Jun 25, 2026, 01:00 PM UTC

Continuing

Ukraine updates: Kryvyi Rih death toll rises, strikes in Russia, EU aid, and UK oil sale considered

The death toll from a Russian missile strike on Kryvyi Rih on June 23 has increased to five. Ukrainian forces struck Russian oil facilities, while the EU disbursed €3.2 billion in aid and Denmark supplied artillery shells.

The death toll from a Russian missile strike on Kryvyi Rih on June 23 has increased to five, after a 23-year-old man succumbed to his severe injuries. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukrainian forces struck two oil refineries in Ufa, Bashkortostan, and an oil depot in Russia's Krasnodar region, describing these as "consistent precise responses." 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, some already delivered. Separately, the United Kingdom is reportedly considering selling sanctioned oil from a seized Russian tanker, potentially directing the estimated £35 million proceeds towards Ukraine's defense needs. Sources: Радіо Свобода, Українська правда, Громадське

Novus to open first stores in Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk after AMCU approval

Ukrainian supermarket chain Novus has received approval from the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine (AMCU) to lease assets from the Eurotek group, paving the way for its first three stores in Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk.

Ukrainian supermarket chain Novus has secured approval from the Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine (AMCU) to lease assets belonging to the Eurotek group. This strategic move will enable Novus to establish its initial three stores in western Ukraine, specifically in Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk. The AMCU formally granted permission to Novus Ukraine LLC on June 25 for the acquisition of three assets from ZNVKIF Eurotek Invest JSC. The retailer anticipates opening its first Lviv locations in August, marking its expansion into these new regional markets.

Sources: Forbes Ukraine

Key figure in South Africa police corruption scandal pleads guilty

Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala, a central figure in South Africa's police corruption inquiry, has pleaded guilty to corruption, fraud, and money laundering charges related to a 360 million rand tender.

Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala, a central figure implicated in a significant police corruption inquiry in South Africa, has pleaded guilty to charges of corruption, fraud, and money laundering. Matlala is accused of offering bribes to high-ranking police officials to secure a 360 million rand ($22 million) tender for his health company, Medicare24, in 2024. This plea forms part of an agreement with state prosecutors, though it has not yet received approval from the presiding magistrate. His admission marks a notable development in the ongoing investigation into police graft. Sources: BBC News.