Russia launched a major missile attack on Ukraine, involving over 40 ballistic missiles and 120 drones, marking one of the heaviest assaults since the invasion began. Ukraine, facing interceptor shortages, calls for more defense aid and sanctions on Moscow as tensions escalate.
Russia plans to mobilize 500,000 personnel this autumn to address shortages and potentially open a new front, as reported by Ukrainian officials. This effort follows recruitment shortfalls and aims to secure a military advantage, with intensified operations expected in the coming months.
Russian attacks killed at least 265 civilians and injured 1,816 in Ukraine in June, the highest combined toll since the early months of the full-scale invasion, UN political chief Rosemary DiCarlo told the Security Council, warning the deadly trend is continuing into July.
Ukraine launched 13 long-range strikes on Russian defense facilities in June, the highest monthly total this year. The campaign targeted missile, electronics, and shipbuilding sites to degrade Russia’s military production. Key strikes included the Titan-Barrikady plant in Volgograd.
Belarusian signal repeaters along the Belarusian-Ukrainian border ceased operations on June 22 after Ukrainian President Zelensky’s ultimatum. The Kremlin pressures Belarus to support its war efforts, while Ukraine continues strikes against Russian infrastructure, impacting logistics.
Putin reasserts Russia’s demands for Ukrainian capitulation amid renewed peace talk prospects. Despite claims of readiness for negotiations, Russia insists on conditions from the 2022 Istanbul Protocols and other accords, demanding Ukraine’s withdrawal from key territories.
From June 1 to June 22, 2026, Russia lost over 1,000 troops daily, marking a significant streak not seen since March 2025. Ukrainian forces reported daily losses ranging from 1,130 to 1,550 troops, with the highest on June 5. Total losses since the invasion began are estimated at 1.39 million.
Ukrainian drones struck the Gazprom-owned Moscow oil refinery in Kapotnya for the second time in three days, setting off fires about 15 km from the Kremlin. The plant supplies roughly half of the Moscow region’s diesel, and flights were halted at all four main airports.
As Russia faces recruitment struggles and battlefield losses, experts warn the Kremlin may consider a politically risky draft expansion. Despite previous mobilization backlash, Moscow may need to recruit more troops to sustain its war efforts, amid growing public fatigue.
Ukraine’s long-range drone strikes have targeted the Petersburg Oil Terminal in St. Petersburg, a key Russian facility, amid the city’s international economic forum. The attack, confirmed by President Zelenskyy, highlights Ukraine’s strategic operations against Russian infrastructure.
Ukraine conducted a strike near St Petersburg before a major economic forum, targeting key locations including a naval base. The attack, confirmed by President Zelensky, disrupted local services and prompted a response from Moscow. The forum, once a high-profile event, sees reduced Western presence.
Russian forces captured only 14 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory in May, the smallest monthly gain since October 2023, according to DeepState. Analysts credit Ukraine’s networked drone strikes, Russia’s loss of Starlink and a campaign against Russian rear logistics.
