Photo : Security Service of Ukraine, Euromaidan Press
Photo : Security Service of Ukraine, Euromaidan Press
By Fleur Elizabeth Philip
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 15 June, The Moscow Times reported that Ukraine has received 1200 bodies from Russia, as per the agreement in Istanbul. Both countries have agreed to send 6000 bodies each. According to Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, around 4,812 bodies have been returned. Umerov did not make a mention on the transfer of fallen Russian troops going to Russia. Zelenskky said that around 46,000 soldiers have been killed and 380,000 wounded. Russia has not mentioned the death toll on their part. Russian media outlet Mediazona and BBC have identified around 111,000 dead Russian soldiers.
On 15 June, Ukrinform reported that Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, along with the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) and several government officials, held a meeting. Zelensky emphasised that there are no signs of a ceasefire or peace from Putin despite the calls from the EU and the US. He said that Russia will continue its attacks, and its biggest target will be the energy facilities in Ukraine, and since the global spotlight has moved towards the Middle East, Russia’s actions will be less visible. Ukraine’s Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko created a report on Russia’s target on the nuclear infrastructure to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the US Defence Secretary Steve Witkoff, updating them on Russia's plans.
On 15 June, Euronews reported that Russia launched drones, missiles, and artillery on the hypersonic Khinzal region. Russia also used the Iskander and Kalibr cruise missiles. Ukrainian air force said that Russia used 194 weapons that targeted Poltava Oblast in the east of Kyiv. According to the report, the attack in Poltava Oblast did not have any casualties, but destroyed the agricultural and energy facilities.
On 15 June, The Kyiv Independent reported on the exchange of fire between Russia and Ukraine. According to Governor Rustam Minnikhanov, Ukraine launched drones on the Tatarstan region, killing one and injuring 13. The drones were shot down by the Russian military, but the debris fell onto Russia’s Shahed drone factory in Yelabuga. This was confirmed by the General Staff of Ukraine. On the same day, Russia launched an attack on a US Aerospace building and the Boeing office in Kyiv. Boeing is one of the largest US companies operating in Kyiv, partnering with the Ukrainian aerospace and defence company Antonov. Apart from Boeing, Antonov was also targeted with drone strike from Russia, as well as the other defence production sites. Russia launched various drones and missiles at Kyiv. The president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine said that this attack was not only against Ukraine but also against American businesses. The attack on Kyiv came following the Operation Spiderweb.
On 14 June, Zelenskyy confirmed that the Ukrainian troops had taken over Andriivka village, in the northeastern Sumy region. He also called out the troops for their success near Pokrovsk. Russia, for several months, launched its attacks on Pokrovsk as well as Kupiansk, and since the beginning of June, has been advancing into Ukraine from the Sumy region, in northeast Ukraine, to establish a “buffer zone.” According to the Russian Defence Ministry, the Russian troops have taken over Zelenyi Kut, a village in southwest Pokrovsk. To counter that, Zelenskyy said that the Ukrainian troops are at the defence lines, and dismissed Russia’s claims of their troops reaching Dnipropetrovsk in central Ukraine. Russia has control over one-fifth of Ukraine, with Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia under its control.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 14 June, RT reported that the Russian Defence Ministry confirmed the exchange of prisoners of war (POW). This is the fourth batch this week following the peace talks in Istanbul. The Defence Ministry said that another group of service members have returned from the “Kyiv regime,” and have sent Ukrainian soldiers who were held captive in Russia.
On 14 June, according to the Russian Defence Ministry, their troops have taken over Yablunivka, a village in the Sumy region. Zelenskyy, in response, said that the Ukrainian troops are pushing back, but the prevailing assessments showcase Russian dominance. On the same day, TASS reported that the Russian Defence Ministry confirms that the Russian military has taken control over Koptevo and Komar, in the Donetsk region.
References
“Russia launches fresh massive aerial attack on Ukraine. 2 Khinzal missiles downed,” Euronews, 15 June 2025
“Ukraine shares intelligence with IAEA, U.S. on Russia’s threat to nuclear power infrastructure – Zelensky,” Ukrinform, 15 June 2025
“Ukraine war latest: Kyiv strikes Russian drone factory, Moscow targets Boeing's office,” The Kyiv Independent, 15 June 2025
“Ukraine Says Received Another 1,200 Bodies From Russia,” The Moscow Times, 15 June 2025
“https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/06/15/ukraine-says-received-another-1200-bodies-from-russia-a89450,” RT, 14 June 2025