EU to open accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova; UN reports surge in casualties

The European Union is scheduled to formally commence accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova on June 15, initiating the "Foundations" cluster, which will focus on areas such as rule of law and public administration reform. This development was confirmed by the Cypriot Presidency of the EU Council. Meanwhile, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine documented a significant rise in civilian casualties for May 2026, recording 274 fatalities and 1,763 injuries, the highest monthly total since April 2022. Separately, EU intelligence services have corroborated reports that China provided training to Russian military personnel on its territory, with some subsequently deployed to Ukraine, claims Beijing has consistently denied. Sources: Громадське, Українська правда, Радіо Свобода