Photo : REUTERS
Photo : REUTERS
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 24 June, Reuters reported on death of 17 and injury of 100 following a Russian missile strike on Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region. Additionally, there were also strikes reported across Sumy, killing three more. This comes in the background of the NATO summit. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes as showing Russia’s "complete disregard for life" and urged continued global support. Ukraine claims to be countering such attacks; however, Russian forces are observed to be expanding into parts of Dnipropetrovsk
On 24 June, Deutsche Welle reported on the overall perception of Ukraine at the NATO summit. According to the report, Ukraine’s role was reportedly diminished as the alliance concentrates more on increasing defence spending, sidelining Ukraine from the main discussions. However, Zelenskyy, participating in the summit, will hold bilateral meetings and emphasise on the unity between NATO and the EU. The report stresses on the reduced presence of Zelenskyy could be from the strained relations with US President Donald Trump, and several fear the summit would undermine Ukraine’s expectations.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 24 June, Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) claimed a Ukrainian led sabotage plot targeting a gas-distribution facility in Berdyansk and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts. This led to the detention of three Russian nationals for acting under the direction of Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU). The suspects were found with homemade explosives and bomb-making materials. The FSB warned that Ukrainian intelligence was increasingly using apps like Telegram and WhatsApp to recruit Russian citizens for sabotage, through manipulation. It announced that the suspects will be subject to 20 years in prison.
References
“Russian missile strikes kill 17 in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region,” BBC, 24 June 2025
“Ukraine's drone attacks damage grain warehouse, school in Rostov, Russia says,” Reuters, 25 June 2025
“Starmer to give missiles to Ukraine paid for with £70m interest on Russian assets,” The Guardian, 24 June 2025
“Syniehubov: 10 to 50 people evacuated daily in Kharkiv region,” Ukrinform, 24 June 2025
“Ukrainian border guards destroy Russian mortar positions, ammo depots in Sumy region,” Ukrinform, 25 June 2025
“Ukrainian terror plot targeting Russian energy facility busted – FSB (VIDEO),” RT, 24 June 2025
“Zelensky: Isolate Russia and ensure stable defence support to end war,” Ukrinform, 24 June 2025