Photo : Gleb Garanich/Reuters
Photo : Gleb Garanich/Reuters
By Fleur Elizabeth Philip
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 17 June, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the massive aerial attack by Russia on Kyiv. It resulted in the death of 15 and the injury of 75. Zelenskyy reported on attacks across Odessa, Zaporizhzhia, Chernihiv, Zhytomyr, Kirovohrad, and Mykolaiv. According to him, more than 440 drones and 32 missiles were targeted by Russia. Zelenskyy said that there were ongoing efforts to clear the rubble and bring the people to safety.
On 17 June, the UK government reported on the meeting between the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, with Zelenskyy at the G7 Summit in Canada. The meeting focused on a session with the other partners to help Ukraine secure permanent peace. Both leaders discussed the next stage of military support and strengthening Ukraine for long-term peace. They also discussed ramping up pressure on Russia, with an increase in sanctions announced by the UK.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 17 June, Russia’s Defence Ministry reported that the air defences destroyed more than 200 Ukrainian drones. Ukraine’s military confirmed that they have destroyed 147 drones in the regions that border Ukraine, as well as in the regions that are in the south and north of Moscow. Additionally, another 51 drones were intercepted on the same night.
On 17 June, The Moscow Times reported that following the meeting between Sergei Shoigu and Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang, North Korea is to send military builders and sappers to restore parts of the Kursk region. Shoigu said that 1000 sappers and 5000 military construction workers will help rebuild the infrastructure that was destroyed by Ukraine. He added that both countries will build a memorial wall to commemorate the fallen Korean soldiers who sacrificed their lives for Russia. They also discussed the possibility of building a museum along with the memorial complex in Pyongyang.
On 17 June 2025, TASS reported on the Kremlin’s announcement that the next round of talks between Russia and Ukraine is to be held soon. Russia’s Presidential Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that there should “be an understanding” between Russia and Ukraine, and in the coming days, there needs to be another round of negotiations.
THE WEST VIEW
Claims by Europe and the US
On 17 June, the UK government announced imposing of new sanctions on Russian Shadow Fleet, and blacklisting 20 vessels and 10 individuals that are involved in the energy and shipping sectors. Currently, more than 100 vessels have sanctions imposed upon them by the UK and the EU since the beginning of the war in 2022. The UK’s latest asset freeze includes the Orion Star Group and Rosneft Marine. These companies play a huge role in the Russian energy and deep-sea research sectors. Two British citizens, Vladimir Pristoupa and Olech Tkacz, have sanctions for their alleged involvement in an illicit network of shell companies that are providing Russia with high-tech devices worth USD 120 million.
On 18 June, Reuters reported that the US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed that in the attack by Russia on Kyiv, among the dead was an American. He said that the attack on Kyiv resulted in numerous casualties, including the death of a US citizen, and expressed their condolences for the victims and those affected.
On 17 June, Deutschland.de reported that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for greater pressure to be imposed on Russia. In the G7 Summit, Merz and US President Donald Trump spoke about the conflict in the Middle East and the war between Russia and Ukraine. Merz said that he was unable to secure a commitment from Trump on the imposition of tariffs from the US and Germany; he will impose further sanctions against Russia, which will weaken Putin.
On 17 June, Deutsche Welle reported on the study of how African women came to Russia for a better standard of living and employment, but are forced to make drones. The majority of women arrived in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, an industrial area in Tatarstan, Russia. According to a report drafted by the Global Initiatives against Transnational Organised Crime, found that many of the new arrivals were made to assemble cheap drones in poor conditions. One of the labourers said that the African women were exposed to highly dangerous and harmful chemicals without any protective gear. She also said that not many Russians work in that place for long hours because it is dangerous. The Alabuga SEZ is a major factory hub for Gerean-2 drones, which are made similar to the Iranian Shahed 136. The SEZ was made to attract investments into Tartarstan, but since the beginning of the war, the facility has been expanding and is used for drone production.
References
“Russian Air Defences Destroy Over 200 Ukrainian Drones Across the Country,” The Moscow Times, 17 June 2025
“Ukraine updates: 15 killed in wave of Russian strikes, ” Deutsche Welle, 17 June 2025
“Russian drone strike on Odesa kills 2, injures 17, including 1 child,” The Kyiv Independent, 18 June 2025
“Russia's Shoigu visits North Korea on 'special assignment' from Putin,” The Kyiv Independent, 17 June 2025
“North Korea Will Send Thousands of Military Personnel to Help Rebuild Kursk Region, Shoigu Says,” The Moscow Times, 17 June 2025
“Russia evading oil sanctions with illegal transfers near Greece, Cyprus, HUR says,” The Kyiv Independent, 16 June 2025
“U.K. Tightens Sanctions on Russia’s ‘Shadow Fleet’” The Moscow Times, 17 June 2025
“'A brutal strike' — Massive Russian missile and drone attack hits Kyiv, killing 21, injuring at least 134,” The Kyiv Independent, 17 June 2025
“PM meeting with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine: 17 June 2025,” GOV.UK, 17 June 2025
“Next round of Russia-Ukraine talks expected soon — Kremlin,” TASS, 17 June 2025
Humeyra Pamuk, “State Dept confirms death of US citizen in Ukraine, condemns strikes,” Reuters, 18 June 2025
“Merz calls for greater pressure on Russia,” Deutschland.de, 17 June 2025
“Exploited in Russia: African women forced to make drones,” Deutsche Welle, 17 June 2025