Pavlo Bashynskyi
Annually on June 22, Ukraine commemorates the Day of Sorrow and Honoring the Memory of War Victims, dedicated to the beginning of the German-Soviet War in 1941, which claimed millions of Ukrainian lives. This date also reminds us of the price of peace and the importance of confronting aggression in the modern context.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated about the degradation of the russian economy and the need to intensify this process. He noted that the russian dictator can see the consequences of such regimes using Iran as an example.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced new agreements with NATO partners concerning investments in the production of drones and artillery shells, as well as interceptor drones. Currently, Ukraine is working to increase production volumes.
Zelenskyy chaired a meeting of the Staff of the Commander-in-Chief, where they discussed the situation at the front, particularly in the Sumy region, and agreements on arms supplies. He also instructed to intensify work with partners to attract investments in Ukrainian arms production.
Estonian intelligence does not rule out a decrease in the number of Russian drone attacks due to Israel's war against Iran and Ukrainian attacks on factories. However, Russia plans to increase the production of these drones.
Volodymyr Putin stated that the Russian army does not have the task of occupying Sumy, but he does not rule out such a possibility. He explains the actions in the Sumy Oblast by "constant shelling" of border territories by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Vladimir Putin stated that Russia is not seeking Ukraine's capitulation, but insists on recognizing "realities on the ground. " He also cynically called the situation in Ukraine a "tragedy due to the fault of the West" and expressed the opinion that "where the foot of a Russian soldier steps, that is ours," implying that all of Ukraine is "ours," meaning "Russian."
Cool and rainy weather led to a deterioration in the quality of cherries in Ukraine, causing prices to drop by 13%. This is due to an oversupply of medium and low quality berries on the market.
A representative of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Andrii Yusov stated that Ukraine insists on the return of all seriously ill, seriously wounded, and young defenders under the age of 25. Russia is reluctant to return prisoners, but Ukraine has information about those who are in captivity.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that there are no intentions to conclude a truce with Ukraine due to "strategic superiority. " Andriy Kovalenko from the National Security and Defense Council emphasized that this is a message to the West, which does not understand the Russian mentality and must use force.
Today, June 20, Ukraine conducted a prisoner exchange, bringing home servicemen who have severe injuries or serious health problems, among them defenders of Mariupol. The oldest released is 60 years old, and all of them will receive necessary medical assistance and rehabilitation.
Estonia has begun building anti-tank trenches on the border with the Russian Federation as part of the Baltic Defense Line, investing 4. 4 million euros this year. By the end of the year, 28 bunkers and dozens of storage sites are planned to be built, despite the absence of an immediate military threat.
Moscow's Lokomotiv received a three-year transfer ban and is obliged to pay FC Mariupol 50,000 euros for the transfer of Marc René Mampassi. This decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport confirmed the previous FIFA decision, despite Russian appeals.
Minister of Health Viktor Liashko stated that the company "RIOLA-MODUL LTD", which won the tender for the repair of the "Okhmatdyt" hospital, is not involved in criminal proceedings. The decision on selecting the contractor is also controlled by donors.
The Kyiv Court of Appeal increased the bail for the former head of the Odesa TCCH Yevhen Borisov to 45. 42 million hryvnias. The decision was made due to suspicions of an escape attempt after the previous bail was paid.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the date for the third round of consultations between Russia and Ukraine could be agreed upon next week. The parties have already exchanged draft memorandums.
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced the appointment of Brigadier General Hennadii Shapovalov as Commander of the Ground Forces. Hennadii Shapovalov has combat experience and experience working with NATO partners.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia is trying to save Iran's nuclear program. He emphasized the need to strengthen sanctions and cooperation to counter aggressive regimes. This was agreed upon at the G7 summit in Canada.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed readiness to meet with Vladimir Putin for a real ceasefire, emphasizing the exceeding of constitutional powers by the Russian president. Ukraine strives to end the war and needs sanctions, diplomacy, and security.
Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree appointing Brigadier General Hennadii Shapovalov as Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The President emphasized the importance of implementing the combat experience of warriors.
US President Donald Trump sees the necessity of shutting down Iran's nuclear facility in Fordow due to the risk of rapid weapons production. He approved attack plans, but the final decision on the strike has not yet been made.
Mykhailo Mudryk received a positive doping test result "B" for meldonium. The footballer faces up to 4 years of disqualification, however the club has not yet commented on the situation.
Ukraine conducted the 5th stage of the prisoner exchange, rescuing severely ill, seriously wounded, and young defenders. Work on further steps and the implementation of agreements reached in Istanbul is actively underway.
President Zelensky held a meeting on sanctions against Russia. It was agreed to synchronize sanctions of Ukraine and partners, as well as to strengthen restrictions against the Russian tanker fleet.
Over 900 criminal proceedings have been opened in Ukraine against TCC employees for abuses, exceeding authority, and violence. Dozens of indictments have been sent to court, but there are no sentences yet.
17 criminal cases have been opened for abuse of power and use of force during mobilization. 136 officers and 325 servicemen have been sent to the combat zone for offenses.
From 2025, a law "On Preschool Education" is in effect in Ukraine, which defines the fundamentals of the preschool education system's functioning. The law establishes new rules for educators and parents, and also defines new types of educational activities.
June 19 marks World Football Day for Children. In Ukraine, this sport faces the challenges of war but continues to develop thanks to support and new initiatives.
June 19 marks World Albatross Day, Farmer's Day in Ukraine, and the International Box Day, which is related to cats. Also celebrated are Take Your Dog to Work Day and the Memorial Day of the Holy Apostle Judas.
US President Donald Trump stated that Iran was weeks away from obtaining nuclear weapons. He emphasized that the country should not possess such weapons.