2025 - June Updates: Ukraine-Russia Conflict
5:44 PM
EU Commission to prolong refugee shelter for Ukrainians until 2027
Late-Afternoon Briefing
Extension of Protected Status for Ukrainian Refugees
The European Union is considering an extension of the protected status for Ukrainian refugees until 2027 [1]. This proposal, presented by the EU Commission, aims to accommodate likely continued instability in Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict.
Russia: No Date Set for Resumption of Ukraine Talks
Russian officials have yet to announce a specific date for the resumption of negotiations with Ukraine [4]. The last round of talks in Istanbul ended without any significant progress [3].
NATO Aims to Bolster Deterrent and Defense Capabilities
In light of the ongoing conflict, NATO intends to strengthen its defense and deterrence capabilities by increasing air and missile defense, long-range weapons, logistics, and large-scale land maneuver capabilities [4].
UK Announces Sizeable Drones Package for Ukraine
The United Kingdom plans to deliver around 100,000 drones to Ukraine by April 2026, potentially multiplying the number of drones currently in use [4]. This new drone package is valued at approximately £350 million, contributing to a larger military support program worth €415 million.
More News and Podcasts on the Ukraine War
Stay updated with the latest news, backgrounders, and insights on the Ukraine-Russia conflict. In today's edition:
- Tuesday: Explosive Attack on Crimean Bridge: Ukrainian intelligence agency SBU claims responsibility for the bombing of the Crimean Bridge, damaging several underwater pillars.
- Monday: Prisoner of War Exchange: Russia and Ukraine agreed to exchange approximately 2,000 prisoners of war.
- Sunday: Targeted Military Support Points: Ukraine launched attacks on Russian military support points, with Russian authorities detaining suspects.
- Saturday: Evacuations in Sumy: Due to a Russian offensive, evacuations were necessary in Sumy, causing significant disruption.
Important Note: While official statements from Russian and Ukrainian conflict parties regarding the course of the war, shelling, and casualties cannot be independently verified, we strive to provide comprehensive and critical coverage based on multiple sources.
5:20 PM
Putin: Ukraine Sabotages Peace Efforts
Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of sabotaging peace negotiations by launching attacks on the Russian border regions of Kursk and Bryansk [2]. These allegations follow recent explosions on bridges that killed seven people and have been seen by Putin as acts of terrorism deliberately timed to hinder peace discussions.
Ukraine Takes Responsibility for Attack on Crimean Bridge
Ukraine's SBU intelligence agency has admitted responsibility for a bomb attack on the Crimean Bridge, employing over 1,000 kilograms of explosives attached to a bridge pillar for the purpose [2]. The bridge, strategically essential for Russian forces, sustained damage, and road traffic was temporarily suspended.
Putin Doubts Possibility of Ceasefire
Putin expresses doubts about achieving a ceasefire, asserting that a temporary truce would primarily benefit Ukraine in resupplying with Western weapons, mobilizing personnel, and planning new attacks [2]. Given these circumstances, a summit with the Ukrainian leadership appears unlikely under these conditions [3].
5:03 PM
Zelensky: Putin Must Be Compelled to Dialogue
In the face of continued Russian aggression, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urges allies to intensify pressure on Moscow to force Russia into diplomatic discussions [3]. Zelensky also proposes a temporary ceasefire until a potential meeting with Putin can take place.
Germany Increases Maritime Defense of Ukraine
Germany plans to deliver additional military equipment to Ukraine, strengthening its maritime security with patrol boats, transport boats, interceptors, special operations vehicles, and seed drones, among other items [3]. This support package is estimated to be worth €400 million.
Wadephul: EU Must Increase Pressure on Russia
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul calls for increased pressure on Russia as Moscow does not show interest in peaceful resolutions [3]. In recent talks with Russia in Istanbul, Moscow only presented its old demands, whereas Ukraine is prepared for a ceasefire.
Audio: Ukrainians in Germany - Future Outlook
Since the beginning of the war, over a million refugees have arrived in Germany from Ukraine [5]. Our reporter discusses with Ukrainian students and teachers in Dresden their visions for the future.
3:55 PM
Ukraine Proposes Ceasefire till Putin Meeting
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggests a ceasefire until a meeting with Putin can be arranged. Ukraine is ready for such a meeting at any time [3]. A prisoner exchange with Russia is also possible this weekend. The Kremlin has so far rejected a meeting between Putin and Zelensky.
3:59 PM
EU Proposes Extension of Refugee Protection
The EU Commission intends to extend the protection status for Ukrainian refugees until March 2027, considering the ongoing war and uncertainty in Ukraine [1]. This proposal is expected to be approved by member states soon.
3:03 PM
Zelensky Again Petitions for Ceasefire
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky once more proposes a ceasefire until a meeting with Vladimir Putin can be held. Ukraine is prepared for such a meeting at any time [3].
3:01 PM
Russia Appears to Capture Village near Sumy
Russian forces have reportedly seized a village south of the Sumy region's border [3]. The new capture is part of Moscow's plan to establish a "buffer zone" in Sumy to counter Ukrainian advances, especially in the bordering Russian region of Kursk [3].
1:15 PM
Russia Has No Fixed Date for Continuation of Ukraine Talks
According to Russia, a specific date for the resumption of direct negotiations with Ukraine has not yet been established [4]. The two sides will arrange a meeting when they are both prepared [4].
12:23 PM
Russia Acknowledges Attack on Crimea Bridge, Denies Damage
Russia has confirmed the Ukrainian attack on the Crimean Bridge but denies any resulting damage [4]. Although the bridge was damaged, it remains functional, according to Russian authorities. Preventive measures have been put in place.
11:45 AM
Rutte: NATO Steps up Defense and Deterrence Capabilities
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announces the alliance's intention to strengthen its defense and deterrence capabilities with ambitious objectives [4]. The focus is on air and missile defense, long-range weapons, logistics, and substantial land-based maneuver forces.
10:53 AM
Increased Risk of Escalation after Ukrainian Attacks on Russian Bomber Bases
The risk of escalation has significantly increased following Ukraine's attacks on Russian bomber bases, according to U.S. Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg [4]. He warns that such attacks on an adversary's national survival system could lead to a significant rise in risk due to uncertainty over the other side's reactions.
Audio: Russia Threatens Retaliation after Drone Attacks
Reactions to Ukraine's drone attacks on military airfields in Russia are varied, with some downplaying the situation and others expressing anger. Calls for retaliation are growing.
10:19 AM
Russia Interprets NATO Maneuvers as Preparation for War
Moscow views NATO's maneuver "Baltops" in the Baltic Sea as part of the alliance's preparation for a potential military confrontation with Russia [4]. This assessment is based on the maneuver's focus, structure, force quality, tasks, and goals.
10:00 AM
Xi and Lukashenko Meet in Beijing - China-Belarus Relations Stand Firm
Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomes Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Beijing. Both countries reaffirm their friendship and cooperation, which has a long history and is characterized by unshakable political trust [4]. Both nations should also resist hegemony and oppression.
03:15 AM
Ukraine Accuses Russia of Manipulating Peace Talks and Wasting Time
Following a meeting with U.S. Undersecretary of State Keith Kellogg, the chief of staff of the Ukrainian president, Andriy Yermak, accuses Russia of manipulating talks and stalling for time [4]. Ukraine seeks a ceasefire since March, but Russia has not responded to its proposals during the second round of direct peace talks on Monday in Istanbul [3].
02:05 AM
NATO Strengthens Deterrence with Expanded Defense Capabilities
In view of the threat from Russia, NATO is planning to significantly enhance its defense capabilities. Existing defense targets are expected to be increased by roughly 30%, for example, through more long-range missiles, drones, air defense, and artillery [4]. New national planning targets will be officially adopted at this week's meeting of defense ministers in Brussels. According to Bundeswehr circles, Germany may also need to significantly bolster its military capabilities, potentially increasing its armed forces by a high five-digit figure. Additional investments in modernized air defense systems are also necessary.
01:18 AM
UK Announces Sizable Drones Package for Ukraine
The United Kingdom will deliver around 100,000 drones to Ukraine by April 2026, significantly increasing the number of drones Ukraine currently possesses [4]. The new drone package is worth approximately £350 million and is part of a larger military support program valued at €415 million.
[1] [https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/just/article- Detail.cfm?refAmd=ENV%20733%202025%20ACTIVE][2] [https://zeiten-schwansen.de/sendungen/ausland_sendungen/ausland_extra/weltperspektive/weltperspektive_archive/b119/putin23-zeit-der-titanen/3224427][3] [https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/puzzle-over-next-round-ucraine-istanbul-peace-talks-2025-06-03/][4] [https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-ukraine-russia-news-round-up-2025-06-03/]
- In light of continuous instability in Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict, the European Union is considering an extension of the protected status for Ukrainian refugees until 2027.
- While the last round of talks in Istanbul between Ukraine and Russia ended without progress, the Ukrainian SBU has admitted to a bomb attack on the Crimean Bridge, employing over 1,000 kilograms of explosives.
