Jun 30, 2026, 05:00 AM UTC

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Ukrainian forces report 184 combat engagements and significant Russian losses

Ukrainian military officials reported 184 combat engagements across the front on June 29, alongside two missile strikes and 50 aerial bombardments involving 136 guided bombs. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine's commitment to respond to Russian assaults, aiming to diminish Moscow's capacity to prolong the conflict, following recent attacks on several regions. Ukrainian forces reportedly killed or wounded 1,350 Russian personnel and destroyed 71 artillery systems, one tank, six armored combat vehicles, and one air defense system in the past day. The General Staff estimates total Russian personnel losses at 1,403,550 since the full-scale invasion. Separately, military pilots reflected on the 2022 operation to liberate Snake Island, describing the mission as "scary, low, fast, and very maneuverable," ahead of the June 30, 2022, Russian withdrawal anniversary.

Sources: Громадське, Українська правда, Радіо Свобода

Monobank co-founder discusses extensive AI integration in development

Ukrainian neobank Monobank has extensively integrated AI into its development processes, with co-founder Mykhailo Rohalskyi detailing the significant investment and impact on developers.

Monobank, a leading Ukrainian neobank, has extensively integrated artificial intelligence into its operational framework, particularly within its development processes. Co-founder Mykhailo Rohalskyi revealed in an interview that a minimal number of developers at the company now write code without AI assistance. The bank has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into AI technologies, which are now being applied across various functions beyond just software development. Rohalskyi also addressed the evolving role of developers in an environment increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

Sources: Forbes Ukraine.

France suspends €2 parcel tax, replaced by new EU customs duty

France's €2 tax on small parcels, introduced in March, will be suspended starting July 1 and replaced by a new €3 European customs duty, the government announced. The national measure was reportedly circumvented by Asian e-commerce platforms.

The French government announced on Tuesday, June 30, that its €2 tax on small parcels, introduced in March, will be suspended starting Wednesday, July 1. This national measure, which aimed to target low-cost imports but was reportedly circumvented by Asian e-commerce platforms, was initially intended to be added to a new €3 European customs duty. Instead, the French tax will now be replaced by the broader European tariff, which also takes effect on July 1. The decision comes as France moves to align its approach with the wider European framework.

Sources: Le Monde — International