Last news • War in Ukraine
Two helicopters have been concerned in extinguishing fires on the scene of the shelling in Kyiv on June 17 – SES
Through the liquidation of the implications of the shelling on June 17, the State Emergency Service concerned two helicopters to extinguish fires. Using aviation considerably elevated the effectivity of rescuers.
Ukraine's parliament on June 17 permitted President Volodymyr Zelensky's nomination of 35-year-old Ruslan Kravchenko because the nation's new prosecutor basic, making him the youngest individual to ever maintain the publish.
Kravchenko, a former army prosecutor and most not too long ago head of Ukraine's tax service, replaces Andrii Kostin, who stepped down in October 2024 following a scandal involving fraudulent incapacity claims by dozens of prosecutors in Khmelnytskyi Oblast.
Lawmakers supported Kravchenko's appointment with 273 votes in favor, in line with Yaroslav Zheleznyak, an MP from the Holos social gathering.
A local of Sievierodonetsk in jap Ukraine, Kravchenko served as a army prosecutor in Crimea earlier than leaving the peninsula after Russia's annexation in 2014. He was one of many prosecutors within the case of fugitive President Viktor Yanukovych.
Kravchenko will now lead the Prosecutor Normal's Workplace amid conflict, reforms, and heightened scrutiny of legislation enforcement our bodies' work. His predecessor, Kostin, resigned after the media revealed that at the least 50 prosecutors had allegedly obtained incapacity standing fraudulently — a scandal that sparked widespread criticism.
The Prosecutor Normal's Workplace has performed a central function in documenting Russian conflict crimes and imposing anti-corruption efforts, particularly since Russia's full-scale invasion started in February 2022.
The Kyiv IndependentOlena Goncharova
Russian exercise in Sumy area has decreased considerably – Demchenko
Russians have diminished the usage of quad bikes and bikes to advance within the Sumy area. The enemy is struggling heavy losses making an attempt to develop the fight zone with small teams.
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv on June 18 condemned Russia's large missile and drone assault on Kyiv that killed a minimum of 23 individuals and injured greater than 130 a day earlier, saying it "runs counter" to U.S. President Donald Trump's peace efforts.
"Right now, with all of Ukraine, we be part of a day of mourning in Kyiv for the victims of Russia's June 17 assault," the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine mentioned in a press release. "We lengthen deepest condolences to the victims' households. This mindless assault runs counter to President Trump's name to cease the killing and finish the struggle."
The nine-hour in a single day assault, which started late June 16, has grow to be one of many largest aerial assaults on the Ukrainian capital for the reason that begin of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
Ukrainian officers mentioned Russia launched 472 aerial weapons, together with almost 280 Shahed-type assault drones and cruise and ballistic missiles. Ukraine's air protection downed 428 targets, however a number of struck residential areas, together with a nine-story condo constructing in Kyiv's Solomianskyi district.
Among the many lifeless was a U.S. citizen, State Division Press Secretary Tammy Bruce confirmed at a briefing on June 17.
"We’re conscious of final evening's assault on Kyiv, which resulted in quite a few casualties, together with the tragic dying of a U.S. citizen," Bruce mentioned. "We condemn these strikes and lengthen our deepest condolences to the victims and to the households of all these affected."
President Volodymyr Zelensky referred to as it "probably the most horrifying assaults on Kyiv" and urged stronger worldwide assist to assist Ukraine defend itself.
Regardless of the dimensions of the assault, Trump gave the impression to be unaware of the strike when questioned by reporters aboard Air Pressure One early on June 17.
"When was that? When?" Trump responded when a reporter requested for his response. Informed that the drone and missile assault had occurred "very just lately," Trump mentioned: "Simply now? You imply as I’m strolling again to see you, that’s when it occurred? Sounds prefer it. I’ll have to take a look at it."
As of a day later, the White Home had nonetheless not issued an official response to the strike.
The June 17 assault prompted in depth harm throughout the capital. Civilian infrastructure hit included kindergartens, a college dormitory, residential neighborhoods, and industrial websites.
Fahrenheit, a Ukrainian producer of army and civilian clothes, reported that its Kyiv manufacturing unit was broken and operations have been suspended. Ukrposhta, the nationwide postal service, misplaced two branches. Ukrainian Railways mentioned a grain-carrying prepare was struck, disrupting transit.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko mentioned unexploded cluster munitions have been discovered within the metropolis — a sort of weapon banned by some international locations because of the hazard they pose to civilians. June 18 was declared a day of mourning in Kyiv.
International Minister Andrii Sybiha referred to as the timing of the assault, as G7 leaders gathered in Canada, a deliberate message from the Kremlin. Moscow has escalated strikes on Ukrainian cities in latest weeks, focusing on residential areas and important infrastructure.
Ukraine has urged Western allies to reply by reinforcing air protection capabilities and tightening financial stress on Russia.
The Kyiv IndependentAnna Fratsyvir
Zelenskyy left the G7 summit with out assembly with Trump and new US arms help – Reuters
The President of Ukraine left the G7 summit with new army support from Canada. The assembly with Trump didn’t happen, it was not potential to debate the protection bundle.
Russia has misplaced 1,007,160 troops in Ukraine for the reason that starting of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the Normal Workers of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on June 18.
The quantity consists of 1,040 casualties that Russian forces suffered simply over the previous day.
In line with the report, Russia has additionally misplaced 10,947 tanks, 22,845 armored preventing automobiles, 52,312 automobiles and gasoline tanks, 29,265 artillery techniques, 1,420 a number of launch rocket techniques, 1,187 air protection techniques, 416 airplanes, 337 helicopters, 41,165 drones, 3,369 cruise missiles, 28 ships and boats, and one submarine.
The Kyiv IndependentVolodymyr Ivanyshyn
Variety of victims of the Russian assault on Kyiv has risen to 22 – SES
Within the Solomyanskyi district, rescuers discovered the physique of one other deceased beneath the rubble. The overall variety of victims of the Russian assault on Kyiv has risen to 22.
Sitting just a few meters from the rubble of what was once a nondescript nine-story residential constructing in Kyiv, Lilia rises to her ft each time one other pile of particles is cleared from the location focused by Russia throughout a mass in a single day assault on June 17.
"We’re ready (as everybody) for a similar factor," says Victoria Smirnova, 37, Lilia's mother-in-law, seated close by. "The daddy was there."
The person's third-floor house and your entire part of the constructing within the capital's Solomianskyi district had utterly collapsed.
"She (Lilia) ran to him after the primary wave of drone assaults," Smirnova instructed the Kyiv Impartial. "He was cleansing up damaged glass. The home windows within the kitchen and on the balcony had been shattered. He instructed her, 'I'll be dwelling, there's a lot to do. I'll keep within the hall. I'm not going wherever.'"
Minutes after Lilia left, a Russian cruise missile struck the constructing.The 2 girls are amongst many ready close to the location, determined for information about relations and acquaintances nonetheless lacking within the aftermath of the in a single day strike, the deadliest assault on Kyiv for the reason that begin of the yr.
A minimum of 14 folks had been killed within the capital, and 117 others had been injured, in keeping with officers. Two extra folks had been killed in a Russian in a single day assault on the southern metropolis of Odesa.
Ukraine's Air Drive mentioned Russia launched 472 aerial weapons in a single day, together with practically 280 Shahed-type drones and 32 missiles. The strikes had been primarily geared toward Kyiv.
Air protection forces intercepted 428 of these targets, together with 239 Shahed drones, one Kinzhal ballistic missile, and 23 cruise missiles.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko additionally reported that Russian forces used cluster munitions throughout the assault.
Witnesses mentioned the assault got here in a number of waves — first drones, then missiles, then drones once more. After the preliminary barrage, a lull within the strikes prompted some residents to go away their shelters.
Amongst them had been Halyna Kushnirova, 72, and her son. That they had simply stepped outdoors when contemporary explosions rocked the district. This time, they took cowl in an underground passageway close to their dwelling.
"I'm in shock. I nonetheless can't absolutely grasp that this really occurred. I imply, I see it, however I can't course of it.”
Halyna Kushnirova, 72, a retiree who lives in the home struck by a Russian missile, stands outdoors the broken constructing in Kyiv, Ukraine, on June 17, 2025. (Anna Donets / The Kyiv Impartial)
"Then there was this horrible whistling. It was horrible. Three missiles — with such a noise that my ears had been ringing," Kushnirova mentioned. "The explosion was so robust that mud, smoke, and sparks crammed the passageway."
"I mentioned instantly: it's our constructing (that was hit)."
She mentioned her house, positioned in a neighboring part of the constructing, was closely broken.
The assault left a path of destruction throughout Kyiv, damaging a number of residential buildings in a number of districts, together with important infrastructure, a kindergarten, a pupil dormitory, and vehicles.
Russia launched its newest strike because the G7 summit was underway in Canada. On the day of the assault, President Volodymyr Zelensky was anticipated to fulfill together with his U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump. Nevertheless, the American president left the summit a day earlier than the assembly.
Trump has declined to touch upon the assault and kept away from criticizing the Russian regime.
"I'm in shock. I nonetheless can't absolutely grasp that this really occurred. I imply, I see it, however I can't course of it," Kushnirova mentioned. "I want Trump had been right here subsequent to me to see what his buddy (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is doing."
The Kyiv IndependentOlena Goncharova
Escaping the worstOn the other aspect of town, residents of Kyiv's left financial institution Darnytskyi district had been additionally wrestling with the aftermath of the Russian assault.
Round 5 a.m., a Russian drone slammed into one of many high-rise house buildings. The strike left a number of folks wounded, destroying an outer wall and rooms in a number of residences and shattering home windows all through the neighborhood.
"My kids had been already within the lavatory. (My spouse and I) had been within the hall. We heard the Shahed's descent, then the hit," mentioned Ivan Serebrianskyi, 42, an entrepreneur who lives within the broken constructing.
"The home windows had been shattered, and smoke coated the place. We went outdoors and checked that everybody within the household was alive and properly. It's the principle factor," he instructed the Kyiv Impartial outdoors his entrance because the residents cleared up the driveway.
Serebrianskyi added that after the in a single day assault, he desires his 4 and 13-year-old daughters to maneuver overseas "inside just a few days."
"The worst half is that we will't plan in any respect for when it’d finish," Serebrianskyi mentioned.
"Maybe there might be a world chief aside from our president who will be capable of take a severe stance with this loopy neighbor of ours."
Serebrianskyi added that he was amazed at Trump's meek place within the peace talks with Russia.
"I run a small enterprise myself, however I can say 100% that not every part in enterprise may be solved by negotiation. Generally you want radical adjustments," he mentioned.
Having escaped the worst, some residents of the Darnytskyi district began clearing up the particles virtually instantly after the affect.
"Actually half an hour (after the assault), we began clearing up our entrance. Shattered frequent doorways, window frames, glass," mentioned Tatiana Bratus, 50, a constructing resident whose automotive was broken within the assault.
Within the late afternoon, Bratus and different residents who labored to clear the aftermath of the strike had been joined by unlikely volunteers.
Round a dozen children from close by homes had been sweeping up glass and litter off the sidewalk in entrance of the constructing, having procured brooms and scoops from the neighbors.
When requested by the Kyiv Impartial's reporters why the kids had been cleansing up, one of many boys within the group responded: "As a result of it should be completed."
Natalia, 28, a resident of a close-by constructing who declined to share her final title, mentioned that she got here to assist along with her buddy's kids, aged 10 and 12. The kids volunteered to assist after they learn within the native volunteer group concerning the want for helpers on the location.
"The remainder had been only a group of children taking part in round," Natalia mentioned. "They approached us and mentioned they needed to assist. We weren’t banned from it, so it appears protected right here."
"Nobody pressured them," Natalia added. "The nation is rising up robust. They aren’t going to look previous the troubles of others."
The Kyiv IndependentDaria Shulzhenko
June 18: No enemy ships within the Black and Azov Seas
No enemy ships had been recorded within the Black and Azov Seas on June 18. There are three enemy ships within the Mediterranean Sea, considered one of which is a service of cruise missiles.
Editor's observe: It is a growing story and is being up to date.
President Volodymyr Zelensky is chopping his go to to Canada brief and can return to Kyiv on June 17, whereas G7 talks are nonetheless ongoing, a supply informed a Kyiv Unbiased journalist on the bottom.
He had been scheduled to journey to Calgary for extra occasions and a press convention, however these plans have been cancelled. The change comes within the wake of a lethal Russian missile strike on Kyiv in a single day, in addition to adjustments to the G7 agenda.
Zelensky had travelled to the summit hoping to satisfy one-on-one with U.S. President Donald Trump and to push for stronger sanctions towards Russia. Nevertheless, Trump left the summit early, citing the disaster within the Center East, and no bilateral assembly or unified G7 assertion passed off.
Zelensky mentioned he had informed the G7 leaders that "diplomacy is now in a state of disaster" and famous the allies have to proceed calling on Trump "to make use of his actual affect" to pressure an finish to the warfare."
"Even when the American President is just not placing sufficient stress on Russia proper now, the reality is that America nonetheless has the broadest international pursuits and the biggest variety of allies. All of them will want sturdy safety," he mentioned in a Telegram put up.
In the meantime, Canada dropped plans for the G7 to concern a joint assertion on the warfare in Ukraine after the US pushed to weaken the language, in keeping with a Canadian official talking on the sidelines of the summit. The official mentioned Canada felt a watered-down model wouldn’t be honest to Ukraine.
As a substitute, the positions of the remaining six G7 members can be mirrored in a separate assertion anticipated from Prime Minister Mark Carney later within the day.
"Canada and the remainder of the G7 ought to strengthen their help for Ukraine, notably by furnishing it with extra army help that would come with, amongst different issues, elevated ammunition," Alexander Lanoszka, an affiliate professor of worldwide relations within the division of political science on the College of Waterloo, informed the Kyiv Unbiased.
"One hopes that the specter of U.S. disengagement would catalyze will increase in help. Sadly, regardless of no matter they are saying, G7 leaders may very nicely lack the arrogance for no matter purpose to do a lot absent sturdy U.S. management," Lanoszka added.
Canada did announce a sweeping new help package deal for Ukraine on June 17, throughout a bilateral assembly with Zelensky on the ultimate day of the G7 summit in Kananaskis.
The measures embrace two billion Canadian {dollars} ($1.5 billion USD) in army funding and new sanctions aimed toward proscribing Russia’s vitality revenues and evasion ways.
The Kyiv IndependentYuliia Taradiuk