Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a sweeping new support package for Ukraine on June 17, during a bilateral meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky on the final day of the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta.

The measures include two billion Canadian dollars ($1.5 billion USD) in military funding and new sanctions aimed at restricting Russia’s energy revenues and evasion tactics.

"To be absolutely clear, this support will be unwavering until we get a just peace for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people," Carney was quoted as saying.

The aid package includes funding for drones, ammunition, and armoured vehicles, as well as a $2.3-billion loan to support the reconstruction of Ukrainian infrastructure damaged by Russian attacks. Zelensky, who was invited to the summit by Carney, thanked the prime minister for his support, noting that Ukraine had just endured one of the largest missile attacks since the start of the full-scale invasion, killing 14 and injuring 117 people in Kyiv.

The new sanctions target 77 individuals and 39 entities, including 15 people involved in Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” three financial firms facilitating war-related transactions, and 14 entities tied to the development of quantum technologies with possible military use. Canada also upgraded its sanctions against Russian oil and gas giant Surgutneftegas.

Canada’s announcement came alongside similar measures from the U.K., which sanctioned individuals and entities connected to Russian finance, energy, and military operations, including 20 shadow fleet vessels and two U.K.-based individuals accused of exporting high-tech electronics to Russia.

‘He said he wasn’t going anywhere’ — Survivors search for missing following Russia’s deadliest attack on Kyiv this year

Sitting a few meters from the rubble of what used to be a nondescript nine-story residential building in Kyiv, Lilia rises to her feet every time another pile of debris is cleared from the site targeted by Russia during a mass overnight attack on June 17. “We are waiting (as

The Kyiv IndependentKateryna Denisova

The United States is ending military aid to Ukraine, shifting responsibility for Kyiv’s defense onto Europe — which has so far failed to match its rhetoric with real support. That’s the conclusion drawn by journalist and war analyst Owen Matthews in a recent Telegraph opinion piece.

Speaking at Congressional hearings on the 2026 US defense budget, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the Trump administration has a “very different view” of the war than its predecessor, favoring a “negotiated peaceful settlement.” The move brings an end to the Biden-era policy that sent $74 billion in US military aid to Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion.

That aid included critical systems like Patriot missile defenses, HIMARS, tanks, and long-range artillery—support Kyiv now stands to lose.

Europe promises more than it pays

With the US stepping back, Europe is expected to take the lead. But Matthews points out that Europe’s follow-through has been inconsistent at best.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s widely publicized ReArm Europe plan suggested €800 billion in defense spending—but the figure relied on easing borrowing rules, not actual funds. A proposed €40 billion EU arms package for Ukraine was blocked by member states, including Hungary and Italy. Only €1 billion, pulled from frozen Russian assets, has so far materialized.

Meanwhile, Europe is projected to spend over €20 billion on Russian oil, gas, coal, and uranium in 2025—more than it is expected to spend on Ukraine’s defense.

“As long as Europe continues to spend more on financing Putin’s war machine than it does on Ukraine’s, its promises… ring rather hollow,” Matthews writes.

Ukraine ramps up but faces gaps

Despite limited external support, Ukraine is expanding domestic arms production. Local output now meets up to 50% of military needs, including howitzers, drones, and electronic warfare tools. Matthews notes that Ukraine’s Limma jamming system outperforms Western and Russian equivalents.

Still, Ukraine remains vulnerable: shortages in ammunition, spare parts, and trained soldiers persist. Reports of forced conscription have triggered online backlash.

Russia, meanwhile, is set to spend $160 billion on defense this year—double Ukraine’s—and benefits from lower production costs.

With US aid gone and European promises still falling short, Matthews argues Kyiv is now fighting for survival with diminishing resources and uncertain allies.

Estonia continues to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression, this time by delivering a new batch of artillery ammunition. The exact number of shells in the latest shipment was not disclosed.

The announcement was made by the Estonian Ministry of Defence on the X platform on 13 June.

“Estonia has delivered more artillery ammunition to Ukraine. Ukraine’s security is European and transatlantic security. We must keep supporting Ukraine, so it can defend itself and achieve a just, lasting peace,” says Estonia’s Defense Ministry. 

Previously, Estonia had provided Ukraine with 10,000 artillery shells and 750,000 food kits for soldiers, Slovo ta Dilo reports. It also delivered equipment and machinery to Ukrainian rescue services. In March, Estonia announced plans to purchase military equipment and gear worth €100 million for Ukraine.

Earlier, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský stated that Prague plans to supply Ukraine with even more ammunition in 2025 and continue its support in 2026. 

Meanwhile, Russia continues to receive military support from Iran and North Korea, and other states that do not support Western sanctions. 

Countries are losing trust in Washington. Retired US Army General Ben Hodges told Ukrinform that recent military operations by Ukraine and Israel against enemy targets reflect a growing distrust in the US by both countries.

Hodges says he believes the Israelis also do not trust the Trump administration because they did not ask permission or inform the Trump administration directly before the operation. Similarly, Ukrainian forces did not do this immediately before Operation Spiderweb. 

He emphasizes that this is a negative result for the US, but he does not blame Israel for its decision.

At the same time, the general hopes that Washington will support Jerusalem and help “finish the job,” which could lead to the elimination of the nuclear threat from Iran.

Another important lesson from Israel’s strikes is that Russia “did nothing” to assist Iran, once again proving its unreliability. He added that although Iran provided military assistance to Russia, it is currently unknown whether this continues and to what extent.

When asked about the possibility of US troop withdrawal from Europe, the general didn’t rule it out, but believes it is unlikely to happen in the near term.

Ukraine is expected to get nearly 1.7 billion pounds ($2.26 billion) from the U.K. to buy air defense systems and missiles, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on June 11, citng a decision by Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers.

The new funding will be used to buy Rapid Ranger air defense systems and Martlet lightweight multirole missiles, Shmyhal said, describing the deal as a "significant strengthening" of Ukraine's air defense capacity amid intensifying Russian air assaults.

Rapid Ranger is a mobile, laser-guided air defense system built for rapid deployment and effective against low-flying threats, including drones and helicopters. It is typically paired with the Martlet missile, which is designed for use against drones and light aircraft.

"This month, the U.K. also announced record aid for the supply of drones. We are talking about 350 million pounds ($473 million), which will allow 100,000 drones to be transferred to Ukraine this year," Shmyhal wrote on Telegram.  

The announcement follows Russia's June 10 aerial attack on Kyiv, one of the largest during the full-scale war. The night before, Ukrainian air defense shot down 479 Russian drones and missiles in a record air assault, according to the country's Air Force.

This year, the U.K. has allocated 4.5 billion pounds ($5.8 billion) for military assistance to Ukraine, marking its largest annual commitment so far.

London remains one of Kyiv's most steadfast military partners, providing long-range missiles, armored vehicles, training, and political support against Russian aggression.

Russia’s nuclear deterrent against US not ‘significantly’ affected by Ukraine’s Operation Spiderweb, official claims

“Our nuclear deterrence potential against the U.S. and any other potential adversary has not suffered significant damage,” Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said.

The Kyiv IndependentAnna Fratsyvir

The Israeli Patriot systems that once defended Tel Aviv in the ’90s are now saving Ukrainian cities from Russian missile strikes.

Israel has been helping Ukraine militarily, specifically by transferring Patriot air defense systems that are currently operating to protect Ukrainian skies. This was confirmed by the Israeli Ambassador to Ukraine, Michael Brodsky.

“These systems are now in Ukraine. These are Israeli systems that were in service in Israel in the early 1990s. We agreed to transfer them to Ukraine,” Brodsky said in an interview with Marichka Dovbenko.

The ambassador stressed that claims that Israel is not providing military aid are false.

“When people say Israel didn’t help militarily — that’s not true,” Brodsky emphasized.

The Patriot systems in question recently proved their effectiveness — on the night of 9 June, Ukrainian forces shot down all four Kinzhal aeroballistic missiles launched by Russian troops.

“The existing Patriot systems performed at 100% today. There is no other way to intercept such targets,” said Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yurii Ihnat during a live broadcast on Channel 5.

He noted that the Patriots allow the Armed Forces of Ukraine to effectively destroy not only Kinzhal missiles but also other complex targets, including Iskander systems, capable of launching 800 kg missiles. 

“Open your eyes!” World heavyweight boxing champion from Ukraine, Oleksandr Usyk, has called on US President Donald Trump to come to Ukraine and live in his home to see firsthand the realities of war and Russian shelling, CNN Sports reports. 

“I offer him my home. Let him live in my house for a week and see how rockets fly over it and how people live in Ukraine,” says Usyk. 

According to the boxer, Trump must be responsible for his words, and finally fulfill his promise to end the war in Ukraine, as he had said he would stop the war within a day or a month.

“He should be responsible for the words he said. Why does he speak?” the boxer adds, stressing that the US president needs to “open his eyes and help.”

Usyk also advises Trump to live in the Kyiv districts of Obolon or Troieshchyna, “where houses, residential buildings are being bombed,” to “understand what is happening.”

This is not the first call by prominent figures for Trump to visit Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly invited Trump to visit the frontline and see the war with his own eyes. However, the American leader has yet to come to the country.

Canada will provide Ukraine with over $25.5 million in military equipment, the Canadian Defense Ministry said in a statement on June 6.

The country pledged to provide Ukraine with almost $22 million worth of Coyote and Bison armored vehicles, as well as new equipment and ammunition supplied by Canadian companies.

It adds to Canada’s earlier delivery of 64 Coyote armored vehicles, which were sent to Ukraine in December 2024.

Apart from that, Canada will provide Ukraine with around $3.6 million for electronic warfare anti-jammer kits from Canada’s defence industry, reads the statement.

The decision was announced by Canadian Defense Minister David McGuinty during the 28th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format in Brussels on June 6.

“As a founding member of NATO, Canada believes that the alliance is the cornerstone of transatlantic security and we are moving quickly to accelerate our defense spending and increase our contributions to NATO,” McGuinty said, as quoted in the statement.

“During the meeting of NATO defense ministers, Canada reaffirmed unwavering support to Ukraine as its citizens fight for their freedom, and we look forward to working closely with allies to strengthen our collective security.”

Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Canada has pledged over $19.5 billion in overall aid to Ukraine, with $4.5 billion allocated for military support, including multi-purpose drones, armored support vehicles, anti-tank weapons, small arms, M777 howitzers with ammunition.  

‘Find and destroy’ – how Ukraine’s own Peaky Blinders mastered the art of bomber drones

Editor’s note: In accordance with the security protocols of the Ukrainian military, soldiers featured in this story are identified by first names and callsigns only. DONETSK OBLAST – From the moment the vehicles duck into pre-prepared positions in the leafy treeline to the first dead Russian soldiers, less than twenty

The Kyiv IndependentFrancis Farrell

The foreign affairs committees of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania released a unified statement declaring comprehensive support for Ukraine’s integration into NATO and the European Union, while reaffirming their commitment to Ukraine’s victory against Russian aggression.

The committees stated that Ukraine’s victory over Russian aggression and its NATO membership “would consolidate a just and lasting peace not only in Ukraine but also in all of Europe and help to preserve the rules-based international order globally.” They argued that NATO membership would provide “a more effective and enduring framework for safeguarding Euro-Atlantic security.”

The statement emerged from a meeting held in Birstonas, Lithuania on 6 June, according to Žygimantas Paviljonis, head of the Lithuanian parliament’s foreign affairs committee. The three Baltic nations outlined five specific commitments regarding Ukraine’s future security and political alignment.

Five Key Commitments:

• Support Ukraine until its full victory, including liberation of all temporarily occupied territories, accountability for war crimes, and full implementation of international justice
• Support Ukraine’s EU membership with the goal of concluding accession negotiations and welcoming Ukraine as a full member by 1 January 2030
• Support Ukraine’s path toward NATO membership and call on the 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague to take concrete political steps for Ukraine’s accession
• Welcome growing defense cooperation between Ukraine and partners and encourage Ukraine’s invitation to join the Joint Expeditionary Force as “a meaningful step towards deeper regional security integration”
• Continue diplomatic efforts to isolate Russia and its supporters, expand sanctions regimes, and ensure full legal and political accountability for crimes against Ukraine

The Baltic committees urged other national parliaments, international assemblies, and governments to endorse their position and take corresponding actions supporting Ukraine’s integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions.

Earlier media reports citing Finnish intelligence sources revealed that Russia was actively maintaining and updating plans for a potential multi-front offensive against NATO’s eastern flank, including Finland, Norway, and the Baltic states.

Intelligence sources warned that a Russian attack is considered inevitable rather than a possibility, with Russia willing to accept massive casualties and likely to use missile strikes on civilian targets, mirroring tactics seen in Ukraine.

Despite the US’s absence, the Ramstein meeting on 4 June kicked off a new era of military aid for Ukraine, with billions in investments and joint weapons production.

Ramstein moves forward without the US 

For the first time since the group’s creation, the US Secretary of Defense was absent from the meeting. 

The Pentagon explained that Pete Hegseth had a tight schedule, writes ArmyInform. He also won’t attend today’s NATO–Ukraine Council meeting, although he did arrive for the NATO ministerial and attended the Alliance’s headquarters on the morning of 5 June.

Nevertheless, the meeting results demonstrate that the rest of the allies remain committed to supporting Ukraine militarily, as confirmed by the announcement of new aid packages.

Ukraine and allies won’t just share weapons

The central takeaway from the Contact Group meeting was the agreement to create a joint defense production mechanism. Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said the concept came from partners offering to help establish defense production involving Ukrainian companies.

“Our partners are ready to fully finance the production, and the products made under Ukrainian licenses will be sent to Ukraine as long as the war continues,” he explained.

During the discussions, however, the plan evolved into mutual investment: Ukrainian manufacturers will be able to invest in partner countries, while companies from these countries will be able to build large-scale factories in Ukraine.

Umerov noted that the idea is still new, with details under discussion and no official name yet.

“We’re calling it ‘Ramstein investments in the defense industry,’ but this is a strategic breakthrough,” the minister emphasized.

There are already specific agreements on joint production:

• A Western European company announced it will produce modern anti-Shahed missiles in Ukraine,
• The UK and Ukraine will jointly manufacture LMM missiles and launchers,
• Rheinmetall is building cutting-edge Lynx combat vehicles in Ukraine,
• Ukrainian companies are producing ammunition under Nammo licenses,
• SAAB, Kongsberg, KNDS, FFG, and Raytheon are all expanding their presence in Ukraine.

The SAAB produces Gripen fighter jets, Raytheon manufactures Patriot missiles, the only type capable of intercepting Russia’s ballistic missiles, KNDS makes missiles for NASAMS, and FFG is notable for supplying military vehicles and equipment, including contributing Leopard 1A5 tanks. 

“Ukrainian drones have changed the situation on the battlefield, and now they will change how Ramstein countries prepare for future threats,” Umerov stated.

100,000 drones and a record £4.5 billion in aid

Before the session even began, London announced a new aid package with a special focus on drones: 100,000 drones for Ukraine’s Defense Forces by the end of 2025, ten times more than last year, with record investments of £350 million.

Additionally, 140,000 artillery shells have already been delivered. Another £247 million will go toward training Ukrainian troops as part of Operation Interflex, which has already trained 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers.

German long-range weapons to be built on Ukrainian soil

Germany, in turn, confirmed its previously announced €5 billion military aid package. It includes funding for long-range weapons to be produced in Ukraine, as well as the delivery of air defense systems, weapons, and ammunition.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius assured that supporting Ukraine remains a priority both for the new German government and for him personally.

War at Sea: Netherlands, Canada, and Belgium expand maritime and electronic warfare fronts

Support for Ukraine goes far beyond just two countries. The Netherlands is focusing on maritime security: €400 million will go toward a mine countermeasure ship, boats, and maritime drones for Ukraine.

Norway is prioritizing support for Ukraine’s defense industry, allocating $700 million for drones and contributing $50 million to the NSATU fund.

Canada will provide $45 million for drones, electronic warfare equipment, and will send Coyote and Bison armored vehicles to Ukraine.

Belgium, which hosted Ramstein for the second time, announced a long-term initiative — committing to €1 billion annually in aid to Ukraine through 2029 and the delivery of a mine countermeasure vessel.

Sweden allocated €440 million for international programs to purchase artillery shells, drones, and other weaponry for Ukraine.

Kyiv and London signed an agreement to use $3 billion profits from frozen Russian assets under the Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) initiative to cover the needs of the Ukrainian army and the Ukrainian defense industry, Ukraine's Defense Ministry announced on May 27.

The G7's ERA mechanism, totaling $50 billion, provides loans to Ukraine that will be repaid using future profits from frozen Russian assets.

The U.K. has pledged to lend Ukraine 2.26 billion pounds (around $3 billion) in three equal installments as part of the G7's ERA initiative. Ukraine received the first installment worth 752 million pounds ($970 million) on March 7.

The funds will be used to purchase foreign-made defense products, repair and maintain military equipment, implement joint projects with Ukrainian and international defense companies, and purchase other critical materials, including Ukrainian-made products, the statement read.

"Ukrainian enterprises have capacities worth $35 billion, but the lack of funds does not allow them to utilize them to the fullest," Deputy Strategic Industries Minister Davyd Aloian said.

"Therefore, attracting excess profits from frozen Russian assets will significantly boost the production and repair capacities of the Ukrainian defense industry."

Since Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022, G7 countries have frozen approximately $300 billion in Russian sovereign assets.

The ERA initiative, backed primarily by the U.S. and the EU, aims to use profits from these frozen assets to finance Ukraine's defense and reconstruction.

Why did Russia invade Ukraine? Debunking Putin’s ‘root causes’ claims

As Russia continues to bombard cities and towns across Ukraine, Russian officials have hardened their position against a ceasefire, continuing to repeat the obscure demand that the war’s “root causes” be addressed before agreeing to any truce. For months, the phrase “root causes” has become a go-to talking point

The Kyiv IndependentAndrea Januta

Sweden committed 4.8 billion kronor ($504,599,520) in new military assistance to Ukraine through multilateral defense initiatives, according to a government announcement published on 26 May.

The funding represents part of the country’s 19th support package, which parliament approved on 29 April.

“These disbursements will make Ukraine’s armed forces and defense industry stronger in defense against Russia,” Defense Minister Pål Jonson stated regarding the allocation.

Sweden will allocate money for:

• Drone coalition – 300 million kronor ($31 million)
• Mine clearance operations, including sensors, vehicles and protective equipment – 100 million kronor ($10 million) 
• Maritime security through Operation Intercharge, a multinational initiative focused on enhancing Ukraine’s maritime security by training personnel of the Ukrainian Navy –  50 million kronor ($5 million).
• IT security systems, specifically to establish Ukraine’s Delta command system, a cloud-based situational awareness and battlefield management platform developed by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and partners – 30 million kronor ($3 million).
• Danish procurement model, which sources military equipment directly from Ukrainian defense manufacturers, aiming to strengthen Ukraine’s domestic defense industrial capacity – over 1 billion kronor ($105 million).
• Czech-led initiative purchasing artillery ammunition on global markets – 550 million kronor ($57 million)
• Similar Estonian program purchasing artillery ammunition – 546 million kronor ($57 million).
• Armored vehicle procurement through Danish-led coordination with Nordic and Baltic partners to enhance ground combat systems – 418 million kronor ($43 million). 
• Air defense systems and long-range strike drones – 1 billion kronor ($105 million).