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.
The IRGC announced the first combat launch of the medium-range ballistic missile "Sajil" as part of Operation "True Promise 3". It is noted that the missiles are aimed at Israel, and previous attacks have destroyed air defense systems.
Ukraine lost to the Netherlands 2-0 in the last match of Group D of the European Youth Championship. The team took third place in the group and did not advance to the quarterfinals.
The Football Association of England has brought charges against footballer Mykhailo Mudryk for violating anti-doping rules. The Ukrainian winger of "Chelsea" faces up to 4 years of disqualification.
Former US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink has announced her candidacy for Congress in Michigan. She criticized Trump's pressure on Ukraine instead of Russia and emphasized the fight for democracy.
Kyiv's "Dynamo" in the Champions League will play with the winner of the "Žalgiris" - "Hamrun" pair. "Shakhtar" in the Europa League will face "Ilves", and in the Conference League - "AZ".
In the Solomianskyi district of Kyiv, the search and rescue operation, which lasted over 39 hours, has been completed. The bodies of 23 dead have been recovered from the rubble. In total, 28 people died in the capital as a result of the shelling on June 17.
Ukraine's youth national football team will play the final match of Group D against the Netherlands in Prešov. For a place in the quarterfinals, a draw is enough for Ukrainians. The match starts at 19:00 Kyiv time.
Mykhailo Grytsai, a collaborator and accomplice of the occupiers, was liquidated in Berdiansk. He participated in the torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war and appropriated state property.
The Verkhovna Rada has approved a bill that establishes the maximum court fees for individuals and private entrepreneurs. The bill also defines cases for deferral or installment payments of these fees.
The Verkhovna Rada postponed until January 1, 2026, the responsibility for gas stations for not adding 5% bioethanol to fuel. This applies to the norms of the law "On Alternative Fuels".
