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North Korea intends to send 25,000 to 30,000 soldiers to the war against Ukraine. North Korean troops may arrive in Russia in the coming months.

CNN reports this, citing Ukrainian intelligence.

DPRK troops fight in Kursk

In early autumn 2024, North Korea sent 11,000 troops to Russia in strict secrecy. About 4,000 were killed or wounded in the fighting. Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin only confirmed the participation of foreign troops in late April.

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In October 2024, North Korean soldiers were photographed receiving equipment for the front at the Sergeyevka military base in Primorsky Krai, which borders the DPRK.

A month later, a Russian Ropukha-class ship docked at the Danube port near Nakhodka, which analysts said could be carrying up to 400 North Korean troops.

On May 18, 2025, a ship of the same type of troop transport docked again at the same Danube port, according to satellite images provided to CNN by the Open Source Centre, a UK-based non-profit organisation.

According to intelligence information seen by CNN, there is a high probability that North Korean troops will participate in fighting in the occupied territories of Ukraine, including in large-scale offensives.

The Russians are currently converting transport planes to transport personnel from the DPRK via Russian Siberia.

New DPRK troops for war against Ukraine

Flight patterns also indicate that more troops may be moving.

The Open Source Centre provided CNN with satellite images from Sunan Airport in North Korea taken on June 4, 2025. The images show Ilyushin Il-76 cargo planes, the same type used during last year's North Korean troop deployments. However, the images do not show what the planes are being used for.

“Satellite imagery shows the arrival of a Russian troop transport vehicle in the Danube in May, as well as activity at Sunan airport in May and June, indicating that routes previously used for North Korean troop movements are active,” said Joe Byrne, a senior analyst at the Open Source Centre.

Jenny Town, a senior fellow and director of the Korea program at the Stimson Center, a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank that analyzes global peace issues, said Ukraine’s estimate of 30,000 soldiers sounds high, but North Korea could certainly muster that many. They wouldn’t be elite soldiers.

Town said 10,000 to 20,000 troops seemed more realistic. North Korea would also likely send in troops in stages. Russian generals are already rumored to be in North Korea training troops.

Putin's top adviser Sergei Shoigu announced that 1,000 North Korean sappers and 5,000 military construction workers would be sent to Russia to clear mines and restore infrastructure in the Kursk region.

Ukrainian Interior Minister Igor Klimenko told the families of Russian servicemen how they can collect the bodies of their dead relatives after the discovery of remains with military tags.

He reported this on his Telegram channel.

Identity of Russian soldiers can be established by badge number

Tokens with numbers AB 846408 and AB 449638 were found on the bodies.

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The Ukrainian side carried out the necessary checks, inspections and examinations, after which it returned both bodies to the Russian side as part of the official repatriation procedure.

“In compliance with humanitarian principles and agreements on repatriation, the Ukrainian side returned these two bodies to the Russian side within the framework of the official procedure,” Klimenko said.

However, the minister noted that Ukraine has no confirmation that the Russian side informed the relatives of the victims about the return of the bodies to Russian territory.

Therefore, the Ukrainian side is directly addressing the families of Russian servicemen who identified the indicated numbers of military tokens and have still not received the body of their loved one.

Before handing over the bodies, Ukrainian experts collected DNA samples.

If relatives have reason to believe that one of the victims is their relative, they are advised to immediately contact the International Commission on Missing Persons.

The procedure involves registering through the ICMP online centre, visiting the commission's headquarters in The Hague in person and providing a DNA sample for comparison.

After this, it will be possible to officially confirm that this particular body was located on Ukrainian territory and was handed over to the Russian side.

— According to the available information, the Russian authorities are trying to reduce the amount of compensation payments to the families of the deceased. Therefore, the Russian side may hide the facts of the repatriation of the bodies of the deceased or even dispose of the bodies, — Klimenko explained.

Earlier, the Ministry of Internal Affairs named the Russians whose bodies the Russian Federation handed over under the guise of Ukrainian military personnel during the latest repatriations.

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia handed over to Ukraine the bodies of 20 of its dead soldiers, some of whom even had passports.

The Ukrainian Defense Ministry is set to investigate reports of delays in the delivery of certain elements of previously issued defense aid packages from the United States.

Is US Defense Aid Really Being Delayed?

“Ukraine has not received any official messages about the suspension or revision of the schedules for the delivery of agreed defense assistance, so we are proceeding from the actual data and checking the details of each element in the delivery,” the department’s statement says.

In addition, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense requested a telephone conversation with colleagues from the United States to further clarify details, which they plan to announce in the near future.

– Certain individuals in Ukraine who are now giving public comments on this situation, for objective reasons, do not have all the factual data. Please pay attention to official and verified information from reliable sources, – the Ministry of Defense noted.

It is noted that for Ukraine, sustainability, continuity and predictability in the provision of coordinated defense assistance are critically important, especially when it comes to strengthening air defense.

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The Ministry expressed gratitude to the United States for all its support and assistance, and stressed that the path to ending the war lies through consistent and joint pressure on the aggressor, as well as through continued support for Ukraine.

Earlier, Western media, citing their own sources, reported that the Pentagon had temporarily stopped deliveries of Patriot and GMLRS to Ukraine. There is no official confirmation of this information yet.

In recent days, Europe has been experiencing very hot weather. Thus, at the end of June, in a number of regions, the thermometers rose to more than 40°C, which is a record temperature for this time of year.

Where is the abnormal heat in Europe now and how to escape it – read in the ICTV Fakty material.

Abnormal heat in Europe: which countries are suffering

The heatwave in Europe continues and spreads further, with some southern parts of the country expected to see temperatures reach 42°C (107.6°F) in the coming days as the continent heats up rapidly.

Now watching

Countries suffering from abnormal heat include:

• Portugal – The city of Mora recorded a temperature of 46.6°C, the highest temperature in the country's history during this period.
• France recorded its second hottest June since 1900, falling short of June 2003.
• Spain – Some parts of the country had their hottest June on record, with Barcelona recording its highest temperature since 1914.

Also suffering from high temperatures are: Greece, the Czech Republic, Türkiye, the Netherlands, Italy. Here the temperature has risen to 40-46°C, the heat does not subside even at night.

Hot weather in Europe has affected Germany, Poland, Austria, Great Britain, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Belgium.

Temperature record in Europe – consequences

Record heatwaves across the EU are taking their toll, with Florence in particular facing power outages as temperatures reached 38°C (100°F) on Tuesday.

In France, the national weather agency Météo-France has issued its highest alert level, forcing more than 1,300 schools to be partially or completely closed.

Even the top of Paris's iconic Eiffel Tower was closed to visitors.

Forest fires broke out in Turkey (Izmir province), forcing five areas in Seferihisar to be evacuated as the fire approached residential areas.

A major forest fire has also broken out south of Athens , prompting authorities to issue evacuation orders and close parts of the coastal road linking the Greek capital with Sounion, home to the ancient Temple of Poseidon, a major tourist attraction.

Italy has restricted outdoor work as record heat waves rage across Europe, while Prague Zoo has donated up to 10 tons of ice to rescue animals, with a particular focus on polar bears.

“We are just surviving, the heat continues even at night,” say local residents.

According to the EU climate monitoring agency Copernicus, this is not the first extreme heat wave.

In particular, the EU experienced a heat wave in March this year. Scientists warn that as the planet warms, extreme weather events including hurricanes, droughts, floods and heat waves will become more frequent and intense.

Last year was also the hottest on record and led to natural disasters around the world that cost more than $300bn (£219bn).

Abnormal heat in Europe and Ukraine: how to save yourself properly

The main reason for the abnormal heat is global warming. Europe is warming twice as fast as the world average.

The World Meteorological Organization (the UN agency for weather and climate change) said humanity will have to learn to live with a new normal of extreme heat waves that will become more frequent and intense over time.

A Lancet Public Health study last year found that heat-related deaths in Europe could triple by the end of the century. Today, heat-related deaths in Europe stand at 44,000.

High temperatures this summer will not bypass Ukraine. In the near future, intense heat will be observed in the southern, central regions, as well as in Zakarpattia. Here, in some places, the air will warm up from +35°C to +38°C.

In extreme heat, it is very important to learn how to behave correctly in order to protect yourself and your health.

Follow these expert tips:

• Stay in a cool place – if possible, avoid being outdoors, give preference to air-conditioned rooms. Keep windows closed during the day, and ventilate the rooms well in the evening.
• Drink plenty of water – at least 1.5–2 liters of water per day. Avoid alcohol, coffee, and sugary drinks, as they contribute to dehydration.
• Dress properly – wear light, bright and loose clothing made of natural fabrics. Be sure to protect your head with a scarf, panama or hat.
• Avoid strenuous exercise – don’t do heavy work or exercise outdoors during peak heat (11am to 5pm). If you must be in the sun, take frequent breaks and rest in the shade.
• Cool your body – take a cool shower several times a day. Use wet wipes or compresses on your forehead, neck, wrists.
• Monitor your body's symptoms – pay attention to signs of overheating (nausea, headache, dizziness, weakness, dry mouth, confusion). If you suspect heat stroke – immediately contact a doctor or call an ambulance.

The most vulnerable groups of people are children, the elderly and the chronically ill. They need to be especially careful during periods of extreme heat.

Remember that you cannot leave animals in the car, even for a short time – it is mortally dangerous!

In recent days, Europe has been experiencing very hot weather. Thus, at the end of June, in a number of regions, the thermometers rose to more than 40°C, which is a record temperature for this time of year.

Where is the abnormal heat in Europe now and how to escape it – read in the ICTV Fakty material.

Abnormal heat in Europe: which countries are suffering

The heatwave in Europe continues and spreads further, with some southern parts of the country expected to see temperatures reach 42°C (107.6°F) in the coming days as the continent heats up rapidly.

Now watching

Countries suffering from abnormal heat include:

• Portugal – The city of Mora recorded a temperature of 46.6°C, the highest temperature in the country's history during this period.
• France recorded its second hottest June since 1900, falling short of June 2003.
• Spain – Some parts of the country had their hottest June on record, with Barcelona recording its highest temperature since 1914.

Also suffering from high temperatures are: Greece, the Czech Republic, Türkiye, the Netherlands, Italy. Here the temperature has risen to 40-46°C, the heat does not subside even at night.

Hot weather in Europe has affected Germany, Poland, Austria, Great Britain, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Belgium.

Temperature record in Europe – consequences

Record heatwaves across the EU are taking their toll, with Florence in particular facing power outages as temperatures reached 38°C (100°F) on Tuesday.

In France, the national weather agency Météo-France has issued its highest alert level, forcing more than 1,300 schools to be partially or completely closed.

Even the top of Paris's iconic Eiffel Tower was closed to visitors.

Forest fires broke out in Turkey (Izmir province), forcing five areas in Seferihisar to be evacuated as the fire approached residential areas.

A major forest fire has also broken out south of Athens , prompting authorities to issue evacuation orders and close parts of the coastal road linking the Greek capital with Sounion, home to the ancient Temple of Poseidon, a major tourist attraction.

Italy has restricted outdoor work as record heat waves rage across Europe, while Prague Zoo has donated up to 10 tons of ice to rescue animals, with a particular focus on polar bears.

“We are just surviving, the heat continues even at night,” say local residents.

According to the EU climate monitoring agency Copernicus, this is not the first extreme heat wave.

In particular, the EU experienced a heat wave in March this year. Scientists warn that as the planet warms, extreme weather events including hurricanes, droughts, floods and heat waves will become more frequent and intense.

Last year was also the hottest on record and led to natural disasters around the world that cost more than $300bn (£219bn).

Abnormal heat in Europe and Ukraine: how to save yourself properly

The main reason for the abnormal heat is global warming. Europe is warming twice as fast as the world average.

The World Meteorological Organization (the UN agency for weather and climate change) said humanity will have to learn to live with a new normal of extreme heat waves that will become more frequent and intense over time.

A Lancet Public Health study last year found that heat-related deaths in Europe could triple by the end of the century. Today, heat-related deaths in Europe stand at 44,000.

High temperatures this summer will not bypass Ukraine. In the near future, intense heat will be observed in the southern, central regions, as well as in Zakarpattia. Here, in some places, the air will warm up from +35°C to +38°C.

In extreme heat, it is very important to learn how to behave correctly in order to protect yourself and your health.

Follow these expert tips:

• Stay in a cool place – if possible, avoid being outdoors, give preference to air-conditioned rooms. Keep windows closed during the day, and ventilate the rooms well in the evening.
• Drink plenty of water – at least 1.5–2 liters of water per day. Avoid alcohol, coffee, and sugary drinks, as they contribute to dehydration.
• Dress properly – wear light, bright and loose clothing made of natural fabrics. Be sure to protect your head with a scarf, panama or hat.
• Avoid strenuous exercise – don’t do heavy work or exercise outdoors during peak heat (11am to 5pm). If you must be in the sun, take frequent breaks and rest in the shade.
• Cool your body – take a cool shower several times a day. Use wet wipes or compresses on your forehead, neck, wrists.
• Monitor your body's symptoms – pay attention to signs of overheating (nausea, headache, dizziness, weakness, dry mouth, confusion). If you suspect heat stroke – immediately contact a doctor or call an ambulance.

The most vulnerable groups of people are children, the elderly and the chronically ill. They need to be especially careful during periods of extreme heat.

Remember that you cannot leave animals in the car, even for a short time – it is mortally dangerous!

July 2025 in Kyiv will be full of events that will give you bright emotions and make your summer unforgettable.

This month's program includes open-air concerts, theater performances, and fiery dance parties. Kyiv residents and guests of the capital will also be able to attend a musical variety show, a tribute show, and play an intellectual quiz.

Where to go in Kyiv in July 2025 – see the list of events below in our article.

Now watching

Maxim Borodin's concert

The romantic singer invites you to his big solo concert in the open air in Kyiv. On July 13, an unforgettable evening of music, emotions and premieres will take place on the summer terrace of Gulliver.

The artist's musical path began with street performances, and his real breakthrough came in 2023 with the song Yakbi ne ti. Since then, his tracks have consistently hit the top of Apple Music and YouTube. Today, Maxim Borodin is a voice that cannot be confused: his songs Tell me, Chaika, Bez tebe, Ne vidpuska and Zozulenka are heard throughout the country and conquer the hearts of listeners.

When : July 13, 19:00

Where: terrace of the Gulliver shopping center (Sportivnaya Square, 1A)

Entrance : 650 – 1,700 UAH

Concert of Evgeniy Khmara

On July 3, the virtuoso pianist and composer Evgeny Khmara will give a solo concert on the summer terrace of the Gulliver shopping center. The artist will present a new acoustic program in the open air.

Evgeniy Khmara is one of the most famous Ukrainian pianists of the new generation. He plays with his heart and creates music that speaks without words. His concerts are always a special mood and deep emotions. Two grand pianos and a double string quartet will create a unique sound. The special guest of the evening is the charming Odara.

When : July 3, 19:00

Where: terrace of the Gulliver shopping center (Sportivnaya Square, 1A)

Entrance : 700 – 2,000 UAH

Performance Our Kaidashi

A star-studded cast of the story we all love and know, from producer and famous actor Evgeniy Oleynik.

Starring: Taras Tsymbalyuk, Olga Sumskaya, Vladimir Goryansky, Natalka Denisenko, Victoria Maremukha, Bogdan Osadchuk, Olya Atanasova. After the performance you can take a photo with the actors.

When : July 20, 18:00

Where: MKTSM, Alley of Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred, 1

Entrance : 450 – 1,990 UAH

Classic Rock Hits – Music of Legends

Hits from Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, Oasis and David Bowie will be performed live by charismatic vocalist Alex Pickman and the Kaska Records Band.

The evening will open the most powerful pages of rock music history – from deep ballads to energetic guitar riffs. DJ Pasha (Pavel Shilko) will complement the concert with live stories about cult compositions and artists.

When : July 2, 19:00

Where: Pepper's Club (8 Knyazei Ostrozhskikh St., Bldg. 7)

Entrance : 250 – 500 UAH

Charity concerts #NaShapku

#НаШапку — a series of charity concerts to support the SVOI Charity Foundation. In July, artists will take to the stage, combining music, words and help in one evening. All funds raised will go to purchasing bone implants for wounded Ukrainian defenders.

July 3 – stand-up comedian Vesta Gunchenko – a witty and lively stage where humor intersects with deep observations about our lives.

July 10 — Orchestra of the Main Directorate of the National Police in the Kyiv region. Professional musicians, officers and veterans of military operations — hymns of honor, love and strength will sound from the stage.

July 17 — a journey through the Ukrainian pop scene with Zinoviy Karach, Fiji Band and Pavel Krakhmalev. Lviv spirit and reimagined hits from Bohdan Veselovsky to Svyatoslav Vakarchuk.

July 24 — the project Nepokorenny ProRock, dedicated to Elena Teliga. Songs based on her poems will be performed by Anzhelika Rudnitskaya, Lesya Roy, Anna Zakletskaya and others.

When : July 3, 10, 17, 24, 18:00

Where: Pepper's Club (8 Knyazei Ostrozhskikh St., Bldg. 7)

Entrance : free admission, donations and themed charity auctions are held during the concerts.

Series of shows Kings of Tributes

Kings of Tributes is a series of weekly concerts at Pepper's Club dedicated to legendary world artists. This is an opportunity to hear your favorite songs live, professionally performed, in the atmosphere of an intimate club with high-quality sound. In July, the stage will feature the repertoire of Coldplay, Nirvana, Sting and Pink.

July 6 — Coldplay tribute concert performed by Jack London and vocalist Vadim Razumny, who will recreate the live energy of the British band that gave the world Fix You, The Scientist, Viva La Vida and other hits.

July 13 – M.Others will play iconic Nirvana hits, including Smells Like Teen Spirit, Come As You Are, as well as rare compositions from MTV Unplugged.

July 20 — a journey through the work of Sting performed by the Perfect Strangers. Shape of My Heart, Fields of Gold, Fragile will combine the grace of jazz, the power of rock and the sensuality of pop.

July 27 — ToSee will present an evening of vocals, drive and rebellious emotionality of Pink. Live — Just Like a Pill, Try, Raise Your Glass and other compositions, combining strength, sensuality and female protest in every note.

Pepper's Club Tribute Kings is a weekly tradition that brings together those who appreciate live music, world hits and great experiences.

When : 6, 13, 20, 27 July, 18:30

Where: Pepper's Club (8 Knyazei Ostrozhskikh St., Bldg. 7)

Entrance : free admission

Intellectual game Bam Quiz

The BAM QUIZ series of action-packed games is the perfect evening with friends – every Tuesday guests are invited to a dynamic pub quiz that combines entertainment, excitement, new knowledge and relaxation.

Guests will be treated to 8 thematically different rounds — logic, erudition, memory, reaction, and unconventional thinking. The hosts not only ask interesting questions, but also put on a real show with stories, jokes, and communication with the audience.

When : 8, 15, 22, 29 July, 18:30

Where: Pepper's Club (8 Knyazei Ostrozhskikh St., Bldg. 7)

Entrance : 300 UAH

Pashin Show 20. Battle of Names — Joe Cocker vs Adriano Celentano

A musical confrontation of the creativity of two legends – Joe Cocker and Adriano Celentano – in the format of a live battle from Pavel Shilko (DJ Pasha). Two teams of Ukrainian artists will perform the most famous hits from the repertoires of cult performers, and the final word is for the audience, who vote for the winner of the evening.

Live sound, charisma of the vocalists and an exciting format will turn this evening into an event that you definitely don’t want to miss.

When : July 9, 18:30

Where: Pepper's Club (8 Knyazei Ostrozhskikh St., Bldg. 7)

Entrance : 290 – 690 UAH

Concert of the Romoza group

The Romoza band will perform a colorful mix of original pop-rock with hints of ska, Latin and disco-funk live. The program includes hits Pratsyuie PPO, Yoginya Oleksandra, Prosto khoroshі lyudi and the premiere of the new single Si vis amari ama – a light, danceable track with a vibe of modern irony.

When : July 16, 19:00

Where: Pepper's Club (8 Knyazei Ostrozhskikh St., Bldg. 7)

Entrance : 290 – 490 UAH

Frank Sinatra Hits

An evening for connoisseurs of exquisite classics performed by jazz vocalist Pavlo Pigura, accompanied by the Kyiv Jazz Quintet. The most famous compositions of the legendary Frank Sinatra will be performed live, in particular My Way, Fly Me to the Moon, New York, New York, New York, which have become the embodiment of an elegant atmosphere of romance.

When : July 23, 19:00

Where: Pepper's Club (8 Knyazei Ostrozhskikh St., Bldg. 7)

Entrance : 200 – 490 UAH

Tribute to Billie Holiday

On July 30, a concert dedicated to the mysterious, sensual and unforgettable Billie Holiday, one of the most influential jazz vocalists of the 20th century, will take place. The Merry Mary Band will perform Willow Weep for Me, Love Me or Leave Me, Nice Work if You Can Get It and other songs that do not lose their power and beauty over the years.

When : July 30, 19:00

Where: Pepper's Club (8 Knyazei Ostrozhskikh St., Bldg. 7)

Entrance : 200 – 400 UAH

Dancing Evenings at Pepper's Club

Pepper's Club will host free-entry dance nights with live music every Friday and Saturday throughout July.

On stage are Real Band, Jolly Band, No Comments, Tokyo, Pentagon, Stories, FLIRT and KRI Band. Guests will enjoy an explosive mix of rock hits, pop covers and modern Ukrainian music performed by the most powerful live bands of the capital.

Performances of the Black Square Theatre

Since 1991, for more than thirty years, the Black Square Theatre has remained at the forefront of controversial topics and frank conversations – and for years in a row has performed on the stage of the Caribbean Club every Wednesday and Saturday.

This month's repertoire: July 2 – Take off your clothes, let's… talk, July 5 – Happiness is always near, July 9 – Looking for a man for every day, July 10 – Sex improv, July 12 – You are my everything, July 16 – Sorry. Goodbye. I'll take out the trash myself, July 19 – 21 minutes before and after sex, July 23 – To the left of separation, July 26 – Light at the end of the bed, July 30 – Honeymoon.

Performances are held in Ukrainian every Wednesday evening and Saturday afternoon. Use the promo code KVADRAT10 for a 10% discount. A full description of each production is on the club's website.

When : 2, 5, 9, 10, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30 July

Where: Caribbean Club (Simon Petlyura St., 4)

Entrance : from 390 UAH

Caribbean Disco Party

Every Saturday — the legendary Caribbean Disco Party with live music, favorite hits and dancing until the morning. The program includes performances by cover bands TOKYO, STORIES, FLIRT and NO COMMENTS, as well as dance sets from DJ Mustafaev.

When : July 6, 13, 20 and 27, 18:30

Where: Caribbean Club (Simon Petlyura St., 4)

Entrance : 290 – 590 UAH

Sex improv by Kvadrat Show

An interactive comedy without taboos and an improvisational performance by actors of the Black Square Theatre. The show format has no script – the audience decides everything, offering situations, roles and unexpected turns.

On stage are the actors of the improvisation TOP league: Irina Gatun, Sergey Fedorchuk, Evgeny Amaritsa and Alexander Rozvyakov. They sense the mood of the audience, instantly react to the remarks from the audience and create bright, witty and sometimes very bold stories.

When : July 10, 19:00

Where: Caribbean Club (Simon Petlyura St., 4)

Entrance : 390 – 790 UAH

Musical in dinner show format – Variety Royal

Variety Royale is the Caribbean Club's signature show that has been immersing viewers in a world of temptation, sophistication and visual pleasure for over five years. The ticket price includes a viewing of the show and a bottle of sparkling wine or wine for two.

The choreography was created by the producers of the show Dancing with the Stars. The star vocalist is the charismatic Lida Lee. Star artists, in particular Zlata Ognevich, Oleg Skripka, Oleg Fagot Mykhailyuta, Evgeniy Galich, Kadnay, Evgeniy Khmara, took to the stage of the Royal.

When : July 11, 25, 19:00

Where: Caribbean Club (Simon Petlyura St., 4)

Entrance : 1,090 — 2,490 UAH

Jazz concert of Frank Sinatra's music

The legendary compositions My Way, Fly Me to the Moon, New York, New York and other masterpieces will be performed live in an elegant performance by Kyiv Jazz Quintet.

On stage is the masterful vocalist Pavel Pigura and virtuoso musicians who will convey the atmosphere of the great era and create a special mood. The media partner of the event is Radio Jazz.

When : July 17, 19:00

Where: Caribbean Club (Simon Petlyura St., 4)

Entrance : 290 – 790 UAH

Sting's music in Pavel Shilko's show Legends of Music

The best Sting songs, from Shape of My Heart to Desert Rose, performed live by the singers and the Kaska Records band.

This is the third episode of the concert project Legends of Music, which introduces the work of cult artists through music, stories and stage charisma. Guests will enjoy a powerful live, heartfelt lyrics, and favorite melodies that will remind them why Sting is a legend forever.

When : July 24, 18:30

Where: Caribbean Club (Simon Petlyura St., 4)

Entrance : 390 – 790 UAH

During the occupation of Kupyansk in the Kharkiv region, a torture chamber operated on the territory of the local police department from March to September 2022. At the moment, 18 people involved in the abuse of Ukrainians have been identified.

Suspicions announced for 18 persons involved in torture in Kupyansk

The defendants include Russian military personnel, members of the illegal armed formations of the so-called LPR and DPR, and local collaborators who went over to the enemy’s side.

They were charged with violations of the laws and customs of war committed by prior conspiracy by a group of persons (Part 2 of Article 28 and Part 1 of Article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

Now watching

Some of the suspects are additionally charged with collaborationist activity (Part 7 of Article 111-1 of the Criminal Code).

Two of the defendants were charged in person, while others were charged in absentia and will be placed on the wanted list.

Identified occupiers face up to 12 years in prison.

At least 111 victims have been identified, including combatants, government officials, teachers, and volunteers who did not agree to cooperate.

During the temporary occupation, representatives of the pseudo-law enforcement structure illegally detained people and brought them to the police station, where they tortured citizens for their pro-Ukrainian position and threatened them with physical violence, asking for the locations of Ukrainian Armed Forces facilities.

Numerous instances of cruel treatment have been documented: detention in unsanitary conditions, lack of water and food, beatings and use of electric shocks, simulated executions, and digging graves for oneself and others.

It has been preliminarily established that at least 150 people were illegally held in the temporary detention facility, among whom two Ukrainians were killed and ten were missing.

An offensive on the Dnieper is currently impossible, said the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry , Kirill Budanov.

He noted that currently the city of Dnepr is not threatened by anything other than the usual missile and drone attacks.

Is an attack on the Dnepropetrovsk region possible?

This was announced during his conversation with journalists on Wednesday, amid reports of increased fighting near the administrative border of the Donetsk and Dnepropetrovsk regions.

Now watching

— For the city of Dnipro, apart from those missile and drone strikes that they see, there is no other threat. For Dnipropetrovsk region — well, it is clear that along the contours of Dnipropetrovsk region, at least from the south-eastern direction, there are military actions, and they have been going on for quite a long time. There is nothing new there, — Budanov emphasized.

He also criticized the dissemination of information about a separate “summer offensive operation” by Russian forces, calling it nothing more than an information cliché.

“This is a campaign, it has not stopped. Have you seen any pause? I personally have not seen it,” the head of Ukrainian intelligence emphasized.

Let us recall that the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) recently announced the capture of the village of Dachnoye, located in the Sinelnykovsky district of Dnepropetrovsk region, by Russian troops.

There were also reports of the enemy advancing towards the “gray zone” in other areas of the region’s administrative border.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, in turn, does not report the occupation of Dachnoye, but confirms that the village of Novosergievka in the Donetsk region, which borders the Dnepropetrovsk region, is under the control of Russian forces.

The US Chargé d'Affaires in Ukraine, John Ginkel, was invited to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry. This was reported by the press service of the ministry.

Delays in US defence support supplies among key topics

It is noted that Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Maryana Betsa thanked the American side for all the support they have provided since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion.

However, she stressed that any delay or hesitation in supporting Ukraine's defensive capabilities would “only encourage the aggressor to continue war and terror rather than seek peace.”

Now watching

“Russia not only rejects the complete and unconditional ceasefire that Ukraine agreed to on March 11, but also continues to intensify air terror against Ukrainian cities and communities, killing civilians, and attacks on the battlefield,” the deputy minister recalled.

The department added that in the current conditions, “it is critically important to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capability and increase coordinated transatlantic pressure on the aggressor.”

“The parties discussed consultations on defense supplies, which are currently ongoing at all levels, and further contacts between Ukraine and the United States, which will facilitate the search for mutually beneficial solutions to strengthen the defense capability of our state, increasing pressure on Russia to advance peace efforts,” the ministry summarized.

Let us recall that in May the US approved the export of weapons to Ukraine worth $50 million.

The Swedish International Development Agency Sida has provided a new financial aid package to strengthen Ukraine's cybersecurity in the amount of over UAH 590 million.

This was reported by the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine.

Over UAH 590 million for Ukraine's cybersecurity from Sweden: what is known

The allocated funds will be used to modernize IT infrastructure, strengthen the protection of digital products, and train personnel at key government agencies.

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According to the Ministry of Digital Development, the public sector and government bodies were subjected to more than 2,000 cyberattacks during 2024.

“Thanks to Sida’s support, we will implement projects so that the digital state operates smoothly and Ukrainians use online services under any conditions,” the department noted.

Funding will be provided through the Estonian Centre for International Development, an Estonian government foundation that manages the implementation of international development and humanitarian aid projects.

Earlier, Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov reported that Ukrainian state resources are subject to thousands of cyberattacks every month.

Therefore, the Ministry of Digital Development has reached an agreement with a “major donor” who will finance cyber defense tenders for both government and private entities.

It was probably Sweden.