Ukraine

Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov reported an expected significant increase in North Korean citizens in the Russian Federation who will sign contracts as volunteers. This contingent could number 12,000 people, which will change the perception of the DPRK's participation in the war.

The SBU detained a 54-year-old installer in Dnipro who was корректиating Russian air attacks on critical infrastructure in Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia. He used his official position to collect data, photograph objects, and transmit geolocations to his handler.

The Defense Forces of Ukraine hit the military facility "Kupol" in Udmurtia, which produces SAMs. The Saratovorgsintez oil refinery in the Saratov region was also targeted.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Latvia approved the transfer of 42 Patria 6x6 armored personnel carriers and other military equipment to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The equipment, produced in Latvia, will arrive in the near future, and Latvia will continue to provide military assistance to Ukraine.

Two Ukrainian teenagers, aged 16 and 18, were returned from the temporarily occupied territories as part of the Bring Kids Back UA initiative. One of them rejected Russian ideology, while the other independently chose freedom.

Former State Secretary of Finance Heiko Toms will represent Germany as ambassador to Ukraine. His appointment is expected for this position, where he will replace Martin Jaeger.

The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that the escalation at the front continues and will not change until the end of peace talks. He noted that Russian statements about "wherever a Russian soldier's foot treads, it is Russian" are a clear signal to defend Ukraine, otherwise the Russian TCQ (Territorial Center of Conscription) will come.

French President Emmanuel Macron had a constructive conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after a call to the Russian dictator. Macron informed Zelenskyy about the details of the conversation, which, among other things, discussed the war in Ukraine.

Ukraine has clear information about painful sanctions for Russia and is preparing new sanction decisions. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of cooperation with Denmark during its presidency of the EU Council.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the death of Colonel Serhii Zakharevych, commander of the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade, as a result of a strike on Huliaipole. As a result of the missile strike, more than 30 people, both military and civilian, were wounded.

An overview of the largest car parts and accessories stores in Kyiv.

In Voronezh, special forces visited businessman Yusif Khalil, and in Yekaterinburg, the head of "Azerbaijan-Ural" Shahin Shikhlinsky, who was previously interrogated after a raid, was detained. These events are taking place against the backdrop of an escalating conflict between Russia and Azerbaijan.

The President of France discussed the situation in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine, as well as Iran's nuclear program, on the phone with Russian dictator Putin. Putin stated that the conflict in Ukraine is a consequence of the policy of Western states.

Two sakura trees were stolen from a public garden on Zapodynska Street in the Podilskyi district of Kyiv. These trees were planted in honor of fallen Ukrainian media workers.

Germany has concluded the first contract to finance Ukrainian production of long-range strike drones "Antonov-196 "Lyutyy"", capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 1200 kilometers. It is expected that more than 500 such drones, equipped with warheads of up to 50 kg each, will soon be put into operation.

Ukrainian boxer Vladyslav Karpachov was brutally murdered in the village of Hryshyne, Donetsk region. His Toyota Camry car disappeared after the crime; law enforcement agencies are investigating the incident.

Sweden is reallocating international aid, providing about 150 million euros to Ukraine and for humanitarian needs. These changes are due to the evolving international situation.

The International Monetary Fund is calling on Ukraine to raise utility tariffs to ‘cost-recovery levels’. The increase is likely to affect gas, electricity, heating and hot water. This should help restore the energy sector's profitability.

Ukraine aims to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development in 2026. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal met with OECD Secretary General Mathias Cormann to discuss structural changes and reforms for membership.

On July 2, Ukraine expects a comfortable air temperature of +19-29 degrees without precipitation. In Kyiv, the temperature will be around +24 degrees, with only isolated thunderstorms predicted in the Left Bank.

The Ukrainian army aviation warns of a critical shortage of helicopter spare parts and calls for the development of national production. The company "MS AVIA-GRADE" is already carrying out modernization and developing its own components, including blades.

During the full-scale invasion, Russia lost over 135 aircraft, including 30 Su-34 fighter-bombers. This Su-34 model plays a key role in daily combat sorties along the front line.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the budget declaration for 2026-2028. The document defines the sizes of the subsistence minimum, minimum wage, and expected exchange rates for the next three years.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with Ilham Aliyev, expressing support for Azerbaijan due to Russia's threats and the killing of Azerbaijani citizens. The leaders discussed bilateral relations and humanitarian cooperation.

The European Commission supports Ukraine and Moldova in the reform process, stating that both countries are making steady progress. Ukraine has met the criteria for opening the first cluster, including a positive assessment of the plan for minorities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of pressure on Russia during Denmark's presidency of the EU Council, and also thanked Poland for its support. Ukraine is ready to open all clusters in the negotiation process for accession to the European Union this year.

During June 2025, the air defense of the Ukrainian Defense Forces shot down 4758 Russian air targets, including 8 aeroballistic missiles and 2453 attack UAVs. Ukrainian military aircraft performed 895 sorties, hitting 646 enemy air targets.

The head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, Andrii Kovalenko, stated that Russia is losing leverage in the South Caucasus. The detention of Sputnik employees in Baku and Armenia's statements indicate a purge of Russian agents.

The ARMA has left two contenders for the management of the Gulliver shopping mall: "LIMEX EXPRESS KYIV" and "Alakor City" LLC. If the first company is rejected, the agency will face a choice: announce a new tender or transfer the asset to a company with a Russian owner.

Deputy Minister of Justice Yevhen Pikalov reported that 8. 5 thousand convicts have been mobilized into the army, and the process continues without a downturn. The law on the mobilization of convicts was adopted in May 2024, the actual process began in August, and the president signed it on May 17, 2024.