Conflict Updates: June 8, 2025 - Russia contends troops penetrated Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine, a territory not occupied since May 2022, according to Moscow's statements.
Coverage of Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine: June 8, 2025
Weekends mark the grim milestone of 1,201 days since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Today's updates:
Russia accuses Ukraine of postponing agreements, agreed upon this week in IstanbulRussian forces capture a town south of the Konstantinivka logistics hub, crucial for PokrovskSix deaths and over 60 injuries reported in Kharkiv and Kherson this Saturday, due to Russian attacksTrump claims Ukraine and Russia are unwilling to sign a ceasefire agreement as of now*Canada will provide CAD 25.5 million in military aid to Ukraine, including armored vehicles
A Glimpse into Ukraine-Russia War (June 8, 2025):
You can find yesterday's events here.
3:03 PM Zelensky shatters Russian hopes of peace while emphasizing the brutal reality of their invasion: **Russia's sheer ambition is to leave destruction and death in its wake. Over a decade of Russia's war against Ukraine has added nothing but ruins and despair. We must resist this tyranny.
The Russian leader is set on persevering the war and disregards all peace proposals; "They must answer for their actions," Zelensky said. In light of these war crimes, Zelensky has once again petitioned the U.S. for aid to bolster Ukraine's air defense and expressed gratitude for support from European countries.*
3:05 PM A new wave of Russian attacks claims lives and injuries in Kharkiv and Kherson: Massive aerial bombardment of Ukrainian cities, Kharkiv and Kherson, leaves at least six dead and over 60 civilians injured. Fire engulfs residential buildings in Kharkiv, with four confirmed deaths and scores of casualties reported. Another bombing in Kherson results in two fatalities. "After an explosion, among the neighbors, we tried to extinguish the fire with buckets until the fire department arrived," a resident in Kherson, Alina, recounts.*
2:22 PM Canada pledges CAD 25.5 million in military aid for Ukraine, consisting of armored vehicles: *Next Saturday will see Canada deliver over CAD 22 million in Coyote and Bison armored vehicles, as well as new equipment and munitions supplied by Canadian companies. It appears the light at the end of the tunnel for Ukraine's military may be brighter.
2:26 PM Moscow swaps accusations with Kiev over delayed exchange of prisoners and fallen soldiers' bodies, agreed upon this week in Istanbul: While Kiev alleges that Russia plays dirty and manipulates the situation, Moscow points the finger at Ukraine for postponing agreements indefinitely. Luis de Benito reports on Radio 5*
An Unfortunate Victim: Russian attack hits "Children's Railway" in Kharkiv: Russia's bombardment of Kharkiv includes three guided missiles, a private residence, and a forested area nearby, resulting in one woman's death and over 40 injuries, according to the State Emergency Service. (Image credit: EFE/EPA/SERGEY KOZLOV)*
2:53 PM Ukrainian drone attack forces temporary closure of airports in Moscow: *In the early hours of June 7, Ukrainian drones caused a fire at Azot chemical plant in the Tula region of Russia. Two individuals sustained injuries. Environmental monitoring continued earlier today to ensure safety. In addition, drone debris was found in areas where attacks occurred during the night.
4:35 PM Military Hardships Faced by LGBT Members Serving Ukraine: LGBT community members gathered in Kiev to discuss the challenges they face serving in the Ukrainian military and defending against Russian aggression.*
6:37 PM Flight disruptions in İstanbul due to Ukrainian drone attacks: An attack by Ukrainian drones disrupts service at Vnukovo and Domodedovo airports in Moscow, ensuring air safety.*
6:53 PM Russian air defense units destroy 61 Ukrainian drones during the night of June 7-8: Russia maintains pressure along the entire frontline, extending their offensive into the Ukrainian region of Sumy, despite the tenacious resistance of the Ukrainian Army. (EFE)*
7:30 PM Russian bombing in Dnipropetrovsk region results in one death: The Dnipropetrovsk Regional Council Chairman, Mykola Lukashuk, reported that a man perished in A town in the Synelnykivskyi district due to a guided bomb. Meanwhile, the nearby Nikopol area suffered combined attacks of drones, artillery, and multiple rocket launch systems.
10:08 AM Ukrainian Air Force Successfully Counteracts 40 of 49 Russian Drone Attacks: Ukraine's Air Force boasts a successful repel of 40 of 49 Russian drones launched in the night of June 7-8. Three missile attacks were also recorded. Uncrewed aircraft, both of the Shahed (kamikaze) type and replicas, were launched from the Russian regions of Milerovo, Kursk, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk. Overall, 22 drones have been shot down, while 18 have been lost on the ground or neutralized through electronic warfare measures.*
10:47 AM Russian Condition for Prisoner Exchange Not Met: Russia has reportedly sent bodies of Ukrainian soldiers to the border; however, the exchange has been delayed due to issues with the list provided by Russia. Kiev has dismissed Russian claims of unexpected postponement and called for Moscow to adjust its prisoner list.*
11:29 AM Russian advance continues in Donetsk region: The Russian Navy has now reached the Dnipropetrovsk region. The attack on the village of Zoria, in the Donetsk region, has been confirmed by the Russian Defense Ministry. (Reuters).*
12:48 PM Pope Leo XIV calls for peaceful actions in times of war: While addressing a crowd of 80,000 in Vatican City, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the urgent need for peaceful intentions in families, societies, and international relations.*
1:23 PM Ukraine repels Russian attempts to enter Dnipropetrovsk: While border areas are under threat, Ukrainian soldiers are currently defending the front against the onslaught of Russian forces.*
3:15 PM At least six injuries reported in Belgorod and Moscow region after Ukrainian drone attacks: At least six individuals suffered injuries during Ukrainian drone attacks in the Belgorod region and near Moscow.*
3:17 PM Ukraine accuses Russia of deviating from agreed exchange plans: Ukraine asserts that Russia has disrupted and manipulated the agreed exchange plan. The Center for Coordination of Prisoner-of-War Treatment argues that Moscow seeks to exert media pressure and unilaterally dictate exchange terms.*
4:15 PM Renault to manufacture drones in Ukraine: According to unverified French media, Renault is set to produce military drones in Ukraine in collaboration with a French defense sector company.*
8:00 PM Zelensky expresses frustration over lack of Russian list for prisoner exchange: Russia has yet to submit the list for the prisoner exchange, planned for this weekend. Despite Russia's claims of indefinite postponement, Zelensky remains optimistic that peace can be reached through forceful negotiations.*
In addition to the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, general news coverage also includes recent incidents such as crime ‘An Unfortunate Victim: Russian attack hits "Children's Railway" in Kharkiv' and accidents 'At least six injuries reported in Belgorod and Moscow region after Ukrainian drone attacks', seriously impacting the civilian population.
Politics play a significant role in the conflict, with accusations flying between Kiev and Moscow over delayed exchange of prisoners and fallen soldiers' bodies, as well as allegations of manipulation.
Political decisions are affecting the situation, such as Canada's pledge of CAD 25.5 million in military aid for Ukraine and Renault's plan to manufacture military drones in Ukraine, which may help alter the course of the war.
While the situation remains critical, sporting events and sports-betting continue to take place as normal, offering an escape from the turmoil of the war. However, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine may have unforeseen consequences on global sports communities, as the world watches and hopes for a peaceful resolution.
