The operation of Mi-8 helicopters is complicated by the unresolved issue of technical documentation. This creates risks for major repairs and further operation, which can lead to a decrease in combat effectiveness.
Occupied Mariupol is facing a critical water shortage, with water supplied only once every two days on an irregular schedule. The occupation authorities acknowledge the problem, but their solutions are ineffective.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha declared Ukraine's full solidarity with the EU, Great Britain, and other partners who have been subjected to Russia's hybrid campaigns. Ukraine is ready to share its experience in countering cyber threats to strengthen collective security.
US citizen Daniel Martindale, who spied on the Armed Forces of Ukraine and adjusted Russian strikes, received a Russian passport at the "DPR" representative office in Moscow. He was also awarded an order of the self-proclaimed republic.
A large-scale fire has been raging in Mariupol for several hours, starting with grass ignition in the AS-2 area. The fire spread to garages and approached the occupiers' new buildings, with smoke covering the Prymorskyi and Central districts.
The "ATESH" movement carried out a successful sabotage operation in Mariupol, destroying a vehicle belonging to servicemen of the "Akhmat" unit. The operation took place at night, and the agent successfully escaped.
Russian occupiers plan to build a "victory square" in the Left Bank district of Mariupol by May 9, 2026. The project involves restoring the stele with the names of "hero cities" and is part of efforts to transform the city into a Soviet one.
The European Court of Human Rights has established that Russia systematically transferred and adopted Ukrainian children since June 2014, violating the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights. After February 2022, these crimes escalated, and legislative changes in the Russian Federation simplified the acquisition of citizenship and adoption.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine states that Russia is trying to disunite Ukrainians and Poles, using painful historical events. Some Polish politicians are playing along with the aggressor, while the examples of Bucha and Mariupol show what Russia will do in Poland if it is not stopped in Ukraine.
The European Court of Human Rights found Russia guilty of systemic human rights violations in the occupied territories of Ukraine since 2014, including executions, torture, and deportations. The decision covers four major proceedings, including the Netherlands' claim regarding the downing of MH17 and the full-scale invasion.
The Russians have begun construction of a bridge across the Mius Estuary in the Rostov region, which will become part of the road from Rostov to Mariupol and Crimea. According to local residents, the bridge looks more like a railway bridge, which will significantly improve logistics and throughput.
President Zelenskyy announced the preparation of documents for awarding the title of Hero of Ukraine to Vitaliy Karvatskyi, a soldier of the 3rd Assault Brigade, who died on June 11. He also signed decrees on awarding the title of Hero of Ukraine to Nazariy Hryntsevych and Dmytro Fisher.
Defense forces are retreating from destroyed positions in Kamianske, Zaporizhzhia, due to massive enemy strikes. Fierce battles are ongoing for the settlement, where the enemy cannot gain a foothold.
President Zelenskyy reported on eight stages of a major exchange, as a result of which hundreds of Ukrainians have returned since June. Among them are defenders of Mariupol, military personnel, and civilians who had been in captivity since 2022.
On July 4, a large-scale exchange of prisoners of war took place between Ukraine and Russia. Among those released are defenders of Mariupol, seriously ill and wounded, including medics.
Ukraine conducted the eighth stage of prisoner exchange under the Istanbul agreements, returning military personnel, civilians, critically ill, and wounded, including medics. Among those released are defenders of Mariupol, many of whom had been in captivity for over three years.
On July 4, Ukraine conducted a prisoner exchange, bringing back military personnel, including those from Mariupol, and civilians, most of whom had been in captivity since 2022. Among those released are seriously wounded, seriously ill, and those under 25 years old.
On July 4, Ukraine and Russia conducted a prisoner exchange, as a result of which servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including defenders of Mariupol, as well as civilians, returned home. Among those released are both soldiers and officers, aged 20 to 59.
Ukraine has returned its defenders and civilians, most of whom had been in Russian captivity since 2022. Among those released are servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, National Guard, State Border Guard Service, State Special Communications Service, who defended Ukraine in various regions.
Military expert Oleh Zhdanov considers the Mi-8 indispensable for Ukrainian aviation, despite its outdated design.
Russia has deployed 15 trucks with fighters of the Chechen unit "Akhmat" to occupied Mariupol. The Kadyrovites are being prepared for transfer to the Zaporizhzhia region for rotation.
Mariupol families affected by the war received free social housing in Dnipro. These are smart apartments for the families of defenders and socially vulnerable citizens, a project designed for almost 500 people.
Significant movement of Russian troops and armored vehicles has been recorded in temporarily occupied Mariupol. Movement was observed in several directions, from Rostov Oblast and Crimea, including tanks and BMPs.
Ukrainian servicemen released from Russian captivity burned the prison clothes they were given. Among those returned are fighters under 25 years old, seriously ill and seriously wounded, including defenders of Mariupol and National Guardsmen from the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, announced a successful prisoner exchange, within which young, seriously ill, and wounded defenders were returned. He announced new good news regarding exchanges in the near future.
Ukraine has returned home a group of Defenders under the age of 25, defenders with injuries and health problems. The vast majority of those released were held in captivity for more than three years, including those captured during the defense of Mariupol.
Russia is preparing infrastructure in temporarily occupied Mariupol for the transportation of military cargo, intensifying the work of the port and railway. Modernization of the port is planned for the export of stolen grain and metal, as well as the creation of conditions for the rapid transfer of fuel.
Mi helicopters form the basis of Ukraine's army aviation, performing critical combat, logistics and rescue missions in wartime, including the evacuation of the wounded from Mariupol. The effectiveness of their use, despite their age and the complexity of modernization, depends on well-thought-out logistics, repair and crew training.
Over 150 young tennis players competed at the Raif Kids Cup children's tournament in Kyiv, where they won medals and gained sports experience. Among the winners are students of the PULSE table tennis school, which is supported by the Favbet Foundation.
The Russians confirmed a strike on Mariupol, which damaged a Buk anti-aircraft missile system. Petro Andryushchenko reported that the damaged air defense system was transported for repairs.
