USA

June 26, 2025 2:54am

Ukraine Russia Photos USA

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Ben Borges

Editor’s note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

Explosions were reported in Moscow overnight on June 26, with Mayor Sergey Sobyanin claiming two drones were shot down by air defenses.

Two drones were shot down, Sobyanin said, adding that emergency services are responding at the wreckage sites.

Ukraine’s military regularly strikes military targets deep within Russia in an attempt to diminish Moscow’s fighting power as it continues its war against Ukraine.

Explosions were reportedly heard in the city, independent media reported, citing Moscow’s residents.

The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify these claims.

Kaluga airport and Moscow’s Vnukovo airport had flight restrictions imposed amid the drone attack, Artyom Korenyako, a spokesperson for Russia’s state aviation agency Rosaviatsia, said early on June 26.

“The airport is temporarily not accepting or sending flights. Aircraft crews, air traffic controllers, and airport services must take all necessary measures to ensure flight safety,” he said.

The restrictions were later lifted.

On June 1, Ukraine launched a game-changing drone attack on four key Russian military airfields, damaging 41 planes, including heavy bombers and rare A-50 spy planes.

Kyiv claimed it disabled 34% of Russia’s strategic bomber fleet in what is seen as one of the most daring operations during Russia’s full-scale war.

Ukraine’s military intelligence agency was behind explosions near Desantnaya Bay in Russia’s far eastern Vladivostok on May 30, which reportedly damaged military personnel and equipment, a source in HUR told the Kyiv Independent.

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

Key developments on June 25: * Zelensky, Trump hold talks on NATO summit sidelines * ‘Something unknown’ hits key Russian drone facility in Taganrog, Ukrainian official says * Russia has launched over 28,000 Shahed drones at Ukraine since 2022, with nearly 10% fired in June alone, Zelensky says * Donetsk Oblast city “on

The Kyiv IndependentThe Kyiv Independent news desk

June 26, 2025 12:37am

Ukraine Russia Photos USA

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Ben Borges

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

Rubio met with NATO foreign ministers on June 25 during a private dinner at the alliance’s annual summit. According to sources who spoke with POLITICO, Rubio acknowledged that Russia was the main obstacle preventing peace talks to end the war in Ukraine.

He reportedly said the U.S. Senate would likely consider new sanctions legislation after completing work on President Donald Trump’s spending bill.

However, just hours later, Rubio softened his position on Russia during an exclusive interview with POLITICO, calling for a more cautious approach.

“If we did what everybody here wants us to do, and that is come in and crush them with more sanctions, we probably lose our ability to talk to them about the ceasefire and then who’s talking to them?” Rubio said.

He also added that Trump would know the “time and place” to change course.

When asked about the apparent shift in tone, a senior U.S. official insisted Rubio’s messaging has remained consistent in conversations with allies.

“The secretary has been very consistent in meeting and calls with his counterparts on three key point,” the official said.

“One is that the president believes strongly that the only way this war ends is through negotiations; second, as soon as the U.S. imposes new sanctions on Russia the opportunity for the U.S. to be involved in those negotiations closes; and third, that the Senate, in America anyway, is an independent body that at some point is going to move on those sanctions,."

At the NATO dinner, Rubio reportedly faced criticism from Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, who claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin was disrespecting Trump by violating the ceasefire.

It has been more than 100 days since Ukraine agreed to a U.S.-backed complete ceasefire, while Russia continues to reject it.

Sikorski also reportedly denounced Moscow’s repeated attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, which have intensified in recent weeks, saying such strikes “should not come for free” — implying that the U.S. and Europe should do more to support Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Rubio has delivered different messages in public and behind closed doors. Despite the shifting rhetoric, Baltic and Nordic countries reportedly view him as a pragmatic ally within the Trump administration — one who has a realistic understanding of the threats posed by Russia and China, according to a second European official cited by POLITICO.

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

Key developments on June 25: * Zelensky, Trump hold talks on NATO summit sidelines * ‘Something unknown’ hits key Russian drone facility in Taganrog, Ukrainian official says * Russia has launched over 28,000 Shahed drones at Ukraine since 2022, with nearly 10% fired in June alone, Zelensky says * Donetsk Oblast city “on

The Kyiv IndependentThe Kyiv Independent news desk

June 25, 2025 10:47pm

Ukraine Russia Photos USA

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Ben Borges

Ukraine and the Council of Europe signed a historic agreement on June 25 to establish a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression , marking a major step toward holding Russia’s leadership accountable for launching the full-scale invasion in 2022.

The agreement was signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky and Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset during a ceremony in Strasbourg, France – following more than three years of diplomatic efforts and deliberation.

Speaking at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Zelensky thanked the assembly and underscored the importance of justice.

“Everyone responsible for this war must be held to account,” he said. “Every war criminal must face justice – including Putin… the crime of aggression must be recorded, judged, and punished."

Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reacted, calling the signing a “historic moment not only for Ukraine, but also for world justice."

The Special Tribunal will be established within the framework of the Council of Europe and will have the mandate to prosecute senior Russian leaders for the crime of aggression – defined as the decision to use armed force against another state, in violation of the United Nations Charter.

The tribunal is intended to close a key legal gap in existing international accountability mechanisms. While the International Criminal Court (ICC) has jurisdiction to investigate war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in Ukraine – it cannot examine the crime of aggression due to jurisdictional constraints. The new tribunal will complement the ICC’s efforts by specifically targeting high-level officials responsible for starting the war.

President Zelensky has long advocated for the creation of the tribunal, emphasizing the need to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials to justice. Ukrainian prosecutors have documented thousands of war crimes committed by Russian forces, including attacks on civilians, cultural landmarks, medical facilities, and reports of torture and forced deportations.

The ICC has already issued arrest warrants for Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, the Russian official overseeing the forced deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. While war crimes and crimes against humanity can be prosecuted at any level of command, the crime of aggression focuses exclusively on senior state officials responsible for planning and waging war.

In addition to the special tribunal, the Council of Europe’s Ukraine-related work also includes the Register of Damage, an initiative that has already received more than 34,000 claims detailing losses and harms resulting from Russia’s full-scale invasion. The establishment of the register was a significant international effort and the first step towards a mechanism to ensure justice and compensation for Ukraine and its people.

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.”

The Kyiv IndependentKateryna Denisova

June 25, 2025 9:20pm

Ukraine Russia Protests Photos USA

Reading Time: 13 minutes

Ben Borges

After a high-level U.S. visit to Belarus led to the release of 14 prisoners, observers have been left wondering what autocrat Alexander Lukashenko may have secured in return.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg’s visit to Minsk on June 21 marked the highest-level diplomatic contact the isolated regime of Alexander Lukashenko had with the U.S. in years.

The trip was also marked by the freeing by the Lukashenko regime of 14 prisoners, including one of the most notable of Lukashenko’s political opponents — Siarhei Tsikhanouski.

With the released prisoners in the spotlight, both parties to the negotiations were vague regarding the results of the meeting. But members of the Belarusian opposition in exile and political analysts all agreed Lukashenko was seeking some form of international legitimacy, as well as sanctions relief.

“For Lukashenko, the visit is a fairly strong legitimizing step,” said Lesia Rudnik, the director of an exiled independent Belarusian think tank, the Center for New Ideas.

“I believe we’re at the beginning of a dialogue … but I think we’ll see a rather slow development of the situation.”

Lukashenko has been ostracized by the West over his support for Russia’s war against Ukraine and brutal suppression of freedoms in Belarus. His international contacts have been limited to China, Vietnam, Iran, and African states that have minimal trade turnover with Belarus, and, increasingly, local Russian officials. The only Western nations that have thus far broken the diplomatic freeze are Russia-sympathetic EU states Hungary and Slovakia.

As for the U.S., analysts suggest Washington could have been looking to deter deeper Belarusian involvement in the war, while also possibly securing a foreign policy win for Trump amid stalled peace negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

Carefully choreographed breakthrough

The trail to Kellogg’s top-level meeting in Minsk was blazed nearly a year ago under the administration of former U.S. President Joe Biden, with low-profile behind-the-scenes meetings and occasional prisoner releases.

The most tangible result of Kellogg’s mission was the sudden freeing of 14 prisoners, including Tsikhanouski, former RFE/RL journalist Ihar Karnei, and citizens of Estonia, Latvia, and Poland, who were released from prisons in Belarus and delivered to neighboring Lithuania. U.S. President Donald Trump marked the release with a celebratory post on his social media platform, Truth Social.

Once seen as an unlikely candidate for early release, Tsikhanouski was freed after serving five years of a nearly 20-year sentence. Jailed ahead of Belarus’s 2020 presidential election, his arrest prompted his wife, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, to run in his place. Despite election observers finding she had won the election, Lukashenko claimed victory, sparking mass protests in Belarus that lasted for months.

At a press conference in Vilnius following his release, Tsikhanouski appealed to Trump to help free other political prisoners in Belarus.

“President Trump now has the power and opportunity to free all political prisoners in Belarus just like that. And I ask him to do so,” Tsikhanouski said.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who, since being forced into exile, has led the Belarusian opposition, hailed the releases, pledging to “continue to work closely with President Trump’s administration and with all our allies on both sides of the Atlantic to achieve the freedom of every political prisoner.”

European leaders, including EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, and others, also welcomed the U.S. diplomatic efforts and the freeing of the political prisoners.

Following four years of continuous, harsh repression, Lukashenko suddenly pardoned 18 political prisoners in July 2024, then continued to release small batches of political prisoners every month for half a year. Tsikhanouski said he had heard talk of his potential release in August 2024.

In February, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Christopher W. Smith made an unannounced visit to Belarus, securing the release of a U.S. citizen and two Belarusian political prisoners.

John Coale, Kellogg’s deputy, during a low-profile visit to Minsk in May facilitated the release of dual U.S.-Belarusian citizen Yuras Ziankovich. The earlier contacts paved the way for Kellogg’s high-profile visit, accompanied by Smith and Coale.

The publicity surrounding the visit indicates that the parties “have reached a minimum level of mutual trust,” commented Valery Kavaleuski, a former Belarusian diplomat and ex-member of Tsikhanouskaya’s shadow cabinet. He is currently advocating for the release of political prisoners as the head of the Euro-Atlantic Affairs Agency.

Restoring ties?

One thing Belarusian officials did signal was that they expect more in return, including full restoration of bilateral ties and sanctions relief.

Belarus’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Valentin Rybakov, on state-owned Belarusian television after the Kellogg meeting, said that Minsk seeks to “normalize” bilateral relations with the U.S., which would entail the full resumption of embassy operations in both countries and exchanges of visits by officials.

The U.S. withdrew its diplomats and shut down embassy operations in Minsk in February 2022, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which involved the use by the Russian military of Belarusian territory. According to Kavaleuski, the reopening of the embassy lies within U.S. interests in observing and gathering information on the ground. Reopening at the Charge d'Affaires level, as opposed to the ambassadorial level, does not imply any formal recognition of Lukashenko’s legitimacy.

On sanctions relief, Rybakov and Natallia Esismant, Lukashenko’s press secretary, noted that this had been among the priority topics of the discussion. The New York Times also reported that the matter was discussed during Khristopher Smith’s visit to Belarus in February.

“According to our information, Lukashenko is setting a condition for the lifting of the American sanctions on (potash producer) Belaruskali,” opposition activist and leader of the People’s Anti-Crisis Management initiative, Pavel Latushka, told the Kyiv Independent.

“The second is the financial sector, which enables financial payments,” he added. “The third is the Belavia (…) aircraft fleet, which includes (Lukashenko’s) planes.”

In 2019, before Belarus spiraled into political turmoil, potash, its top export, brought in approximately $2.9 billion in export revenues. After the EU and U.S. export restrictions were put in place, Belarus’s share of the global potash market dropped from 18% in 2021 to 8% in 2023, according to the International Food Policy Research Institute. Around 5% of the market was lost in the United States.

“But without Europe's participation, the ‘de-isolation’ of the Belarusian regime will not be as effective,” Rudnik from the Center for New Ideas told the Kyiv Independent, noting that while the U.S. can cancel its own sanctions, Washington would have to lobby for their relief in Europe.

Analysts agree that to restore the flow of this crucial export, Belarus needs to ease European sanctions and overcome opposition from Lithuania, home to Klaipeda seaport, formerly the chief transit hub for Belarusian potash.

Initially introduced in 2021 for human rights abuses, European sanctions on Belarusian potash were re-qualified as sanctions for Minsk’s support for Russia’s war against Ukraine, making them impossible to cancel until the war ends, former diplomat Kavaleuski says, citing his recent exchanges in Brussels.

Belarus, in contrast, expects reciprocal steps and a "good-neighborly approach” after releasing citizens of Estonia, Latvia, and Poland, said Belarus’s KGB Chief Ivan Tsertsel on state-run media, in an apparent reference to European opposition to sanctions relief. Notably, no Lithuanian citizens were included in the release.

But the European Union has so far shown no inclination to reduce restrictions on Lukashenko. Quite the opposite: the 18th sanctions package, recently blocked by Hungary and Slovakia, proposes to ban all transactions with Belarusian banks, further tightening restrictions against Belarus.

And Lithuania, one of the EU member states with the strongest voice on the Belarusian issue, sees no grounds for reconsidering sanctions yet, according to Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys. Aware of the potential for a veto by Hungary or Slovakia on Europe-wide sanctions, the Baltic state is developing legislation for national economic sanctions that would provide for the introduction of personal and sectoral restrictions.

While thankful for the release and hopeful for more good news, the Belarusian opposition is cautious about rewarding the regime too soon.

“Naturally, if the repression stops, and all the prisoners are released, it would open new possibilities, and one could talk about certain relief from the American sanctions,” Tsikhanouskaya’s advisor Viachorka says, adding that at this point, only 1.5% of the country’s 1,100 political prisoners have been released through U.S. mediation.

“There’s no trust in Lukashenko,” said exiled activist Latushka, who is known for his more hawkish approach to contacts with the Lukashenko regime.

“Over the 30 years of his rule, Lukashenko has repeatedly used this scheme of easing sanctions by making cosmetic concessions to the West.”

Latushka argues that sanctions should be eased only after the release of all political prisoners, a halt to repression, and the decriminalization of political life within the country. Even after that, restrictions should be suspended but not cancelled to ensure the possibility of swift reinstatement in case of backsliding by Minsk, he said.

But having released 14 prisoners, Belarusian KGB Chief Tsertsel reported that another 14 foreign and Belarusian citizens had been arrested in Belarus on charges of espionage and high treason in 2025 — in a sign the regime's "conveyor belt" of repression has far from slowed down.

Washington's interest in Minsk

Following his visit to Minsk, Kellogg shared that while his deputy John Coale led discussions on the release of prisoners, he had focused on the Russia-Ukraine War.

“We know Trump is, first and foremost, a dealmaker, and secondly, that success is important to him,” Rudnik said of the interest of the Trump administration in dealing with Belarus.

“And when this does not happen for a long time, especially when he promised so much in his election campaign, it becomes necessary to compensate for the lack of these victories with smaller victories, perhaps even a lot of them,” she said.

Observers interviewed by the Kyiv Independent do not believe Belarus could serve as a credible platform for the stalled Russian-Ukrainian peace negotiations — an idea that has been floated by the Kremlin, but flatly rejected by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over Belarus's complicity in the war.

While not having sent his troops into battle in Ukraine, Lukashenko let the Russian army use Belarusian territory to mount attacks on Ukraine at the start of the invasion. He also reoriented the Belarusian military-industrial complex to serve Russian defense contracts, according to a recent report by the Belarusian opposition group Belpol.

Aside from “scoring a win” easier than stopping Russia’s war, Washington may have warned Belarus against becoming more deeply engaged in the Kremlin’s war against Ukraine, or escalating tensions with the NATO and EU member states bordering Belarus, analysts suggest.

“Belarus is strategically placed on NATO’s eastern flank between Russia and western states,” Tsikhanouskaya’s advisor Viachorka says. “The less of a threat Belarus is, the less defense spending for America.”

Belarus is set to host the Zapad-2025 (West 2025) joint military drills with Russia in September. After the Russia-Belarus Union Resolve 2021 drills were used to disguise the buildup of Russian troops ahead of an all-out invasion, any joint drills in Belarus are now seen as a serious cause for concern among its neighbors.

In an apparent effort to assuage those fears, in May, Belarusian Defense Minister Viktar Khrenin announced the drills would involve fewer troops and would be held at a location further from the border.

The Kellogg visit, Latushka believes, also had the aim of determining whether Lukashenko is capable of altering his domestic or foreign policy, and the extent of the Kremlin’s influence over him.

Americanist and advisor to the Euro-Atlantic Affairs Agency Anton Penkovski told the Kyiv Independent that the Trump administration might be considering the possibilities for the “Finlandisation” of Belarus, a term that implies Minsk would loosen its military ties with Moscow without fully breaking off ties.

And while having nothing to lose in the event of negotiations failing, U.S. diplomats might also have been investigating Lukashenko’s ability to act independently and engage in separate negotiations in the event of Russia being weakened.

Indeed, Washington has a history of engaging with Minsk at times when tensions with Moscow heighten.

Viachorka, however, is not so sure.

“We often hear the message that we need to save Lukashenko from Russia, including from Belarusian propaganda,” he says. “But it’s Lukashenko who pushes Belarus closer to Russia because it’s comfortable for him.”

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

In a rare public sign that all is not well in Russia, two high-ranking Moscow officials last week issued separate warnings about the state of the country’s economy. Russian Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina and Economy Minister Maxim Reshetnikov both highlighted that amid the Kremlin’s full-scale war against Ukraine, the tools Moscow once relied on to maintain wartime growth are nearly exhausted. Almost immediately, Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 20 dismissed the concerns, clai

The Kyiv IndependentTim Zadorozhnyy

June 25, 2025 9:07pm

Ukraine Russia Photos USA

Reading Time: 8 minutes

Ben Borges

Key developments on June 25:

• Zelensky, Trump hold talks on NATO summit sidelines
• ‘Something unknown’ hits key Russian drone facility in Taganrog, Ukrainian official says
• Russia has launched over 28,000 Shahed drones at Ukraine since 2022, with nearly 10% fired in June alone, Zelensky says
• Donetsk Oblast city “on brink of humanitarian catastrophe,” governor says as drones cripple infrastructure

President Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the NATO summit in The Hague on June 25.

The meeting lasted approximately 50 minutes, according to Suspilne. In a post on X, Zelensky described the conversation as “long and substantive."

“We covered all the truly important issues,” he wrote. “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."

Zelensky said that he briefed Trump about the situation on the battlefield.

“Putin is definitely not winning,” Ukraine’s president said.

The two leaders also discussed the purchase of American air defense systems as well as the potential for co-production of drones.

“Ukraine is ready to buy this equipment and support American weapons manufacturers,” Zelensky added.

Speaking at a press conference following the meeting, Trump said that it “couldn’t have been nicer."

“I think it’s a great time to end it (war). I’m going to speak to Vladimir Putin, see if we can get it ended,” Trump said. “He (Zelensky) is fighting a brave battle, it’s a tough battle."

He also signaled support for sending to Kyiv additional missiles for its Patriot air defense systems.

“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,” Trump said.

“They are very hard to get. We need them too. We are supplying them for Israel, and they are very effective."

NATO member states have agreed to a new defense spending benchmark, committing to allocate 5% of their gross domestic product annually to defense and security-related expenditures by 2035.

Unlike in previous years, this year’s NATO statement does not include a direct condemnation of Russia’s actions, unlike the communique issued during the 2024 NATO summit in Washington, which explicitly condemned Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

But the leaders reaffirmed support for Ukraine, stating that direct contributions to Ukraine’s defense and industrial capacity will be counted toward the 5% total.

With Trump disengaged and EU complacent, Ukrainian reforms lose momentum

Russia’s all-out war has accelerated Ukraine’s push to join the European Union and NATO, as well as its dependency on Western loans and aid. Before, these things would have been heavily preconditioned on Ukraine implementing crucial reforms. However, the war has also eased the pressure on Kyiv to carry out

The Kyiv IndependentOleg Sukhov

‘Something unknown’ hits key Russian drone facility in Taganrog, Ukrainian official says

A key military-industrial site in the Russian city of Taganrog linked to Moscow’s production of combat drones and electronic warfare systems was damaged overnight, a Ukrainian official said on June 25, amid Russian reports of Ukrainian drones targeting the area.

“Something unknown flew into the Atlant-Aero plant in Taganrog,” Andrii Kovalenko, head of the counter-disinformation center at Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council said.

“This is an important node in the Russian military-industrial complex, specializing in components for combat drones and control systems."

Kovalenko said the plant is involved in the production of “Orion” drones, electronic warfare complexes, and digital integration systems for strike FPV (first-person-view) drones and loitering munitions.

Russian authorities reported a wave of overnight Ukrainian drone attacks across multiple regions, including Rostov, which borders eastern Ukraine. Russia’s Defense Ministry said its forces shot down 40 Ukrainian drones over several areas, including the Crimean Peninsula and seven over the Rostov region.

Rostov Governor Yuri Slyusar said on Telegram that while there were no casualties, the strikes allegedly caused a fire at a sports complex and damaged a high school and two residential buildings in Taganrog. In nearby Azov, a grain warehouse and industrial facility were hit, he added, without providing further detail.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims.

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

In a rare public sign that all is not well in Russia, two high-ranking Moscow officials last week issued separate warnings about the state of the country’s economy. Russian Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina and Economy Minister Maxim Reshetnikov both highlighted that amid the Kremlin’s full-scale war against Ukraine, the tools Moscow once relied on to maintain wartime growth are nearly exhausted. Almost immediately, Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 20 dismissed the concerns, clai

The Kyiv IndependentTim Zadorozhnyy

Russia has launched over 28,000 Shahed drones at Ukraine since 2022, with nearly 10% fired in June alone, Zelensky says

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Moscow has launched 28,743 Shahed-type drones at Ukraine — with 2,736, or roughly 9.5%, fired in June 2025 alone, President Volodymyr Zelensky said during a speech to the Dutch Parliament in The Hague.

Speaking on June 24, he stressed that Russia would never have been able to carry out such  drone attacks without support from Iran, and Ukraine, in turn, could not have intercepted most of the drones without the help of its international partners.

Zelensky called for accountability and emphasized that rules must apply to all — including the Kremlin: “Putin pretends not to understand the rules that shape the modern world. And here, in The Hague, I want to say this very clearly to him: There is a rule — do not kill. There is a rule — do not treat people like beasts. There is a rule — do not destroy cities and villages. There is a rule — do not sponsor terror. There is a rule — do not steal children. And if you break these rules, you will be held accountable."

Investigation: How Russia prepares its strategic missile plant for ‘eternal war’

Key findings: * Despite international sanctions, Russia’s strategic missile plant was able to import complex machinery to dramatically increase missile production. * The Kyiv Independent has identified the equipment supplied to the plant, as well as the supply chains, mostly from China. * We located the plant’s new premises, built to house the

The Kyiv IndependentAlisa Yurchenko

Donetsk Oblast city ‘on brink of humanitarian catastrophe,’ governor says as drones cripple infrastructure

The front-line city of Kostiantynivka in Ukraine’s Donetsk Oblast is facing a looming “humanitarian catastrophe” as ongoing Russian strikes destroy critical infrastructure and leave thousands without basic services, Governor Vadym Filashkin said on June 25.

Kostiantynivka, in eastern Donetsk Oblast, lies just 10 to 15 kilometers (6 to 9 miles) from several areas currently occupied by Russian forces, according to battlefield mapping site DeepState. The city has come under intensified attacks in recent months as Moscow pushes westward beyond its gains around other nearby towns.

According to Filashkin, nearly half the city is without electricity due to shelling, and 1,900 households in the Santurynivka district have no access to gas, with restoration currently impossible. Water is supplied just once a day from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., meeting only 20–25% of the city’s needs.

Drone strikes have halted all city bus operations, while the suburban route to Druzhkivka, a nearby town, is operating on a limited basis, Filashkin said.

Yevhen Alkhimov, press officer of Ukraine’s 28th Mechanized Brigade, which is fighting near Kostiantynivka, told the Kyiv Independent that “the greatest danger at the moment comes from first person view (FPV) drones, including fiber optic models."

“The enemy is trying to control all logistics and communication routes,” he said, adding: “The Russians’ goal right now is not so much to destroy the city as it is to make it unsuitable for defense by controlling all the roads."

Alkhimov said Russian forces were deliberately targeting vehicles including civilian buses.

“They are trying to fully control all movement in the city using their drones,” he said.

Authorities have installed seven large water tanks and 11 smaller containers throughout the city, in addition to 12 wells, six of which are equipped with filtration systems. Five “Points of Invincibility,” Ukraine’s emergency support hubs, are operational, with two more on standby.

Despite the risks, emergency crews, doctors, utility workers, and local officials continue to work in the city.

“Civilians still remain in the city, and life is becoming more and more difficult for them,” Alkhimov said.

“There are fewer people left, the curfew is now longer, but nonetheless, people are still there, and it is truly very dangerous for them to stay in the city."

Filashkin urged those still in the city to evacuate.

Note from the author:

Ukraine War Latest is put together by the Kyiv Independent news desk team, who keep you informed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you value our work and want to ensure we have the resources to continue, join the Kyiv Independent community.

June 25, 2025 7:40pm

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Reading Time: 2 minutes

Ben Borges

Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided not to attend the upcoming BRICS summit in Brazil due to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC), Russian president’s foreign policy aide Yuriy Ushakov said on June 25.

“This is related to certain difficulties in the context of the ICC’s demands, as you know, and precisely in this context, the Brazilian government was unable to take a clear position that would allow our president to participate in this meeting,” Ushakov said.

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

The BRICS summit, which is scheduled to take place on July 6–7, will be attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, according to Ushakov. Putin is expected to participate remotely via video.

BRICS, composed of Russia, China, India, Brazil, and other nations, is a group of emerging economies often portrayed as a counterweight to the Western-led world.

The ICC issued a warrant for the Russian leader’s arrest in March 2023 over the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

In November 2024, Putin skipped the G20 summit in Brazil and sent Lavrov instead.

Earlier in June, Moscow said that Putin had received an official invitation to attend the G20 summit in South Africa, another ICC member state. The event is scheduled to take place in Johannesburg from Nov. 22 to 23.

In September 2024, Putin made a rare visit to Mongolia, which is also a signatory of the ICC, prompting criticism over the non-enforcement of the warrant.

‘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.

The Kyiv IndependentKateryna Denisova

June 25, 2025 6:42pm

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Reading Time: 2 minutes

Ben Borges

Washington will “see” whether it can supply Kyiv with additional missiles for its Patriot air defense systems, U.S. President Donald Trump said during the NATO summit in The Hague on June 25 as Russia escalates its air strikes against 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,” Trump said.

“They are very hard to get. We need them too. We are supplying them for Israel, and they are very effective."

After the meeting with Trump earlier in the day, Zelensky said that the two discussed the purchase of American air defense systems to shield Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure.

In recent weeks, Moscow has intensified its drones and missiles strikes. As NATO leaders gathered for the summit, Russia launched an attack on the city of Dnipro, killing at least 19 people and injuring more than 300 others.

“Ukraine is ready to buy this equipment and support American weapons manufacturers. Europe can help. We also discussed the potential for co-production of drones. We can strengthen each other,” Zelensky added.

Previously, despite Kyiv’s appeals, Trump has dismissed the request, accusing Ukraine’s president of “always looking to purchase missiles” and falsely blaming Ukraine for provoking the war.

The Patriot is a high-precision, U.S.-made surface-to-air missile platform capable of intercepting aircraft, cruise missiles, and ballistic threats. Zelensky has repeatedly said Ukraine needs at least seven more systems to defend its most at-risk regions.

In early June, he confirmed that Trump’s administration diverted 20,000 anti-drone missiles originally intended for Ukraine to American forces in the Middle East.

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Moscow has launched 28,743 Shahed-type drones at Ukraine — with 2,736, or roughly 9.5%, fired in June 2025 alone, Zelensky said.

‘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.

The Kyiv IndependentKateryna Denisova

June 25, 2025 5:29pm

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Reading Time: 2 minutes

Ben Borges

Speaking at a NATO press conference in The Hague on June 25, U.S. President Donald Trump said it was possible Russia could target other countries beside Ukraine.

When asked whether Russian President Vladimir Putin has territorial ambitions beyond Ukraine, Trump replied, “it’s possible."

“I know one thing: He (Putin) would like to settle (the war). He’d like to get out of this thing. It’s a mess for him,” he added.

Foreign officials and EU diplomats have increasingly called for the preparation for a potential full-scale conflict between NATO and Russia.

Trump’s remarks came days after President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine’s intelligence has proof that Russia is preparing new military operations in Europe and just a week after Putin declared “all of Ukraine is ours."

During The Hague summit, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called on alliance members to be realistic about the threats posed by Russia and China.

While Trump appeared to downplay concerns about Putin’s threat, he later said that the Russian leader “really has to end that war” against Ukraine. During his speech, he also referred to Russia’s all-out war as a “crisis,” a term used by some Russian allies but criticized by Kyiv.

“I consider him (Putin) a person I think is misguided,” Trump said.

The U.S. leader said his June 25 meeting with Zelensky, which preceded the briefing, “couldn’t have been nicer."

“I think it’s a great time to end it (war). I’m going to speak to Vladimir Putin, see if we can get it ended,” Trump said. “He (Zelensky) is fighting a brave battle, it’s a tough battle."

Separately, Trump acknowledged that Ukraine wants to receive Patriot missiles, saying that the U.S. is going to see “if we can make some available."

In recent weeks, Russia has intensified drone and missile attacks on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities, killing and injuring hundreds of civilians.

Despite Kyiv’s appeals, Trump has dismissed the request, accusing Zelensky of “always looking to purchase missiles” and falsely blaming Ukraine for provoking the war.

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.

The Kyiv IndependentAnna Fratsyvir

June 25, 2025 4:00pm

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Reading Time: 6 minutes

Ben Borges

Zelenskyy arrives at the NATO summit, wearing a suit. Source: Reuters.

In a rare change since the full-scale invasion began, Zelenskyy wore a classic suit.

The three-button, head-turning jacket is a leading topic of conversation today in Ukraine, with the public marveling as Zelenskyy arrived at the NATO summit in The Hague.

He is meeting today with Trump to discuss the possible purchase of American weapons.

It may seem trivial, but fashion has a critical role to play in wartime diplomatic relations. This marks an uncommon time – we can count on one hand the number – when the Ukrainian president has broken his principle of wearing military-style clothing during the full-scale invasion.

By wearing his traditional green, khaki or black shirts, he has sought to display solidarity with the troops on the ground. Until now, he had upheld this principle even during meetings with Monarchs, European leaders and the most critical negotiations held at the White House.

The Ukrainian president had a fashion capsule collection designed for him by noted Ukrainian designer Viktor Anisimov, said the Ukrainian outlet New Voice:

“It includes classic shirts, turtlenecks, T-shirts, jackets and suits. The designer's goal was to retain the military uniform, but make the outfit more formal, restrained and functional. All items are made in black.”

This signals a certain shift in attitude: Zelenskyy is ready to make this symbolic concession amid the heavy attacks that Russia is launching daily – all in the hopes that it will steer Trump back towards Ukraine.

The suit – or lack thereof – was a central point in a blowup between the two leaders back in February.

“You’re all dressed up,” Trump sarcastically remarked when he saw Zelenskyy on that remarkable day, which marked a break in U.S.-Ukraine relations and raised questions about American reliability in the Transatlantic alliance.

The Oval Office spat – delaying a critical minerals deal that was set for their signatures – took place in no small part because of the Ukrainian leader’s choice of wear.

"Why don't you wear a suit? Do you own a suit?" one journalist asked. "A lot of Americans have problems with you not respecting the dress code of the Oval Office.” Vice President JD Vance was seen smirking as the question was posed.

Trump advisors asked Zelenskyy's team multiple times that he should ditch his traditional military attire when visiting the Oval Office, and the U.S. president was irked that he didn’t wear a suit, Axios reported.

His attire was made the subject of national debate. In fact, the event even inspired a viral song: 'If Only Zelenskyy Had A Nice Suit’:

If only Zelenskyy had a nice suit / Maybe there'd be something we could do.

If only Zelensky had a nice suit/ A 10K Brioni in navy blue,

White shirt and red tie / No one else would have to die.

rongallo

A post shared by @rongallo

Ukrainians have already created numerous memes today in response to Zelenskyy breaking with his previous fashion precedent.

The last time Zelenskyy wore a suit under normal conditions? For an address on the day of the full-scale invasion.

Zelenskyy address on the day of the invasion. Source: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official/725

For critics of Zelenskyy, they’ll likely move on and criticize something else. It was never about the suit. The goal posts will soon move.

Why didn’t you wear a top hat? Do you even own a monocle?

NEWS OF THE DAY:

By: Veronika Romanova

UK BANKROLLS WEAPONRY TO KYIV WITH RUSSIAN FROZEN ASSETS: The UK will send 350 air defense missiles to Ukraine, paid for with £70 million ($88 million) from profits on frozen Russian assets. “Russia, not Ukraine, should pay the price for Putin’s barbaric and illegal war,” said PM Keir Starmer.

Originally designed as air-to-air missiles, the short-range ASRAAMs were adapted to launch from the back of British-made trucks. The development spanned more than 25 years before being adopted by the Royal Air Force in 2002.

While this marks the UK’s first direct use of Russia-linked funds to supply weapons to Ukraine, Belgium pioneered the practice in 2023, allocating profits from the frozen assets for both military and reconstruction aid.

UKRAINE, EUROPE TO OPEN TRIBUNAL FOR RUSSIAN CRIMES: After years of discussion, Ukraine’s Zelenskyy and the Council of Europe – the continent’s leading human right institution – will sign an agreement on Wednesday to establish a special tribunal to prosecute Russian leaders for war crimes since 2022. The details, including the tribunal’s exact structure and location, remain under discussion.

The special tribunal would open cases against acting presidents, prime ministers, and foreign ministers, said the Council of Europe. But it will issue warrants only when they are out of office.

The effort was backed by Japan and Canada, and was supported by the US under former President Joe Biden. In contrast, Donald Trump did not approve the move.

LEARNING FROM UKRAINE AND ISRAEL, TAIWAN PREPARES FOR POSSIBLE CHINESE ATTACK: Learning lessons from Ukraine and Israel, Taiwan will issue air-raid guidance next week in case of Chinese military strike, Reuters reported. The instructions will tell citizens what to do when air raid sirens sound – including advice for those unable to reach shelters in time or caught driving during an alert.

"Our people must know how to protect themselves, either at home or in office," an official said.

China has been claiming Taiwan as a part of its territory for a long time now, circling around and trying to isolate the island. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 after similar territorial claims, fears of a Chinese assault have grown. Taiwan has since been preparing air-raid shelters in subway stations and shopping malls across the island.

THE DOG OF WAR:

Today’s Dog of War is a puppy Veronika spotted in the park – full of excitement for summer, playing on the lawn beside a passenger plane on display.

Stay safe out there.

Best,
Veronika

June 25, 2025 3:49pm

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Reading Time: 2 minutes

Ben Borges

Editor’s note: This story is being updated.

President Volodymyr Zelensky met with his U.S. President Donald Trump at the NATO summit in The Hague on June 25.

The meeting lasted approximately 50 minutes, according to Suspilne. In a post on X, Zelensky described the conversation as “long and substantive."

“We covered all the truly important issues,” he wrote. “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."

No further details have been announced.

The two leaders were expected to discuss Ukraine’s planned purchase of a new defense package, including air defense systems, as well as additional sanctions on Russia and an international price cap on Russian oil.

Speaking at a briefing earlier in the day, Trump was asked what he would be discussing during the meeting with Zelensky.

“Obviously we’ll be discussing his difficulties, he’s got a little difficulty,” the U.S. president replied without elaborating on what he meant.

The NATO summit convenes at a time when U.S. support for Kyiv is waning, and just a week after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared “all of Ukraine is ours."

This is the first meeting between the two leaders since April, when they spoke briefly on the sidelines of Pope Francis' funeral in Rome.

A planned discussion at the G7 summit earlier this month fell through after both leaders left the event early, Trump due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, and Zelensky in response to drone and missile attack on Kyiv.

Upon arriving in The Hague, Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential office, said on June 24 that he had held “substantive” talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to prepare for the Zelensky-Trump meeting, including its structure and key topics.

Zelensky is also scheduled to meet with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the summit.

In a recent interview with Sky News, Zelensky expressed uncertainty about Trump’s ties to Putin but said he believes Trump understands that Ukraine is a U.S. ally and that “the real existential enemy of America is Russia."

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.

The Kyiv IndependentAnna Fratsyvir

June 25, 2025 2:33pm

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Reading Time: 2 minutes

Ben Borges

NATO member states have agreed to a new defense spending benchmark, committing to allocate 5% of their gross domestic product annually to defense and security-related expenditures by 2035, according to a joint statement released on June 25 by alliance leaders meeting in the Netherlands.

The decision marks a significant increase from the current 2% guideline and reflects the alliance’s response to the push from the U.S. and growing security threats, particularly the long-term challenge posed by Russia.

“We remain united and steadfast in our resolve to protect our one billion citizens,” the statement reads. “Allies commit to invest 5% of GDP annually on core defense requirements as well as defense and security related spending."

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.

Under the new framework, at least 3.5% of GDP will be directed toward core defense needs, including NATO capability targets, with the remaining 1.5% covering civil preparedness, infrastructure protection, innovation, and the defense industrial base.

Allies will submit annual plans outlining a credible path to reach the targets, with a mid-term review scheduled for 2029.

With Trump disengaged and EU complacent, Ukrainian reforms lose momentum

Russia’s all-out war has accelerated Ukraine’s push to join the European Union and NATO, as well as its dependency on Western loans and aid. Before, these things would have been heavily preconditioned on Ukraine implementing crucial reforms. However, the war has also eased the pressure on Kyiv to carry out

The Kyiv IndependentOleg Sukhov

June 25, 2025 12:52pm

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

Ben Borges

U.S. President Donald Trump has said President Volodymyr Zelensky is a “nice guy” ahead of a meeting at NATO summit in The Hague on June 25, saying they will be “discussing his difficulties."

The White House confirmed the meeting on June 24 but did not release further details. According to a diplomatic source cited by AFP, the talks between Zelensky and Trump were scheduled for early afternoon, with both sides finalizing the agenda.

The two leaders are expected to discuss Ukraine’s planned purchase of a new defense package, including air defense systems, as well as additional sanctions on Russia and an international price cap on Russian oil.

Speaking at a press briefing at The Hague on June 25, Trump was asked by a reporter what he would be discussing during the meeting with Zelensky.

“Obviously we’ll be discussing his difficulties, he’s got a little difficulty,” Trump replied.

“Zelensky is a nice guy, I’m going to meet him today. I don’t know, I assume we’re going to be discussing Ukraine. It seems the most likely,” he added.

Trump did not elaborate on what he meant by “difficulties” but the NATO summit comes at a time when U.S. support for Kyiv is waning, and just a week after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared “all of Ukraine is ours."

This will be the first meeting between Zelensky and Trump since April, when they spoke briefly on the sidelines of Pope Francis' funeral in Rome.

A planned discussion at the G7 summit earlier this month fell through after both leaders left the event early, Trump due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, and Zelensky in response to drone and missile attack on Kyiv.

Upon arriving in The Hague on Monday, Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential office, said he held “substantive” talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to prepare for the Zelensky-Trump meeting, including its structure and key topics.

Zelensky is also scheduled to meet with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the summit.

In a recent interview with Sky News, Zelensky expressed uncertainty about Trump’s ties to Putin but said he believes Trump understands that Ukraine is a U.S. ally and that “the real existential enemy of America is Russia."

Investigation: How Russia prepares its strategic missile plant for ‘eternal war’

Key findings: * Despite international sanctions, Russia’s strategic missile plant was able to import complex machinery to dramatically increase missile production. * The Kyiv Independent has identified the equipment supplied to the plant, as well as the supply chains, mostly from China. * We located the plant’s new premises, built to house the

The Kyiv IndependentAlisa Yurchenko

June 25, 2025 11:27am

Ukraine Russia Photos USA

Reading Time: 14 minutes

Ben Borges

Russia’s all-out war has accelerated Ukraine’s push to join the European Union and NATO, as well as its dependency on Western loans and aid.

Before, these things would have been heavily preconditioned on Ukraine implementing crucial reforms.

However, the war has also eased the pressure on Kyiv to carry out reforms — stalling the country’s progress in advancing anti-corruption programs and reforming law enforcement.

The key reason is that Ukraine’s formerly demanding Western backers have preferred not to set strict conditions for a country at war.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration has shown little interest in Ukraine, and even less interest in the country’s domestic reforms.

The European Union has also been lenient on law enforcement and anti-corruption reforms in Ukraine, several members of Ukraine’s parliament and civil society told the Kyiv Independent.

The sources said that this soft-touch approach has backfired, leaving Ukrainians with either half-baked or failed reforms in crucial sectors.

Some sources spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue: they were raising concerns about the lack of pressure on their country to implement reforms during war.

Ukraine’s anti-corruption bureau makes progress yet doesn’t take on top presidential allies

As Ukraine’s civil society and the country’s Western partners call on the authorities to fight corruption amid Russia’s full-scale invasion, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) is showing mixed results. A year has passed since Semen Kryvonos became the head of the NABU in March 2023, replacing the bureau’

The Kyiv IndependentOleg Sukhov

All eyes on accession

The West’s leverage over reforms in Ukraine traditionally stems from financial assistance given to Kyiv by the U.S., the EU, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), as well as from Ukraine’s aspirations to join the EU and the conditions it must meet to do so.

The European Union granted Ukraine candidate status in 2022 and approved launching accession talks with Kyiv in 2024 despite several botched reforms. The decision was mainly seen as a political move in support of the country as it struggles to withstand Russia’s ongoing onslaught.

Still, anti-corruption activists and experts hope that Ukraine’s European integration will be a push for a number of critical reforms.

A European official leading the process, who spoke on condition of anonymity, admitted to the Kyiv Independent that the EU had been soft on Ukraine before the EU accession negotiations had been approved.

The source argued, though, that the strategy would change radically due to the European Union’s stronger leverage that comes with accession talks. The EU will closely track Ukraine’s progress on reforms and will agree to Kyiv’s accession to the bloc only if there is meaningful and fundamental change, according to the source.

The accession talks formally began in June 2024. However, they have proceeded slowly and have been derailed by political obstruction from within the Union.

Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister for European integration, denied the accusations that the country’s authorities are sabotaging reforms needed for EU accession.

The EU and U.S. embassies, as well as the International Monetary Fund and Ukraine’s President’s Office, did not respond to requests for comment.

The West’s demands have played a key role in driving critical Ukrainian reforms that kicked off after the pro-Western 2014 EuroMaidan Revolution, which ousted a pro-Russian president and his corrupt government.

Specifically, the U.S. and EU helped Ukraine to set up and develop anti-corruption institutions, including the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO), the High Anti-Corruption Court, and the National Agency for Corruption Prevention (NACP).

When the EU approved Ukraine’s candidate bid in 2022, its accession conditions also played a major role in reforms, Kateryna Butko, head of anti-corruption watchdog AutoMaidan, told the Kyiv Independent. Specifically, the EU urged Ukraine to speed up the selection of a new chief anti-corruption prosecutor and fill in Constitutional Court jobs with the participation of international experts, she said.

Ukraine’s judicial reform relaunch shows mixed results so far

In late 2023, Ukraine finally re-launched the process of vetting judges as part of a long anticipated judicial reform – a key condition for Ukraine’s accession to the European Union. Four months later, the results are mixed. On the one hand, the High Qualification Commission, a top judicial body, has approved

The Kyiv IndependentOleg Sukhov

Exploiting the West’s weakness

The all-out war forced the EU into a difficult dilemma.

“On the one hand, (the Europeans) want reforms,” Yaroslav Yurchyshyn, a lawmaker from the opposition Holos party, told the Kyiv Independent. “On the other hand, they understand that we are protecting them (by fighting Russia). Meanwhile, our authorities have a ready excuse for everything — ‘We’re at war, why are you bothering us?'"

He said that the Ukrainian authorities fulfilled some of the West’s requirements at the beginning of the full-scale invasion, but “as time went on, the authorities explained all reform failures by appealing to the war effort."

As a result, there is a major delay in reforms, Yurchyshyn said.

"Since late 2023, it's been mostly imitation," he said. "Now, it's almost total imitation."

He said that some technical changes demanded by the EU were being implemented, but there was no progress on fundamental and "politically sensitive" reforms.

Yaroslav Zheleznyak, another lawmaker from Holos, also said that the "EU's position is weak, and it allows our government to deceive it."

Larysa Golnyk, a whistleblower judge who has exposed corruption, and Vitaly Tytych, former head of the judicial watchdog Public Integrity Council, also share this opinion.

Political uncertainty in the U.S. following Trump's election is not helping Ukrainian reforms either.

After taking office on Jan. 20, Trump froze funding for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which had financed the implementation of rule of law reforms in Ukraine. The Trump administration has also announced plans to dismantle USAID completely.

"After Trump was elected, the U.S. pulled out of Ukrainian reform processes," Yurchyshyn said. "Now they're mostly observers."

Meanwhile, Zheleznyak said that "after Trump was elected, our (Western) partners have lost appetite for reforms."

"Our authorities interpreted this as carte blanche to do anything they want," he added.

How Ukrainian officials get away with having Russian citizenship – even amid war

As Russia is waging its war against Ukraine, some high-ranking Ukrainian officials with confirmed or suspected Russian citizenship are doing fine. Ukraine’s Constitution bans foreign citizenship for officials. However, in some cases, officials with Russian citizenship are not fired at all, and in other cases Ukraine’s judiciary stubbornly resists their

The Kyiv IndependentOleg Sukhov

International experts' role

One example of stalled reforms is an ongoing effort by Ukrainian authorities to reduce the role of international experts on supervisory boards and selection panels in key law enforcement and procurement agencies, several sources in Ukraine's parliament and civil society told the Kyiv Independent.

Ukrainian officials on selection panels have often backed controversial candidates for top government jobs, and international experts have been invited to offset their role. Foreign experts' function is to check the integrity, independence and professionalism of candidates for key positions.

Deputy Prime Minister Stefanishyna said in parliament on Dec. 6 that Ukrainian authorities were planning to eventually stop using international experts in the process of selecting governing officials because Ukraine would allegedly be reformed enough to cope on its own.

Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky's Deputy Chief of Staff Iryna Mudra said at a meeting of parliament's legal policy and justice committee on Jan. 8 that international experts should play an advisory role rather than make decisions.

Ukraine's Western partners appear to have turned a blind eye.

A civil society source who has spent years pushing for judicial reforms said that the participation of international experts "is supposed to uphold the rule of law but the EU is backing down and making concessions."

The source spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the subject.

"If they continue doing this, then we can forget about any real rule of law," the source added.

Specifically, Katarína Mathernová, the EU ambassador to Ukraine, has herself stated that Ukraine may not need international experts with a casting vote, according to the source. Mathernová did not respond to a request for comment.

The authority of international experts on the selection panels for the High Qualification Commission, a judicial governing body, and the High Anti-Corruption Court is set to expire in June and November, respectively.

There is a risk that their powers will not be extended, one of the civil society sources said.

Stefanishyna told the Kyiv Independent that the Ukrainian authorities have "no intention whatsoever of shutting down the existing selection processes" with the participation of international experts.

She also argued that, eventually, Ukraine's institutions would have to function without foreign experts.

"EU member states and the U.S. should not have to think about how judges are being selected (in Ukraine)," she said. "A system must be in place that is trusted, with a clear process, and those institutions must function."

Watchdogs say Ukraine’s judicial reform on brink of catastrophe

Ukraine’s leading anti-corruption watchdogs issued a statement on June 24 saying that the Ethics Council, the judicial reform’s main body, has undermined trust in the process by approving tainted candidates for top jobs and vetoing an anti-corruption crusader. “Since the Ethics Council’s decisions are concealed and there is

The Kyiv IndependentOleg Sukhov

Botched judicial reforms

One example of a recently botched reform is the creation of the High Administrative Court, which is expected to play a crucial role by considering appeals against decisions made by government bodies. The court is expected to replace the discredited Kyiv District Administrative Court, which was liquidated in 2022 amid corruption investigations against its controversial ex-chairman, Pavlo Vovk.

Initially, Ukraine's international partners suggested that a panel fully consisting of foreign experts vet candidates for the High Administrative Court.

However, the Ukrainian government prepared a bill with a weaker role for international experts. Under that bill, candidates can be vetoed by a joint meeting of the High Qualification Commission and a panel that includes three Ukrainian experts and three international experts.

"The role of international experts has been completely watered down," one of the civil society sources told the Kyiv Independent.

The source said that, under the bill, it would be much harder for international experts to "stand their ground," given their diluted role.

In January the parliament went further and approved the first reading of a different bill, not supported by the Cabinet, creating a High Administrative Court without the participation of international experts at all.

Following a public outcry, the parliament backed down and approved the previous version of the bill in February, envisaging a panel with three Ukrainian experts and three foreign ones.

Another failed reform involves the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court judges have been involved in numerous scandals and controversies and faced accusations of corruption and other violations.

In 2022, the court's deputy chairman, Bohdan Lvov, was fired after his concealed Russian citizenship surfaced.

Vsevolod Kniaziev, then the court's chairman, was charged with accepting a $2.7 million bribe in 2023.

As a result, the judicial watchdog Dejure and other activists have called for inviting a panel of international experts to conduct integrity checks of Supreme Court judges.

On June 3, parliament ignored these calls and passed the first reading of a judicial reform bill that does not envisage integrity checks for Supreme Court judges with the participation of international experts.

Ukraine’s anti-corruption bureau under fire over its handling of leak scandal

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) has come under fire as more details emerged over the past weeks about leaks from the bureau and its handling of the scandal. For nearly a month, the country’s key anti-corruption agency has been in turbulence. In late May, it was revealed

The Kyiv IndependentOleg Sukhov

A backlog of stalled reforms

Ukraine's Western partners have also demanded a reform of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) for years. The reform envisages stripping the successor of the Soviet Union's KGB of investigative functions, including the ability to investigate economic crimes and corruption and refocus the security service exclusively on counter-intelligence and anti-terrorism.

Investigating economic crimes is seen as vulnerable to corruption, with international observers arguing that the highly militarized Security Service is the wrong body to hold a monopoly over such cases.

The Security Service was formally stripped of the power to investigate corruption in 2015 and economic crimes in 2021, with the functions passing to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) and the Economic Security Bureau, respectively.

However, the SBU is managing to bypass this restriction. Prosecutors still routinely allow the SBU to investigate economic crimes and corruption jointly with other law enforcement agencies.

In 2021, the parliament passed in the first reading a bill stripping the SBU of all investigative functions but the bill has seen no progress since then.

One of the sources told the Kyiv Independent that "when the Russian invasion began, any moves toward reforming the SBU were essentially put on hold by parliament and all stakeholders."

Mariana Bezuhla, a controversial and outspoken lawmaker and formerly a member of Zelensky's Servant of the People party, said in January that the European Union and NATO "have become completely indifferent to the reform of Ukraine's security sector," including the SBU.

Another problem seen as a violation of Ukraine's obligations to its Western partners was the closure of the public register of officials' asset declarations following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. The Ukrainian authorities passed a law to allow officials not to file electronic asset declarations and shut down public access to all previous declarations.

The West supported restoring the asset declaration system. However, Ukraine's Western partners did not insist on making government officials' asset declarations public again, according to Yurchyshyn, Butko and a source from Ukraine's civil society.

Under domestic pressure, Zelensky signed a law in 2023 to restore the asset declaration system and make declarations public again.

Officials accused of using war as pretext for hiding ill-gotten wealth

As Ukrainian soldiers are defending their homeland on the front line, officials in the rear are accused of using the war as a pretext for hiding their wealth. They are able to do so because one of Ukraine’s main anti-corruption tools, the asset declaration system, has been effectively eliminated.

The Kyiv IndependentOleg Sukhov

Defense procurement scandal

Reforms in the defense sector have also begun to lose momentum.

One of the key reforms concerns the Defense Procurement Agency (DPA), which was created in 2022 to make defense procurement more transparent and to sideline middlemen making fortunes on supplies to the military.

In January, the DPA's supervisory board extended the contract of its head, Maryna Bezrukova, but Defense Minister Rustem Umerov fired her nonetheless.

Umerov has been lambasted by anti-corruption activists for what they see as his efforts to destroy the agency's independence. He denied the accusations of wrongdoing.

On Jan. 27, G7 ambassadors called for a swift resolution of the Defense Procurement Agency dispute and urged uninterrupted continuation of weapons procurement.

However, the West has issued no concrete calls for reinstating Bezrukova or restoring the DPA's independence.

The G7 statement is vague and can be interpreted in different ways, one of the civil society sources said.

It was an attempt to "stop this chaos and return to proper procedures," but Umerov may interpret it in the sense that he can appoint a new head of the agency and a new supervisory board, according to the source.

The source said that the West's soft approach allowed Umerov to turn his back on the agency's independence. Umerov appointed Arsen Zhumadilov as the new head of the Defense Procurement Agency (DPA) on March 6, bypassing the supervisory board.

"When it comes to the defense sector, international partners are even weaker because it's very difficult for them to dictate how Ukraine should fight," the source said.

The Kyiv Independent

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The Kyiv Independent

Defense Minister Umerov dismisses top official who stood up to him

Ukraine’s lengthy efforts to clean up its weapons procurement are in danger of being unwound as the Defense Ministry strangleholds the Defense Procurement Agency, say anti-corruption activists and lawmakers. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced on Jan. 24 that he would not renew the contract of Maryna Bezrukova, the head

The Kyiv IndependentDominic Culverwell

June 25, 2025 11:17am

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

Ben Borges

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in an interview with Politico on June 25 that U.S. President Donald Trump will resist European pressure to escalate sanctions on Russia, arguing that doing so could close the door to potential peace negotiations with Moscow.

Speaking with Politico on the sidelines of the NATO summit in The Hague, Rubio said Trump wants to keep open a diplomatic channel with Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite growing frustration from European leaders and President Volodymyr Zelensky over Russia’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire.

“If we did what everybody here wants us to do, and that is come in and crush them with more sanctions, we probably lose our ability to talk to them about the ceasefire and then who’s talking to them?” Rubio said.

Rubio acknowledged that Russia appears committed to pursuing its objectives by force.

“Our sense of it is that the Russians are going to try to achieve on the battlefield what they’ve demanded at the negotiating table, which is certain territories, administrative lines, and the like,” he said. “We think it’s going to be a lot harder for them to achieve that than they think it’s going to be."

Rubio added that Trump “will know the right time and place” for additional sanctions, but emphasized that imposing them too soon could signal that the U.S. has given up on a negotiated resolution.

Previously, Trump said he had refrained from imposing new sanctions on Russia because he believed a peace deal with Moscow might be within reach, warning he did not want to jeopardize negotiations by acting prematurely.

Speaking after two rounds of peace talks in Istanbul between Moscow and Kyiv that led to no ceasefire, Trump on June 5 declined to say when additional sanctions on Russia might be imposed, only noting there is a deadline “in (his) brain."

“If he (Trump) does it, you’re almost admitting that this is not going to be negotiated anytime soon,” he said. “We’re going to continue to engage. In the sense that if there’s an opportunity for us to make a difference and get them to the table, we’re going to take it."

Zelensky and several European leaders are expected to ask Trump during meetings at the summit to increase economic pressure on Moscow.  

It has been more than 100 days, since Ukraine agreed to a U.S.-backed complete ceasefire, while Russia continues to reject it. Moscow continues pushing maximalist demands while intensifying attacks across Ukrainian cities.

Investigation: How Russia prepares its strategic missile plant for ‘eternal war’

Key findings: * Despite international sanctions, Russia’s strategic missile plant was able to import complex machinery to dramatically increase missile production. * The Kyiv Independent has identified the equipment supplied to the plant, as well as the supply chains, mostly from China. * We located the plant’s new premises, built to house the

The Kyiv IndependentAlisa Yurchenko

June 25, 2025 8:01am

Russia Photos USA

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Ben Borges

U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff condemned on June 24 the leak of an intelligence assessment that undercuts U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims of having “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program.

His remarks follow a leaked U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) assessment, reported by CNN, which found that strikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites, Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, did not destroy the core of Tehran’s nuclear program. Instead, the intelligence suggests the attacks likely delayed Iran’s progress by “a few months.”

“It goes without saying that leaking that type of information, whatever the information, whatever side it comes out on, is outrageous. It’s treasonous,” Witkoff said during an appearance on Fox News. “It ought to be investigated, and whoever is responsible should be held accountable."

Witkoff, who served as Assistant to the U.S. president and led peace mission efforts during the recent conflict between Israel and Iran, defended Trump’s portrayal of the U.S.-led strikes as a decisive success.

“The objective was to eliminate enrichment in Iran… and he achieved that objective,” Witkoff said, adding that he personally reviewed damage assessments and saw “no doubt” that key nuclear infrastructure was destroyed.

The report leaked in media contradicts public statements from Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who had described the operation as delivering “total obliteration.” Trump, for his part, stood by the claim on June 24. “Those targets were obliterated,” he said. “That place is demolished."

According to the DIA assessment, though the strikes damaged above-ground infrastructure, most of the centrifuges and the enriched uranium stockpile reportedly remain intact. The assessment also noted that underground sections of the sites, where Iran’s most sensitive work is done, were largely unaffected. Two officials told CNN that Iran likely retains operational nuclear facilities that were not targeted.

Witkoff dismissed the report as “preposterous,” insisting that the Isfahan conversion facility, critical to Iran’s ability to weaponize enriched uranium, was “completely destroyed” by a 30,000-pound bunker buster bomb.

“Without conversion, you can’t begin or end enrichment,” he said. “They cannot weaponize, even if they’ve enriched to 90%."

Witkoff also claimed successful targeting of Fordow and Natanz, saying the U.S. dropped more than a dozen bunker busters on the sites that made the facilities inoperable.

The White House acknowledged the assessment’s existence but strongly dismissed it. “This alleged assessment is flat-out wrong and was classified as ‘top secret’ but was still leaked to CNN by an anonymous, low-level loser in the intelligence community,” press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

“The leaking of this alleged assessment is a clear attempt to demean President Trump, and discredit the brave fighter pilots who conducted a perfectly executed mission to obliterate Iran’s nuclear program. Everyone knows what happens when you drop fourteen 30,000 pound bombs perfectly on their targets: total obliteration."

Trump, for his part, stood by his assessment of the mission’s success. “I think it’s been completely demolished,” he said on June 24. “Those pilots hit their targets. Those targets were obliterated, and the pilots should be given credit.” Asked if Iran could rebuild, Trump responded: “That place is under rock. That place is demolished."

While both Trump and Hegseth praised the strikes as decisive, others expressed caution. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine said it was “way too early” to determine whether Iran retained nuclear capabilities.

Trump says Putin called him to offer help with Iran

“He (Vladimir Putin) said, can I help you with Iran? I said, ‘no, I don’t need help with Iran. I need help with you,’” Donald Trump said.

The Kyiv IndependentKateryna Hodunova

June 25, 2025 6:05am

Ukraine Russia Photos USA

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Ben Borges

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reiterated the EU’s ongoing support for Ukraine at a NATO summit in The Hague on June 24.

“We have designed a funding program of 50 billion euros, we call it Safe, where member states, but also Ukraine and other partners, can take these loans to invest in the (Ukrainian) defense industry,” she said, addressing President Volodymyr Zelensky.

“We are integrating our defense industries as if Ukraine was in the EU. This is good for Ukraine. And just as good for Europe, as Ukraine is now home to extraordinary innovation,” von der Leyen later said in a post to social media.

NATO is holding a summit in The Hague from June 24-25 with world leaders, including Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump present.

"(M)y dear friend Volodymyr, you’re here among friends and we stand by Ukraine from the very first day on and you can count on us also for the future," von der Leyen said.

The leader described the EU’s 18th sanctions package as a “biting one” to apply pressure on Moscow and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“Secondly, of course, there’s constant financial support to Ukraine because we know you’re fighting a war that is also protecting our values and our principles, and thirdly, indeed, we have to put pressure on President Putin (so) that he comes to the negotiation table,” von der Leyen said.

She noted that members of the Group of Seven (G7) will also be implementing additional sanctions against Russia.

“All this shows you are among friends, you can count on us, we stand by your side,” von der Leyen said.

The White House has confirmed that Trump and Zelensky will hold a meeting at the NATO summit.

Investigation: How Russia prepares its strategic missile plant for ‘eternal war’

Key findings: * Despite international sanctions, Russia’s strategic missile plant was able to import complex machinery to dramatically increase missile production. * The Kyiv Independent has identified the equipment supplied to the plant, as well as the supply chains, mostly from China. * We located the plant’s new premises, built to house the

The Kyiv IndependentAlisa Yurchenko

June 25, 2025 3:25am

Ukraine Russia Photos USA

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Ben Borges

Lithuania has signed a memorandum with American defense firm Northrop Grumman and Norwegian Nammo to secure the production of ammunition amid Russia’s war against Ukraine, the Lithuanian Defense Ministry announced on June 24.

“By strengthening our national defense industry, we are investing in both technological capabilities and Lithuania’s resilience to crises. This Memorandum of Understanding will allow us to better equip our armed forces and help Lithuania become an important link in international supply chains,” Lithuanian Vice Minister of National Defense Loreta Maskalioviene said.

“The investment and expertise of our allies… will significantly contribute to strengthening of the national defense industry and security not only in Lithuania, but also in the entire region, including Ukraine. The development of the defense industry and investment in production must come without delay,” Lithuanian Finance Minister Rimantas Sadzius said.

Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine has sparked concern in Europe that Russia could attack NATO’s eastern flank, including Poland, the Baltic countries, and Finland.

Ukrainian intelligence has evidence that Russia is preparing new military operations in Europe, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on June 22.

The partnership will be implemented at the state-owned Giraite Armament Factory, the announcement said, adding that the factory is set to be integrated into Northrop Grumman’s international supply chains.

Northrop Grumman will supply ammunition produced in the Lithuanian defense factory to the international market.

Nammo, as a subcontractor, will provide Northrop Grumman with the 35 mm ammunition production technology.

“It will enhance national strategic autonomy in defense and deepen partnerships with NATO allies, the United States, and Norway. The planned production of ammunition is of critical importance to the Lithuanian Armed Forces, our allies, and Ukraine,” Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene said.

The memorandum will initiate negotiations for the production of medium caliber ammunition, ranging in size from 20-50 mm.

The Giraite Armament Factory will be provided with 35 mm ammunition production technology from the two defense firms, the announcement said.

Sakaliene noted that the new partnership will ensure an uninterrupted supply of ammunition to Lithuania’s Armed Forces.

NATO is holding a summit in The Hague from June 24-25 with world leaders, including Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump present.

The White House has confirmed that Trump and Zelensky will hold a meeting at the NATO summit.

‘Like any technology, it’s a race’ — UK’s largest ammo maker rebooting chemistry to break NATO’s dependence on explosive imports

Russia’s war in Ukraine has drained Western ammunition stocks. Despite years of claimed weapons ramp-ups, NATO’s arms manufacturing is still not refilling those stocks apace, let alone making it to Ukraine in needed mass. The West has come to recognize that these shortages are due to the offshoring

The Kyiv IndependentKollen Post

June 25, 2025 12:15am

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

Ben Borges

Recent U.S. strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities did not eliminate the core components of Tehran’s nuclear program and likely delayed it by only a few months, according to an early assessment by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), CNN reported on June 24, citing four sources familiar with the findings.

The analysis, based on a battle damage report from U.S. Central Command, contradicts public statements by President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who claimed the operation had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

“So the (DIA) assessment is that the U.S. set them back maybe a few months, tops,” one source told CNN, adding that Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium was not destroyed and that most centrifuges remain “intact.”

The White House acknowledged the assessment’s existence but strongly dismissed it. “This alleged assessment is flat-out wrong and was classified as ‘top secret’ but was still leaked to CNN by an anonymous, low-level loser in the intelligence community,” press secretary Karoline Leavitt said. “The leaking of this alleged assessment is a clear attempt to demean President Trump, and discredit the brave fighter pilots who conducted a perfectly executed mission to obliterate Iran’s nuclear program. Everyone knows what happens when you drop fourteen 30,000 pound bombs perfectly on their targets: total obliteration.”

Trump, for his part, stood by his assessment of the mission’s success. “I think it’s been completely demolished,” he said on Tuesday. “Those pilots hit their targets. Those targets were obliterated, and the pilots should be given credit.” Asked if Iran could rebuild, Trump responded: “That place is under rock. That place is demolished.”

While both Trump and Hegseth praised the strikes as decisive, others expressed caution. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine said it was “way too early” to determine whether Iran retained nuclear capabilities.

Republican Rep. Michael McCaul, former chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, also avoided endorsing the president’s characterization. “I’ve been briefed on this plan in the past, and it was never meant to completely destroy the nuclear facilities, but rather cause significant damage,” McCaul told CNN. “But it was always known to be a temporary setback.”

The DIA’s assessment reportedly found that damage at the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan sites was mostly limited to aboveground infrastructure, such as power systems and uranium metal processing buildings. The underground facilities—where Iran’s most sensitive nuclear work takes place—were largely unaffected, the sources said.

According to CNN, Israel had been carrying out its own strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities prior to the U.S. operation, but relied on U.S. B-2 bombers equipped with 30,000-pound “bunker buster” bombs to finish the job. Despite over a dozen bombs being dropped on Fordow and Natanz, the sites’ key components remain intact, the sources said.

The U.S. also reportedly used Tomahawk missiles launched from a submarine to target Isfahan, rather than deploying bunker busters. A source said this was due to doubts over whether the bombs could penetrate Isfahan’s deep underground levels, which are believed to be even more fortified than Fordow.

Two sources also told CNN that Iran likely retains undisclosed nuclear facilities that were not targeted and remain operational.

Meanwhile, classified briefings for lawmakers on the strikes were postponed. The all-Senate briefing was rescheduled for Thursday, and the House briefing’s new date remains unclear.

More empty threats from Washington, more deadly bombs from Russia

The ongoing and escalating slaughter of Ukrainian civilians depends on two preconditions: Moscow’s determination to erase Ukraine, and the tacit permission it receives from America and Europe. On Monday, a Russian missile tore through a residential building in Kyiv, leaving at least six civilians dead and over a dozen

The Kyiv IndependentAndrew Chakhoyan

June 24, 2025 11:09pm

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

Ben Borges

President Donald Trump refused to give a clear commitment to NATO’s Article 5 — the alliance’s collective defense clause — as he departed for a pivotal summit in The Hague, raising fresh concerns about his stance on one of NATO’s core principles.

When pressed by reporters aboard Air Force One on whether he would uphold the mutual defense obligation, Trump replied, “It depends on your definition of Article 5,” adding, “There’s numerous definitions of Article 5. You know that, right? But I’m committed to being their friends, you know, I’ve become friends with many of those leaders, and I’m committed to helping them."

Although Article 5 is central to NATO’s security framework, Trump has previously expressed skepticism about honoring it, often criticizing member states for not contributing enough to shared defense efforts.

Asked to elaborate, he said, “I’m committed to saving lives. I care about life and safety.” He added that he would explain his position in full once at the summit: “I’ll give you an exact definition when I get there — I just don’t want to do it from the back of a plane."

Trump’s remarks come as NATO faces what its leadership describes as its most significant threat in decades.

At a press briefing on June 23, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Russia remains the primary danger to the alliance, citing its growing alignment with China, North Korea, Iran, and Belarus.

“Moscow continues to wage war against Ukraine, with support of North Korea, Iran, and China, as well as Belarus,” Rutte said.

He added that NATO leaders plan to adopt a “historic” defense investment plan at the June 24–25 summit in The Hague, including a new 5% of GDP benchmark for defense spending and stronger backing for Ukraine.

“All leaders will take bold decisions to strengthen our collective defense, making NATO a stronger, fairer, and more lethal alliance,” Rutte said. “This is a leap that is ambitious, historic, and fundamental to securing our future.”

While at the summit, Trump is also set to meet President Volodymyr Zelensky, the White House confirmed on June 24.

Their last meeting was in April at Pope Francis' funeral, amid concerns over the U.S. role in peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow. Details of the June 25 meeting are still being finalized, but the talks are expected in the “early afternoon,” a source told AFP.

Investigation: How Russia prepares its strategic missile plant for ‘eternal war’

Key findings: * Despite international sanctions, Russia’s strategic missile plant was able to import complex machinery to dramatically increase missile production. * The Kyiv Independent has identified the equipment supplied to the plant, as well as the supply chains, mostly from China. * We located the plant’s new premises, built to house the

The Kyiv IndependentAlisa Yurchenko