Italy
Canada has joined the GCAP fighter program as an observer, marking the first expansion beyond the founding countries. This is part of European allies' efforts to reduce dependence on American weapons.
Guido Crosetto stated that Ukraine has won because it never wanted to invade Russia, but is only defending itself. He recalled that four years ago everyone thought Russia would reach Kyiv in a week.
17-year-old Ukrainian track and field athlete Milaniya Kokhan won gold at the U18 European Championships in Italy, setting a personal record. Her brother Mykhailo Kokhan also won this tournament in 2018.
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha met with a delegation of representatives from 23 OSCE countries. He emphasized the need to release the Ukrainian SMM OSCE staff members whom Russia has been holding since 2022.
Russia expelled the military attaché of the Italian embassy. The head of the Italian Foreign Ministry called this an act of revenge for the previous expulsion of Russian spies.
Greece, France, Italy, Germany, Austria and Portugal are blocking or demanding exemptions from the 21st EU sanctions package. Diplomats warn that national economic interests are weakening sanctions policy.
Antoine Lecouana covered 2200 km in 26 days, dedicating the journey to the Ukrainian people. He delivered letters of support from the mayors of Cannes and Grasse to the mayor of Lviv.
Norwegian footballer Erling Haaland agreed to dinner with actor Tom Holland after initially ignoring his message. Haaland did not know the actor because he rarely watches movies.
Germany and Italy extradited to Ukraine two individuals suspected of multi-million economic crimes. Among them is a former people's deputy of the VIII convocation, accused of laundering nearly 20 million hryvnias.
Ukraine and European partners have founded the Anti-Ballistic Coalition, which is launching the creation of a joint anti-ballistic system FREYJA. Well-known European defense companies are joining the project launch.
Ukraine will be the first to receive new enhanced Franco-Italian SAMP/T NG systems. France will also provide two SAMP/T complexes to strengthen defense this year.
President Zelenskyy stated that Russian ballistic missiles will soon be able to reach 5,000 km. He emphasized the need for a European missile defense system and the creation of the FREYJA anti-ballistic shield.
A group of Ukrainian servicemen took part in the annual parade on the Champs-Élysées. They marched at the end, receiving warm applause.
President Zelenskyy stated that the existing anti-ballistic missile capabilities are insufficient, and the number of ballistic missiles will increase. Ukraine proposed to European leaders the creation of a joint air defense system FREYJA, offering its own interceptor missile.
The President of Ukraine hopes to see FREYJA in operation within 12 months. Nine European countries have joined the project, and Ukraine provides the interceptor missile.
President Zelenskyy announced that the FREYJA project will involve the Ukrainian company Fire Point and European companies, including Thales, HENSOLDT, Saab.
President Zelenskyy stated that the joint FREYJA system will strengthen the defense of Ukraine and Europe. He believes that this, together with strikes on the Russian economy, will force Putin to sit down for negotiations.
In Paris, Ukraine and nine European countries signed a declaration on the creation of a defense coalition for a joint air defense system. The coalition will combine the defense-industrial base and experience, including Ukraine's unique experience in defending against Russian aggression.
Ukraine initiated the creation of the Integrated Coalition for Missile Defense, which nine European countries have officially joined. The coalition will work on building the pan-European anti-ballistic shield Freyja.
Japan, the US, the Philippines, and 11 other countries stated that China's claims have no legal basis. China rejected the statement and expressed protest to Japan.
The President of Ukraine held an important conversation with the Prime Minister of Italy, discussing prospects for joint work in Europe on anti-ballistic defense. Zelenskyy informed about the situation in Ukraine and the need for additional air defense missiles.
A study in Nature has shown that the temperature that takes into account humidity and wind is rising faster than the usual temperature. This leads to more frequent dangerous heat periods and tropical nights in Europe and other regions.
A new Pew Research Center survey of 42,000 respondents in 36 countries found that only 23% trust Donald Trump's leadership. The reliability of the US as a partner has also sharply declined, particularly in Sweden — from 83% to 31%.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, together with her British, French, German and Polish counterparts, will meet in Berlin on June 24. The "E5" group will discuss strengthening Ukraine's defense and sanctions against Russia.
In Cavtat, archaeologists discovered a rare sealed sarcophagus from the 4th-6th centuries. The find, weighing five tons, was placed in a location open to the public.
Net donors and beneficiaries criticized the initial EU budget proposal. Germany demands spending cuts, while Spain considers the budget insufficient.
92% of Ukrainians plan a vacation in the summer of 2026, almost 70% choose to vacation in Ukraine. Popular foreign destinations are Turkey, Egypt, and European countries.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called Trump's words that she begged him to take a photo completely fabricated. Italy's Foreign Minister canceled a visit to the US due to offensive comments.
Prime Minister Meloni stated that the government will not initiate a ban on social media for teenagers, considering it easy to circumvent. She emphasized the need to pressure platforms, while leaving the discussion of the issue to parliament.
Olha Sopit has won Ukraine's first-ever European Championship gold medal in women's foil. In the final, the Kyiv native defeated the highly decorated Italian Arianna Errigo.