Newsletter 27/06/2025
A daily news digest covering important war, political, economic, and cultural topics in Ukraine
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Sanctions against Russia’s "shadow fleet": Zelensky hails “good results”
"I’d like to note the work done by everyone who restrains Russian energy profits. Thanks to our government agencies and strong partners, thanks to cooperation with civil society, there are really good results in implementing sanctions against the Russian shadow tanker fleet," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
The Ukrainian leader noted that today sanctions should also be introduced against the captains of Russian tankers.
"Sanctions should be extended to all legal entities affiliated (with the Russian shadow fleet - ed.). Also, to the terminals from which Russian oil is transported. All this is a colossal daily work: from export control and restrictions on supply chains to blocking financial instruments and personal sanctions. But all this is necessary! After all, without this, Moscow will not consider peace. Of course, we are doing our part of the work. Our sanctions packages are very active. I’d like to thank the entire team that’s making this happen," Zelensky added.
Zelensky orders preparation of long-term moratorium on business inspections
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has instructed officials to prepare a decision introducing a long-term moratorium on business inspections across the country.
“I have already instructed preparations for a decision on a long-term moratorium on business inspections — to protect businesses from any pressure by unscrupulous individuals in various positions,” Zelensky made this announcement during the "Government and Business Forum: From Dialogue to Partnership".
Russian Kh-101 missile may contain up to 250 parts of Western production, Ukraine says
"The share of Western components in missiles and UAVs remains significant. But their number can widely vary, depending on the type and series. For example, the SBU has established that a single Russian Kh-101 missile can contain up to 250 electronic components of Western production. At the same time, in a missile of the same type, with which the Russians attacked an Okhmatdyt children’s hospital on July 8, 2024, we spotted 59 such parts. These are processors, matrices, transceivers, integrated circuits," stated by Deputy Head of the Security Service Serhiy Naumiuk, who spoke at the Fair Play conference on expanding Russia sanctions.
In Shahed, Geran type UAVs, depending on the series of release, there may be up to 400 electronic components produced in Western countries, the official noted. In particular, these are parts produced in Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Brazil, Spain, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Germany, Portugal, Serbia, the USA, Finland, France, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Sweden, etc. These products do not get to the Russians directly, but through a chain of intermediaries. China, India, the United Arab Emirates, and some countries of the former CIS, primarily Kazakhstan and Armenia, are helping the Russian Federation circumvent sanctions.
Ukraine intercepts 365 incoming air targets overnight Friday
Russia deployed 363 Shahed type attack UAVs and decoy drones of various types (including over 200 Shaheds), as well as two Kh-47 M2 Kinzhal air ballistic missiles, and six Kalibr cruise missiles.
The town of Starokostiantyniv was the main target of the combined air raid.
The attack was repelled by Ukraine’s aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare and unmanned systems units, and mobile fire groups.
According to the latest reports, as of 09:30, air defense neutralized 365 air attack vehicles, including 217 shot down and 148 lost from radar.
Among the intercepted targets, 211 Shaheds other types of UAVs were downed and 148 suppressed.
Six Kalibr cruise missiles were shot down, the report adds.
Ukraine hits four Russian Su-34 warplanes at Marinovka airbase
On the night of June 27, Ukraine’s Defense Forces of Ukraine attacked the Marinovka airbase in Russia’s Volgograd region, hitting several targets at the location.
The operation aimed at reducing Russia’s capabilities to launch air strikes and bombard Ukraine’s territory.
The mission was executed by the Special Operations Forces and the Security Service of Ukraine in cooperation with other elements of the Defense Forces.
According to tentative reports, four Su-34 fighter-bombers were hit, as well as a maintenance and repair base.
The General Staff emphasizes that Russia’s Su-34s are the main tactical aircraft involved in missile and bomb strikes against Ukrainian positions and settlements. The invaders use these aircraft to drop guided bombs, including those with glide and correction modules.
Number and scale of strikes deep into Russia will grow – Umerov
“Last year, Ukraine developed a strategic plan for systematic long-range operations and contracted tens of thousands of DeepStrike drones. These capabilities enabled regular precision strikes on critical targets deep within enemy territory,” stated Ukraine’s Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov.
Ballistic missile strike on Samar: death toll rises to four, 17 injured
The number of casualties from a Russian ballistic missile strike on the city of Samar in the Dnipropetrovsk region has risen to four dead and 17 injured.
DPRK deploys up to 11,000 elite troops to war in Ukraine – Defense Ministry
North Korea has deployed approximately 11,000 elite soldiers to support Russia in its war against Ukraine.
“Russia’s reliance on elite North Korean forces not only signals a growing dependence on totalitarian regimes, but also underscores serious issues with its own mobilization reserves. Alongside our partners, we are closely monitoring these developments and will respond accordingly,”Ukraine’s Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov stated this at a briefing with journalists
He noted that these troops are drawn from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s so-called “personal reserve,” a contingent of around 50,000 fighters specially selected based on physical, psychological, and other strict criteria. These units have reportedly already suffered considerable losses.
War
111,000 Russian troops and 50 daily clashes: Syrskyi visits Pokrovsk sector
Russian forces continue their efforts to break through to the administrative border of the Donetsk region in the Pokrovsk sector—driven not only by operational aims, but also by symbolic objectives.
Syrskyi noted that the area sees no fewer than 50 combat clashes daily. He added that Russia has concentrated its largest military formation in this sector, comprising approximately 111,000 troops.
“The enemy continues its attempts to break through to the administrative border of the Donetsk region—not only in pursuit of battlefield gains, but also for propaganda purposes. Their aim is to achieve a psychological effect: to set the so-called ‘foot of a Russian soldier,’ raise a flag, and claim another pseudo-victory,” Syrskyi stated.
Syrskyi noted that Russian sabotage and assault groups were particularly active here two weeks ago, but all of them were destroyed or neutralized, and the remains were thrown further away from the administrative border. The situation is under control.
Russia’s 888 chemical attacks in single month exposed
The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has confirmed that Russia is systematically using chemical weapons against the Ukrainian Armed Forces. According to Ukraine’s General Staff, 888 instances of chemical agents being used by Russian forces were recorded on the battlefield in May 2025 alone.
Significant movement of enemy armor and troops observed in Mariupol
A substantial movement of enemy armored vehicles and personnel has been observed in the temporarily occupied city of Mariupol in the Donetsk region. According to reports, Russian forces may escalate their assault attempts on the Huliaipole and Orikhiv sectors in the Zaporizhzhia region in the coming days.
New deadly Shaheds now fitted with camera, AI: Ukraine’s intel details new features
The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry posted on their War&Sanctions platform updates on the components of the modernized Shahed-136, now equipped with a camera and artificial intelligence softwware.
The "Components in Weapons" section of portal now shows the electronic component base and the 3D model of a Shahed-136 ("Geran-2") attack UAV of the new MS series.
The structure of the body material, design and layout of the electronic units indicate that the UAV is of Iranian production.
The UAV contains a high-speed Nvidia Jetson Orin minicomputer, specialized for AI tasks and video processing, as well as an infrared camera similar to the one previously reported by Russia.
The purpose of the module is to receive information from the UAV camera and compare it with downloaded models for additional guidance or automatic target selection. The drone can also be employed as a reconnaissance aircraft.
Russians strike Kostiantinivka with MLRS, killing civilian
Russians attack critical energy facility in Kherson region, prolonged power outages possible
Russian drones deliberately target civilians in frontline areas - UN report
Russian drones cause damage in Cherkasy region
Defense
Zelensky signs off NSDC decision on ensuring defense spending
President Volodymyr Zelensky put into effect the decision of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine of June 27 "On proposals for the Budget Declaration for 2026–2028 on articles related to ensuring Ukraine’s national security and defense".
Politics
Zelensky calls on international partners to limit AI tech exports to Russia
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine said that, in addition to sanctions against Russia, international partners should include the latest technologies in their export control priorities. These are AI technologies that the aggressor state employs in the war effort against Ukraine.
High anti-graft court sets UAH 120M bail in Vice PM case
The court has ruled to partially grant the motion of the National Anti-corruption Bureau detective: to apply a preventive measure in the form of a bail to the suspect, Oleksiy Mykhailovych Chernyshov. The bail amount is set at UAH 120,002,667.
The restrictive measure shall remain in place until August 28.
The National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine pressed charges against Vice PM Chernyshov on June 23, accusing him of abuse of office and obtaining illegal benefits in a particularly large amount for himself and third parties.
Economy
Zelensky announces broader state support for Ukrainian business and industry
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced plans to expand government programs supporting Ukrainian businesses and domestic production, along with strengthening the State-Business Council.
“We understand that it’s economic growth that should fill the budget — not pressure or squeezing money out of the economy. Good decisions require good teams that generate and implement ideas. That’s why we need dialogue between the state and all social forces, including entrepreneurs. We’re working through the State-Business Council format and will continue to preserve and expand government support programs for Ukrainian business and production,” the President said.
Zelensky emphasized that for the first time in Ukraine’s history, the country is implementing initiatives with international partners focused on investing directly into Ukrainian production.
“These billions of dollars in investment are going into our weapons, equipment, and machinery production. We’ve had very productive meetings with the G7 and are seeing successful cooperation with EU partners, as well as bilateral results with key countries around the world,” he added.
Ukraine synchronizing sanctions against Russia with international partners – Zelensky on NSDC decision
President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Ukraine will synchronize its sanctions against Russia with those of international partners, following a decision by the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC).
Go Ukraine !! Bring the Russians to their knees! 4 more su's down. Congratulations to all the worriers !