Jun 29, 2026, 07:30 PM UTC

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine would continue to respond to Russian attacks to diminish Moscow's capacity to prolong the conflict. This statement followed a series of Russian strikes on June 29. In Kharkiv, a guided aerial bomb struck, killing one person and injuring five. A drone attack on a public transport vehicle in Zaporizhzhia resulted in two fatalities and six injuries, including a child. Meanwhile, explosions were reported overnight in Russian-occupied Crimea, with satellite imagery showing fires near a civilian airfield in Kerch and the Maryanivka power substation, causing local power outages. Ukraine's General Staff reported 1,230 Russian personnel were killed or wounded in the past 24 hours. Sources: Громадське, Українська правда, Радіо Свобода

Russian forces continued their offensive in Ukraine, with shelling in Dnipro now reported to have killed six people, an increase from an earlier count of four. An overnight air assault on Kyiv also resulted in at least two injuries, according to local military administration. These attacks caused power outages across the Sumy, Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia regions. Concurrently, Ukrainian forces claimed responsibility for striking two oil refineries and a pumping station near Moscow. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his willingness to engage in negotiations with American representatives, stating, "We are ready to continue negotiations and the discussion of all details," once the US is less preoccupied with Iran. Separately, the Netherlands issued a warning, suggesting Russia could attack a NATO member within a year after the war in Ukraine concludes.

Sources: Le Monde

Ukrainian educators in Czechia report that young children who emigrated after the full-scale invasion are beginning to forget their native language and culture. To address this, the Pylyp Orlyk Foundation initiated the "Roots and Wings" program. Over the past year, 13 teachers instructed 100 children in Ukrainian language, history, culture, and literature. The program aims to help these children maintain their Ukrainian identity, ensuring their heritage is preserved. As one educator stated, "We want them to know our history." This initiative seeks to provide a comprehensive cultural education beyond standard school subjects. Sources: Радіо Свобода

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has cautioned individuals planning anti-migrant demonstrations to proceed without "intimidation, threats or ultimatums." This warning precedes an unofficial deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country. Thousands of citizens from other African nations have already departed South Africa in recent weeks, reportedly due to concerns over potential violence.

Sources: BBC News