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Fleur Elizabeth Philip
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 11 June, The Moscow Times reported that Russia launched another set of drones on Kharkiv, killing three people and injuring 60. Mayor of Kharkiv, Ihor Terekhov, said that Russia used 17 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) missiles and drones in two places in the city. Kharkiv Governor Oleh Syniehubov confirmed that three were killed in the attack.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 11 June, TASS reported that Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, along with Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, discussed joint economic and energy projects via a phone call. The Kremlin said that both leaders discussed the practical implementation of various bilateral issues on economic and energy projects. They also discussed Russia’s participation in the 4th Tashkent International Forum.
On 12 June, RT reported that Russian Ambassador to the US Alexander Darchiev had a meeting with US President Donald Trump and commented by saying that the meeting was brief but constructive. He said following the discussions that took place in the phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, both countries will restore the bilateral ties. Darchiev further added that the two sides are in constant communication on resuming the direct flights and starting business initiatives.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 11 June, The Moscow Times reported that Russia returned the bodies of 1212 Ukrainian soldiers, per the deal agreed upon by both regions in the Istanbul peace talks. Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War and Russian lawmaker Shamsail Saraliyev confirmed the repatriation following the constant delays of the exchange. The Ukrainian agency said that the returned soldiers fought on the front lines in the east and southern Ukraine, and some fought in the Kursk region.
On 11 June, The Kyiv Independent reported that the Ukrainian lawmakers responded to the announcement made by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, stating that the US will reduce its funds for Ukraine, which is to be discussed in the upcoming defence budget congressional hearing. The lawmakers said that the reduction in the funds will have severe consequences for Ukraine as well as the global order. One of the Lawmakers, Iryna Friz, a parliamentary committee member on national security, defence, and intelligence, said that Ukraine is developing several options that could fill the gap for support if the US confirms the cut in funds.
On 11 June, Ukrinform reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit said that Russia is the biggest threat to all the regions, and there have been instances in the Balkan regions. He spoke on the attempts made to manipulate the public opinion in Romania and the role Moscow played in it, and warned that Russia keeps Moldova under the poverty line, and brings the region under its control. He warns that if Europe loses Moldova, Russia will make its claim on the region and various places in Europe. He said that Russia does not look at Ukraine as a sovereign nation but as a source of accessing natural resources and “a springboard for further invasions.”
References
“Ukraine Says Russia Returned More Than 1.2K Bodies of Killed Soldiers,” The Moscow Times, 11 June 2025
“Russian Overnight Drone Strikes on Kharkiv Kill 3, Injure Dozens,” The Moscow Times, 11 June 2025
“Russian envoy shares details of Trump meeting,” RT, 12 June 2025
“Putin, Mirziyoyev discussed economic, energy projects of two countries — Kremlin,” TASS, 11 June 2025
“Ukraine bracing for 'painful' reduction in US military aid after Hegseth announces cuts,” The Kyiv Independent, 11 June 2025
“Zelensky at Odesa summit: Russia is the main source of threats for all countries in Southeast Europe,” Ukrinform, 11 June 2025
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