Exclusives

Russia doesn’t use tanks often anymore — this disaster shows why. Russia’s tanks hid behind smoke near Siversk — Ukraine’s drones proved the trick is dead.

Top 5 Russian helicopters captured or destroyed in Ukraine (2022–2025).

Russia’s new V2U AI drone hunts Ukraine’s best weapons—so far, it is unjammable. With redundant navigation and AI targeting, Russia’s 1.2-m V2U attack drone can fly and attack without human help.

Military

“The Russians are, mildly speaking, not that successful” in their new offensive, Zelenskyy says. Ukraine’s President also noted that Putin lies to Trump and fakes peace talks to dodge sanctions.

Ukrainian airstrike levels Russian military facility in Kursk Oblast (video). Four precision bombs completely demolished the building and a nearby ammunition storage.

Russia loses one million soldiers: Moscow’s casualties reach seven figures, Ukraine says. The announcement of the General Staff of Ukraine’s army coincides with the so-called Day of Russia.

As of 12 JUN 2025, the approximate losses of weapons and military equipment of the Russian Armed Forces from the beginning of the invasion to the present day:

• • • Personnel: 1000340 (+1140)
    • Tanks: 10933 (+6)
    • APV: 22786 (+3)
    • Artillery systems: 29063 (+47)
    • MLRS: 1413
    • Anti-aircraft systems: 1184
    • Aircraft: 416
    • Helicopters: 337
    • UAV: 40435 (+138)
    • Cruise missiles : 3337
    • Warships/boats: 28
    • Submarines: 1
    • Vehicles and fuel tanks: 51715 (+136)

Intelligence and technology

Saab and Helsing held showdown between AI and real pilot amid Russia’s threat. The primary emphasis continues to be on beyond-visual-range engagements, which the company highlights as the most vital element of air combat., a fact underscored by Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Hegseth confirms US diverted Ukraine’s anti-drone systems to Middle East. The US defense secretary claimed US troop protection and urgent threats as reasons behind the move.

Three years ago, Russia first struck Ukraine with weapons that backfired, burning its fleet and changing military history. What began as Russia’s technological terror campaign has evolved into Ukraine’s mastery of a new warfare paradigm.

International

German Defense minister: Germany not considering to provide Ukraine with long-range Taurus missiles. Boris Pistorius, however, said that Berlin allocates €9 billion for Ukraine military aid that will support long-range weapons production.

Canada has yet to deliver confiscated assault rifles to Ukrainian defenders promised last year. Ukraine’s soldiers face a fierce new summer offensive. Canada holds the weapons that could help.

Frontline report: Sweden to confront Russia’s shadow fleet in Baltic—100 Gripens on alert. Sweden will begin inspecting Russian shadow fleet tankers on 1 July, with its air force and navy standing by.

Czech president: Russia in “continuous war” with West as NATO eyes 5% spending target. Seven years to prepare for what’s already underway.

“I did not betray Russia,” says Serbia’s pro-Russian President Vučić after abstaining from signing Odesa summit declaration. The Serbian leader claims Serbia remains neutral, supports Ukraine—but not at Russia’s expense.

Humanitarian and social impact

US research program tracking deported Ukrainian children hopes for rescue facing shutdown after Trump funding cuts. The Ukraine Conflict Observatory, launched by Yale University’s Humanitarian Research Lab in May 2022, created a database of over 30,000 Ukrainian children reportedly abducted by Russian forces across 100 sites.

UN: Ukrainian civilian casualties from Russian attacks in 2025 up 50% compared to last year. “Hours-long nightly attacks with hundreds of weapons sow fear among families who spend their nights in bomb shelters, listening to the sounds of drones flying overhead,” said head of the UN mission.

New major Russia-Ukraine prisoner swap prioritizes ill, wounded soldiers over numbers. The freed defenders include Mariupol veterans held for over three years and those who were considered missing in action.

Kharkiv hit again: Russian drones damage homes. Russian strikes injured 16 civilians in Kharkiv Oblast, killed two in eastern Ukraine, damaged infrastructure in Odesa Oblast.

Russia recruits elderly in covert sabotage campaign across Ukraine and Europe. Across Ukraine and Europe, Russian intelligence is manipulating the vulnerable, pensioners and minors into carrying out sabotage.

Political and legal developments

Russia simply lying to Trump, Zelenskyy says. The Ukrainian president said most world leaders understand this deception and urged America to respond wisely.

Trump diplomacy’s new low: Rubio congratulates Russians on Russia Day. Polls show that 3/4 of Russians support Moscow’s ongoing colonial war in Ukraine, while Russian “opposition” often repeats the Kremlin’s talking points.

Russia Day greetings from US are “reward for aggression,” Ukraine foreign minister says. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha cited his recent visit to Kherson, located 13 km (8 miles) from fighting, where he observed “Russian terror” and children attending classes underground.

New developments

Putin’s allies predict US collapse amid Los Angeles protests, advise Trump to use force. The same Russian official who helped dismantle his nation’s democratic institutions now says America may disintegrate.

Read our earlier daily review here.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced on Monday, 26 May, that Western allies have removed all range restrictions on weapons supplied to Ukraine, marking a significant shift in military support policy that could prove decisive in Ukraine’s defense efforts.

Speaking during a discussion forum organized by public broadcaster WDR, Merz stated that neither Germany, Britain, France, nor the United States maintain limitations on the operational range of weapons provided to Ukrainian forces.

“There are no longer any restrictions on the range of weapons delivered to Ukraine, neither by the UK, France, nor us. There are no restrictions by the US either,” the chancellor said.

This policy change enables Ukraine to target military installations within Russian territory as part of its defensive operations.

Ukraine can now “defend itself, for example, by attacking military facilities in Russia,” Merz explained.

The chancellor argued that lifting these restrictions will make “the decisive difference in Ukraine’s warfare,” contending that “a country that can only oppose an attacker on its own territory is not defending itself adequately.” 

Merz emphasized a stark contrast in targeting practices between the warring nations.

“Russia attacks civilian targets completely ruthlessly, bombing cities, kindergartens, hospitals and old people’s homes – Ukraine doesn’t do that,” Merz stated.

He stressed that Kyiv uses its weapons specifically against Russian military infrastructure rather than civilian targets.

The announcement follows Merz’s visit to Kyiv on 10 May alongside leaders from Britain, France, and Poland. According to the chancellor, this was one of the reasons for the joint diplomatic mission, during which he also announced that all future arms supply discussions with Ukraine would be kept confidential.

The visit was part of a “coalition of the willing,” a group of about 30 countries pledging security guarantees, including peacekeeping troops, for Ukraine in a potential ceasefire agreement with Russia. 

On 14 May, Merz also emphasized the importance of full Western unity and rejected any “dictated peace” or subjugation of Ukraine by Russia. Earlier, in January 2025, Friedrich Merz argued that only a position of strength, not weakness or appeasement, could bring about an end to the war in Ukraine, criticizing any calls for premature negotiations or concessions to Russia.

Regarding Germany’s specific contributions, Merz had previously signaled his intention to reverse his predecessor Olaf Scholz’s ban on delivering Taurus cruise missiles, which are capable of striking targets at a 500-km (310 miles) range. However, the chancellor did not provide specific details about Taurus deployments in his Monday remarks.