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Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha reported that in June 2025, Russia launched massive strikes on peaceful cities and communities in Ukraine, launching more than 330 missiles, including almost 80 ballistic missiles, more than 5,000 combat drones and the same number of gliding aerial bombs.

The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote about this on the social network H.

Russia carried out more than 10 thousand drone and CAB attacks in June

Sybiga noted that such a scale of terror testifies to Russia's blatant disregard for the US-led peace initiatives calling for an end to the killings as a first step toward a settlement. He stressed that the only way to force Russia to end the war is to increase pressure on Moscow and strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities.

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– Such a large number of drones, bombs and missiles, especially ballistic ones, proves the need to further strengthen Ukraine's air defense. We need more systems and interceptors. We are also ready to purchase or lease them, – the minister emphasized.

He also called on partners to increase investments in the production of interceptor drones and air defense systems in Ukraine, noting that our country is actively developing its own capabilities, but already needs additional support, given the scale of Russian attacks.

The minister stressed that the Russian Federation's strikes are primarily aimed at civilians, schools, hospitals and residential buildings. According to Sybiga, according to UN data, the number of civilian deaths in Ukraine has increased by 37% over the past six months.

“Now is not the time for weak decisions. It is time to demonstrate strength and send Moscow the right signals,” the head of the MFA summed up.

The moment of the explosion near Zhitomir, after which a large-scale fire broke out, was captured on video.

The moment of the explosion near Zhitomir – video released

In the footage that was distributed on social networks, one can see how a column of fire and smoke appeared in the sky after the explosion near Zhitomir.

The Zhytomyr Region Police clarified that the explosion occurred near the village of Berezina in the Glybochitsky community.

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According to the latest information, rescuers from the State Emergency Service, investigative and operational police groups, patrol officers and doctors are currently working at the scene of the emergency.

What is known about the explosion near Zhitomir

— We can say for sure that there was no missile or drone strike on the outskirts of Zhitomir. At that time, the Air Force did not record any enemy air targets in the sky, so the air raid alarm did not sound, — said Fakty ICTV journalist Oleg Kornienko.

According to him, at first everyone said that the explosion occurred in Zhitomir itself. But it soon became clear that the explosion occurred in one of the populated areas.

According to Oleg Kornienko, at least 10 private houses were damaged as a result of the blast wave. Some houses are beyond repair, while others are partially destroyed.

The explosion near Zhitomir occurred at approximately 18:00, 20 km from the regional center itself.

Another case of abuse has been identified in the sphere of public procurement in the defense sector. According to the Office of the Prosecutor General, the state has suffered damages of more than 33 million hryvnia.

This was reported by Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko.

The Ministry of Defense did not receive equipment worth UAH 33 million: law enforcement officers opened a case

According to the prosecutor's office, in March 2022, the Ministry of Defense signed a contract with a private company for the supply of large-caliber rifles for a total of over UAH 363 million. However, the supplies were not complete, which was confirmed by a forensic economic examination: the state suffered damages of UAH 33.413 million.

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Currently, a technical examination of the rifles themselves is underway, after which additional forensic examinations are planned – commodity and economic.

The Prosecutor General's Office emphasized that the defense sector is under special attention from law enforcement officials, and any abuses in this area will receive a proper legal assessment.

A former Defense Ministry official was involved in the deal

The Security Service of Ukraine reported that the former director of one of the departments of the Ministry of Defense and the head of a private company were involved in organizing the deal.

In the spring of 2022, they signed a contract for the supply of 1,125 rifles for the needs of the front.

However, the entrepreneurs shipped only the declared quantity of weapons to the defense department, but not in full configuration, as stipulated by the terms of the contract.

The Defense Ministry official agreed to such a delivery without any grounds. Moreover, he did not conclude an additional agreement with the contractor to reduce the cost of the weapons due to the lack of some components.

As a result, as the investigation established, the former official, together with his accomplice, the general director of the supplier company, moved the entire amount saved into the shadows.

Based on the evidence collected, SBU investigators informed both defendants of suspicion under two articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

Due to the explosion near Zhitomir, which occurred at 126 km of the M-06 Kyiv-Chop highway near the village of Berezina, traffic in both directions was blocked.

This was reported by the Kyiv patrol police.

Kyiv-Chop highway closure: how to get around

In the direction of Rivne, there is a detour at 109 km – a turn to the village of Tesnevka – through Golovino in the direction of the village of Chernyakhov.

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In the direction of Kyiv, the detour is carried out as follows:

• through the turn-off at 128 km, near the village of Gadzinka, through the villages of Chernyakhov, Golovino, exit through the village of Tesnevka to 109 km of the M-06 Kyiv-Chop highway.
• or at 140 km, interchange near the village of Olievka, also through the villages of Chernyakhov, Golovino exit through the village of Tesnevka to 109 km of the M-06 Kyiv-Chop highway.

The patrol police monitor the situation on the highway: they ensure safety and regulate traffic.

“Drivers, plan your travel route taking this information into account,” the police emphasized.

It was subsequently noted that two-way traffic was organized along lanes in the direction of Kyiv.

All emergency services continue to work at the site of the explosion near Zhitomir.

The Parliament did not adopt any changes to the Law of Ukraine on the general mobilization of men under 25 years of age.

This was stated by People's Deputy Fedir Venislavsky, a member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence, during a briefing at the Ukraine Media Center.

Mobilization up to 25 years

Fedir Venislavsky recalled that the Law of Ukraine on mobilization stipulates that men under 25 years of age will not be called up for military service.

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— For citizens under 25 who are subject to military service, we have provided for contracts. There will be no mass conscription, no mobilization under 25. The Verkhovna Rada has not adopted any changes, — the people's deputy noted.

In turn, the Ministry of Defense officially launched the Contract 18-24 project, which stipulates that every guy between the ages of 18 and 24 can voluntarily join the Armed Forces of Ukraine for one year.

Those who decide to join the project will receive financial compensation, social guarantees and undergo professional training with the participation of instructors with combat experience.

Earlier, ICTV Fakty found out how the mobilization of parents with many children is going and what changes will occur in 2025.

ICTV Fakty also reported on whether it is possible to mobilize men aged 50-60.

The air quality in Zhitomir is currently moderate. However, residents of the city and region are urged to close their windows and limit their time outside.

This is evidenced by the data from the SaveEcoBot website, which monitors air quality in Zhitomir and other cities of Ukraine in real time. The Zhitomir Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention called on local residents to close their windows.

Air quality in Zhitomir on July 2

The State Institution Zhytomyr Regional Center for Clinical and Practical Health of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine reports that an explosion occurred on the M-06 Kyiv-Chop highway on July 2 at about 18:00, resulting in a large-scale fire.

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Now all the circumstances and causes of the explosion are being investigated.

Residents of the Zhitomir community and region were provided with recommendations to prevent possible negative impacts of atmospheric air on health.

In particular, you should close your windows, reduce your time outdoors, drink more water, and turn on your air purifier to maximum if you have one.

According to the SaveEcoBot website, air quality in Zhitomir remains moderate. The air quality index (AQI) is 70 for PM2.5.

Air quality in Zhitomir. Photo: SaveEcoBot

Based on open source data, it is not immediately dangerous to the general population, but may be problematic for sensitive groups, including active children and adults, and people with respiratory conditions such as asthma and others.

Photo: Ministry of Health of Ukraine

On the evening of July 2, a powerful explosion thundered outside the Zhitomir ring road on the highway towards Kyiv.

According to the Zhytomyr Region Police, the explosion occurred near the village of Berezina in the Glybochitsky community.

The explosion at a gas station outside Zhitomir occurred at around 18:00 – all emergency services quickly arrived at the scene of the incident.

This was reported by the Zhytomyr City Council.

Explosion at a gas station outside Zhitomir today: what is known

At the moment, it is known that an explosion occurred at a gas station on the highway towards Kyiv behind the Zhitomir ring road.

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The causes of the explosion are still being determined; emergency services are already working at the scene.

“We ask you to remain calm. The information will be updated,” the city council said.

The police of Zhitomir region noted that the explosion at the gas station occurred near the village of Berezina of the Glybochytsky community. Currently, rescuers of the State Emergency Service, investigative and operational police groups, patrol officers and doctors are working at the site of the explosion.

Videos on social media show a huge, thick black smoke rising above the highway.

A cloud of smoke can be seen in Zhitomir itself.

Village Berezina on the map

The village of Berezina, where the explosion at the gas station occurred, is located on both sides of the highway to Kyiv.

Google Maps

Currently, at the working levels between Ukraine and the United States of America, all the details regarding the supply of defense support, in particular the air defense component, are being clarified.

This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in an evening video address following the results of July 2.

Zelensky on US supplies to Ukraine

— Today there were reports from the Ministers of Defense and Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. In particular, on relations with the United States. At the working levels between Ukraine and the United States, all the details on the supply of defense support, in particular the air defense component, are being clarified. One way or another, we must ensure protection for our people, — Zelensky said.

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Complemented…

The explosion at a gas station outside Zhitomir occurred at around 18:00 hours – all emergency services quickly arrived at the scene of the incident.

This was reported by the Zhytomyr City Council.

Explosion at a gas station outside Zhitomir today: what is known

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At the moment it is known that an explosion occurred at a gas station on the highway towards Kyiv behind the Zhitomir ring road.

The causes of the explosion are still being determined; emergency services are already working at the scene.

“We ask you to remain calm. The information will be updated,” the city council said.

Ukraine will be able to quickly establish production of anti-personnel mines after withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention.

This was stated at a briefing at the Media Center Ukraine by People's Deputy, member of the parliamentary committee on national security, defense and intelligence Fedir Venislavsky.

Ukraine's withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention

The people's deputy explained that, according to the procedure, a country that wishes to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention must notify the UN Secretary General in advance – six months in advance.

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After the expiration of the six-month period, the obligations imposed on the country by this convention cease.

Fedor Venislavsky emphasized that anti-personnel mines are an integral part of any defensive structures that limit the enemy’s advance.

Production of anti-personnel mines in Ukraine

To begin producing mines, Ukraine does not need to make changes to its legislation; it is enough for the Verkhovna Rada to vote to denounce the Ottawa Convention.

People's Deputy Fedir Venislavsky believes that in Ukraine state and private manufacturers will be able to very quickly establish the production of anti-personnel mines. Today, active preparations are already underway to begin production.

“I think that we will be able to very quickly set up and put into service these means of deterring enemy infantry,” emphasized Fyodor Venislavsky.

Ukraine will be able to buy mines

The people's deputy also reported that after the denunciation of the Ottawa Convention, Ukraine will be able to receive or buy anti-personnel mines from those countries that have not signed the Ottawa Convention or have withdrawn from it.

Let us recall that President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on the implementation of the decision of the National Security and Defense Council on Ukraine’s withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention.

Photo: Kyiv Region Police