Jun 12, 2026, 08:30 PM UTC

The European Union is set to formally commence accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova on June 15, opening the initial "Foundations" cluster. This stage, confirmed by the Cypriot Presidency of the EU Council, will focus on areas such as rule of law, public administration reform, and democratic governance. Meanwhile, the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine documented a four-year high in civilian casualties for May 2026, with 274 fatalities and 1,763 injuries, marking the highest monthly toll since April 2022. Separately, EU intelligence services have corroborated claims that China trained Russian military personnel on its territory, some of whom were subsequently deployed to Ukraine. Beijing has consistently denied these allegations.

Sources: Громадське, Українська правда, Радіо Свобода

Ukrainian forces are engaged in urban combat within Kostiantynivka against enemy infiltrators, with assault units conducting clearing operations. A battalion commander indicated the city is "semi-encircled" due to Russian advances near Chasiv Yar and Berestky, leading military experts to suggest its potential loss in the coming months. Separately, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant experienced its 19th complete loss of external power on June 10, around 9 PM, following an attack on an electrical substation, necessitating reliance on backup diesel generators, as confirmed by the IAEA. Concurrently, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on June 12 that Russia would intensify its strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure, following recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries. The General Staff reported 193 combat engagements across the front on June 12, including 61 air strikes and thousands of drone and shelling incidents. Sources: Українська правда, Радіо Свобода, Громадське

A US federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to confirm the abandonment of its proposed "anti-instrumentalisation" justice compensation fund. The directive, issued on Friday, June 12, follows widespread criticism from opponents who had labeled the initiative a "slush fund." The judge in Alexandria demanded confirmation regarding the status of the fund, which was intended to provide indemnification. Critics argued the fund was designed to serve partisan interests rather than uphold impartial justice. The administration is now required to clarify whether the controversial project has been definitively cancelled.

Sources: Le Monde