Photo : VOA News
Photo : VOA News
By Fleur Elizabeth Philip
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 11 June, The Kyiv Independent reported that Russia launched drones on Kharkiv, resulting in the deaths of two and 60 injuries. Mayor of Kharkiv Ihor Terekhov said that the attack landed in a five-storey apartment, also 15 other apartments were in flames. Terekhov also added that among the 60, nine were children, below 16 years old. He confirmed that Russia carried out 17 drone strikes in the city. In response to this, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called it brutal and urged the US to allow Ukraine to purchase their air defence systems.
On 10 June, Euronews reported that Russia’s attack on Kyiv has damaged the St. Sophia Cathedral, which is recorded as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. The blast destroyed the cornice on the central apse of the cathedral, damaging the monument that has in it the cultural and spiritual heritage. Ukraine’s Culture Minister Mykola Tochytskyi said that Russia attacked the holy place that has survived throughout centuries, and destroyed the very monument that symbolises their identity.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 10 June, The Moscow Times reported that, according to Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, there is to be a meeting between Russian and US officials in order to restore the operations of their diplomatic missions. The previous meeting was held on 10 April in Istanbul, and before that, a meeting between Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Saudi Arabia on 18 February. Ryabkov said that the third round of talks have been confirmed but the date is yot to be specified, however with these talks Moscow will seek the necessary answers to restart the direct flights between Russia and the US, and the return of Russia’s six owned properties that were seized by the US between 2016 and 2018.
On 10 June, The Moscow Times reported that the Russian Defence Ministry has announced the second set of prisoner exchanges, which was agreed upon in the peace talks in Istanbul. Both regions have not specified the number of soldiers exchanged, but in the talks, they have agreed on the exchange of 1000 soldiers and 6000 fallen soldiers each. Russia released a video footage showcasing the return of the Russian troops who came in a bus. The Defence Ministry also said that the troops are receiving medical and psychological care in Belarus before they are transferred home.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 10 June, Euronews reported that the EU has proposed a new round of sanctions against Russia to pressure the Kremlin into accepting Ukraine's 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposal. If this is approved by the member states, it will be the 18th package of sanctions imposed by the bloc. European Comission President Ursula von der Leyen and High Representative of Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas have revealed the proposal, that blacklists 22 Russian banks, and ban on transactions to entities that are outside the country. The proposal also targets the Russian Investment Fund, which is worth USD 10 billion. The plan also includes the crackdown of the Russian Shadow Fleet, direct and indirect use of the Nord Stream pipeline that connects to Germany, in sanctions against the Russian sea-borne oil were imposed in 2022 and capped at USD 60 per barrel, but now with fluctuation in the trade the Nordic and the Baltic region have called upon looking at the market dynamics. Leyen has pitched to impose USD 45 per barrel, and also prohibit the imports of products made from Russian crude oil. Leyen said that Russia continues to bring death to the Ukrainians and their goal is not peace but to impose the “rule of might.”
On 10 June, Euronews reported that Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with the Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, and discussed on Russian offence towards the Ukrainian civilians, and called out to the EU to impose more sanctions on Moscow. Merz said that the recent attacks on Ukraine are the most serious war crimes, and the Ukrainian attacks do not come at parity with Russia. He praised the success of Operation Spider Web. Furthermore, he warned that the attack on Russian war planes will lead to an escalation by Russia, and it will result in a “bloodbath,” and will not be open to negotiating with Ukraine. On the other hand, Schoof responded to Merz and said that defending Ukraine is of the utmost importance not only for its sovereignty but for the rest of Europe as well.
On 11 June, The Kyiv Independent reported that US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the US will reduce their funding that is allocated for assisting Ukraine, which is to be confirmed in the upcoming defence budget. Hegseth in the House of Representatives said that there will be a reduction in the budget. He said that the US looks for a negotiated peace that has the interests of both regions, rather than the ongoing violations despite the peace talks. Hegseth added that the Pentagon released the full documentation on the 2026 budget, but the newly proposed one will focus on the American military, their needs, warfighters and readiness.
References
“EU proposes fresh sanctions on Russia's oil, banks, Nord Stream and 'shadow fleet'” Euronews, 10 June 2025
“Merz accuses Russia of 'terror against civilians' following attacks on residential areas in Ukraine,” Euronews, 10 June 2025
“New U.S.-Russian Talks Coming ‘Very Soon,’ Deputy FM Says,” The Moscow Times, 10 June 2025
“Russia and Ukraine Confirm Second Stage of Prisoner Exchange Under Istanbul Deal,” The Moscow Times, 10 June 2025
“Massive Russian drone attack kills 2, injures at least 60 in Kharkiv,” The Kyiv Independent, 11 June 2025
“US to cut military aid to Ukraine, Hegseth says,” The Kyiv Independent, 1o June 2025
“UNESCO World Heritage site St Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv damaged in Russian overnight attack,” Euronews, 10 June 2025