevalne. Blasts in Yevpatoriia, Saki, Fedosia, and elsewhere were also reported.

Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed its air defenses shot down 125 Ukrainian drones overnight on June 13, including 70 over Crimea and seven over the Black Sea.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims. Ukraine has not commented on the alleged attacks.

Russia has illegally occupied Crimea since 2014, transforming the peninsula into a heavily militarized stronghold to support its war against Ukraine.

Ukrainian forces have repeatedly targeted the peninsula with missiles and drones since the outbreak of the full-scale war in 2022. Most recently, Ukrainian drones attacked an ammunition depot used by Russia’s 126th Coastal Defense Brigade near the village of Perevalne.

As Russian losses in Ukraine hit 1 million, Putin’s war economy heads toward breaking point

Russian losses in Ukraine hit a massive, and grim milestone on June 12 — 1 million Russian soldiers killed or wounded during the 39-month-long full-scale war, according to figures from Kyiv. Although hugely symbolic, the number is unlikely to prompt a change in tactics from Moscow as it gears up for

The Kyiv IndependentChris York

June 13, 2025 11:02am

Ukraine Photos

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Ben Borges

But if you want your money to work not just for you but also to help bring Ukraine closer to victory, there’s been another option since 2022: Domestic Government Bonds Issued during the War Time (war bonds) — a government’s tool to fund the military. Why are more and more Ukrainians choosing war bonds as a reliable and patriotic way to invest? Read on to find out.

Since 1995, Ukraine has been issuing domestic government bonds — essentially “state debt receipts,” where you lend money to the government, and it pays you back with interest over time. Usually, the proceeds from these bonds go to the general state budget. In 2022, war bonds emerged — a special type of domestic bond issued during martial law to directly fund defense needs. Today, in times of war, Ukraine relies significantly on war bonds as a source of internal financing. In just the first four months of 2025, their sales brought in UAH 80 billion. For comparison, Ukraine received UAH 98 billion from international partners from January to March.

Since March 2022, the Ministry of Finance has been holding weekly auctions for war bonds every Tuesday (you can follow them here). Only specially designated banks — primary dealers approved by the Ministry of Finance—are allowed to purchase these bonds directly. After buying them, banks can either keep the bonds as investments or resell them to clients with a small markup. For example, a bank might buy a war bond for UAH 1,000 and sell it to a client for UAH 1,015.

It is no surprise, then, that most war bonds are currently held by banks. As of March 1, 2025, legal entities (banks and non-financial companies) own 83% of all war bonds. Households hold 14%, and another 2% belongs to foreign investors. Over the past three years, the structure of war bond ownership has barely changed.

War bonds come in three currencies — hryvnia, US dollars, and euros. The face value is 1,000 units of the respective currency. They differ by currency, term (from 1 to almost 3 years), and promised yield. For example, the lowest current yield is on euro-denominated bonds — 3.22% per year — while the highest is on hryvnia bonds — 18.35% annually. This means that by investing UAH 1,000, you can earn anywhere from UAH 145 to UAH 185 per year, depending on the specific issue and the date you buy the bond. For instance, if a bond was issued on January 1, 2024, with a 10% annual yield and a 2-year maturity (meaning the government will return your initial UAH 1,000 on December 31, 2025), buying it at the very beginning would earn you UAH 100 for 2024 and another UAH 100 for 2025. But if you buy the same bond on January 1, 2025, you’ll only earn income for one year—UAH 100.

If you need the money sooner, you do not have to wait until the bond matures—you can sell it to someone else. In that case, instead of receiving a fixed return as you would by holding the bond to the end, you will get whatever price a new buyer is willing to pay. The price depends on how much time is left until maturity and the bond’s yield. The closer the payout date is, the less you can earn since the buyer will receive less interest. In other words, the less time left until maturity, the lower the benefit for the new investor, and, accordingly, the lower the price.

Although citizens hold the largest share of dollar-denominated war bonds (34% of all such bonds in circulation), the majority of war bonds overall are issued in hryvnia, over 329 million units. However, only 7% of these are owned by individuals. This suggests that people are cautious about investing in hryvnia war bonds, likely due to inflation (which reached 10.7% in 2024), even though the yields on these bonds exceed the inflation rate.

Since October 3, 2022, buying war bonds has become even easier — you can now do it through the Diia app. However, Diia does not sell the bonds directly — it simply connects users to partner banks or licensed brokers. In the app, the bonds are named after temporarily occupied cities, like Skadovsk, Kerch, or Vuhledar. This move reinforces the idea that by purchasing a war bond, investors are helping bring the liberation of Ukrainian territories closer.

As of March 1, 2025, there were over 332 million war bonds in circulation, worth around UAH 418 billion in total.

So, war bonds are more than just a profitable investment. They combine financial returns with supporting the country in a time of crisis. By buying these bonds, you not only preserve and grow your savings — you also contribute to Ukraine’s victory. It’s an investment that benefits both you and Ukraine.

June 13, 2025 10:22am

Ukraine Russia Photos

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Ben Borges

Global oil prices soared on June 13  after Israel launched a strike on Iran, triggering fears of a broader conflict in the energy-rich Middle East that could disrupt global supplies, the BBC reported.

The spike threatens to undermine Western efforts to choke off a vital revenue stream for Russia, which relies heavily on oil profits to sustain its war in Ukraine.

According to the BBC, Brent and Nymex crude prices jumped by more than 10% following the Israeli attack, reaching their highest levels since January. Prices later stabilized but remained about 7.5% higher, with Brent at $74.50 a barrel and Nymex at $73.20.

The price surge comes at a crucial time for Ukraine and its Western allies, who are intensifying efforts to minimize the Kremlin’s oil revenues — the backbone of Russia’s wartime economy.

President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the European Union on June 11 to impose tougher sanctions on Russia, including a more aggressive price cap on oil exports.

“A ceiling of $45 per barrel of oil is better than $60, that’s clear,” Zelensky said at the Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit in Odesa. “But real peace will come with a ceiling of $30. That’s the level that will really change the mindset in Moscow."

The EU’s current $60 per barrel cap, introduced in December 2022, prohibits Western companies from shipping, insuring, or servicing Russian oil sold above the threshold. While this measure has curtailed some of Russia’s profits, the Kremlin continues to earn significant revenue, especially when market prices rise.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on June 10 that the EU is considering lowering the cap to $45, a move that will be discussed at the G7 summit in Canada between June 15 and 17. According to Reuters, most G7 countries, excluding the U.S. and Japan, are prepared to proceed with the reduction regardless of Washington’s stance.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said early on June 13 that Israeli forces had launched “Operation Rising Lion,” a preemptive strike targeting Iran’s nuclear program. In a televised address, Netanyahu claimed Israeli forces struck Iran’s main nuclear enrichment site in Natanz and targeted key nuclear scientists.

Key to Russia’s defeat lies in its economy

As the war in Ukraine grinds on, attention remains fixed on the battlefield. But Russia’s most vulnerable flank is not in the trenches — it’s in the treasury. The West, and especially the United States, holds economic levers that could push Vladimir Putin toward serious negotiations or even collapse

The Kyiv IndependentWojciech Jakóbik

June 13, 2025 9:12am

Ukraine Russia Photos

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Ben Borges

At least four civilians were killed and 24 injured over the past day in Russian attacks across Ukraine, Ukrainian officials said on June 13.

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia targeted the country with 55 Shahed-type attack drones and decoy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as four Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles launched from Russian territory.

Ukraine’s air defenses shot down 28 drones, while 15 were intercepted by electronic warfare or disappeared from radars.

In Kherson Oblast, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said Russian troops shelled and launched drone and air strikes on dozens of settlements, including Kherson city. The attacks hit residential areas and critical infrastructure, damaging four apartment buildings and 13 houses. One person was killed and seven were wounded.

In Kharkiv Oblast, Governor Oleh Syniehubov reported that seven civilians were injured, including an 11-year-old child, during Russian attacks on seven settlements. Russian forces used 16 unguided rockets, six guided bombs, and over 20 drones, including Shaheds and first-person view (FPV) units. Civilian infrastructure, including houses and factory buildings in Kupiansk, Izium, and Bohodukhiv districts, sustained significant damage.

In Sumy Oblast, two people were injured when a Russian drone struck civilian infrastructure in the Mykolaivka community, regional officials said. Over the past 24 hours, Russia carried out more than 50 attacks on 25 settlements using FPV drones, multiple-launch rocket systems, and guided bombs.

In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Governor Ivan Fedorov said one person was killed and three injured in Russian attacks on the region. Russian forces launched nearly 500 strikes across the region, including 283 drone attacks, mainly FPV types, and 10 air strikes.

In Donetsk Oblast, Governor Vadym Filashkin said two civilians were killed, while five others were injured across the region.

Ukraine secures return of 5 children from Russia, Russian-occupied territories

Ukraine successfully brought back five children who had been forcibly taken to Russia as well as Russian-occupied territory, Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak announced on June 12.

The Kyiv IndependentDmytro Basmat

June 13, 2025 8:44am

Ukraine Russia Photos USA

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Ben Borges

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.

“Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see. There are several people in leadership that will not be coming back,” Trump told Fox News' anchor Bret Baier.

The comments come after Israel launched heavy air strikes against 100 sites in Iran, targeting the country’s nuclear program and reportedly killing Hossein Salami, the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and other top officials.

In a statement released by the State Department, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the United States was not involved in the strikes on Iran, calling it a “unilateral action."

The U.S. has reached out to at least one Middle Eastern ally to say that the strike is going to happen, but that Washington was not involved, Fox News reported.

Trump said the U.S. military is on high alert and watching for any kind of retaliation, adding that the U.S. will respond to defend itself or Israel if Iran strikes back.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that Tehran had already launched over 100 drones against Israel, which are expected to reach their targets within the next few hours.

Before the attacks, Trump emphasized that despite tensions, he is committed to avoiding conflict and prefers a diplomatic solution to Iran’s nuclear aspirations. “I want to have an agreement with Iran,” Trump said, referring to ongoing Iran-U.S. nuclear talks in Oman.

Writing on Truth Social, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to a “diplomatic resolution to the Iran nuclear issue,” and insisted that his “entire administration has been directed to negotiate with Iran."

Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and has expressed willingness to accept limited restrictions in exchange for the lifting of sanctions.

In contrast, the International Atomic Energy Agency released a report highlighting Iran’s failure to comply with its obligations to fully disclose activities at its nuclear facilities.

Beyond the Middle East, Iran has emerged as a key ally of Russia in its war against Ukraine, supplying Moscow with drones used in attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Israel launches ‘preemptive’ air strikes on Iran’s nuclear program, IRGC chief killed in attack

Israeli forces launched “preemptive strikes” on Iran overnight on June 13, tarting Iran’s nuclear program, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an overnight address.

The Kyiv IndependentLucy Pakhnyuk

June 13, 2025 8:16am

Ukraine Photos

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Ben Borges

Israel launched over 100 drones against Iran in the last few hours, the Times of Israel reported on June 13, citing Israeli military spokesperson Effie Defrin.

The drone attack follows heavy air strikes launched by Israel against Iran, targeting the country’s nuclear program and reportedly killing Hossein Salami, the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and other top officials.

Iranian drones will take several hours to reach their targets, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are working to shoot them down, Defrin said, according to the Times of Israel.

Israel said it had deployed some 200 aircraft in its “preemptive” attack overnight on June 13, dropping 330 munitions over 100 sites.

The full extent of the consequences was not immediately clear. Multiple explosions were reported in Tehran as videos posted on social media purportedly show fire burning in multiple locations of the Iranian capital.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei vowed to enact "severe punishment" in response to the attack, accusing the United States for "also (being) responsible for the dangerous consequences of this reckless escalation."

In a statement released by the State Department, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the United States was not involved in the strikes on Iran, calling it a "unilateral action."

The U.S. Embassy in Israel instructed its employees and family members to take shelter until further notice.

Jordan has announced it had closed its airspace "as a precaution against any risks resulting from the regional escalation."

The attacks are taking place amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. In April 2024, Iran launched 170 drones and 150 missiles against Israel, with an overwhelming majority being shot down outside of Israel, with the assistance of Western partners.

The attack was a response to Israel’s strike on an Iranian consulate in Syria on April 1 as part of the broader Israel-Hamas war.

Israel launches ‘preemptive’ air strikes on Iran’s nuclear program, IRGC chief killed in attack

Israeli forces launched “preemptive strikes” on Iran overnight on June 13, tarting Iran’s nuclear program, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an overnight address.

The Kyiv IndependentLucy Pakhnyuk