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Explosions in Kyiv occurred on the night of April 27. Air defense forces are working on Russian drones.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported this.
The explosions in Kyiv and Chernigov are the work of the Shahids, the report says.
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The news is being supplemented.
Ukrainian intelligence officers attacked Russian air defense in temporarily occupied Crimea.
The video was shown at the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
According to the report, the footage captured combat operations against critical and valuable components of the enemy's S-400 Triumf air defense system.
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— Drones of the special forces unit of the Primary Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine consistently continue to weaken Russian air defense in the temporarily occupied Crimea, — noted the Ukrainian military intelligence.
According to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, the following were hit:
As noted by the Main Intelligence Directorate, radars act as the eyes of the enemy air defense system. However, anti-aircraft systems become incapable of combat without them.
Earlier, ICTV Facts reported on the technical characteristics of the Russian S-400 Triumph air defense system, its price and purpose.
According to information from open sources, the cost of this air defense system is approximately $1.2 billion.
The US administration is considering cutting off funding for a number of programs that investigate and prosecute war crimes around the world.
This could include initiatives aimed at documenting crimes in Myanmar, Syria, as well as Russian atrocities in Ukraine, Reuters writes.
On Wednesday, the White House proposed cutting funding for nearly two dozen programs that focus on investigating and prosecuting international war crimes.
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The move could impact programs aimed at bringing justice to Myanmar, Syria, and cases involving Russian atrocities in Ukraine.
— The OMB recommendation, which has not been previously reported, is not a final decision to end the programs because it gives the State Department the opportunity to appeal, the publication notes, citing two sources familiar with the matter, as well as internal government documents.
But the recommendation opens up potential avenues for collaboration between the agency and Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his aides, who could make the case to the agency for programs that deserve further funding.
The State Department and the Office of Budget Management did not respond to Reuters requests for comment.
Rubio should not be expected to insist on continuing all programs, U.S. officials said.
A senior U.S. diplomat could make a case for preserving sensitive programs, such as those that facilitate potential war crimes prosecutions in Ukraine, one person familiar with the matter said.
Let us recall that after the start of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine, human rights activists joined forces within the T4P (Tribunal for Putin) initiative. Their goal is to document war crimes committed by Russian troops. From February 2022 to March 2025, more than 84 thousand such episodes were recorded.
The White House has ordered the U.S. State Department to halt overseas grants to nearly all programs funded by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL).
The Guardian reports that nearly $1.3 billion in grants will be affected, three US State Department officials told reporters, citing briefings on the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) Foreign Aid Review.
Of the 391 active grants, only two were not recommended for reduction, U.S. officials said. They involved one program in China and another in Yemen.
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“These recommendations would cut off about 80 percent of all U.S. government foreign aid,” said a State Department official who briefly explained the review's findings.
Most of the DRL programs at risk of termination are not publicly listed. They support vulnerable people or minorities in countries with authoritarian governments that could retaliate against recipients of U.S. aid.
Some of the programs targeted for review will include a rapid response team designed to support pro-democracy activists abroad who may require urgent resettlement or other protection if their lives are threatened.
“These programs provide a lifeline for organizers and civil society who are working to try to bring democratic values to these countries,” one source said, adding that the countries in question were Cuba and Venezuela.
Other grants focus on internet censorship, media literacy, human rights, crime prevention and election assistance programs, and efforts to combat transnational repression by countries like China.
“The provision of any foreign assistance, particularly for democracy promotion programs, will be determined by whether it makes the United States safer and stronger,” the State Department official said.
On the outskirts of Kyiv is the training center of the 3rd assault brigade, where next to training trenches and an obstacle course there is a so-called Kill House – a training base for combat robots.
It is here that the Ukrainian military is testing unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) that could soon partially replace soldiers on the front lines.
The Economist reports this.
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The first UGV models are already in action at the front, including in the 3rd Assault Brigade. Although there are only a few of them at the moment, that could change in the near future. In the spring, Ukraine announced plans to deploy up to 15,000 of these robots. Experts compare this potential breakthrough to the explosive growth of drone production in 2023.
“We don't have enough people to stop the Russian meat wave. So we'll send our zombies against theirs,” says one of the producers.
There are already about 40 private companies operating in Ukraine that have created more than 200 UGV models. They are conventionally divided into three groups: logistics (fuel, water, evacuation), engineering (demining, laying communications, mining), and combat (with grenade launchers or turrets to combat drones).
Before being sent to the front, these devices are modified: cameras, additional communication channels, and protection from electronic warfare are added.
The head of the UGV Academy, who goes by the call sign Stark, says that the machines are already performing tasks that previously required entire teams of soldiers. For example, drone sludge platforms transport hundreds of kilograms of cargo, and new models of evacuation vehicles, such as the Ardal, remove the wounded without risk to medics.
Sapper drones can now lay dozens of mines in a single pass. The UGV Hyzhak (translated as Predator) uses AI to destroy enemy drones at a distance of up to 200 meters, and the combat Liut (Lyut) with a 7.62 mm machine gun has already proven its effectiveness during the Ukrainian operation in the Kursk region in August 2024.
As operators Shadow and Shura from the 92nd Brigade recall, they used to have to accompany their UGV to the front lines on foot — something that would be deadly today due to the activity of Russian drones. Now they can control the vehicles remotely via Starlink from command posts deep in the rear.
“One of us pilots, the other one has a drink or goes for a smoke break,” Shadow jokes.
At the same time, they believe that UGVs will not replace infantry yet, but will significantly facilitate logistics.
The biggest barriers to widespread use remain connectivity issues. Starlink is unreliable in mountainous terrain or under trees, and mesh communications networks can collapse if key nodes are lost. According to Uragan Bureau engineer Viktor, the UGVs will require improved artificial vision or AI to be fully operational in combat, which may not happen for at least a year. Another problem is the lack of experienced operators.
Despite this, Ukraine is leading the development of ground robotics because the situation demands it. Russia, which mobilizes 8-9 thousand soldiers monthly, does not need it yet. But, as in the story with FPV drones, the Kremlin may try to copy Ukrainian developments, scale up and standardize production.
“If we can replace at least 1% of the needs for manpower at the front, that's already a success. And I believe that we can do much more now,” says Vasily, the founder of the company that produces Lyut.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has appealed to European leaders to continue the financial support needed to cover Ukraine's budget needs for next year.
— And budget support remains vital for us. Each of you understands that the war creates a budget deficit – and in the conditions of constant Russian attacks, no European country will be able to cope with this deficit on its own. And we count on your continued support to cover our budget needs – especially for next year, — Zelensky said during his speech at the European Council summit.
The President also emphasized that Ukraine strictly fulfills all of its obligations related to the process of joining the European Union.
Therefore, he said, it would be fair to receive clear signals of support from the EU that would confirm the progress achieved.
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“What is needed now is a clear political message – that Ukraine is firmly on the European path, and that Europe is keeping its promises. Any delay on the part of Europe at this stage could create a global precedent – a reason to doubt Europe's words and commitments,” Zelensky added.
He added that the opening of the first cluster for EU accession negotiations could go beyond a purely technical step.
“This will be a political decision that determines the future integration of Ukraine with Europe. Please support this. And we are working to be ready for all clusters this year,” he concluded.
On June 26, attack drones of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense carried out precise strikes on Russian armed forces support facilities in Bryansk, Russia.
Warehouses of rocket fuel and lubricants belonging to the 1061st logistics center of the Russian Armed Forces were attacked.
According to information received from informed sources, unmanned aerial vehicles of the following types were used to carry out the operation: Bober, Baklan and Obriy.
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“The destruction of the rocket fuel and lubricants depot in Bryansk is part of a complex of actions to reduce the logistical capabilities of the Russian occupation army,” the source said.
Local Telegram channels and publics also actively reported on the explosions and subsequent fire at the oil depot in Bryansk.
Let us recall that in early June, Russian military facilities and critical infrastructure were subjected to a series of strikes by Ukrainian drones.
The oil depot in Engels, the military airfield in Dyagilevo, and the Progress plant in Michurinsk, which plays a key role in the Russian military-industrial complex, were attacked.
According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, over the past 24 hours, June 25, the Ukrainian Defense Forces eliminated at least 1,100 Russian occupiers at the front.
The full-scale war in Ukraine has been going on for 1,219 days.
The interactive map of military operations in Ukraine and the map of air raids in Ukraine allow you to monitor the situation in cities.
Anna Wintour is stepping down as editor-in-chief of American Vogue, a post she held for nearly 40 years.
Condé Nast reported this in a comment to CNN.
Wintour informed her team of her decision on Thursday. Although she will no longer lead American Vogue, Wintour is not leaving the company entirely — she will continue to serve as global chief content officer for Condé Nast and will remain Vogue's global editor.
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The role of editor-in-chief of American Vogue will be transformed into a new position – head of editorial content.
Over the course of nearly four decades, Anna Wintour has revolutionized Vogue, transforming it from a cautious, conservative publication into a fashion industry powerhouse capable of both disrupting and making designers' careers.
Vogue is one of the most influential and authoritative fashion magazines in the world. The publication first appeared in the United States in 1892 and then turned into a global media empire with local versions in dozens of countries. Vogue forms beauty standards, dictates fashion trends and discovers new names in the world of style, culture and art.
Anna Wintour, who headed the American edition since 1988, had a special influence on the development of the magazine. Under her leadership, Vogue became not only a fashion reference book, but also a social phenomenon capable of changing entire industries.
The European Council failed to reach consensus on the 18th round of sanctions against Russia, which was to be introduced in response to its full-scale war against Ukraine. However, EU leaders reached a political agreement to extend sanctions against Russia for another six months.
As Radio Liberty editor Rikard Jozwiak reported, citing sources, the leaders agreed to extend all sanctions against Russia for another six months.
— The leaders have not reached an agreement on the latest package of sanctions, the 18th. Slovakia has not yet given the green light. Discussions are likely to resume between the ambassadors in the coming days, the journalist wrote.
The conclusions on Ukraine, which were adopted following the meeting of the European Council at the level of heads of state and government, indicate that the European Union, together with its partners, intends to limit Russia's ability to continue waging its aggressive war.
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Sanctions are an integral part of the EU's policy to achieve this common objective. The European Council welcomes the adoption of the 17th package of sanctions, which targets in particular Russia's energy and financial sectors, including the shadow fleet of oil tankers and their operators.
— The European Council calls for further action against the Russian shadow fleet, which is used by Russia to circumvent sanctions and poses significant environmental and security risks. In this context, it calls on the Council to quickly adopt a new package of sanctions. It also stresses the importance of further strengthening anti-circumvention measures, — the document says.
The EU leaders stressed that, under EU law, all frozen Russian assets must remain immobilized until “Russia ends its war of aggression against Ukraine and compensates it for the damage caused by this war.”
Slovakia opposes the adoption of a new EU sanctions package aimed at Moscow until its reservations regarding energy security are taken into account, Bloomberg writes.
Slovakia's landlocked prime minister, Robert Fico, remains heavily dependent on Russian energy supplies, is demanding that the European Commission provide guarantees to help minimise the economic impact.
“We want to know what guarantees we will get, what support and what options will be available,” Fico said ahead of the EU leaders' summit in Brussels on Thursday.
Fico met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the event, calling the talks constructive. However, he reiterated his categorical position: Slovakia will demand that the vote on the EU sanctions package against Russia be postponed on Friday until the gas supply issues are resolved.
“If our proposal to postpone the vote is not taken into account, the Slovak ambassador will receive clear instructions to veto the adoption of the 18th sanctions package,” Fico wrote on Facebook.
The EU aims to completely stop importing Russian pipeline and liquefied natural gas by the end of 2027 in a bid to end its energy dependence on Moscow.
Slovakia strongly opposes the plan, warning that its implementation could lead to higher energy prices and a decrease in the competitiveness of national industry.
Any sanctions measures would require unanimous support from all 27 EU member states. Prime Minister Fico and his ally, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, have repeatedly threatened to block EU decisions on sanctions against Russia and aid to Ukraine, although their objections have been overturned in most cases.
Robert Fico, who has visited Moscow twice in recent months, has come under criticism from other European leaders for his efforts to mend fences with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
With transit through neighboring Ukraine halted, Russian gas now accounts for less than half of Slovakia's total imports. The country is working hard to diversify its supply sources and currently receives Russian gas via the southern route through the Turkish Stream pipeline and Hungary.
Fico also demands compensation from the EU in case the interruption of Russian gas supplies leads to a sharp rise in prices.
He also said Slovakia faces significantly higher costs when purchasing gas through LNG terminals and transporting it across Europe, a price he says he is not prepared to pay for the European Commission’s “ideological and harmful” idea.
Bratislava is also pushing for legal guarantees in case sanctions trigger arbitration with Gazprom. Slovakia’s state gas company SPP has a long-term contract with the Russian energy giant that runs until 2034, with a total value of up to €16-20 billion (equivalent to $18.7-23.4 billion).
Fico warned that if the EU imposes a ban on Russian gas, Slovakia could lose the case, as the force majeure argument is unlikely to be accepted.
North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un has called a new beach resort in the city of Wonsan one of the DPRK's “biggest achievements” in 2025.
He visited it together with his daughter Kim Ju Ye and his wife Ri Sol Ju, who appeared in public for the first time in 1.5 years.
The North Korean dictator usually watches ballistic missile launches. But this time he visited a new resort in Wonsan with his family, calling it one of the country's “greatest feats” this year.
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The Guardian newspaper writes that Kim, accompanied by his daughter and wife, sat by the pool with a pack of cigarettes and a soft drink, watching as vacationers slid down two water slides.
The North Korean news agency KCNA also released a photo of him and his daughter on the beach, surrounded by officials.
The resort that Kim and his family visited is located on the east coast of the DPRK.
The dictator is convinced that “the wave of happiness that will sweep the coastal tourist area will help to strengthen its attractive image as a world-class tourist and cultural resort.”
North Korean authorities hope the resort will attract 20,000 visitors a year and is scheduled to open on July 1.
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The South Korean agency Yonhap writes that one of the first tourist groups from other countries will be Russian. They will leave Russia for the Kim resort on July 7 from Vladivostok.
In the DPRK itself, regular tourism for foreigners is still de facto banned, although Pyongyang is slightly easing the restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, Russians will be vacationing at Kim's resort surrounded by locals.