Jun 25, 2026, 10:30 AM UTC

Ukrainian forces have reportedly raised their flag on the Kinburn Spit, with Russian occupiers withdrawing from positions there, according to Ukraine's Territorial Defense Forces "South." This development comes as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Ukrainian strikes on two oil refineries in Ufa, Bashkortostan, and an oil depot in Russia's Krasnodar region on June 25. Meanwhile, the European Union has disbursed the initial €3.2 billion installment of a €90 billion loan to Ukraine, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also announcing future funding for drone production. Denmark is supplying an additional 15,000 long-range artillery shells to Ukraine, some of which have already arrived, responding to Kyiv's request for prioritized long-range armaments. Globally, Brent crude oil prices have fallen below pre-Iran conflict levels, with significant crude volumes unloaded from the Strait of Hormuz.

Sources: Громадське, Радіо Свобода, Українська правда

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated Kyiv's intention to conduct "preemptive attacks" on Russian territory. This declaration comes amidst differing assessments of the conflict's trajectory. The Kremlin, through spokesperson Dmitri Peskov, asserts that Ukrainian strikes on Russia stem from deteriorating front-line conditions, claiming Russian forces are advancing "along the entire front" and predicting "irreversible" outcomes for Kyiv. Conversely, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz affirmed that Kyiv "remains strong" and European support "does not weaken."

Meanwhile, a first installment of a €90 billion European loan has been disbursed to Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for "mutual respect" and "understanding of history" between Poles and Ukrainians at a reconstruction conference. Ukraine has also urged vigilance regarding "mobilization exercises" in Belarus's Grodno region, while Russian forces continue to exert pressure on rear-front areas such as Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.

Sources: Le Monde — International

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk addressed the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC-2026) in Gdańsk, underscoring the significance of historical matters in Ukraine's aspirations to join the European Union. Tusk stated that "understanding one's own history and a genuine ability and readiness for reconciliation" are fundamental for achieving "true, full unification" within Europe. He noted that the war that began in Gdańsk historically divided the continent. The Prime Minister's remarks emphasized that addressing historical narratives is an integral component of the accession process for nations seeking to integrate into the united European framework.

Sources: Радіо Свобода

Ukraine's defense industry is examining opportunities to utilize Western financial programs as Europe intensifies its focus on security. Prompted by Russian aggression and perceived uncertainty regarding US support, European nations are allocating significant funds to various defense initiatives. The Technological Forces of Ukraine (TSU) conducted a study into the specifics of these programs. The organization subsequently presented its findings at an event titled "Strategic role of international defense programs: a common future through innovation," aiming to highlight potential avenues for Ukraine's defense sector to integrate with and benefit from these international financial efforts.

Sources: Українська правда

FIFA has permitted Russia's national U-15 football team to compete in the newly established U-15 World Cup. This decision marks the first time since 2022 that a Russian national team has been allowed to participate in an international football tournament sanctioned by the sport's global governing body. The U-15 World Cup is a new competition, and Russia's inclusion follows a period of exclusion from most international sporting events. The move was reported by Ukrainian media, citing the Azerbaijan Football Federations Association (AFFA) and German news agency dpa. Sources: Громадське, AFFA, dpa